Nakajima Ki-27 Manchoukuo Prewar Japanese Army Fighter

RS Models, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Glen Porter

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The Nakajima Ki-27, code named Nate by the allies, was the standard Imperial Japanese Army fighter aircraft up until the beginning of  the Second World War. It was a single engined, single seat, low winged monoplane with a radial engine and fixed undercarriage. Although it possessed superb maneuverability, it lacked climb and top speed, armour plate and self sealing tanks plus it only had two rifle calibre machine guns. It was exported to both Manchoukuo (Manchuria) and Thailand and it was produced under license by Manshu in Manchuria. In total, over 3000 were built.

I have reviewed quite a few of these RS Models kits recently and like the others, this one has excellent tan coloured plastic with no flash or sink marks and refined engraved panel detail.

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There are two sprues with the parts numbered but the sprues themselves aren't. The larger of the two has the three piece wing, engine, tailplane, separate rudder, undercarriage and some interior parts. There is also several parts which are not for this kit such as another engine, spatted undercarriage and a second seat. These parts are for the trainer version of this aircraft which I will review later. Although these parts are on the sprue, they are not shown in the kit parts plan and this makes it easier to tell which parts should be used.

The smaller sprue carries fuselage halves, propeller, exhausts and some more engine parts.

While I have criticized the clear canopies in some of these RS Model kits in the past for being overly thick, that is not the case here. It is not quite to scale but it is on a par with other 1/72nd scale kits and I think it could be opened without too much trouble to show the interior.

The nickel plated photo-etched fret by Eduard covers small interior parts such as an alternative seat, instrument panel, belts and controls.

A small decal sheet, designed by Rising Decals, is very well printed with good register and minimum carrier film. It has markings for two aircraft, both in Manchuria, 1942. the first is from the Manchoukuo Air Force in over-all Japanese Army Grey with their national markings on the top and bottom of the wings and Asian writing along the fuselage. The other is from the 85th sentai, Japanese Army Air Force also in over-all Japanese Army Grey with Japanese national markings on the wing only, three red stripes on the fuselage and a red and white marking on the tail. A full set of stencils are given with placement noted in the instructions and on the box rear.

Both aircraft have undercarriage spats removed but if you can find alternative decals, the spats are supplied in the kit.

The weak point of these RS Model kits is the instructions. They are a bit crude but I would not expect the quality of Tamiya or Dragon from a small Czech company like this. However, in some places they are a bit vague on the placement of parts such as the engine in the fuselage and the interior floor. They also show the undercarriage with full spats in the instructions which could confuse the inexperienced but I don't think it will cause much trouble for those with a few kits under the belt.

I like these kits from RS Models. Okay, I'm not a PE person, I prefer resin for extra detail but the plastic is so nice I just can't resist. Add to that a good clear canopy, the best PE on the market and excellent decals and folks, I think we have a winner.

Highly Recommended to experienced modellers

Thanks to RS Models for the sample

Review Text Copyright © 2008 by Glen Porter
Page Created 16 March, 2008
Last updated 16 March, 2008

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