The world of modelling seems to have been treated to a mini-age of spats with a plethora of recent kits of spatted Japanese aircraft such as Claude, Babs and now Sonia. Correspondent Dan Salamone has very kindly provided this write-up and in-box images of the recently released and impressive looking Wingsy Kits 1/48 Ki-51 kit:-
'I received my copy of the new Wingsy 1/48 Ki-51 this week, bought directly from the Ukraine. This is the second release of their Sonia, main difference being that you can model the landing gear with either the full spats, or with the spats removed. There are also more weapons options included with this version of the type.
This kit is world class, there isn't an ejector pin mark to be found. I am assuming this means that Wingsy used slide mold technology. Fine riveting is found on the airframe parts, and in my opinion this will look very realistic once the model is painted.
The box contains the sprues shown here with the clear parts including options for an open or closed canopy. There are also three different prop spinners and markings options for four different aircraft (Ed: 44th Hiko Sentai, China 1942 per box art; 83rd Dokuritsu Hiko Chutai, Borneo 1945; 74th Shimbu-tai, Japan 1945 and 6th Sekicho-tai, Philippines 1945). There is a small yet comprehensive photo etched fret, vinyl canopy masks, full color paint and markings sheet (double sided) providing Gunze color call outs, together with well printed and laid out instructions.
Due to the size of the cockpit opening, and the option of an open canopy, the beautiful detail of the component parts will be very easy to view and appreciate once completed. Highly recommended!'
With special thanks to Dan for kindly sharing this write-up and images with Aviation of Japan.
Image credit: All photos © 2019 Dan Salamone; kit box art and contents © 2019 Wingsy Kits