1/48 Nishikisuisen Rufe

In 1939, the Naval Aviation Headquarters conceived a plan of trial manufacturing a floatplane fighter, a new type beyond all precedents in the world. On the assumption of landing and invading the Southern regions, the Japanese Navy intended in those days to station float planes in waterways and bays near the landing places until the completion of land air bases for the purpose of defending those under construction and occupied territories. Since the floatplanes might have to fight with enemy fighters in the air, they were required to be pure fighters comparing favourably with enemy fighters in performance. The Navy firmly believed that sufficiently armed floatplanes would be able to fight on equal terms with fighters considering that Type 95 Scout Seaplanes shot down Chinese fighters as successfully as did land based fighters at the early stage of the sino-Japanese incident. In 1940, the Naval Aviation Headquarters decided to trial manufacture floatplane fighters and ordered Kawanishi Aircraft, which was well experienced in manufacturing floatplanes, to trial manufacture them under the name of 15- Shi Floatplane fighter (later called Floatplane Fighter "Kyofu").

Single engine, single seat, Japanese Navy seaplane fighter.
Markings included for 5 different aircraft.
Appx. 60 parts in light grey and clear with recessed panel lines.
Detailed Sakae engine and cowling, main float and outriggers.
Standing and seated pilot figures.
Beaching dolly for moving aircraft on land included.

Manufacturer:	Tamiya
Product #:	tam61017
Your Price:	$10.89
List Price:	$15.00
Availability:	In Stock

Scale: 1/48
Wingspan: 9-3/4" (25cm)
Length (nose of float to tip of tail): 8-1/4" (21cm)

Single sheet of decals contains aircraft code letters, serial numbers
national insignia, stencils, and cockpit instruments for five
aircraft

Assembly
Hobby Knife
Paint
Brushes
Sandpaper
Liquid Plastic Cement
White Glue
CA or Tube Type (thick) Plastic Cement