RS Models 92297 - 1:72 Tachikawa Ki-106

Plastic Model Kit of the Japanese Experimental Fighter Tachikawa Ki-106 in 1:72 Scale

RS Models 92297 is a self-assembly model kit representing the Tachikawa Ki-106 – an experimental Japanese fighter aircraft from 1945, developed as an all-wooden version of the production Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate “Frank”. The decision to develop a wooden version was made on September 8, 1943, in response to the critical shortage of lightweight aluminum alloys in Japan during the final stage of World War II. The project was assigned to Tachikawa Hikoki, while prototype construction was contracted to Ohjo Koku. The first of the three completed prototypes flew only in July 1945, one month before Japan’s surrender. Serial production never began.

The model reproduces the characteristic silhouette of the Ki-84 with the minor modifications introduced in the Ki-106 version – including a slightly redesigned vertical stabilizer and increased weight resulting from the wooden construction. Power was provided by the same Nakajima Ha-45-21 (Homare) radial engine rated at 2,000 hp, while the first prototype carried four 20 mm cannons.

Inside the box you will find:

• Plastic sprues with fuselage, wing, and tail components
• Clear cockpit canopy
• Detailed cockpit interior and landing gear bays
• Water-slide decal sheet for Japanese service aircraft and postwar American evaluation test schemes
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model technical details:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalog number: 92297
• Manufacturer: RS Models
• Finished model length: approx. 138 mm, wingspan: approx. 156 mm
• Difficulty level: intermediate

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints, or modeling tools. The model requires assembly and painting.

Building the model:

RS Models kits are produced using short-run technology, which means the parts require slightly more modeling work than mass-produced kits from major manufacturers – careful removal of parts from the sprues, cleaning attachment points, and precise alignment of fuselage halves are recommended. The cockpit should be painted before closing the fuselage in order to maintain access to all internal details. The typical Ki-106 color scheme consisted of dark green upper surfaces (IJA Green N1) with light gray or natural wood-colored undersides; in postwar American photographs the aircraft appears in complete factory finish with Japanese hinomaru markings replaced by US Army Air Forces stars.

A gloss varnish is recommended before applying decals (to prevent decal silvering). A satin final coat reproduces the operational appearance of late-war Japanese aircraft very well. Recommended paints include Mr. Hobby Aqueous and GSI Creos IJAAF Green shades, as well as Tamiya XF-71 IJN Cockpit Green for the interior.

Essential tools:

• Modeling sprue cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Modeling knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for smoothing attachment points
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Modeling putty for finishing fuselage joints
• Precision modeling tweezers
• Paint brushes in various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Modeling wash for highlighting details

About the aircraft – Tachikawa Ki-106:

The Tachikawa Ki-106 was an experimental Japanese fighter aircraft developed in 1945 as a wooden version of the production Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate – one of the best Japanese fighters of the final stage of World War II. The decision to create a wooden variant was made on September 8, 1943, in response to the increasingly critical shortage of lightweight aluminum alloys in the Japanese aviation industry. The redesign of the airframe was assigned to Tachikawa Hikoki, while construction of the first three prototypes was contracted to the smaller company Ohjo Koku.

The aircraft retained the external geometry of the Ki-84 (apart from minor changes to the vertical tail) as well as the 2,000 hp Nakajima Ha-45-21 Homare radial engine. The wooden airframe was intended to be manufactured using skilled and semi-skilled labor in small woodworking shops scattered across Japan, increasing production dispersal in the face of American bombing raids. However, the design proved significantly heavier than the original metal aircraft, severely reducing performance. The first prototype flew in July 1945, barely one month before Japan’s surrender. At least one example was captured by American occupation forces and transported to the United States for technical evaluation. Serial production of the Ki-106 never began.

Technical data of the original aircraft (Tachikawa Ki-106):

• Length: 9.92 m (same as Ki-84)
• Wingspan: 11.23 m
• Height: 3.38 m
• Takeoff weight: approx. 3,900 kg (heavier than the Ki-84 due to wooden construction)
• Crew: 1 pilot
• Armament: 4 × 20 mm Ho-5 cannons (first prototype)
• Powerplant: Nakajima Ha-45-21 Homare 18-cylinder radial engine, 2,000 hp
• Maximum speed: lower than the Ki-84 due to increased weight
• Production: 3 prototypes (1945)

About the manufacturer – RS Models:

RS Models is a Czech manufacturer of plastic model kits operating since the early 1990s under the company founded by Robert Schneider. The company specializes in short-run aircraft kits from World War II and the early postwar era – particularly lesser-known Japanese, German, Italian, French, and American prototypes. RS Models kits are produced using short-run technology, requiring greater modeling experience than mainstream mass-produced kits, but offering access to rare and unusual subjects unavailable from major brands. Building RS Models kits is both a rewarding challenge and an excellent way to expand a collection with unique pieces of aviation history.