Eduard 1/48 Ki-115 Tsurugi By Greg Balzer

The Aircraft

From the outset the Nakajima Ki-115 'Tsurugi' (Sword) was designed as a "special-attack" or kamikaze aircraft. While the initial batch were made from a variety of materials, production aircraft were made of primarily wood, steel, tin, and aluminum. These crude aircraft were designed so that pilots with minimum training could takeoff, fly to the target, and make their final dive. Although the kamikaze attacks proved somewhat successful, in the end the concept proved to be too little, too late. A more complete overview of the Ki-115 Tsurugi was provided in the First Look article published in the February 2004 edition of Internet Modeler. As a final note, records indicate that not a single Ki-115 ever saw operational service during the war.

The Kit

With its recent series of releases, Eduard has clearly advanced into the lead ranks of quality kit producers, and the Ki-115 Tsurugi is no exception. The kit is the first in the Eduard line to demonstrate the new 3D CAD molding technology, as announced in their January 2004 newsletter. The quality of detail and the overall fit of the kit is superior. Due to its high quality, and simplicity, this kit is perfect for the novice modeler, while still providing plenty of opportunity for the "old salt" to demonstrate numerous techniques.

There are only two comments I have about the kit in general, and one hates to be critical of such a superb kit. The first is the minor misalignment of some of the small parts resulting in noticeable seams. While not too glaring, it did require the removal of a fair amount of detail on some very small parts. Second was the overall fit of the main wing assembly. While not drastic compared to some kits, this was the only part that required some close attention and patience. I was only able to obtain a satisfactory result along the underside join with the fuselage.

Construction

There is not a great deal to say about the construction of this kit because the overall fit is outstanding. The kit instructions were followed throughout the entire build, with minimal deviation.

The cockpit is well detailed, and provides enough to reward the inquisitive onlooker who ventures to peer into the cockpit. The cockpit floor fits perfectly, and requires no trimming to fit within the fuselage halves, which assemble quite nicely. Seams were visible and required filling with CA as the aircraft would be finished using Alclad II Lacquer, which reveals even the slightest surface flaw. The wings are split into upper and lower halves, and fit quite nicely save for the join with the lower fuselage as previously noted. There is a significant gap around the wing root that required filling, sanding, and rescribing. The remainder of the kit literally falls together, and other than having to rescribe panel lines and rivets where the kit required sanding, it was an easy and uncomplicated build. Everything on this kit fits well, and this is one of the easier kits I've had the pleasure to assemble.

Decal Options

Insignia are provided for three different variations of the aircraft. The Eduard decals are superb, go on easy, and conform well to underlying detail, which was further assisted through the application of MicroSol and then sealed in a topcoat of Future.

Painting and Weathering

The kit was initially primed using Mr. Surfacer 1000, polished with a soft cotton tee shirt, then sprayed with Alclad II Aluminum. Other panels were selected to be over sprayed with Alclad Dark Aluminum and Polished Aluminum to add contrast to the kit. The area just aft of the engine was then over sprayed with Alclad Jet Exhaust to preshade before weathering. After sealing the decals in Future, panel lines were accented by using a wash of Grumbacher artists oil Burn Sienna thinned in lighter fluid, and then dry brushed across the entire exterior of the fuselage to simulate a light patina of rust very evident in contemporary photos of the actual aircraft. The kit was then given a matt coat prior to the application of pastels to complete the weathering.

Final Thoughts

While WWII Japanese aircraft are not my main avocation, I found this kit very pleasurable to build. For the novice modeler it should provide a good opportunity to build skills while not providing too many other difficulties that might hinder an otherwise easy build. For the experienced builder, the kit provides the basis for the demonstration of some very advanced modeling skills. Eduard has once again shown that it is a leading player in the 1/48 market.