Ki-86a/K9W1 'Cypress'
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Kit Review
Having already released the Bücker Bü 131A, B and D versions in 2018, ICM have now released this Japanese licence-built version. The double designation is because Kyushu Hikoki Seizo K.K. (some sources state Watanbe) made the type for the Imperial Japanese Navy as the K7W, while Kokusai built it as the Ki-86 for the Imperial Japanese Army and both types were powered the licence-build versions of the original Hirth inline engine, made by Hitachi.
Inside the box you get all the base sprues from the original Bü 131 series, one clear and two grey-coloured, plus a new sprue to deal with the differences in this version. These new parts centre mainly around the engine cowls and the forward fuselage sides and upper decking to go along with the revised cowls. Surface detail is via engraved lines combined with raised areas for those details best depicted in this manner; the fabric-covered control surfaces use raised ribs that are softly defined. All colour call-outs are via Revell and Tamiya paint ranges, so you will be able to substitute your preferred range if you so choose. Construction remains unchanged from the Bücker versions, you just have to substitute the new parts around the front end and you still get a complete engine (still the Hirth parts of the original) that will just require a bit of extra pipework adding plus you also have a nice multi-part cockpit interior with the internal structure as separate 'tubes' and the floor built into the inside of the lower wing. You get a decal for each instrument panel and the access doors for both cockpit are also separate, there are no seat belts as decals, etched or moulded detail, which in this big scale is kind of obvious. All the other details are well done, just remember to fit the undercarriage legs (stage 47), then skip forward to Stage 50 and fix part #B48 to ensure everything is aligned properly. The last diagram in the instructions shows where all the rigging goes and this is always welcome with any biplane model.
Markings
The kit offers four decal options:
• K7W1, B2-20, 381st Kokutai, Malaya, 1945
• Unmarked Ki-86a of the Koku Shikan Gakko in Manchukuo in 1945
• A Ki-86a operated by the Tacjiarai Rikugun Hiko Gakko in 1945
• Ki-86a 'Black 4' of the Koku Shikan Gakko in Manchukuo in June 1945
Each option is in a different overall scheme, the first is green over orange, the second is overall green, the third overall orange and the last is the multi-colour camouflaged version depicted on the box art. The decals are beautifully printed, with perfect register and colour and they are very glossy. The sheet includes all national and unique markings, plus a few airframe stencils and the decal for the instrument panel dials.
Conclusion
This is an excellent looking kit of a subject that lends itself well to this big scale. I fully appreciate that its potential is limited, as is often the case with Japanese WWII subjects, but the UK price rise from £29.99 for the Bü 131D initially to £31.99 currently for the Bü 131A, B & D to £37.99 for this version results in a sharp intake of breath and will likely stop some from buying this kit, which is a shame. If you can live with the price though, this will make an impressive looking model when built and something quite different from its German cousin.
Our thanks to ICM for the review sample (www.icm.com.ua), UK modellers can obtain this kit from Hannants, visit here for more details.
Having already released the Bücker Bü 131A, B and D versions in 2018, ICM have now released this Japanese licence-built version. The double designation is because Kyushu Hikoki Seizo K.K. (some sources state Watanbe) made the type for the Imperial Japanese Navy as the K7W, while Kokusai built it as the Ki-86 for the Imperial Japanese Army and both types were powered the licence-build versions of the original Hirth inline engine, made by Hitachi.
Inside the box you get all the base sprues from the original Bü 131 series, one clear and two grey-coloured, plus a new sprue to deal with the differences in this version. These new parts centre mainly around the engine cowls and the forward fuselage sides and upper decking to go along with the revised cowls. Surface detail is via engraved lines combined with raised areas for those details best depicted in this manner; the fabric-covered control surfaces use raised ribs that are softly defined. All colour call-outs are via Revell and Tamiya paint ranges, so you will be able to substitute your preferred range if you so choose. Construction remains unchanged from the Bücker versions, you just have to substitute the new parts around the front end and you still get a complete engine (still the Hirth parts of the original) that will just require a bit of extra pipework adding plus you also have a nice multi-part cockpit interior with the internal structure as separate 'tubes' and the floor built into the inside of the lower wing. You get a decal for each instrument panel and the access doors for both cockpit are also separate, there are no seat belts as decals, etched or moulded detail, which in this big scale is kind of obvious. All the other details are well done, just remember to fit the undercarriage legs (stage 47), then skip forward to Stage 50 and fix part #B48 to ensure everything is aligned properly. The last diagram in the instructions shows where all the rigging goes and this is always welcome with any biplane model.
Markings
The kit offers four decal options:
• K7W1, B2-20, 381st Kokutai, Malaya, 1945
• Unmarked Ki-86a of the Koku Shikan Gakko in Manchukuo in 1945
• A Ki-86a operated by the Tacjiarai Rikugun Hiko Gakko in 1945
• Ki-86a 'Black 4' of the Koku Shikan Gakko in Manchukuo in June 1945
Each option is in a different overall scheme, the first is green over orange, the second is overall green, the third overall orange and the last is the multi-colour camouflaged version depicted on the box art. The decals are beautifully printed, with perfect register and colour and they are very glossy. The sheet includes all national and unique markings, plus a few airframe stencils and the decal for the instrument panel dials.
Conclusion
This is an excellent looking kit of a subject that lends itself well to this big scale. I fully appreciate that its potential is limited, as is often the case with Japanese WWII subjects, but the UK price rise from £29.99 for the Bü 131D initially to £31.99 currently for the Bü 131A, B & D to £37.99 for this version results in a sharp intake of breath and will likely stop some from buying this kit, which is a shame. If you can live with the price though, this will make an impressive looking model when built and something quite different from its German cousin.
Our thanks to ICM for the review sample (www.icm.com.ua), UK modellers can obtain this kit from Hannants, visit here for more details.
