KA Models Mazda K360

[GeeBee]

I've had this sitting on the side for a while, the model was supplied by KA Models for me to build and review in Scale Modelling Now magazine, and also promote on my social media channels, obviously the retail version will come boxed and with instructions instead of the photocopy I received. 

These are the parts trees included in the kit

[GeeBee]

Building starts with joining the two parts of the frame together, the back axle is made up of 4 parts, the axle itself, with the differential cover supplied separately, then the two leaf springs, I didn't glue the axle into the springs, I'll wait until I've lined it up once the springs are fitted onto the chassis, the engine has a small part to fit on the rear of it.

 

[GeeBee]

Paint for this was supplied by Finishers paints in Japan, still haven't decided on the colour scheme yet

[the goon]

Looks good.

Mark

[NOBLNG]

Neat looking model. Something you don’t see everyday.

[peteski]

That is a cool little truck.  So the engine is included but the hood is molded shut?  Or does the entire cab tilt up (like on COE tractors)?

[89AKurt]

I've known KA makes photo-etch, but not whole models.  Cute subject.  Making me wonder if there is a 1/24 scale GSX1300R Hayabusa engine.

[GeeBee]

6 hours ago, peteski said:

That is a cool little truck.  So the engine is included but the hood is molded shut?  Or does the entire cab tilt up (like on COE tractors)?

 The cab doesn't tilt, as it will joined with the pickup bed, as you can see from this image, the engine is mounted in the middle of the frame,there's no detail on top of the engine as it's moulded open.

Edited March 4, 2021 by GeeBee

[GeeBee]

4 hours ago, 89AKurt said:

I've known KA makes photo-etch, but not whole models.  Cute subject. 

It's there first and only full model so far, I really like these strange little Japanese vehicles, I'm planning on getting back there in 2023 to celebrate my 60th birthday. 

[David G.]

What a delightfully odd little vehicle!

And with a PE kit included too? Wow!

I'm reminded of the Cushman vehicles of the 70's that were used by some municipalities as parking enforcement here in the States.

This should be an interesting project.

David G.

[GeeBee]

A quick hour spent at the bench, time flies when you're having fun, as the saying goes, very small parts on this one, but they fit together like a jigsaw, the steering yoke needs to have the fork tops glued while leaving the steering part unglued so the steering will actually be functional, the interior is made up of 6 parts, not included the dashboard which will be fitted later, these are the parts that need to be painted in body colour.

[GeeBee]

Dashboard fitted, the parts are so well moulded it pretty much fitted itself 

[NOBLNG]

Looks to be very nice definition on the castings.

[peteski]

12 hours ago, GeeBee said:

The cab doesn't tilt, as it will joined with the pickup bed, as you can see from this image, the engine is mounted in the middle of the frame,there's no detail on top of the engine as it's moulded open.

Thanks for the explanation and the drawing.

[Kromolly]

Really nice detail on that kit.  It's not necessarily a subject I would be interested in, but here's hoping KA Models will be producing more kits.  If they continue at this quality level they should do well.  The really early Datsun and Toyota pickups would make a neat subject.  Growing up a neighbor had a '59 (IIRC) Datsun pickup.  I can't even count the number of times I remember him stalling out next to our house.  

[Spottedlaurel]

What a charming little thing, I look forward to seeing it progress with your clean, considered build approach.

[GeeBee]

A little more progress on this one 

[GeeBee]

On 3/4/2021 at 11:57 PM, Kromolly said:

Really nice detail on that kit.  It's not necessarily a subject I would be interested in, but here's hoping KA Models will be producing more kits. 

There next one will be the Mazda T600, it was also built in South Korea as a KIA, so I'm not really surprised about this one 

[slusher]

Cool model, Geoff. Something different..