AHM Kawasaki Ki - 61 - Ib/c Hien (Tony) Showcase Miniature
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:9408933 | UPC: Does not apply |
This auction is for the AHM Kawasaki Ki-61-Ib/c Hien (Tony) Showcase Miniature, # SM-8, in 1/100 scale.
This auction is for the AHM Kawasaki Ki-61-Ib/c Hien (Tony) Showcase Miniature, # SM-8, in 1/100 scale. The pre-assembled kit is complete, painted, and decaled.
The Showcase Miniatures series was developed by Cox Manufacturing, more famous as the producers of flying aircraft model engines. In an attempt to build their product line, they developed a number of small sca...le plastic models. The models were originally sold as built-up models and marketed as "Showcase Miniatures." They were manufactured, assembled, painted and decaled in Hong Kong and packaged in a plastic display case with a base featuring a themed background. The models were secured to a clear plastic insert with thin wire to keep it from bouncing off the display case. There were cutouts in the insert for the landing gear, props, and wire. Typical of the period, the models were made to fit the packaging, not the other way round. This resulted in the models being made in a variety of non-standard scales. Perhaps in recognition of the marketing advantage presented by a standardized scale, the kits were all advertised as being in 1/100 scale. In reality, the actual scale for each kit varied widely. Truth in advertising laws and regulations were much more lax in those days. Oddly enough, this model of the Ki-61 is actually in 1/100 scale.
AHM acquired the Cox molds in the 70s. AHM elected to continue the same marketing strategy and sold them as built-up models similar to the Cox versions. The plastic display cases and themed artwork were retained, but the packaging was redesigned to feature a header card for store display on merchandising wire pegs/hooks. These little beauties are surprisingly accurate for their small scale and even feature movable control surfaces.
The Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien (flying swallow) is a Japanese World War II fighter aircraft used by the Imperial Japanese Army Air Service. The Japanese Army designation was "Army Type 3 Fighter" Allied pilots initially believed Ki-61s were Messerschmitt Bf 109s and later an Italian aircraft, which led to the Allied reporting name of "Tony", assigned by the United States War Department. It was the only mass-produced Japanese fighter of the war to use a liquid-cooled inline V engine. Over 3, 000 Ki-61s were produced. Initial prototypes saw action over Yokohama during the Doolittle Raid on 18 April 1942, and continued to fly combat missions throughout the war. Powered by a German license-built DB-601 engine, the Ki-61 suffered from engine unreliability throughout its service life. It required precise and sophisticated manufacturing; the Japanese version was lighter by roughly 70 lb and required even higher manufacturing standards. Reaching these standards proved difficult for Japanese manufacturers, an issue further complicated by the variable quality of materials, fuel, and the lubricants needed to run a sensitive, high-performance engine.
During testing, the Hien proved capable, but several shortcomings were subsequently revealed in operational service, namely the armor protection that was insufficient against larger guns and a sub-standard engine that eventually led to a new engine being considered. Even with these problems, there was some concern in Allied aviation circles regarding the Hien. The new Japanese fighter caused some consternation among Allied pilots, particularly when they found out the hard way that they could no longer go into a dive and escape as they had from lighter Japanese fighters. The Ki-61 was also utilized as an interceptor during US bombing raids over Japanese home islands, including against Boeing B-29 Superfortresses. The armament of the early Hien was light, but still sufficient for most purposes. The Ki-61 carried a great deal of fuel but, due to having self-sealing fuel tanks, it was not considered readily flammable, as many other Japanese aircraft were.
Considering its age, this model and display case is in good shape. The model itself is complete and the paint and decals are in great shape. The display case is remarkably clear with some rubbing and scratching around the edges. A rare find.
USA bidders only. Buyer pays shipping and handling of $7.95 for priority mail shipping and delivery confirmation. All sales are final - if your have an issue you wish to discuss, please contact me.
Payment due within 3 days.
This auction is for the AHM Kawasaki Ki-61-Ib/c Hien (Tony) Showcase Miniature, # SM-8, in 1/100 scale. The pre-assembled kit is complete, painted, and decaled.
The Showcase Miniatures series was developed by Cox Manufacturing, more famous as the producers of flying aircraft model engines. In an attempt to build their product line, they developed a number of small sca...le plastic models. The models were originally sold as built-up models and marketed as "Showcase Miniatures." They were manufactured, assembled, painted and decaled in Hong Kong and packaged in a plastic display case with a base featuring a themed background. The models were secured to a clear plastic insert with thin wire to keep it from bouncing off the display case. There were cutouts in the insert for the landing gear, props, and wire. Typical of the period, the models were made to fit the packaging, not the other way round. This resulted in the models being made in a variety of non-standard scales. Perhaps in recognition of the marketing advantage presented by a standardized scale, the kits were all advertised as being in 1/100 scale. In reality, the actual scale for each kit varied widely. Truth in advertising laws and regulations were much more lax in those days. Oddly enough, this model of the Ki-61 is actually in 1/100 scale.
AHM acquired the Cox molds in the 70s. AHM elected to continue the same marketing strategy and sold them as built-up models similar to the Cox versions. The plastic display cases and themed artwork were retained, but the packaging was redesigned to feature a header card for store display on merchandising wire pegs/hooks. These little beauties are surprisingly accurate for their small scale and even feature movable control surfaces.
The Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien (flying swallow) is a Japanese World War II fighter aircraft used by the Imperial Japanese Army Air Service. The Japanese Army designation was "Army Type 3 Fighter" Allied pilots initially believed Ki-61s were Messerschmitt Bf 109s and later an Italian aircraft, which led to the Allied reporting name of "Tony", assigned by the United States War Department. It was the only mass-produced Japanese fighter of the war to use a liquid-cooled inline V engine. Over 3, 000 Ki-61s were produced. Initial prototypes saw action over Yokohama during the Doolittle Raid on 18 April 1942, and continued to fly combat missions throughout the war. Powered by a German license-built DB-601 engine, the Ki-61 suffered from engine unreliability throughout its service life. It required precise and sophisticated manufacturing; the Japanese version was lighter by roughly 70 lb and required even higher manufacturing standards. Reaching these standards proved difficult for Japanese manufacturers, an issue further complicated by the variable quality of materials, fuel, and the lubricants needed to run a sensitive, high-performance engine.
During testing, the Hien proved capable, but several shortcomings were subsequently revealed in operational service, namely the armor protection that was insufficient against larger guns and a sub-standard engine that eventually led to a new engine being considered. Even with these problems, there was some concern in Allied aviation circles regarding the Hien. The new Japanese fighter caused some consternation among Allied pilots, particularly when they found out the hard way that they could no longer go into a dive and escape as they had from lighter Japanese fighters. The Ki-61 was also utilized as an interceptor during US bombing raids over Japanese home islands, including against Boeing B-29 Superfortresses. The armament of the early Hien was light, but still sufficient for most purposes. The Ki-61 carried a great deal of fuel but, due to having self-sealing fuel tanks, it was not considered readily flammable, as many other Japanese aircraft were.
Considering its age, this model and display case is in good shape. The model itself is complete and the paint and decals are in great shape. The display case is remarkably clear with some rubbing and scratching around the edges. A rare find.
USA bidders only. Buyer pays shipping and handling of $7.95 for priority mail shipping and delivery confirmation. All sales are final - if your have an issue you wish to discuss, please contact me.
Payment due within 3 days.
