RS Model's 1/72 scale
Tachikawa Ki-9

by Jiri Kure

RS Model's 1/72 scale Ki-9 is available online from Squadron.com

Tachikawa Ki-9 Special Unit, RS Models, 1:72, Manchurian AF

The Tachikawa Ki-9 was the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force's primary training aircraft with some 2600 being built throughout WWII.

A different boxing of this kit has been reviewed here by Glen Porter . The plastic parts and instructions are identical and the only difference is the enclosed decal sheet. This release offers decals for one Japanese AF “special attack” unit based at Kikuchi, Japan at the end of WWII, two post-war Korean machines (one with combined Korean/US insignias) and lastly a Manchukuo AF plane, which is what I chose to build.

The kit features exceptional interior and surface detail on flash-free plastic parts, very nice pre-painted photo-etched fret and excellent decals. The instructions are somewhat confusing so additional information (such as Bunrindo’s FAoW No. 73) go a long way in helping to correctly place some of the smaller parts.

The fit of the model is generally very good with a minimal need for filler. The cockpit being slightly more challenging. In particular, the framing on the sides of the cockpit were separate parts and needed some sanding to attach correctly. The photo-etched instrument panels need to be bent to exact shape in order to fit.

I used thin wire to add a pitot tube to the starboard wing strut and to create fuel lines connecting the upper wing with the fuselage. Wire was also used for the rigging spacers. The kit's windshields were replaced with new thinner ones made from acetate sheet.

Tamiya X-6 Orange was used for the overall colour and a brown mix of Humbrol paints was used for the undercarriage and the front part of the fuselage.

Contrary to the instructions, available literature and photos indicate that the fuselage and elevator struts were also painted brown on the standard JAAF Ki-9s, which is most likely the case for Manchukuo aircraft as well.

Decal application was trouble-free; the insignia’s underlying white discs are just a fraction smaller than the insignia itself, but those were easily cut around. The model received a final coat of Polyscale satin varnish and some light weathering of diluted oil paints and Mig pigments.

All in all it was an easy and quick build of a rather overlooked aircraft type.

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Models, Description and Images Copyright © 2010 by Jiri Kure
Page Created 15 April, 2010
Last Updated 15 April, 2010

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