1/48 Tamiya Nakajima J1N1-S Gekko (Irving)

Gallery Article by Tony Feredo on Aug 3 2017

 

      

Another addition to my WW2 Japanese aircraft model collection. I used two different kits to "kit-bash" a mid-production J1N1-Sa Gekko. I used the fuselage of a Type 11 (Kou) which allowed for the three (3) upward firing cannon configuration and the cowling and exhaust of the Type 11 Late Version Gekko (with flame dampers). Assembly was straight forward and use Gunze Mr. Color paints. Applied minimal weathering. I scrounged around for yellow IJN decal numbers for the tail codes.

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The model depicts a mid-production J1N1-Sa Gekko that served with 812 Hikotai, 153 Kokutai at Clark Airfield in Luzon, Philippines in late 1944. This aircraft was then later found abandoned in the airfield when US forces re-occupied it in February 1945. 

Cheers and Happy Modeling.

Tony Feredo

Photos and text © by Tony Feredo