The Little World

This evocation of the Nakajima Ki-27 fighter is for a different war; before it became and Allied ” Nate “.

The type is the first monoplane fighter for he Imperial Japanese Army, and this time it is moulded by ICM. Their attention to detail is typical for the Ukrainian firm – every part fits and there is very little flash indeed.

The plastic is softish, and repays careful removal from the sprue trees – but the attachment points for various internal fittings like the seat legs are all marked with tiny depressions so you can get the geometry right.

There is a full engine on mounting frame, with a top panel that can be left off to display the works – rather like their model of the Polikarpov I-16. This is a good opportunity to make it as an aircraft under maintenance – I hope I can do so.

The last Ki-27 built was an RS model – you can search the records for that build on Dec. 6, 2018. It was completed in Manchuoku colours – the current one has a number of actual IJA options for the livery. In addition, I seem to have an Air Enthusiast magazine from way back with more profiles of he plane.

There are a few differences in the details – most notably in the wheels. The new kit has two options: an open wheel with a bicycle mudguard over top of it, or a closed aerodynamic spat. Fortunately you need not decide which to use until later in the build.

The ICM firm has also taken to using photos to illustrate the build sequence – rather like the Polish IBG factory. If these are of sufficient quality, I think it is a very good way of instructing, and less likely to lead the builder astray.