Aoshima 1/24 Initial D Takahashi Keisuke FD3S RX-7 Comics Vol. 1 Ver. Model Kit #12

The Aoshima 1/24 Initial D Takahashi Keisuke FD3S RX-7 Comics Vol. 1 Ver. is a precision-engineered unassembled plastic model kit replicating the Akagi RedSuns' uphill ace machine in authentic 1:24 scale. Precision-tooled from high-grade polystyrene plastic with official Mazda licensing, this kit features custom aero ground effects, a high-mount rear wing, opening retractable pop-up headlight options, and chrome-plated custom aluminum sport wheels.

What is included in the Aoshima Initial D Takahashi Keisuke FD3S RX-7 kit?

The kit includes injection-molded polystyrene sprues molded in yellow, black, chrome-plated, and crystal-clear transparent plastic, alongside four synthetic rubber tires, waterslide decals with RedSuns markings, and illustrated assembly instructions. It features a large rear wing, bucket racing seats, aluminum-style wheels, and optional parts to build retractable pop-up headlights raised or closed.

What tools and supplies are required to build the Aoshima Initial D Takahashi Keisuke FD3S RX-7?

Assembling this model requires standard scale-modeling supplies: liquid polystyrene cement or extra-thin cement, precision sprue clippers, a hobby knife, sanding sticks, and model lacquer or acrylic paints. Builders will also need masking tape, fine paintbrushes or an airbrush, and decal setting solution to properly soften and settle waterslide markings across compound curves.

How long does it take to assemble and paint the Aoshima Initial D Takahashi Keisuke FD3S RX-7?

Building and finishing this 1:24 scale automotive kit typically requires 20 to 35 hours of dedicated workbench time depending on your painting technique and detailing level. The build process divides into chassis and suspension assembly, cockpit interior detailing, body seam preparation, primer and high-gloss yellow paint application, pop-up headlight customization, and final waterslide decal placement.

The Subject: Initial D Akagi RedSuns Keisuke Takahashi's FD3S RX-7

In Shuichi Shigeno's seminal street racing series Initial D, the Competition Yellow Mica Mazda RX-7 (FD3S) is piloted by Keisuke Takahashi, the uphill specialist and second-in-command of the Akagi RedSuns. Powered by Mazda’s sequential twin-turbocharged 13B-REW rotary engine, the FD3S platform is globally celebrated for its near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution, lightweight monocoque chassis, and sharp cornering dynamics. Featured in the opening volume of the manga, Keisuke's street-tuned machine kicks off the franchise's enduring narrative when he encounters and challenges Takumi Fujiwara’s downhill AE86 on Mount Akina. This release captures the vehicle in its early-stage tuner trim, showcasing its period-correct aero kit, sport exhaust, and five-spoke deep-dish rolling stock before the later, radical Project D aerodynamic redesigns.

Kit Architecture & Engineering

Aoshima’s tooling captures the sculpted, organic body lines of the third-generation Efini RX-7 while integrating key tuner-specific modifications. The kit features a detailed multi-piece lower chassis and suspension assembly, complete with realistic exhaust routing leading to a polished chrome muffler tip. The cockpit tub is furnished with driver and passenger bucket seats, a dashboard with decal-applied instrument clusters, a sports steering wheel, and a console-mounted handbrake and shift lever. Externally, modelers can customize the front fascia by cutting and installing the included brackets to display the retractable headlights either in their sleek flush-closed orientation or opened in night-battle mode with clear fluted lenses. Synthetic rubber performance tires stretch across modular custom aluminum-style wheels with authentic offset, producing an accurate street-tuner stance.

Technical Specifications

What You Need: Builder’s Bench Kit & Consumables

Ensure your workbench is equipped with the necessary scale-finishing supplies to complete this kit, ideal for pushing orders past the $115 free shipping threshold:

• Liquid Polystyrene Cement: Tamiya Extra Thin or standard liquid model cement for seamless bonding of chassis, engine, and exterior aero panels.
• Precision Sprue Clippers: Ultra-sharp single-edge hobby nippers to cut body and clear light parts cleanly without stressing or pitting the plastic.
• Hobby Knife & Sanding Sticks: #11 hobby blades and 600–2000 grit sanding sponges for trimming mould lines and modifying the retractable headlight mounts.
• Hobby Primers & Paints: Surface primer, Competition Yellow body lacquer/acrylic, semi-gloss black for window trim/chassis, and clear orange/red for turn signals and taillights.
• Decal Setting Solution: Mark Fit or Micro Sol to soften waterslide decals so the RedSuns graphics conform seamlessly over fender curves.
• Diorama Groundwork: Stage your finished drift car on an asphalt touge base detailed with static tufts and roadside vegetation from Gamers Grass.