Kawasaki Ki-162 スズメ Suzume (He.162 Salamander)

[RAFF-35]

My first build of this GB is a very basic one as I haven't made a single model this year (very unlike me). So to get the mojo flowing, this is essentially what happened if an extra German U-boat made it to Japan (this one might have been carrying plans for other member's entries into this group build too!) And on board were plans for the Heinkel He.162. The Japanese liked this design as it was basic, using simple materials and construction methods.... and most importantly it used half the amount of costly and complex jet engines as the Me.262! The Ki-162 Suzume (sparrow) was a fantastic interceptor that was capable of reaching the troublesome B-29 bombers and Tiger Force bombers that were threatening the home islands.

Here's the obligatory starting picture, I hope to make some progress this evening after dinner.

[buzzbomb]

Good choice, looking to see where this ends up

[RAFF-35]

Thanks!

After two hours work this evening, the build phase is complete! I've had submarine kits that have taken longer 

[DeeBob]

Looks good! I've always thought they were brilliant looking things.

[NARSES2]

Looks good! I've always thought they were brilliant looking things.

Always had a liking for them myself. The Special Hobby kit is superb and the AZ/KP ones are quite nice as well.

[jcf]

One little note, IJA Ki designations are "Ki-___".
😉

[RAFF-35]

A brief update: I managed to splash some paint on plastic yesterday and this evening. It still needs refining and for details to be added. I love the "slapped together urgently" aesthetic which is what I'm trying to achieve here.

[Old Wombat]

 

[su27rules]

      

[RAFF-35]

To make its appearance a bit less dull and tie in more with the late war Japanese camouflage aesthetic, I squiggled all over the fuselage.

[NARSES2]

  

[sandiego89]

neat jet, good idea

[RAFF-35]

Here is the finished Kawasaki Ki-162 スズメ Suzume, ready to desperately defend the home islands against the Superfortress scourge!

[Old Wombat]

Very nice imdeed!   

My aesthetic would have had me mask over the "wooden" bits when painting the squiggles, though ... It's a "me" thing. 

[RAFF-35]

Very nice imdeed!   

My aesthetic would have had me mask over the "wooden" bits when painting the squiggles, though ... It's a "me" thing. 

I had thought of doing that, but then I thought they would apply the additional camouflage either at the end of the production line or at the airfield