Tachikawa Ki-54c Hei/Hickory - Special Hobby 1:72

[Rod The Fixer]

Hi everyone,
I have started to assemble this Super Hobby kit


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr

to make the transport versione Ki-54 Hei / Hickory no.5541 which had to make an emergency landing on the Towada lake on 27 September 1943. The plane was found and fished out of the lake on 5 September 2012 and was put on display at the Misawa museum.


Source:https://commons.wikimedia.org


Source:https://www.avionslegendaires.net/avion-militaire/tachikawa-ki-54-hickory/

A quick look inside the box:


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr

As usual, I start building the interior...
I encountered a small problem with the seat backs, which are not clearly defined by their attachment to the sprue ...
This could result in the seats being at different heights....


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr

[Joe Rix]

that is one cool subject. I'm certainly not all that familiar with it. You've got an excellent start to the interior. That PE set seems to be a good enhancement for this kit. Nice work so far.

[adt70hk]

Not heard of this plane.

That's very good indeed indeed. Nice progress....me thinks you've been doing this hobby for a while!

Keep up the good work.

ATB

Andrew

[stikpusher]

Oh that’s a nice nifty subject! I imagine that it filled a similar nice as the C-45 in US service. Those seats in the passenger compartment remind me of school desk chairs… 🤔

[Tobi]

That is a neat looking project and I didn't know this type before.

[406 Silverado]

What a find THAT was!! That's crazy after all these years that it still is as intact as it is. Incredible! What a great unknown to me subject and I'm liking all the attention that you're giving this one in the way of PE detail Rod. Looking forward to more bud!

[deafpanzer]

That's a cool subject for me to follow and learn. Great start!

[Medicman71]

Very cool! I haven't seen this one before either.

[Rod The Fixer]

Interior almost completed ...


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr

[stikpusher]

Looking good Rod! You've even got the seatbelts in there! What green are you using for the interior?

[Rod The Fixer]

Jun 20, 2023 16:00:00 GMT -5 stikpusher said:

Looking good Rod! You've even got the seatbelts in there! What green are you using for the interior?

I used the Gunze Green H340

[Rod The Fixer]

So ... some problems with the assembly, the fitting of some parts leaves a lot to be desired ...
I am expecting to do a lot of putty work ...


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr

[jeaton01]

Aves Epoxysculpt to the rescue!

[406 Silverado]

Such a detailed interior for a 1/72nd scale build. Sorry you’re having assembly gap blues. Looking forward to the recovery efforts.

[stikpusher]

34097 for a Japanese interior green. I like it!

[Rod The Fixer]

... after putting, sanding and a coat of primer ...


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr

[406 Silverado]

Man.....I don't think it could get any more perfect than that Rod. Super smooth base for the color coats ahead. Masterful work bruhta.

[Rod The Fixer]

by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr

[keavdog]

Really interesting subject. Coming along nicely. Ya, I've found special hobby to not be the greatest fitting kits, but they do really great subjects. Looks like you're winning the battle.

[deafpanzer]

Glad to see that it had a great paint job!

[jeaton01]

Looks great!

[406 Silverado]

Oh BOY!! We're getting to the point to where paint should start flyin' on this one. Looks great so far in primer Rod and I'm looking forward to seeing color going on this beauty.

[brandonk]

Wow, that is some talented work. I always amazes me how some builders, like you, can make these smaller kits looks so good.

[Rod The Fixer]

I have encountered some fitting issues with the leading edge lights ... here's how I tried to solve the problem ....


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr

Landing gears improved with the PE...


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr

[stikpusher]

Nice fix on the landing light fit problem Mr. Fixer

[TJ]

This is coming along great. Lets me know what I'm in for with my Special Hobby kits in the stash

[406 Silverado]

You didn’t just TRY to fix the landing light Rod. You DID fix it!! Great job on the light and you’re right, the PE on the landing gear looks fantastic. Some very good efforts going into this build.

[Joe Rix]

Really stellar effort so far Rod. Solid putty work to clean up the joints. Excellent save on the landing light. Sees to have worked splendidly.

[buddho]

Very cool build amd progress!

[Rod The Fixer]

After a few hours of "filling and sanding" ... the plane is almost ready for the decals ...


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr


by Rodolfo Masti, on Flickr

As always, any suggestions for improving the outcome are welcome...