Kawasaki KV-107-II-5 JASDF 50th Anniversary

Academy produced 4 versions of the CH-46 in 1/48. - Academy 12205 KV-107 (Mitsubishi-built machines for the JSDF) - Academy 12207 CH/HH-46 D (US Nave and US Marines helicopter) - Academy 12210 CH-46 A/D (Vietnam era) - Academy 12226 CH-46E (modern US Marines helicopter) The KV-107 kit includes the large sponsons used by the Japanese-built helicopters. These large sponsons were also used by the Swedish army and for some of the Canadian Labradors. This kit provides for 2 main painting schemes. One hard-to paint commemorative scheme. One yellow-white normal scheme. The decal sheet includes additional digits so you can build a number of different machines under the normal scheme. The kit doesn't provide the sponsons used by US machines, so you cannot build a US Marines or Navy version of the helicopter using this kit. The kit doesn't provide the long tail for the Canadian Labrador (large APU in the rear of the aircraft), but it includes the parts for the search light, the towel rack, etc. You will need to get the decals from Belcher Bits (and optionally the long tail) and do some scratchbuiding to depict a Canadian Labrador. When assembled with care, this kit is a beauty. The most frustrating aspect of this kit are the ejection marks located on the inside of the rear compartment, but you will not see these when the kit has been assembled. The commemorative paint scheme for the Shiragasi (two tones of blue, white, and yellow) can be challenging, but with careful masking, it can be done. A kit definitely recommended for people who like to paint colorful helicopters!!!