THE IMAI ZERO X: SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED

I mentioned last week I‘d managed to get my hands on a large Imai Zero X kit, and I thought I’d give an update on how my build is coming along.

After checking out the contents which were all there according to the instruction check list, I found that Imai provide all the wiring and fittings to motorise the kit, but for some reason they don’t provide an electric motor.

Although the kit can be assembled without a motor, I did want to motorise it, so I promptly bought a small motor for it on line (which cost the princely sum of 99p + 98p postage)

Sorting the wiring etc. does involve a small amount of soldering, nothing too complicated as it’s just a simple circuit. It pays to check things along the way though, just to make sure everything works okay, as once everything is glued together there’s no way to get at it again.

There’s no need to paint the kit as all the components are the right colour, however this means care must be taken with the glue to avoid marking the exposed plastic with any excess.

Once everything is fixed together and set, it’s time to apply the decals.  These really do enhance the kit, but some are slightly too long so have to be trimmed to fit, which can be a little fiddly.

Finally, everything clicks into place. Unsurprisingly, I tend to view this excellent kit as a hybrid between a model and a toy.  Although it has big toy wheels, spring loaded missiles in the wings, and the M.E.V. has a clockwork motor, it does pass as a fairly detailed representation of Zero X .

So as a brief sum up, for those who want collecting kudos, the Century 21 Zero X toy is tops, and for those who want a fairly accurate die cast, it’s got to be the Aoshima. But if you want a bit of both, plus the added fun of putting it all together, this large Imai kit/toy has got to be a winner.  

Coming soon: Imai Zero X at Glenn Field