Paul A H Posted November 3, 2013 Share Posted November 3, 2013 Kawasaki Ki27 Type 97 Fighter (Nate) Nomonghan Aces Combo (two kits) 1:72 Hasegawa The Nakajima Ki-27 Type 97 Fighter, known to the Allies by the reporting name 'Nate', was a pre-war design which replaced the Kawasaki Ki-10 with the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force. It was extremely manoeuvrable thanks to its low wing loading, but it suffered from a poor rate of climb and low top speed, due in part to its fixed undercarriage, and relatively light armament. The design was considered a success, however, and Japanese pilots were able to establish air superiority during initial exchanges with the Soviet Air Force during the war in Mongolia. The Ki-27 lost its edge once the Soviet Air Force introduced faster, better armed and better armoured aircraft such as the I-16. This enabled the introduction of hit and run tactics, negating the advantage provided by the Ki-27's manoeuvrability. Although now outclassed as a fighter, the increasingly desperate situation that Japan found itself in meant that the Nate was used as a fighter and kamikaze aircraft right up until the War's end. By that time, almost 3,400 examples had been completed. As with a number of Hasegawas older 1:72 kits, the Ki-27 originates from the now-defunct Japanese firm Mania. Back in the 1970s, these kits set the benchmark for scale models, featuring rich detail, excellent fit and fine (and usually recessed) panel lines. Some of the old Mania kits still look as good as the day that the moulds were cut, but sadly this isn't one of them. There is a fair amount of flash present on some of the parts, although to be fair it is still pretty impressive for a kit that is over forty years old. These particular kits are comprised of just 41 parts, each moulded in grey and clear plastic. Panel lines are curious a mixture of recessed (fuselage) and raised (wings, elevators, undercarriage and cowling). Each kit is bagged separately. There isnt too much by way of cockpit detail. Just a floor, a seat, a control column and an instrument panel are provided, along with a decal to represent instruments. There is no sidewall detail and the seat pan is moulded onto the cockpit floor a feature which betrays the age of the kit. A pilot is provided and it is quite tempting to use him in order to distract from the blank canvas that lies within. Once the cockpit has been installed, the fuselage halves can be joined without further ado. The wings are moulded with a single lower span and separate port and starboard upper wings. The ailerons are fixed in place, as are the elevators on the solid tail planes. The undercarriage is basic but good enough, and a choice of covered or uncovered wheels is included (although the latter is not used for any of the aircraft depicted on the decal sheet). The engine is a single, solid part but look ok under the cowling. The propeller is very fine and sharp and has a small, separate hub. Finishing touches include the pea shooter gun sight and various aerials and antennas. The canopy is moulded in two halves and two different rear portions are included. Three marking options are provided, all for aircraft flown in 1939: Ki27-Otsu, 1st Company, 11th Flight Regiment, W.O. Hiromichi Shinohara, June 1939; Ki27-Koh, 2nd Company, 59th Flight Regiment, Sgt. Maj. Isamu Kashilde, June 1939; and Ki27-Otsu, 2nd Company, 24th Flight Regiment, Sgt. Gorou Nishihara, August 1939. The decals are well printed and are nice and glossy, but are a little on the thick side. Conclusion Hasegawa's Ki27 Nate is a simple kit, but it has stood the test of time well enough. The blend of recessed and raised panel lines is quite curious and the model is very simple compared to more modern offerings, but it should still be possible to fashion a couple of decent models out of what is provided in the box. If you can shop around and get this edition for a good price, then it may well be worth a punt.Review sample courtesy of UK distributors for Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Millman Posted November 11, 2013 Share Posted November 11, 2013 I'd be interested to know where the idea that the Ki-27 "suffered from a poor rate of climb" comes from! When the type first began to be encountered in China Chennault reported that it "climbs like a skyrocket and manoeuvres like a squirrel". Rate of climb was 5.35 mins to 16,405 ft which considering its vintage, engine and fixed undercarriage compares quite favourably with the Spitfire IX's 5.6 mins to 20,000 ft at combat rating. Nick 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt.Squarehead Posted November 16, 2013 Share Posted November 16, 2013 Looks pretty crude compared to the ICM kits.....No doubt they're cheaper too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sroubos Posted November 25, 2013 Share Posted November 25, 2013 If you can get an old boxing of this kit it will definitely be cheaper, although my ancient boxing has yellowed decals. The ICM is allegedly a pig to build, and my experience with these old Mania kits is that they go together like a dream... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sroubos Posted March 21, 2014 Share Posted March 21, 2014 Just wanted to let people know I got this from HLJ for 800 Yen, that's less than a fiver! Shipping will likely double that but it's still a pretty good deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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