A 1/72 model of the first helicopter operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Fire Department, an Aerospatiale Alouette III. Known as the "Chidori" (a name still applied to the Fire Board's helicopter), the helicopter was a big step forward for the department when it entered service in the 1960s. The kit looks to be about as old as the real Chidori; however, aside from some rather underscale crew figures and generally simplified detail, it is still considered the better of the two kits currently available in 1/48 scale (the other is actually 1/50th, but...). Molded in red and black plastic with fine raised panel lines.