- 1/72nd Pavla Nakajima Ki-87 Review
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- I have just completed the 1:72 Pavla Nakajima
Ki-87 kit!
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- Like all limited-run kits it requires a little
tender loving care. Some filing and fitting is necessary to remove
molding pips and get internal components to fit. For those whose nerve
doesn't run to fiddling with brass-etched, or white metal, components, there
are plastic injected alternatives. The engine fan, instrument panel
& cockpit floor offers the greatest challenge.
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- Care is needed to remove the flash from the
plastic parts, but this shouldn't be a major problem, unless you are of
the 'add glue & shake box' fraternity. You even get a piece of
mesh to put behind the turbocharger opening, and two vac-formed canopy
transparencies, in case you have problems with the first!
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- Painting is a straightforward, all-aluminum,
finish, with yellow wing leading edges, anti-glare panel on the nose, and
polished steel surround to the turbo-charger. Being a one-off late war
prototype, markings are minimal, consisting solely of 'hinomarus' for
wings and fuselage. The decals are thin, and densely colored, but a little
brittle, and need careful handling to avoid damage.
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- The end result is an impressively large
aircraft that exceeds a Republic P-47N for sheer physical size, and rivals a
DH Mosquito in anything but wingspan! An interesting and unusual
addition to any collection of WWII aircraft, capable of being built by any
reasonably experienced modeler and representing good value for money.