1/72 AV99 AV Models Mitsubishi Ki-57 -I Topsy - (Ki-57 I / Ki-21 Sally Transport Variant)
Resin Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Exc+
Very, very rare kit of the modified Sally that was allied code-named Topsy. Beautifully molded in high definition resin. The Ki-57 was the standard Japanese army transport plane, and saw extensive duty during the war. A great many were also used by the Japanese civil airlines, under the designation MC-20. The navy also employed a limited number of these aircraft, known as the L4M1. The design came about when Mitsubishi was asked to build a commercial aircraft along the lines of the Ki-21 bomber. The aim was to have this civil aircraft have performance similar to the Ki-21, providing service on the airline's major routes. When the design attracted the interest of army authorities they took over the project, drawing up specifications that could satisfy both civil and military requirements. The end product had the wings, tail, cockpit, engines, and other features of the bomber, but with a different fuselage that could accommodate 11 passengers. Between July, 1940 and January 1945, a total of 507 aircraft of this type were built. They saw service on all fronts as paratroop and personnel carriers and as liaison and logistical support aircraft.
This item has been sold.
Click here to return to the main page.