The Ki-46 III (Allied nickname "Dinah") went into production by Mitsubishi in 1942 after testing and combat conditions revealed that a high-performance reconnaissance aircraft was needed. To counter the impending threat of the U.S. P-38F "Lightning" and F4U-1 "Corsair", two 1.500 hp Ha-112-II engines were utilized, with a top speed of 630 km/h at 6.000 meters and a ceiling of 10,000 meters. For the next three years, the "Dinah" was virtually untouchable over the Pacific, until Allied technology was finally able to intercept this incredibly swift airplane. In the scene depicted here, two Japanese ground crewmen pause for a snack of coconuts in the Pacific heat. The central element is Tamiya's latest offering, a beautiful rendition of the 1/48 scale "Dinah." The base was cut from marine styro-foam with a thin layer of spackle covered with sand. Testor Modern Desert Sand (#1963) was used as the base color, drybrushed with Humbrol 33 Matte White. VP's Barrels & Crates (0085). Palm Trees (0078). and Static Grass finished off the base. The model was built completely straight from the box. It is very well engineered and fits perfectly, requiring no putty.
