Up next from the "Iron Werks" is a late war Japanese jet that was based loosely on the Messerschmidt Me-262 jet. This is the Fine Molds model, and it is going to be an out of the box build with no additions.

It was supposed to be used as a high speed kamikaze plane, and most likely would have been very difficult to intercept if flown in massive numbers. However it most likely would have met it's demise due to the increasing use of proximity fuses on most US Navy anti aircraft artillery weapons. The shell didn't have to make a direct hit, instead "close enough" was "good enough" as proximity fused rounds would explode when they were close to the intended target with devastating results. The Japanese were gearing up for production of the type and approximately 20 or so examples were found at the end of the war by the occupying forces.

The submarine that was carrying the plans and parts needed to construct a Japanese version of the German Messerschmidt 262 was sunk by the Allies prior to reaching it's destination. The Kikka was smaller than the 262, and differed in many ways. It's basically a twin engine jet with an "almost" straight wing, and that's about where the similarities end.

As typical for most builds, the work begins with the cockpit. It is a simple but efficient looking assembly and goes together very well.

Strap in for a quick trip back in history...

As usual comments are encouraged. Thanks

1 additional image. Click to enlarge.

A perfect choice, Louis @lgardner!
I kept on reading your short story and admiring the accompanying pics.
What a machine emerging out of those strange times.
With the plans lost with the sub, the story became breathtaking.
The kit looks great, surely your skills will do the excellency part.
Waitng impatiently for your progress, my friend!

Does it come in mottle @lgardner?

Now, bolted together, that must be a first in 1/48th? - I wonder a bit about the seat - would you happen to know if it is shaped like that to give room for a parachute? - surely a misunderstanding for a Kamikaze or what? I'm tuned in for the ride.

Thanks gentlemen for the comments.

Here's another installment on the Kikka.

On many late War Japanese planes, they often painted the cockpit usng the same color that the exterior was painted. This was especially true with the Ki-61 and Ki-100 planes. There were others, but these two examples come to mind first.

From what I can tell on the Kikka, this was also a possibility. So I went out on a limb here, and after some online research came up with this color combination.

I used the now deleted line of Model Master enamels. I picked RLM 70 as the color I would be painting the jet in. It is similar to what Nakajima Green looks like once it has dried. It has a slight blueish color to the shade.

As usual, comments are encouraged.

First a bolt, then a wooden wonder stick. This kite never stops amazing me 🙂

Thanks for sharing this late-war wonderplane, intents and purpose may have been shady, but that is not the planes fault. Looks great!

Thank you Colin @coling
for the kind words. This is a fantastic little model... I was curious to see how big it will be when compared against a German 262. We will see, but I can already tell you it is smaller... I am particularly impressed with the painting I did on the canvas pouch. I used some colors from several of the Tamiya weathering decks and this was the end result. It really does look like real canvas... Thank you again !

Stay tuned for another update.

Comin' together nicely. (wouldn't expect anything else)

Even though the RATO's were only used once, they are an interesting addition and after all, we are producing moments when modeling.

You've done an amazing progress, Louis @lgardner!

Loved your decision of positive wingroot/fuselage joint, rather than gluing wing halves on lower wing first.

Also, though I am not an "ordnance fitted model" guy, I love seing RATO's attached to planes, so thumbs up for your RATO's too!

May I say that I find the Kikka looks equally interesting with those of the almost identical, bit bigger (I think...), Me-262?

All the best!