Sword 1/72 Ki-44-I Shoki Kit First Look
By Dave Manter
| Date of Review | July 2013 | Manufacturer | Sword |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Ki-44-I Shoki | Scale | 1/72 |
| Kit Number | 72071 | Primary Media | Styrene, Resin |
| Pros | Great detail, resin engine included | Cons | None |
| Skill Level | Intermediate | MSRP (USD) | $32.98 |
First Look
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The Ki-44 was designed to be an interceptor defending the home islands and had a high top speed and a fast rate of climb. It was built around the Nakajima Ha-11 fourteen cylinder double row radial engine, previously intended for bombers.
The first prototype was flown in August 1940, and in September 1941, pre-production aircraft were sent to China for combat trials.
The Ki-44 was mainly concentrated around Japan's large industrial cities. The Nakajima Ki-44 was the only interceptor fighter serving with the Japanese Army when the B-29 campaign against Japan began.
After WWII, they were used in small numbers by the Chinese AF.
The Sword kit consists of just 71 styrene parts molded in grey and a very detailed resin engine and seat. The canopy is supplied in 3 parts. Detail on all of the parts is very high and flash is minimal. The instructions are very well written and paint colors are called out during construction. The cockpit is very well detailed and the panel lines are fine and recessed. Markings are included for four aircraft. They are:
- Ki-44 Prototype, 47th Independent Sq. Commander, Maj. Tashio Sakagawa, January 1942
- Ki-44 Prototype, 47th Independent Sq., Cpt. Yasuhiko Kuroe, January 1942
- Ki-44 Prototype, 47th Independent Sq., Cpt. Susumu Jinbo, January 1942
- Ki-44 Shoki Late Production, 47th Independent Sq., Spring 1942
Another great kit from Sword!
My sincere thanks to Squadron Mail Order for this review sample!