Enter the Dragon (Slayer) - FlyModel Ki-45 Toryu

**GreMir** · #1 03-22-2009, 01:37 PM

After two Imperial Navy planes it is time to build an Army one.
There were two editions of this model - one packed in foil and second with the yellow card cover. The first edition has horrible colors so this basically model strictly for collectors.
Second edition has beautiful cover art, but most importantly - colors and camo are exactly as they supposed to be. Of course I'm building the nice one

A little info about the real plane...
Having observed development of twin engine heavy fighters in Europe (specifically Bf 110), Japanese Army decided that they want one too.
In 1937 Kawasaki received an order to design and build what later became Army Type 2 Two-seat Fighter Kawasaki Ki-45 Toryu (Nick).
Plane was envisioned as a long range escort plane, but following fate of the Bf 110 it proved a total failure in its intended role as the plane was no match for a single-seat opponents. Again, following the track of the Bf 110 Toryu evolved slowly into a bomber destroyer proving very effective against American heavy bombers, both during daytime and nightime. This last function was slightly hindered by lack of radar but at least during nightime raids Toryus were safe from long range escorts...
Model of Ki-45 Toryu was designed by Tadeusz Grzelczak and new camo was done by Grzegorz Swierczewski. I'm really hoping the computer redraw did not introduce any issues into a very good model.....
Model consist of three A3 pages of parts (total count looks like about 70), one A3 page of diagrams plus general view of the model. Back cover doubles up as a 1mm card to laminate all the formers.
Model of Kawasaki Ki-45 KAIc Toryu is designed in 1:33 scale and it's going to be big:
Length 32cm (about 1foot)
Span 45.5cm (about 1foot 7 inches)
Height 12cm (about 5inches)

**eatcrow2** · #2 03-22-2009, 01:40 PM

Nice choice Michael... Looking forward to following this one.

**treadhead1952** · #3 03-22-2009, 03:07 PM

Hi Micheal,

Nice choice, even if it is an "Army" aircraft. Can't wait to watch you deal with all those pointy parts, the one thing I am tinkering on at the moment without a great deal of sucess.

**member_3** · #4 03-22-2009, 03:36 PM

I recently tried and failed on this one. If I recall correctly, there was a problem with the wing/fuselage join in that the wing root size did not match the wing root size as printed on the fuselage. It is possible that I was not understanding something but I could not make it work. I am very interested in your experience with this one as it is one of my WW2 favorites.

Quick edit - and yet here is a beautiful example completed over on Zealot - I must have been drunk (again) when I was trying to build it. Now I have to buy another one <<heavy sigh>>.

Dragon Slayer on Zealot

**GreMir** · #5 03-22-2009, 03:53 PM

I expect some issues on this one, hopefully nothing as big as to prevent me from finishing it.
This a beautiful aircraft with excellent camo scheme, not to mention the only model of this plane anywhere....

**member_3** · #6 03-22-2009, 04:11 PM

I have faith in you, Mike - to the extent that I have located and purchased another copy. After seeing the photo of PaperJerry's model I am now convinced that I made some bonehead error - hopefully you will show me the way on my retry!

**Golden Bear** · #7 03-22-2009, 04:53 PM

This is also one that I want to build. Well, in my free time when I'm allowed out of the slave pits. But, there is that Mosquito also.

I will enjoy watching a build of this kit. Remember to build the landing gear and tail assembly first. One of the GBRoT. (Rules of Thumb).

BTW, I'm thinking of building the engine for the Halinskit FW as a relaxing break. Eeek!

Carl

**Don Boose** · #8 03-22-2009, 05:19 PM

I have this kit, it is one that I have been thinking about for some time, and so I am very pleased to hear that you are going to build it, Mike. I anticipate that you will work out all the bugs, come up with solutions, and that Ron and Carl can build theirs, and in the process, I will learn enough to try one of my own.

Seriously, this is a great choice. Famous Teikoku Rikugun Kōkūtai airplane and a super additon to your stable.

Don

**Papercut** · #9 03-22-2009, 05:24 PM

If you can make your last build look that good, I am sure this will be a master piece and I for one am looking forward to this one.:DRick

**GreMir** · #10 03-22-2009, 08:23 PM

Ohhhkaaaaayyyyyy..........
First attempt turned out to be a failure :(
Advice - DO NOT use the backing of the model to laminate the formers.
Supplied card is 1mm thick but it doesn't look like the model was desgned to use 1mm thick formers - none of them fit to each other or the skins.
I will restart laminating the formers to 0.5mm card and see if this will help.
Even if there are still any issues with the fit, they should be much easier to overcome................