Nakajima Kikka (AZ Model)

Bill Gilman
I just finished the AZ Model kit of the Nakajima Kikka. Despite the title on the box, the Kikka never received a designation such as "J9N" - only "Kikka." Japan's first jet fighter, it bore a superficial resemblance to the Me 262 but was a much smaller aircraft. The Kikka only made one test flight (the day after the Hiroshima bombing) for about 40 minutes or so. It was heavily damaged in a subsequent aborted attempt to take-off with rocket pod assist and never flew again. There is a surviving airframe at Udvar-Hazy which is being restored for display.

The model is a typical short-run kit. Luckily I was able to find a nice photoetch sheet from NH Detail in Sofia, Bulgaria so I could add some details. At the end of the day, not a great kit and not my best work (by a long shot). But if you want a 1:72 Kikka, this is probably the easiest way to do it. Cheers, Bill

Alec K
Nicely done Bill 👍

Mark K
Lovely clean build!

Robert Podkoński
Fantastic work on this demanding kit, Bill! Chapeau bas!

Neuling
Good work and interesting infos. Thanks for showing/telling!

Jan Peters
Excellent job all'round 👍🏻
I wish I had the etch set when I build mine, it takes it to another level

Daniel Klink
Very good result Bill👍👍👍

Bernd Grün
Excellent result all'round, Bill! 👌

Bill Gilman
Thanks mates!

@Jan - the etch set really improved the kit. I only wish I had a vacuform canopy that I could easily open up so you could see the cockpit. I thought about cutting open the kit's injected canopy, but it is fairly thick and I didn't want to make a mistake and ruin it as it was all I had.

I used to have the old MPM kit of the Kikka in my stash (even more basic than this one) but I sold it. I think the AZ kit is still available, so it is the simplest way to get a 1:72 Kikka. Better yet, look for the 1:48 Kikka from Fine Molds. I've heard that's the best one of all.

Cheers, Bill

Vincent
Very nice result and intersting subject!!!👍