PLATZ T-6 Texan JASDF - PLATZ (PF-20) 1:144 scale

[bootneck]

T-6 Texan JASDF Trainer Aircraft

 

PLATZ 1:144

 

 

 

The North American Aviation T-6 Texan has a long history dating from its inception as the NA-16 in 1935 right up to 1970. Even today there are flying versions in various Warbird associations. The T-6 (in various designations from NA-16, through B1 to T-6 etc.) was originally produced as a basic trainer but over time it was upgraded to an advanced trainer (AT-6 Texan) with improved performance for basic and combat type flying training, plus an added facility for training rear gunners. The T-6 was also supplied to Britain and Commonwealth nations and designated the Harvard (I & II) and was in service during WW2 and for many years postwar.

Following the end of hostilities in the Far East/Pacific Theatre, Japan's military facilities were disarmed; their military hardware and infrastructure had been completely dismantled or destroyed, and the nation had resolved itself to follow a pacifist doctrine. The years following the end of WW2 however were very unstable though and the security situation in the Far East was becoming unstable, especially the rise of Communist unrest in Korea, China and the Soviet Union. Japan needed to rebuild her forces for reasons of defence and the government (with agreement from the USA) to re-establish a military force primarily for defence. The new defence force was initially titled the Japanese Defense Force (JDF) but later split into Army (JGSDF), Air (JASDF) and Maritime forces (JMSDF).

Japan had a requirement to train new pilots and aircrews for these forces however they were still restricted in being able to produce their own aircraft, therefore 232 trainer aircraft, the T-6 Texan, were supplied to the JASDF by the US and were in service with them from 1954 to 1970.
 

 

The Kits

 

There are two kits in the box, each with a two canopies depicting early and late versions or even a naval SNJ-5/T-6F. Each kit contains a two part fuselage, a single piece main wing, a separate set of engine cylinders and cowling, plus tailplanes, propeller and wheel units etc. The cockpit area is open and clear for the fitting of a small deck containing two seats and rudder pedals that is included in the kit There are no control columns in the kit but these could easily be crafted from fine plastic rod and added. The seats have virtually no extra detail, however at least they are there and could have extra detail applied by any enterprising modeller to enhance the model.
 

 

The surface details shows recessed panel lines and, on initial checks with diagrams, look to be correctly positioned. There are also two sets of main wheel assemblies and this caters for a wheels-up or down configuration. There is not much else on the sprue to make up the kit except for a small radome piece which would be positioned between the rear of the cockpit and the tail fin, however the kit is sufficiently detailed enough on this tiny model to give the opportunity to build a nice little model of the Texan, or even a Harvard.
 

The instruction leaflet consists of two A4 portrait sheets; one with information, in Japanese and English; the other with pictorial view assembly details. With a model of this small size; length is approx. 2.3in (60mm) there is not much explanation needed to assemble the kit.

 

 

There are two canopies with each kit, so four canopies in each box, which allows for a combination of either: 2 T-6 Texans, 2 x SNJ-5/T-6F or 1 x T-6 and 1 x SNJ-5/T-6F. Initial views of the sprue holding the canopies shows the attachment points impede about 0.5mm into the clear part of each canopy. This will require sanding and polishing back to recover the transparency of the glass. It's not much but worth mentioning.

 

 

 

 

The last but, for some modellers, not least is the inclusion of stand for those who wish to depict the model in flight mode. This is a two piece construction as was standard in kits produced in the 1960s and 70s

Decals

This decal sheet is only 3inch (80mm) square however it contains at least 74 (I lost count then!) individual decals. There are 18 pairs of hinomaru (red circle) national insignia; 2 sets of nicely detailed walkways and anti-glare patches, plus a whole host of side letters, serial numbers and colourful emblems etc. Care needs to be taken when selecting which written decals are used as, being in Japanese, there could be confusion as to which force, Air or Navy aircraft, they should be applied to.

 

With so many hinomaru and markings available it is helpful that Platz has provided some good placement guides. The first is an A3 size sheet, on the reverse of the instruction sheets, and shows placements for 6 different aircraft, one of which is repeated with markings for a later period in its airframe life.

 

 

The other reference is a colour display that has been printed on the base of the box containing the kits. This shows two aircraft, a yellow T-6G of the JASDF and a white SNJ-5 of the JMSDF. It is important whilst applying the decals to differentiate the Japanese texts for the JASDF (航 空 自衛 隊 ) and JMSDF (海上自衛 隊) and a little time spent using one of the on-line translation apps could pay dividends - and avoid an embarrassing mix up of incorrect writings on the sides!

 

Conclusion

 

These little kits can be built as either the air force or naval version for the Japanese Self Defense Force; or even Harvards (with decals sourced from aftermarket or the spares box) and should look good in any 1:144 modeller's collection. The look of the sprue suggest that it is from a short-run mould; which possibly means that there won't be a massive production of these. They should be of interest to anyone who builds and collects trainer aircraft in 1:144 scale.

 

Review sample courtesy of

[Graham Boak]

Thanks for that, very interesting. Zvezda are also promising a 1/144 T-6G for this month, with USAF markings in this case, but I've been very impressed with the earlier Platz models. Strictly the wartime SNJ-5 should have a different tailwheel, but I don't know how noticeable this would be. Aerials are easier to change. I'd have been more interested if they had done a Harvard (longer canopy) but can see why they chose the home market in preference.