1:72 J1N1-S Gekko

The real subject

The J1N1 is a Japanese twin-engine aircraft of the Second World War. It was created as a long-range escort fighter, but it did not prove itself in that role and so served mainly for reconnaissance. A second life came to it from conversion into a night fighter: the version designated J1N1-S was given cannon mounted obliquely in the fuselage and firing upward, which allowed the crew to attack a bomber from below, where its defenses were weaker. The name Gekko means moonlight, and the Allies listed the machine under the code name Irving.

What kind of set this is

It is a set of photo-etched metal parts in 1:72 scale made to improve a model of this aircraft. Photo-etch deals with what plastic cannot manage in so small a scale: a part etched from thin sheet has a thickness close to real sheet metal, whereas injection-molded plastic is always disproportionately thick. Which parts the set contains and where they belong on the model is described in the manufacturer's instructions.

Building and painting tips

The elements are held on the fret by thin tabs. Cut them with a sharp knife on a hard surface and do not snap them out, or the part will twist. Make the bends over a sharp edge or in a bender, and on long parts fold the whole length at once. They are bonded with cyanoacrylate glue, or with a two-part epoxy, which gives more time for positioning. Wash the metal before painting, degrease it and spray it with a primer, or the shade will flake off over time.

Terms of supply

This is an add-on set. The aircraft kit, paints, glue and tools are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.