The Sumida model P history is here
The model :
The Japanese brand Fairey Kikaku is well known to Japanese because it produces very original models and in a “traditional” way or as we say in English “garage kits”. These models are characterized by their simplicity (no chassis) and sometimes random molding especially for the details. In spite of everything with a little work, we can manage to obtain more or less correct models. This is the case for the Type 90 Naval Sumida P. There is the whole chassis to be redone more numerous rivets especially on the lower parts of body and turret and the ball joints of machine guns would have deserved to be also redone but I did not have the courage to do it. The headlights come from ELF.
The figurine:
The basic reference is a photo dating from SNLF maneuvers in 1932 with the blue winter uniform of the navy IJN. The reference figure is on the left with a five-button jacket and straight collar and white cotton leggings over the shoes (see Osprey – Men at Arms – 432). The figurine chosen comes from the SKP Models range and represents a French soldier from 1940 which will be modified.
The finished model is relatively clean, the vehicle being used exclusively in an urban environment. I always use Tamiya paints, in this case, light gray XF66 then several oil washes and few beige pigments on the lower body, that’s all. The paved part of the street is rolled up in plaster of paris on an old resin base, the sidewalks are made with pieces of plaster, the whole is also painted in different shades of gray. the sheets are made using a hole punch from green stuff world. The newspapers are printed and fixed with hair spray.
Comparison with katana model of the type 91 So-Mo :
I also made the katana kit of the type 91 So-Mo and a comparison of the sizes of the two models shows a great difference, considering the So-Mo is quite the same vehicle as the model P. I think that the Fairey Kikaku is far more accurate in dimensions
