The 99-Shiki Shugekiki Stuka
Many things are to be considered when determining if something is 'good.' Quality of the product, ease of use, support base from the manufacturer, and fulfillment of enjoyment. The Wingsy 1/48th scale Mitsubishi Ki-51 is certainly a good product. Is it all of those things? Well, some areas are much better than others.
Support base? Fantastic. I lost my clear part sprue somewhere from starting this model years ago and when I picked it back off the Shelf Of Doom (foreshadowing). I contacted Wingsy looking for a replacement sprue, and they sent me one. Amazing. I've contacted other manufacturers in the past and most of the time I don't even get a response.
Quality of the product? Can't get much better out of the box. Masks, PE, crisply molded plastic, clear instructions, and all the detail one could ask for. There are engraved rivets, but are restrained. The canopy center piece is a truly ingenious molding, as it is made to look like two canopy pieces together, and with some careful painting, it is not easy to tell that it is one piece. I easily gave up my Nichimo Ki-51 against the might of this kit's superiority.
Ease of use? This is where this kit falls flat. Every single locating hole and join slot is too small. Each and every part had to be fiddled and whittled to fit. The upper decking piece, which half resides on non-existent panel lines mind you, refused to fit. I had to scrape away the fuselage and cockpit tub until the parts were wafer thin before it finally fit. This is Kyle's nightmare, and it wound up on the Shelf Of Doom for years. I've talked to other people about this, and some don't have this problem. Perhaps it was my copy of the kit, no idea. Looking at newer Wingsy releases, I hear nothing about this. Who knows.
Fulfillment of enjoyment? ...yyyyes, yes it does, problems considered. It is a well detailed model and top of the line in detail. I love the way it looks finished, and gets me excited thinking of future Wingsy releases. Maybe an Ann, or Mary, or dare I think of a Ki-2 Louise.
My model itself is pretty straight forward. The kit PE has seat belts, gun sights, everything you need besides engine wires. The exhausts are solid so they were replaced with the fantastic Rexx real metal ones. I messed up the kit bombs so I bought Ushi Models 3D printed replacements. This is the first model i masked and painted my markings, as all the rivets would make decals too much of a hassle.
I'm glad to get another one off the Shelf, and look forward to future Wingsy releases (though I might pass up on another 109).
Thanks for looking.
That is one amazing painting job. Hats off to you
She's a beauty, great job!
That cockpit fit problem is a feature of this kit, commented on as negatively as you have by everyone who's managed to complete one of these.
That said, you've got your usual excellent Kyle Koppos result here with this. A triumph of skill and talent over plastic.
A really nice result, Kyle @kopperhed
Especially the camouflage draws attention, you applied it beautifully.
Fantastic detail and paintwork, Kyle!
Wicked paint work!
Nice work, Kyle! Great airbrushing.
Excellent result out of a good but challenging kit, Kyle!
Well done all around, Kyle. That one must stand out in the display.
Pretty good work for a yout. Good write-up too.
Lovely paintwork, and a great-looking model! Well done.
Kyle, this is an exceptional piece of work... a smart looking model, not least because of that wonderful camouflage scheme. Despite the issues you've mentioned, you evidently managed to overcome all of them and produced a great result. Very well done... ;-).
Beautiful build and finish! Congratulations!
Wow! What a looker, Kyle! 🤩 That's one fine paintjob, dude. 😁
Very nice all around