Wait a minute! I think I answered my own question! Hasegawa Model Kits set the standard by which all other model kits must meet. Besides providing all the things I just mentioned, the hobby kits also include extensive historical data about whatever vehicle is contained and you can count on Hasegawa to provide killer artwork or photos for each of its model box covers. Throw in a few Limited Edition model kits (to keep modelers interested) and you have the perfect plastic model kit conglomerate.
Hasegawa just released six new aircraft models: three jets, two planes and a Vanship (what the heck is a Vanship?)
The 1:72 Scale F-15C EAGLE '57th Fighter Interceptor Squadron' jet is a bullet with wings. Rear-mounted twin engines propel this fighter to speeds matched by few other fighters. The twin oversize tailfins and rear wings give the sleek aircraft's pilot gentle touch control while the backswept front wings stabilize and give the aircraft the ability to perform quick ascents and descents.
The Black Knights flew from 1954 to 1993, patrolling the airspace around the Soviet Union, 24/7, for possible aerial intrusions.
In 1985 the F-15C EAGLE was introduced and easily outclassed all opposition. The model kit is equipped with conformal fuel tanks and pylon parts and can be decaled two different ways.
Like all Hasegawa Model Kits the F-15C EAGLE's parts detach easily from part trees with little or no flashing with tight fit assembly.
Measuring in at 1:48 Scale the F-4EJ Kai PHANTOM II '8SQ Panthers' is a loaded-for-bear fighter with twin side engines, twin cockpits, a huge fuselage with the latest and greatest technology and flight capabilities and enough weapons ordinance to make any small country's military shutter.
The Phantom II pilots of the 20th Century set 16 world speed and altitude records which until recently were unmatched. No longer used by the U.S. military the aircraft are still used by the Japanese and for good reason. One look at its armament and firepower and extended flight capabilities and this deep blue bullet of a fighter is nothing to mess with. The Phantom II can be displayed with or without its landing gear extended and cockpits opened just as other Hasegawa Model Kits aircraft may.
Another Limited Edition 1:48 Scale aircraft model is the A-7E Corsair II 'VA-113 Stingers Bicentennial'. The A-7E Corsair is a little slow as a jet bomber but it more than makes up for it with its carrying capacity: 15,000 pounds of bombs and four nuclear missiles.
Take a good look at this workhorse bomber with its oversize rear fin, half-body length, front-mounted engines and low profile and you can't help but be impressed. Two decal options are available.
Older, but nonetheless no less impressive, is the Japanese Aicht D3A1 Type 99 Carrier Dive Bomber circa WWII. The CAL Model 11 Folding Wing is a Limited Edition model kit with lots of details and pizzazz for a 1:48 Scale model.
This brightly decorated bomber was highly effective in its runs on Pearl Harbor during WWII against the American Naval Fleet. History proves the stunning capabilities of this aircraft.
Its tri-propeller, wing and fuselage bomb racks and wingtip tilt design make it the perfect aircraft carrier aircraft.
Just as impressive is the 1:48 Scale WWI Nakajima B5N2 Type 92 Carrier Attack bomber (Kate) Model 3 'Folding Wing aircraft.
The three-seat bomber was responsible for the majority of damage inflicted at Pearl Harbor, including the sinking of the Arizona. Later used as Kamikaze aircraft, not a single aircraft still exists today. It's a classic of aircraft design that proved deadly to American forces. Banzai!
When I first saw the 1:72 Scale Vanship and Vespa Model Kit I could only wonder, "What in the world are they?" Then I remembered seeing the aircraft in the Japanese Anime series Last Exile as Tatiana's Vanship and Fam's Vespa.
Steam-driven and fashioned in Steampunk design the aircraft were as every bit as much the stars of the Anime as were its human characters. Four figures are included with the intricately designed ships.
Careful attention was given to capture the look and feel of Anime aircraft-right down to their unique markings and intricate body detailing and 'Steampunk' appearance. The vehicles can be displayed on semi-transparent stands side-by-side which makes them appear just like their Anime counterparts albeit in 3D.