Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: Our 5 Favorite Vehicle Scale Models

Scale models have been the absolute delight of hobbyists for generations, and for good reasons. Something about replicating a known vehicle inspires the imaginations of children and adults alike. Be it an aircraft, a train, or a car, learning the intimate design of one of these models and reconstructing them can be an incredibly exciting and stimulating activity.

Here at Plaza Japan, we’re pleased to show off our five absolute favorite vehicle scale models. Whether your a long time model builder and collector or just getting into the activity for the first time, you’re bound to adore these amazing model kits. We carry a large inventory of the most desirable vehicle scale models, so be sure to check out our inventory for models that capture your imagination!

Without further adieu, here is our list of our absolute favorite vehicle scale models!

Hokutosei Locomotive Models

The Hokutosei achieved its legacy as a limited express sleeping car train service that operated exclusively between Ueno Station located in Tokyo and Sapporo Station, located on the northern island of Hokkaido. This lengthy journey would take approximately sixteen hours. This train was operated in tandem by JR East, or the East Japan Railway Company, and JR Hokkaido, or the Hokkaido railway company staring as far back as 1988. In 2015, the train became a seasonal service, until it was completely discontinued at the end of that year.

While this train may no longer be in service, you can still celebrate its legacy with our completely accurate  Hokutosei JR Locomotive model kit! This kit is a full replica at 1/45 scale and part of the Train Museum OJ series. Just rebuild and admire this kit to understand why the Hokutosei was one of the most popular modes of transit in northern Japan for decades!

F-14A Tomcat “Wardog”

The Tomcat is a supersonic, twin engine, two seat fighter aircraft immediately recognizable by any plane aficionado. The F-14 series was first constructed in 1970, making its first deployment in 1974 and immediately establishing itself as a capable air-superiority fighter. While originally only used by the US, the Tomcat was exported and is in use by other countries today, though it was retired by the US in 2006.

Now, with our scale model of the  F-14A Tomcat “Wardog,” you can enjoy an imaginative take on this historic fighter. The “Wardog” bears the same basic shape as the Tomcat, though it sports a slightly more futuristic and sci-fi look with its egg shaped cockpit and stocky build. For those on the more imaginative side of model building, this vehicle scale model isn’t to be missed!

Lamborghini Countach

You can’t say the word “Lamborghini” without thoughts of luxury and style immediately coming to mind. The Countach is a mid-engined, V12 sports car that was produced starting in the early 1970s. It boasted an unprecedented body design at the time, pioneering and popularizing the now well-known “italian wedge” design language. In fact, the influence of the Countach can be seen in all brands of sports cars all the way through the 80s. It also pioneered the well known “cab forward” design, pushing the passenger cab forward to accommodate a larger rear mounted engine.

Now, you can bring home the legacy of this titan of power and luxury with our  Lamborghini Countach scale model kit. This is one of our greatest vehicle scale models, given that at 1/24 scale, it is an exact replica of the legendary car in all respects. With customizable name plates and an included display stand, this is a kit that the discerning collector can’t afford to miss!

Honda Police Motorcycle

The Honda CB1300 was released as a successor to the CB1000 with minor modifications. The CB1300p was designed exclusively for use by police forces, granting them more mobility among traffic and other practical applications in various police forces around the globe.

With this  Honda CB1300P vehicle scale model, you can replicate this legendary part of the police force. With a handsome white finish and at 1/12 scale, you don’t want to miss this kit if you’re an avid collector!

Corvette ZR-1

The ZR-1 model of the Chevrolet Corvette is one that is heavily rooted in legend. With a working title like “Blue Devil” and rumors of the vehicle featuring a supercharged LS9 engine producing more than 650 horsepower, it’s not hard to see why car enthusiasts the world over were losing their collective minds over the thought of it. In fact, the car was so anticipated that a simple photograph from a michigan factory worker turned the world on its head in speculation.

Now, you can have this legend in your very own collection with our  Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 scale model kit! At 1/24 scale, this model boasts everything that made the ZR-1 a legend in sports car history.

Putting this “blue devil” together and displaying it for all to see will no doubt give you a far deeper understanding as to why this car was such an object of intrigue and speculation for years. With all the sleekness and luxury of this car, you can’t afford to not include this vehicle scale model in your collection!

Buy Scale Model Kits from Plaza Japan

Though we’ve gone over our five absolute favorite vehicle scale models, that’s just the tip of the iceberg in regards to what Plaza Japan has to offer. Plaza Japan seamlessly delivers these amazing Japanese models straight from the manufacturer all the way to your doorstep in less than two days. You can check out more scale models or other toys on our website, or feel free to contact us at  info@plazajapan.com with any questions or concerns!

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