1:144th KAWANISHI H6K1 “MAVIS” & H6K5-L TRANSPORT

Review by: Doug Booth

These two kits are the same sprues in different boxes with different decal sheets for the appropriate aircraft depicted. The box art is very well done and the molding of the parts is superb. The 1:144th version is a tremendous advance over the admittedly much more elderly 1:72nd offering from the 1960s by Hasegawa. The panel lines are recessed, accurately placed and subtly done. The fuselage interior halves have recessed pressings that are to be removed for the chosen subject. The clear tree carries turrets, windows and portholes for the bomber/reccon and the military transport version.

Here lies one of the few flaws in the kit. If you wish to build the civilian airline (H6K2-L)flying boats represented by the decal sheet, you must add 4 more portholes forward of those provided, on each side, the 2 below the engines slightly higher between the mainplane struts. For the military transport, the ports provided are correct (This version being designated H6K4.). The gun turrets fit well and require only armament made from hypodermic needle barrels with shaped plastic butts. Rigging was done with stretched sprue. The only parts requiring fabrication were the twin struts running between the horizontal stabilizers and the main braces (clearly shown on the box art) and the exhaust stub outlets. These latter were made from small pieces of Evergreen plastic tubing.

If I were to build more of this kit, I think that I would attempt to re-position the control surfaces. I’m hoping Trumpeter does further subjects along these lines, such as a Short “Sunderland”, Martin “Mariner” or even a Short “Singapore III”.

Pros: Molding well-engineered, smooth assembly, clean & flash-free. Interesting, slightly esoteric subject. Excellent-quality decals. Precise instructions.

Cons: Missing tail assembly bracing struts and exhaust stubs. (Relatively petty)

References: Profile # 233.
AEROPLANE, April 2004.
Koku – Fan ’75, # 10.
Air International, Vol. XXI, # 6.
Scale Modeler, Vol. V, # 8.

If any club members wish to car pool from London (or close by) to Ajax, please contact Don McCall.

October Meeting Minutes

It was a very busy meeting, opening with Adam giving a report on the 2010 show, with some difficulties obtaining the show venue for next year – much discussion, but a hopeful resolution in the works, so the report was tabled until the November Meeting.

It was felt that an Interim President was needed, so Don McCall volunteered and was voted in by the Members present as Interim President. Don suggested that elections be held in January instead of March and this was tabled until November so Members could read this post and consider this.

Don asked who was going to the Ajax Show on Oct. 24 and three Members may be car-pooling. Steve will post a notice on the web to see if anyone else wishes to share a ride. Scott T. Suggested that someone take a handful of 2010 Show Posters and distribute them to vendors at Ajax. Steve will print off some to take to Ajax.

Ideas were discussed about the 2010 group builds and this will be tabled for November for further discussion.

Harald suggested that, since the club pays for the Presidents’ IPMS Canada Membership as per their rules, that the monthly magazines be brought to the meetings for the general members to peruse. Don said that he would do so.

Doug B. moved that we sponsor a trophy for Ajax at @$25.00. Seconded and passed. Steve will send a cheque.

Stuart reported that the new website is operational and he would like some new articles by Members.
Scott T. ended the meeting with a typically professional and informative presentation on Canadian Tanks and kit available to be converted into same. All present appreciated the talk. Thanks again, Scott!!!

The next IPMS London meeting is on Wednesday Oct. 13th From 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM at the Kinsmen Arena Room #2 located at 20 Granville Ave.

Feature topic is Canadian AFVs with Scott Taylor.