A & V Models (Resin) 1/72 scale
Tachikawa Ki-54 “Hickory”

by Aldo Chetcuti

Eduard's 1/48 scale Spitfire Mk.IXe ProfiPACK is available online from Squadron.com

The Tachikawa Ki-54 was not a spectacular aircraft although it remained in production throughout the war years first as a bomber trainer and later as a transport and communications aircraft.

The only model in 1:72nd scale to date has been the A+V Resins issue.  This company has gone out of production which is a pity as Mr. Jaromir Anis gave modellers quite a few ‘out of the ordinary’ subjects in this scale.

The model requires quite a bit of work and my example had unequally sized fuselage halves which needed major surgery.  The windows need to be cut out and fitting of components takes a bit of patience and fitting and rescribing.  This is not one for those who enjoy quick builds.

The kit decals are for a training aircraft in overall grey with green mottle but I opted for the all brown version for an aircraft from Tenneru Army Airfield, Etorofu Island, (Iturup Island), Kuril Islands, June 1945.

The tail markings are home made with the six roundels coming from an Aeromaster sheet.

This is a pleasant model to finish and a must for Japanese aviation modellers.  I believe it is still possible to find a kit here and there possibly on auction sites. I look forward to seeing an injection moulded version of this aircraft some time in the future.

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Model and Text Copyright © 2014 by Aldo Chetcuti
Page Created 17 June, 2014
Last Updated 18 June, 2014

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