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Kawanishi K-2 racer 1921, Scratch-built 1/72


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A build from 9 years ago:

 

At the start of the 20’s it was realized in Japan that racing planes could be of great interest, therefore the first plane in the country designed for that  purpose was built by Kawanishi and designated K-2. It was to be powered by a six-inline Hall Scott rescued from another plane.

By 1921 the result of the endeavor was a very pleasing, modern –for the time- little plane of refined lines that showed promise. It was made mainly of wood and had a low cantilever wing of constant chord.

The little fin/rudder area apparently gave a bit of trouble under some circumstances and minor problems precluded the building of more machines. The only K-2 built didn’t enjoy much development, but the plane flew with wire-rigged wings and later received airfoiled wing struts. Wheels had their spokes exposed or covered, depending on the photos. At least two different props can be seen on photos. The little plane eventually reached an unofficial speed of about 250 kph, not bad for the about 220 hp of the engine and for 1921.

The boxy radiator, right on the face of the pilot, puts a sort of funny note to the design.

Minute in 1/72 but with a definite racy appearance, the sort of art deco lines of the K-2 seem to make by themselves a statement about speed.

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That is a sweet looking, and modern looking aircraft for the 20's. Shame they could not have designed a more aerodynamic or at least aesthetic radiator arrangement! Not a bad performance for 1921 as you say.

 

Another beautiful, very twee model Moa.

 

Cheers

 

Malcolm

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Very attractive model – and subject!

 

Only, one day in 1921 someone, somehow, forgot a small iron stove on top of the plane, someone else thought it looked funny and took a photo – and you happened to use that particular picture as your main reference?

 

Kind regards,

 

Joachim

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