Sotiris Konstantinidis

Nakajima J1N1 Gekko Type 11 Night Fighter (Irwing)

Nakajima J1N1 Gekko Type 11 Night Fighter (Irwing)

Designed in 1938 the first J1N1 Gekko - Moonlight (Irwing was the name given to him by the Allies) first flew in May 1941. Twin-engine fighter like his original role was to accompany large bombers, and a range of Zero (which grew in parallel) No major. On the way he acquired heavier weapons and radar to be used successfully as nocturnal fighter from 1943 until the end of the War. A total of about 479 units and apart from some prosecution used as identifiers but more in the role of night persecution. The Gekko was quite fast (510 mph, slightly slower than the Zero) and very flexible.

Hasegawa 1/24 Kubelwagen Type 82 (DAK – Afrika Korps)

The Hasegawa kit in scale 1/24 in addition to the fine detail available is ideal for the coexistence in a diorama with a German fighter.

The kit is available in two types (DAK Afrika Korps and Western Europe) with main difference inflatable tires for a North African (however there were Kubelwagen in the desert with conventional, narrow tires as vehicles maintained inflatable tires in Italy after the defeat in North Africa).

Hasegawa 1/24 Kubelwagen Type 82 (DAK – Afrika Korps)

Collect-Aire North American T-2 Buckeye

In 2006 the only company that had been circulating T-2 in 1/48 was the American Collect-Aire. The company was making very good, detailed and rare issues American interest in resin. The company closed in 2010 and these issues can now only be found on ebay at prices astronomical. Back in 2006 the opportunity to make a T-2 was very tempting, since it was our first kit 100% resin (and minimum metal, one that gave the kit cockpit, seats and landing gear metal).

Collect-Aire  North American T-2 Buckeye