Ki-115 Tsurugi by Guerrero Marc (Eduard Profipack 1/48)

Eduard's 1/48 scale Profipack
Ki-115 Tsurugi

by Guerrero Marc

Ki-115 Tsurugi

Eduard's 1/48 scale Ki-115 Tsurugi Profipack is available online from Squadron

Introduction

Here are a few pictures of my last model - the Eduard Profipack Tsurugi Ki-115 in 1/48 scale.

The Eduard model is terrific, but I realised there was a difference in size between each fuselage half. I had a conversation with Eduard’s chairman who told me he already knew about this problem, and a correction is already on the way.

Construction

Each part was cleaned and prepared very carefully. This need for a little more time is a result of the small problem. Once it is done, the building is very precise.

Equipped with plenty of reference, I decided to make scratch build some improvements to improve the realism of my Tsurugi. All control surfaces were separated from the plane to be positioned in dynamic positions. The fuel tank was made from scratch. The right tire was cut of the wheel, and the left wheel was modified to simulate having a puncture.

Bullet damage was added after thinning the plastic of the fuselage from the inside with a dentist tool. The plastic has to be translucent to be ready for this job. Incoming and outgoing impacts were made with an X-Acto knife.

I decided to represent this plane just after an American strafing attack, caught at the moment the plane was about to take off. Engine explosion caused alterations in the rear part of the exhaust pipes (oil and smoke). As if this was not enough, the plane was put out of action by Japanese mechanics before trying to repair it. This is the reason no broken parts are visible on the ground.

This model won a Gold medal at the «Mondial de la Minaiture» of Paris in April 2004.

Conclusion

Eduard's 1/48 scale Ki-115 Tsurugi is almost perfect - easy and fun to build. This very original plane offers many opportunities for some interesting and finishes.