1:24 Nissan ER34 Skyline 25GT Turbo '01

Nissan ER34 Skyline 25GT Turbo 2001, 1:24 scale, Aoshima

An injection-molded plastic kit in 1:24 scale from the Japanese maker Aoshima. The subject is the Nissan Skyline of the R34 generation with the factory code ER34 in the 25GT Turbo version, as it was in 2001. The same version appears in several releases, so tell them apart by the particular vehicle, the model year and the tuner.

The real subject

The Skyline of the R34 generation was built at the turn of the millennium and is one of the best-known Japanese cars of its time. The ER34 code denotes the versions with a longitudinally mounted 2.5 liter RB series inline six-cylinder; the Turbo in the name points to the turbocharged version. Rear-wheel drive, a balanced suspension layout and a wide choice of parts made these Skylines a fixture of the Japanese sports scene.

Building and painting tips

On a sports car it is above all the way the model stands that gives away the quality of the build. Do not skimp on the chassis: dry-fit the suspension parts and the subframes, check that the body sits level and only then glue. Fit all four wheels at once and stand the model on a flat board so that you spot any lean before the glue sets. The tires on car models tend to be supplied as rubber or soft plastic parts, which suit a matte black tone and light dusting with pigment around the tread. The wheels show to advantage if you bring them out after painting with a dark wash into the recesses between the spokes.

Who the model is for

• Fans of the Japanese sports scene at the turn of the millennium
• Modelers who want to devote time to the chassis and the wheels
• Collectors of Nissan Skyline cars in 1:24 scale
• Builders with basic experience of car models

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.