Gunze Sangyo

[Mr.1/72]

This Japanese firm, known mostly for their paints and "Mr...." products, once made a small selection of metal models.

There were the Fokker D.VII, Dr.I and Yokosuka K5Y "Willow", all to 1/72 scale. I have the D.VII and a color photo of the Dr.I box art appears in our EMM 72 (available in very limited numbers for $25 through my address).

All of the parts are aluminum in various forms. The fuselage, consisting of top and sides in one piece, bottom, radiator and landing gear, are done in a sturdy sheet aluminum. The sides are already strongly folded. The only details are the engine cooling louvers. Tail surfaces, wings, struts and landing gear airfoil are stamped. The airfoil is to be folded. The tail pieces feature scribed ribs, the wings having them raised and a bit too heavy. Prop and wheels are cast, the wheels being flat on one side. Guns and axle are tubes and rods. The interior is a folded piece representing the seat, instrument panel and floor.

The decal sheet is for one aircraft in blue and red with white winged sword, IIRC that's Berthaud's aircraft. The radiator front is also on the decal sheet. The instruction sheet is very detailed and entirely in Japanese. A beautiful four view is included and even has the underwings lozenge pattern in a scrap view to be hand painted.

Quite often in Japan presentation is everything. In this case the parts are seperated into seven plastic covered areas on an orange card. The box art is quite striking.

Now the hard part. I don't currently have a camera suitable to post photos. When I do get one (soon) I'll post color photos of the box, parts, instructions and decal. In the meantime, if anyone has any of these kits and can post photos it would be appreciated.

Tom Young

[Epap]

I stumbled across this picture on the Internet: