50″ J1N1-S Nakajima “Gekko” Profile Model Kit

Description

The Japanese Imperial Navy’s “Gekko” (Moonlight) was a twin-engined fighter that mainly fought against the American B-29 Superfortress. It was armed with two upward-firing 20mm cannon. It had a crude radar which reportedly didn’t work well, but the plane performed its task reasonably well.  The Rabid Models version is the J1N1-S, the night fighter.  (the radar antenna decoration isn’t included with the kit, but we make the 3D-printed parts).

The Allied code name for this plane was the “Irvine”.   Almost 500 were built, not enough to make a real difference in battle. In the end some were utilized as Kamikazi aircraft. There is only one example left in existence, CLICK HERE to see it on display at the Udvar-Hazy museum in Washington, D.C.  Its parked next to the B-29 “Enola Gay”.

This is a relatively large model with a 50″ wingspan, It flies a little slower (which is appropriate for this type) but very realistically. As a result, its easy and relaxing to fly!    Note, this is a hand-cut kit and is made to order. The kit includes the foam parts needed to build this model, along with a fully detailed construction manual and some accessories such as carbon fiber and the pull-pull control system.  Of special note, we include some additional files for making home-made paper decals for the Japanese markings, and a detailed canopy/cockpit decal in several versions!

The model is not assembled or painted, so the customer needs to supply glue, paint, and other hobby tools, servos, motors, and electronics in order to put it together. This model is designed for two 1300kv/1oz size brushless motors and 3-bladed 9×7 propellers (not included but the motor package is available separately, CLICK HERE).

The prototype model is shown with experimental cowls – but we now have custom-made PVC cowls that are formed from 2-liter soda-pop bottles which are available from Rabid Models for $5 (the cowls are not included with the kit).  The prototype is pictured with a home-made antenna array and wire landing gear, which are not included with the kit – however details like this are not difficult to add.  We DO offer the 3D-printed parts to make the antenna array.  Adding wire landing gear and wheels will add some weight but this model has a large wing and can handle it well.

We have two videos to demonstrate this model:

This video is of the very first flight, before I installed the landing gear on the prototype, and features a midair collision!  This is a fairly large model and it didn’t suffer any damage (the prototype had optional 1mm carbon-fiber rods installed on the leading edge of the wing).   This NEW video features the plane flying outside. 

Spinners are not included with this kit but Rabid Models offers custom 3-D printed spinners which are available separately!  CLICK HERE to see this item.