1/72 72760 AV Models Kokusai Ki-59 - Theresa
Resin Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
Rare and the only kit of this subject. Beautifully molded in high-definition resin, many fine cast metal details, film instrument panels, clear canopy, cockpit detail and more. Includes two sheets of decals and painting guide. Never started. Most parts are still factory sealed. The few that are not have been inventoried complete with decals and instructions included. The Kokusai Ki-59 (Isshiki-yusoki) was an early 1940s light transport monoplane built by Nippon Kokusai Koku Kogyo K.K for the Imperial Japanese Army as a development of the Teradako-ken TK-3 which had first flown in 1938. In 1939, the Imperial Japanese Army called for the design of a prototype eight-to-ten passenger light transport monoplane to meet its urgent requirement for a light transport and liaison aircraft, and instructed Nippon Koku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha to develop the design as the Ki-59. The Ki-59 was a high-wing cantilever monoplane with a fixed tail wheel landing gear and conventional single vertical tail surfaces. It was ordered into production in 1941 with the designation "Army Type 1 Transport", and a total of 59 units were produced. After the start of World War II, the aircraft was given the Allied code name "Theresa". Despite the more powerful engines and modifications sponsored by the Japanese Army, the Ki-59 remained a poor performer and saw little service before being replaced by the more capable Tachikawa Ki-54. Near the end of 1941 one Ki-59 was modified into a glider with the removal of the engines and the landing gear replaced by under-fuselage skids. It was designated the Ku-8-I or "Army Experimental Glider". This was further developed as the Ku-8-II or "Army Type 4 Large Transport Glider" which became the only operationally-used Japanese assault glider. The Ku-8 was code named 'Gander' by the Allies.
This item has been sold.
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