TAMIYA 1/48 NAKAJIMA J1N1-SA NIGHT FIGHTER GEKKO TYPE 11 KOU (IRVING)

Tamiya 1/48 Nakajima J1N1-Sa Night Fighter Gekko Type 11 Kou (Irving) WWII Japanese Night Fighter Plastic Model Kit

The Tamiya 1/48 Nakajima J1N1-Sa Night Fighter Gekko Type 11 Kou (Irving) recreates the definitive night fighter variant of the twin-engine Gekko ("Moonlight"), capturing the type's distinctive upward and forward-firing cannon armament in accurate, research-based detail.

Please note this is an unassembled plastic model kit requiring assembly; paints, cement and hobby tools are not included and are required to complete the model.

Originally designed as a long-range escort fighter, the three-seat, twin-engine Nakajima J1N1 was reclassified as a reconnaissance aircraft after failing its original testing. Following successful improvised use as a night fighter against U.S. bombers, official production began in 1943 on a dedicated night fighter version, the J1N1-S Gekko. The redesign removed the third crew seat and added twin 20mm cannon mounted behind the cockpit canopy angled upward, along with a further pair angled downward beneath the fuselage — a configuration that proved highly effective against B-17 and B-24 bombers through to the end of the war. The later J1N1-Sa variant featured single exhaust stacks and consolidated its armament into three 20mm cannon mounted in the upper fuselage, with the lower guns removed.

Special Features

• 1/48 scale plastic model assembly kit
• Rear fuselage accurately reproduced to house the type's triple 20mm cannon armament
• Gun hatch can be assembled open or closed to display the cannon detail
• Parts included to build the aircraft with or without nose antenna equipment
• Singular exhaust stacks faithfully reproduced
• Canopy can be assembled open or closed to showcase the detailed cockpit interior
• Two pilot figures included
• Decals for three marking options included

What's in the Box

• Plastic model kit components
• Two pilot figures
• Decals for three marking options

What You'll Need

• Plastic cement
• Paints
• Finishing supplies

Why You'll Love It

For Pacific theatre and Japanese night fighter enthusiasts, this kit offers a detailed rendition of the Gekko's distinctive twin-engine layout and upward-firing cannon setup, with open or closed build options for both the gun hatch and canopy to show off the aircraft's unusual armament and cockpit detail.

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