David Hirakawa – The Builder

For most of us, a passion for all things automotive can be traced back to our formative years, when we were offered the products of Matchbox, Lesney, Dinky, Hot Wheels and more. We might not have been old enough to own the real thing, but here in this scale guise, we could get our hands on the cars of our dreams. Muscle cars, high-end exotica, rally cars, race cars, truck, bikes, the list goes on. The world of the toy car is just as diverse as the world of their full-size counterparts.

For many of us, these toys would serve as the bedrock on which a lifelong interest would be built. Especially if we took the next step from the die cast cars, by which we mean the slightly larger scale model kits. These kits from the likes of Airfix, AMT, Revell and Mongram gave us our first look into how a car went together. We were given the chance to build our own cars to our own specification. We were given the chance to build the cars of our dreams. And for many, the knowledge gained here would go on to be used in the pursuit of real, full-size cars.

For others though, like David Hirakawa, these kits would become the basis of a lifelong passion. They don’t have to be a stepping stone to the real thing. Instead, as David proves, they can be a point at which our passions come to rest, a point where they can settle, develop and grow into something spectacular. And that’s what David has done. The skills, which are all self taught, on display here are incredible. The attention to detail is on another level. The resultant cars are just as worthy of attention as the real thing. More so, perhaps, given these cars were built on a table in a spare room.

We wanted to know more about David, about his skill and about some of his builds, so we fired some questions his way:

How long have you been building models?

Since I was 4, so 44 years. Obviously life gets in the way but the last five years or so I have been taking it pretty seriously.

What was the motivation behind this interest?

Cars have always fascinated me for as long as I can remember. I would love to have a garage with all the 1/1 versions in it but that is way beyond the impossible. Scale models are perfect for the size and cost, and they can be built the way I want.

Do you have any interest in their full-size counterparts?

Yes, but many are way beyond financial realism. I still like looking at how the things are put together, the mechanical nuances and a bit of the history behind each car.

How would you say your building style has evolved over the years?

From ‘glue bombs’ built with little refinement, through to looking at adding things which never seem to be included. With the arrival of the internet, reference pictures are very easy to find and adding things such as wiring, carpeting, seat belts, things which generally are overlooked or not included in kits, gives a good sense of accomplishment. Plus, by learning how to add these elements, you build in more realism, which makes the models more captivating.

Which kit manufacturer is your favourite?

I don’t have an absolute favourite but I must admit, I am quite partial to the Fujimi EM range due to their attention to detail. They are tough but ultimately rewarding. It’s just a shame they don’t make them anymore. I tend to look at the end product rather than who manufactured the kit.

How long does it take to build a model?

Currently, it takes around two to three months for me. I take it slowly, checking to see what looks best as I go along and usually try to add something else just for completion’s sake. I usually start with the bodywork when the weather is favourable then leave it to dry for a month or so before polishing. In the meantime, I get on with all the mechanical bits.

Which model was the most challenging and why?

Fujimi EM Countach. I bought one when they were new and I had to give up on it as it was simply too hard for me to complete at the time. I recently sourced a new kit from Taiwan and made it my mission to do it properly now that I am more confident with my skills. It took four months but I did it properly with functioning doors, full detail engine, boot space, suspension and pop up lights. I put that ghost to rest. Thing is, now that it’s done I’m quite partial to do some more.

You’re arguably one of the best out there when it comes to building these scale models. What words of advice would you offer to anyone wanting to take up this hobby?

To just have fun. If you can’t afford the real thing then build it the way you would if you owned it. Get some brushes, get some water based paints and paint away. Use spray cans for the bodywork though. If you get a Tamiya kit, you could probably get away with no painting at all what with their coloured plastics.

Are there any techniques or special tricks you have developed over the years?

Yes, I’m always looking around all the time for bits and bobs to use, for example, old wires stripped down, computer parts, staples, electronics, solder, old bits of sprue (the moulding on which the model parts are cast) can all be shaped and used to add to your build. Small calibre bullet casings make excellent exhaust tips for fat Japanese exhausts, staples for throttle linkages. Wrapping tiny wires around needles makes good return springs. I usually rob the felt from old jewellery boxes or old jigsaw mats as it makes great carpeting. I use light weathering just enough to make the vehicle look as though it’s been driven but not too much crud on it. I don’t use an airbrush, only rattle cans. It’s taken a while to perfect their use but the results speak for themselves. Contrary to the instruction on the can which is generally spray back a bit, I find better results by going closer and faster.

They say a picture speaks a thousand words, and that’s definitely the case here. The builds built by Harikawa, who you can follow on Twitter here, are always stunning. Always awe inspiring, and hopefully after reading this, they’re motivating, too. Treat this piece not as a ‘look at what this man can do’ but more as a ‘you can do this, too’ exercise. The real cars, much like for David, may be out of reach, but through the world of scale models, the chance to still own one is very real. And not only that, it will be a car you have built. And what’s not to like about that?