Tamiya 1/48 scale Nakajima Gekko Type 11 ("Irving")

Manufacturer: Tamiya, distributed by Tamiya America, 2 Orion, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656-4200, 800-826-4922 www.tamiya.com
Kit: No. 61078
Scale: 1/48
Price: $45
Comments: Injection-molded, 145 parts, decals
Pros: Excellent detail, good fit, outstanding cockpit
Cons: Fit is tight in places, gun barrels difficult to install from outside of fuselage

The Nakajima Type 11 fighter, code name "Irving," was an obscure aircraft when compared to Japan's famous "Zeke" (Zero), "Val," and "Kate." Originally designed as a long-range fighter, it entered World War II service as a reconnaissance plane. The Japanese Navy revamped the Type 11 once again as a night fighter using upward firing 20mm cannons. The Irving was first pitted against American B-17s and B-24s over Rabaul in 1943, and finished its service battling the B-29 over Japan in 1945.


Tamiya's all-new Type 11 Gekko impressed me with its detail. The interior detailing is extensive, capturing the busy nose, cockpit, and armament bay. Optional parts are given for drop tanks, bombs, and open or closed canopies and cowl flaps. Two crew figures are also included, and judging from the number of unused parts, several more variations of the Gekko are likely to appear.


Be prepared to spend extra time with the cockpit details. It's not that they fit poorly - they fit great - it's just that there are many pieces and a variety of paints needed. I spent five hours on the cockpit alone.


The cockpit and cannon assemblies dropped perfectly into the fuselage, but the aft fuselage deck (part No. F2) bulged out slightly in spots and required a little filling and sanding. To close the gun bay, trim off the hinge tabs on the access door (F1). I followed the instructions and mounted the 20mm gun barrels through the holes from the outside after adding the aft fuselage deck. This was tricky, and I think I could've added the barrels to the cannons first, then slipped the deck over them without difficulty.


The wings assembled quickly and feature separate wing tips and clear navigation lights. The wing-to-fuselage fit was tight. It would've gone in easier if the bottom nose joint had been left unglued to allow wiggle room for the wing. After it's in, the seam can be cemented.


The Sakae Model 21/22 engines are well done, and the cowling parts are cleverly broken down to make painting simple. The multi-piece landing gear assembly is beautifully designed and built into a solid and precise fit.


I painted my Gekko with Tamiya and Polly Scale paints. Decals are given for two aircraft from the 302nd and 322nd Naval Fighter Groups, respectively. They went on with no problems.


I used the Smithsonian's excellent Moonlight Interceptor by Robert C. Mikesh and Osamu Tagaya as my primary reference, along with Famous Airplanes of the World No. 57 Navy Night Fighter Gekko. Both have color photos of the last remaining Gekko, located at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. The completed model compares perfectly to the references.


I finished my Gekko in 22 hours. It makes an interesting comparison sitting next to my Tamiya He 219 German night fighter. I'm looking forward to building future variations of this kit and recommend it to any modeler.