1:48 KI-100 Otsu

The real subject

The Ki-100 was created at the end of the war when the airframe of the Ki-61 Hien fighter was given a radial engine in place of the liquid-cooled one. The conversion worked out well and the aircraft became an agile fighter. The Otsu version, that is, the second production form, had the rear fuselage decking cut down and a teardrop canopy with a view to the rear. It is precisely the shape of the canopy that sets this version apart at first sight.

What the part is for

This replacement clear canopy in 1:48 scale takes the place of the part from the kit. You reach for it when you want a cleaner view into the cockpit, when the original part is scratched, or when you plan to have the canopy open and need the right shape for it.

Building and painting tips

Work with clear parts in a clean place and hold them by the edges; fingerprints are harder to remove from them than from plastic. Cut the surplus material around the edge away with a sharp blade a little clear of the part and true the edge by sanding on fine paper laid on a flat board. Work in small steps and keep trying the fit dry, because what you take off cannot be put back. Small scratches can be evened out by polishing with a compound. Bond with a product intended for clear parts or with white PVA glue, which dries clear; super glue will fog the part. Mask the frames with narrow strips of tape, spray the interior shade first and only then the top color.

Who it is for

For builders of Japanese fighters in 1:48 scale who want the cockpit to be a feature of the model. The model, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.