Mazda RX-7 Kit Features

A simple list of what features can be found in various 1/24 scale kits, attempting to answer 'what kit do I need for feature x' questions.
In case of multiple kits, the kits are ordered by preference (most accurate/best detailed one first).
Links point to a description of the exact kit.

I limit this list to 1/24 scaled kits because parts from differently scaled kits are rarely interchangable, whilst parts at the same scale can usually be made to fit other kits.

For now I skipped the Rx-7 FB because of the two 1/24 scale FB kits, the recent Hasegawa kit outclasses the old Tamiya kit on all levels and it looks like Hasegawa is planning yet more Rx-7 releases.
So I expect the Hasegawa kits to become a great source of mix-and-match parts to customize an Rx-7 model of your choice.
Another interesting thing is that the Hasegawa Rx-7 SA kit and the Monogram/Revell Rx-7 SA kit are very close in dimensions, which makes it possible to transplant a Monogram engine bay into a Hasegawa kit.


Rx-7 SA

FeatureBest KitsRemarks
Accurate Chassis Details
  1. Hasegawa
  2. Monogram/Revell
Most older Japanese kits suffer from motorization.

Engine Bay Details
  1. Monogram/Revell
  2. LS
Monogram has separate engine; Early LS kit has engine bay insert.
AMT also includes a detailed engine bay insert, but is 1/25 scale.
Accurate Interior Details
  1. Hasegawa
  2. Monogram/Revell
  3. ARII
The new Hasegawa kit brings interior detail to a new level.

Lefthand Drive
  1. Monogram/Revell
  2. Fujimi
Fujimi dashboard is easiest to adapt to fit Tamiya kits
Automatic Transmission
  1. (Fujimi FC, pts B11, B13, decal 9)
Use parts from Fujimi FC kit, bezel needs to be cut to size to fit console.

High-back Seats
  1. Monogram/Revell

Two-seater (No Rear Seats)
  1. Monogram/Revell
Tinted Windows
  1. Imai, black, almost opaque

Raised Headlights
  1. Tamiya
  2. LS/ARII
  3. ARII
Most 1/24 SA kits offer optional raised headlights except Monogram/Revell and IMAI.
ARII, LS and Tamiya kits include a mechanism for raising and lowering the lights.

Door mounted Rear View Mirrors
  1. Hasegawa (pts C26, C27)
  2. Fujimi / Scale Craft
  3. Monogram/Revell
Fujimi parts A23 (R), A24 (L) in all ID-4 based kits;
Monogram has left side mirror only.

RX-7 FC

FeatureBest KitsRemarks
Accurate Chassis Details
  1. Tamiya
Fujimi chassis is highly simplified;
Aoshima uses RX-7 FD chassis and suspension.

Engine Bay Details
  1. Tamiya
  2. Aoshima (tuned)
Tamiya has separate engine;
Aoshima uses multipart insert
Accurate Interior Details
  1. Aoshima
  2. Tamiya
  3. Fujimi
Aoshima and Fujimi offer separate fully detailed door panels;
Fujimi offers multi-part instrument cluster.

Lefthand Drive
  1. Tamiya
  2. Aoshima (type III), (type III)
  3. Fujimi
Automatic Transmission
  1. Fujimi (pts B11, B13, decal 9)
Separate handle and bezel, could also be used on SA/FB.

Bins instead of Rear Seats
  1. Aoshima (type III)
  2. Fujimi (pt H6)
Tinted Windows
  1. Tamiya, brown
  2. Fujimi, orange-brown

Raised Headlights
  1. Tamiya
  2. Aoshima
  3. Fujimi
Tamiya kit has hinged lights, the others require cutting the lids out of the body.

RX-7 FD

FeatureBest KitsRemarks

Accurate Chassis Details
  1. Aoshima
  2. Rosso
  3. Tamiya
In 2005 Aoshima made a cutout in the fuel tank to clear the lefthand FC muffler, so early kits are best.
Old Aoshima suspension parts (C-parts) are the most accurate (the new F-parts, marked 05-33, were made more narrow to clear bushes inside wheels);
Rosso has nicest floorpan, Aoshima has finest suspension and Powerplant Frame details;
Note that Fujimi uses Skyline R32 chassis.
Engine Bay Details
  1. Tamiya
Accurate Interior Details
  1. Aoshima
  2. Rosso
  3. Tamiya
Only Aoshima offers separate fully detailed door panels

Lefthand Drive
  1. Rosso
  2. Tamiya
  3. Aoshima (type I/II)(type IV/V)
For the US Aoshima also did lefthand drive versions of the Mazdaspeed GT-Concept and C-West kits.
Notes: only an FD passenger door has a handgrip;
the panel around the shifter is handed, Aoshima has a RHD panel molded in with the interior tub, Rosso and Tamiya both offer a separate left handed panel.
Automatic Transmission
  1. Rosso (pts A1, A17)
Handle on bezel and pedal set.
All Rosso RX-7 kits contain these optional parts.

Bins instead of Rear Seats
  1. Fujimi
All Fujimi RX-7 FD kits sofar have luggage bins.
Bose Soundsystem
  1. Rosso (Type X kits only)
Tinted Windows
  1. Aoshima, gray
  2. Fujimi, gray
  3. Aoshima, dark gray
Both the Aoshima and the Fujimi kits include a set of tinted windows in addition to the set of clear windows.
Most recent Aoshima rereleases contain these extra tinted clear parts.

Raised Headlights
  1. Aoshima (type I), (type IV)

Notes:



return to RX-7 Models Page