1:48 Ki-44 Tojo

The real subject

The Nakajima Ki-44 was a single-engine fighter of the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force in the Second World War. Unlike the Japanese practice of the day it did not build on agility but on speed and rate of climb, so that it could catch high-flying bombers. A radial engine drove it, the fuselage was short and the wing area fairly small, so the machine called for a more experienced pilot. The Allies gave it the code name Tojo.

What the set offers

This is a supplementary set of photo-etched parts in 1:48 scale. The parts are etched from thin metal sheet, so they have a thickness that cannot be reached with plastic parts: instrument panels, belts, bulkheads, grilles and rims look right to scale thanks to that. Which areas of the aircraft the set covers is given in the instructions for the set. Sets of this kind are designed for a particular kit, and the same instructions state which one; go through them before you set to work.

Building tips

Separate the parts with a sharp blade on a hard surface, not with cutters, which bend the metal. Make the bends in a bending tool or between two blades, always sharp edge first. They are glued with super glue laid on in drops from the side, or soldered with tin. Cut away the plastic detail the photo-etch is to replace first and sand the surface flat. Degrease the metal before painting and lay on a primer meant for metal, or the paint comes away during further handling.

• photo-etched accessories in 1:48 scale
• the subject is the Nakajima Ki-44 Tojo fighter
• thin metal holds the parts to a scale thickness
• glued with super glue, and can be soldered too
• degrease and use a primer for metal before painting

Who it is for

For modelers who want to take a build beyond what comes in the box and do not mind working with small metal parts. The kit itself, glue, paints and tools are not included in the delivery, unless stated otherwise.