1/48 Hasegawa N1K1 Shiden 

(Nickname George)

by Zafer YILMAZ

--------------------

Turkish Remembrance of Ataturk and Youth Day 2008

 

In 1942, the Japanese Army asked for fighter project named 'Local fighter no.1'.  Kawanishi co. offered its float plane Kyofu's fighter version N1K1 Shiden.  After a few modifications the plane took it's place on the front.  It was equipped with a Homaru engine which was used on the legendary Ki-84 Hayates (2000 HP) Shiden had 4 pcs 20mm MGs.  The Shiden was unusual in this it could absord much more damage than other Japanese fighters.  Many pilots agreed with it was much better than Zeros and could match the Hellcat easily.  Like the Bf-109K series case  it was 'Too little too late!...'
 
The Shiden was a strong, lethal fighter and the only wrong thing was it arrived late in the war and was produced in too few numbers which could not effect the destiny of the air wars above Pacific.

Click on images below to see larger images

  

  

  

Kit:
 
There isn't much to say about Hasegawa when it comes Japanese birds.   Guys worked on it well, no putty needed.  I sprayed the cockpit with Tamiya's IJN cockpit green and installed a pair of Eduard's colored seatbelts for Kawanishi planes (just waist straps)
 
I know green may seem a bit lighter, well I used Gunze light green for sun-faded look.  At first, I used Tamiya Xf-16 for all the plane, I then applied some salt on the wings and fuselage, waited till it got dry and then I sprayed green and washed the plane, wiping  the salts off.  After I found it wasn't enough, I used a brush with Model Masters chrom silver and touched up the whole plane like you can see in my pics.  Decals went on well with red-blue microsol....brothers, I liked them ! :)
 
Last of All, the Shiden  was a great plane and Hasegawa offers a great kit.   Recommended for Modellers who like big red dots on planes like I do.
 
By the way; I would like to send my regards to my bro Emad Tabsh and Ayhan Toplu from here...
 
Happy modelling..
 
Zafer 

Photos and text © by Zafer YILMAZ