Hasegawa 1/48 scale Kawanishi N1K1-Ja Shiden (George)

Kit: No. JT89
Scale: 1/48
Manufacturer:: Hasegawa, from Dragon Models USA, 626-968-0322, www.dragonmodelusa.com
Price: $28.95
Comments: Injection-molded, 93 parts (4 vinyl), decals
Pros: Excellent fit, excellent detail, good decals
Cons: Engine has only a single row of cylinders

Arguably one of the best single engine fighter/interceptors of World War II, the Shiden was a land plane adaptation of Kawanishi's Kyofu ("Rex") seaplane fighter. Called "George" by the Allies, it had combat flaps that could be deployed for a tighter turn. The Ja variation (cowl guns deleted) was ordered for service with the Japanese Naval Air Force in November 1944.

The gray and clear plastic parts, crisply molded with scribed and raised panel lines, are flash free, but some have mold seam lines that need removal. The cockpit is fully detailed with rudder pedals, control column, seat, bulkheads, and side consoles, but there is no seat harness. You can paint the raised detail on the instrument panel or use a decal. I like the fact that the entire cockpit can be installed through the opened bottom of the fuselage before adding the wing.

It appears that Hasegawa will also issue a Jb version, as different wing guns, horizontal stabilizers, gunsight, and shell- ejector panels are molded separately.

While the kit engine has only a single row of cylinders, you probably wouldn't be able to see the back row if it was provided. Details such as separate oleo scissors and gear-door struts are especially nice. Don't forget to drill holes for mounting the auxiliary fuel tank and for the optional cockpit- access steps. Tiny ledges engraved in the fuselage behind the cockpit are provided to position the canopy open - an appreciated feature.

I hand mixed Floquil colors for the exterior and Testor Model Master colors for the interior. The bottom color is SnJ Spray Aluminum. The decals were easy to apply with an application of Micro Sol.

As a result of Hasegawa's excellent engineering and molding, I spent only 15 hours on this model. Anyone who can handle painting a two-color exterior can successfully complete this kit.

- Al Jones