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‘Concept Note’ SWS No.1, Shinden

‘Concept Note’ SWS No.1, Shinden
Published by Zoukei-mura
ISBN: 978-4-903596-05-1
Available from Zoukei-mura for ¥3,465
112 pages, full colour, softback with dust-jacket and presentation banding.
Text in both English and Japanese.

This title is Zoukei-mura’s first publication for their new SWS model kit range, concerning their excellent 1/32 Shinden model. As I write, I can’t recall any other similar publication from a kit manufacturer to complement their kits, with the exception of the Airfix books for their 1/24 kit releases, from days of yore.

Chapter 1: Explaining the craft itself: Zoukei-mura’s book opens with notes and sketches regarding both the initial concept of the Shindens canard layout and development, and also of the Kyushu company itself with regard to production and the effect of US bombing of the plants capability to produce aircraft. Another six pages carry some excellent and detailed pencil sketches along with some original photos of the Shinden, to accompany and illustrate those sketches. The aircrafts development is designed in some detail, down to the aircrafts unusual suspension design and some fabulous textual detail explaining the shape of the aircraft and other systems, such as armament. Again, those detailed pencil sketches accompany the text.

The same chapter now continues with a plethora of fantastic full colour pictures of the Shinden which is languishing unloved and still in a state of disrepair at the Smithsonian museum in the USA. This has simply got to be one of the best collection of photos to exist of this prototype survivor. Each photo is accompanied with text which explains the picture, and in some cases the different colours present, and how the kit and its upgrade sets were designed with complete reference to the actual machine. Good historical notation of the pictures is also included too, with some fascinating information to accompany. The detail given with these photos is exceptional, providing probably the best reference material for modellers, and also some quite rare shots of unusual areas of the airframe.

Chapter 2: Creating a kit while investigating the actual craft: There is no doubt as to the dedication of the team who slavishly designed the Shinden kit to be as accurate a representation as they could, and this chapter primarily shows the best way in which to build the ZM kit. A stage by stage photographic account of a build is given, along with accompanying text describing the best techniques to employ in the build. To open, you are shown the tool, paint and filler requirements etc, and the reasons for these choices. Even to a regular modeller, this is still very readable and is a great opener.

The construction begins with the engine, and photos depict the best way of dealing with the assembly, including adding a wash to highlight the detail. Each area of construction is given the ‘full treatment’, with constructional hints and tips, and is also peppered with comparison shots of the real aircraft along the way. This really is the most detailed constructional account of a model that I have ever seen, and shows how to remove ejector pin marks etc, and how to apply decals and even enhance the regular kit parts.

Zoukei-mura have also used the constructional sequences to illustrate various technical aspects of the real aircraft, from showing the feed and ejection chutes of the MG’s, through to an explanation of the cooling flow routes through the engine cowls and into the engine chamber! I have been a modeller myself for around 35 years, and I find this chapter fascinating and we could all learn a little from other modellers techniques. I am no exception. The Shinden is also shown receiving its airbrush finish with hints and tips on spraying and masking along the way. This really is quite un-missable.

Chapter 3: Developing the world of the Shinden through related products: So far, the book has dealt only with using the standard kit parts. The model was designed so those that don’t wish to use other media such as etch metal and resin, could produce a superb replica of the Shinden. However, ZM do realise that many modellers have ‘advanced modellers syndrome’, or AMS as we lovingly call it. To that end, ZM have provided several etch-metal sets and resin/metal upgrade components for their kit. These items are what this small chapter relates to. Each set is described, complete with notes on how these products should be used. ‘Metal is Not That Scary’, is one area which helps to dispel the myth that only accomplished modellers should try these items. Again, hints and tips are given. Lastly, this chapter gives a 2 page colour pictorial on how to package your finished model for transport to clubs and shows, with a small section on the best way to photograph your Shinden. This book really does just about have it all!

Chapter 4: Anthology of the First Shinden Competition: When this kit was first released, Zoukei-mura decided to throw open a competition for modellers to use their imagination to produce something interesting and very special. This chapter deals with the competition winners, with full colour professional photography of these winners, and a note from the builder as to how they were inspired to build their kit. Prepare to be amazed! This chapter will show you everything from Shindens which look like they have been dredged from a watery grave, to twin fuselage and jet engine Shindens, to captured and licence-built machines. The latter is depicted as a Focke-Wulf Fw 212 Night Fighter, complete with a Jumo engine! One of the best, in my opinion, shows a 2 seat Shinden, with Jumo jet engines on the wings, complete with a long barrel cannon in the nose, and Machine Guns situated in the area where the propeller would usually have sat. Impressive and inspirational. You will spend a lot of time looking at these renditions.

Chapter 5: Completed Works Gallery: The books final chapter depicts various finished models, presumably not the competition winners, but nevertheless very worthy of publication indeed. This section is simply a gallery for those works, to give yet more inspiration, and to tempt you into purchasing another Shinden kit! I think I would need another half a dozen kits to fulfil the ideas I have for this model. The latter part of this chapter also gives some very useful line drawings of the Shinden in 1/48 scale, with extremely finely drawn technical detail. You simply can’t go wrong with these as your point of reference.

So what do we think?

This is not only a fantastic guide to help you build your Shinden, supplying you with numerous hints and tips, but it also doubles as possibly one of the finest reference books on this machine to have ever been put into print. This isn’t a cheap title to buy, but I feel it is worth every penny of its cost. You really do have to have this book in your collection, even if you only have a passing interest in the Shinden. Very high recommended, and not to be missed!

Overall: 10/10

Our sincere thanks to Mr Shigeta and the SWS team of Zoukei-mura for supplying this item for review. To purchase this item and others from the Zoukei-mura range, click THIS link, or the banner below.