Riverene Recce

[NARSES2]

The Mitsubishi Ki 83 would probably have proved to be a very effective long range fighter escort for the IJ Army as the test flights proved it was both fast and maneuverable as well as well armed with its 2 37mm and 2 20mm canon. Although an army project a number of the first production batch were intended for IJN who showed considerable interest in the project. A dedicated recce variant was proposed to replace the "Diana's" currently in service and with it's mid placed second crew member one could easily see it being used in the night fighting role.

Anyway this is a IJN Ki 83 used for long range tactical reconnaissance over the skies of southern Burma in the early months of 1946. These aircraft were photographing the Anglo-French build up which would eventually lead to the invasion of Thailand and Indo China later that year, and proved exceptionally difficult to intercept, indeed it was the need to knock out these aircraft that saw the first Vampire squadron dispatched to the Far East. Because of the nature of the terrain over which they flew most of these aircraft appeared in this "Riverene" camouflage rather then the standard dark green over light grey.

Model is the MPM one, paints White Ensign and Tamiya, markings from the kit and spares box.

Chris

[NARSES2]

Just as a teaser here's a shot of the next two projects on the bench

[lancer]

Ye Gods!! That is stunning!!! Smart work Chris...

[PR19_Kit]

OK, so what can you Whiff a Coronado into? It's almost a Whiff of itself.........

As for the other project, my brain hurts. Is it the clandestine result of a Westland Whirlwind being left over-night in a hangar with a Mosquito?

[McGreig]

Nice work - the Ki-83 really suits that colour scheme

Is that your Unicraft Supermarine 327 Twin Spit on the bench? It's looking good so far, although it also looks as if you've had to do a fair bit of PSR - - -

[pyro-manic]

The Ki-83 looks lovely! I'll have to get one or two of those - I haven't heard of it before (not really up on Japanese aircraft), and it's very pretty.

The twin-Spit and Coronado are looking good as well.

[sequoiaranger]

That's a beauty!

[Eddie M.]

Very good looking work and the upcoming work looks tasty too!

[Brian da Basher]

Oustanding paintwork, Narses! That Riverne camo is very eye-catching!

Brian da Basher

[NARSES2]

Is that your Unicraft Supermarine 327 Twin Spit on the bench? It's looking good so far, although it also looks as if you've had to do a fair bit of PSR - - -

It is and yes Unicraft and PSR go together like Brown and Mild  Seriously once you clean up the resin bits (there is one part I cannot identify, it's so mishapen) then it's quite a nice fit. some of that putty work is definately down to me - I'm enjoying the build, although I have substituted some bits from the spares box.

Kit - The Coronado will simply be a piant job. In service with Coastal Command rather then being used as a Transport as the RAF ones actualy were.

Pyro - The MPM comes in 2 boxings. The early one which has the origional Japanese prototype markings and markings fro one tested by the US. The latter is a Special Hobby boxing and has Japanese WIF squadron markings and some etched plus great box art of a Ki 83 and USN Skyraider.

Special Hobby Boxing http://www.hannants.co.uk/search/?FULL=SH72157

[John Howling Mouse]

Very interesting scheme.  Must make the model shelf really come alive with the variety you produce!   

[nev]

Really nice camo job Chris - definately one of your best models.

[cthulhu77]

colourful bird !    Looking forward to the flying boat especially.

[pyro-manic]

Thanks for the info, Narses - I'll keep my eye out for one.

[Daryl J.]