NEW! 1/700 Kawasaki Ki-48 'Lily' Light Bomber - (x3) 3D Printed - China, Burma!

Description

NO RESERVE. We're offering here for the first time a beautifully detailed set of three 1/700 scale Kawasaki Ki-48 'Lily' light bomber models that have just come out of the 3D printer!
It is a remarkable fact that the Japanese Army Air Force's first modern light twin-engined bomber, a machine produced in greater numbers monthly than any other twin-engined type by Japan's wartime aircraft industry, and one which was active throughout the Pacific War and in every area in which the JAAF was engaged, should today be one of the least-known of Japanese operational aircraft.
Yet the Ki.48, or Type 99 Light Bomber, produced by the Kawasaki Kokuki Kogyo K.K., and known to the Allies by the singularly inappropriate code name of 'Lily', enjoyed such an in-auspicious career and was so completely devoid of outstanding characteristics, that it achieved neither prominence nor notoriety. Yet nearly two thousand aircraft of this type rolled off the assembly lines between mid 1939 and October, 1944. The type was inspired by the Russian Tupolev SB-2 bombers that were encountered in China in 1937
, sometimes crewed by Soviets, which employed hit-and-run attacks against the Japanese invaders. The Japanese were surprised by this aircraft's speed; it was faster than the Ki-10 biplane fighter, and was nearly as fast as the Ki-27 monoplane fighter which was just entering service with the Japanese Army Air Force.
The first production Ki-48-Ia was completed in July 1940, and by that autumn, the 45th
Sentai
(Group) was re-equipped with the new aircraft and deployed to the North China battlefront, where the Ki-48 swiftly won a high reputation with its crews. Facing largely token Chinese opposition, the Ki-48 performed satisfactorily, winning much praise for its high speed. In addition to daylight tactical sorties, night strategic attacks were pioneered by the 45th
Sentai,
in preparation for similar attacks on the forces of the Western Allies in the upcoming Pacific War.
When the Pacific War began, the Ki-48 was the most important JAAF light bomber outside the Chinese front; the older single-engined Ki-30 and Ki-32 were retained for service in China. Aircraft of the 8th, 27th, 75th, and 90th
Sentais
were deployed against Commonwealth forces in Malaya and Burma, and against the Americans in the Philippines, before being transferred to the Dutch East Indies, and later to New Guinea. But against Allied fighters of more modern vintage, the Ki-48 fared badly; the high turn of speed it was so praised for over China was too low to allow the Lily, as the Allies code-named it, to avoid interceptors.
This is the first model of the Ki-48 ever offered in 1/700 scale. It is also the first set we've offered of one of our models in an all new grey resin material that we're experimenting with. We think that these 3D printed models exceed the detail of comparable 1/700 Pit-Road white metal or WEM resin models but we've posted some high resolution photos so you can judge for yourself. While photography of these little gems is a challenge for our equipment and limited skills, check out the well proportioned model including the delicate fuselage with the glazed nose, cockpit canopy, tail assembly and the wings with detailed engine cowlings.
The surfaces are not perfectly smooth (3D printing is done in layers) but the plastic used can be sanded and painted much the same way you would handle resin or styrene. The models may still have some powder and oil-like agent on them that needs to be removed by washing in warm water with a drop of detergent added to it.
While the landing gear is represented in the retracted in-flight position, it should be fairly straight forward to add photo etch parts for a "gear down" rendition, perfect for an air base diorama.
These Ki-48 models should be a welcome addition to any WW2 wargamer's or 1/700 modeler's collection, particularly those interested in the lessor well known early IJA bombing and ground attack operations in China, Burma, Malaya and the Philippines. Please take a look at the other 1/700 scale aircraft models that we have on auction as well. We're always happy to combine shipping for multiple purchases to save whenever possible. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions whatsoever.