Scale aviation modeller international

My usual initial components check revealed the potential of a very

nice build, the degree of sharply rendered mounded detailing

was impressive. The models integral comprehensive decals were

greatly supported by Tamiya’s separate camouflage sheet

Of the three quite different overall finishes advanced by Tamiya

in their guidance notes and decals, my preference was for the

final appearance of Ki-61-Id No.24, which was achieved through

merging the base model with a separate camouflage decal sheet

section and light-alloy, flush-

riveted, stressed-skin structure

offers a fine balance of beautiful

lines, which are harmonised

by the similar structure of the

long, pleasingly tapered wings.

In service the Ki-61-I and IIs

more than matched their looks

with their superlative performance,

gaining the distinction of being

the desired mount for a number

of famous Japanese aces, who

employed it to its maximum

capabilities (and beyond, in

deliberate aerial ramming attacks).

Tamiya recognised this

personal aspect in their two

releases, highlighting the aircraft

of renowned Captain (later

Major) Teruhiko Kobayashi,

the 24-year-old commander of

the famous 244th Hiko Sentai

(Fighter Air Group), based at

Chofu Airbase in 1944-45.

On 3 December 1944, in

his first B-29 interception in

a Ki-61-1, Captain Kobayashi

was shot down by the bomber

formation’s return fire, but was

uninjured. He commandeered

another Hien to undertake more

interceptions in the weeks that

followed, damaging some B-29s

but being hit again on 9 January,

forcing an emergency landing.

Captain Kobayashi undertook a

successful aerial ramming attack

on 22 January, bailing out of his

wrecked Hien. Finally, on 12 April

he again damaged a B-29 but was

shot down and wounded in his

right leg, which greatly restricted

his flying till the end of the war. It

is claimed that he personally aided

in the destruction of ten B-29s.

THE MODEL

When I heard about Tamiya’s

future release of a1/72 scale

Kawasaki Ki-61-Id in January

2018, I immediately pre-ordered

my example direct from Hobby

Link Japan. I fully expected that

this Tamiya newcomer would

be accurately presented to the

very highest standards, and I

was not to be disappointed.

Last year I enthused about

Tamiya’s impressive 1/48 scale

example, and despite their new

release being smaller, my very

positive views about their handling

of the subject have certainly

not been reduced. Tamiya’s 1/72

presentation is to the same high

standards that one has come to

expect from this manufacturer.

With everything arriving safe

Tamiya’s nice box top artwork faithfully conveys Captain Teruhiko

Kobayashi’s Ki-61-Id No.24 as it appeared in February 1945, based

at the Chofu airbase in the ranks of the 244th Sentai, with its bare

metal finish decorated with Kobayashi’s personal markings

“THIS KIT IS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE

OF THE PLASTIC MODELLER’S ART”

With the renowned commanding officer of the famous 244th Sentai, Captain Teruhiko Kobayashi

standing in front of his fighter carrying his personal kill markings and finish, one speculates if the

figure to the right is 2nd Lieutenant Shunzo Takashima

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