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In-Box Review
148
IJN Torpedo Triplane
Type 10 1MT1N Carrier Torpedo Bomber
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by: Frederick Boucher [ JPTRR ]

Introduction
Type 10 1MT1N Carrier Torpedo Bomber by Marusan Shoten Ltd is an incredible 1/48 (plus-or-minus) injection-molded model of an obscure naval triplane.

Marusan was the first plastic model maker in Japan, with roots going back to 1923. Their first plastic model was the nuclear submarine USS Nautilus, released in 1958. Many models of obscure and ubiquitous subjects followed. This Mitsubishi 1MT carrier torpedo triplane was fielded in 1922 but quickly withdrawn after only 20 were built. An excellent history of the company, A Brief History of Marusan – the First Japanese Plastic Model Kit Manufacturer, can be found at Old Model Kits.com via the link Click here for additional images for this review, below.

The Kit
Recently I saw this model and it checked many of my "must have" boxes at once:

* Multi-wing

* Imperial Japanese

* Peculiar subject

* Old model company

* Never knew it existed

The kit arrived in an end-opening one-piece box with a plastic window on the back. The kit was sealed inside a plastic bag. (Unfortunately, there was a tear and one of the cabane struts is missing, as is the generator propeller.

Marusan's molding was quite good. All the parts are cleanly molded with a smooth external finish although there is light flash on many of them. Surprisingly, there are no noticeable seam lines, but there are many visible ejection circles, and some sink marks. Not bad for 1958.

Surface detail is molded on including the insignias. However, Marusan made those insignia marking as recessed lines. Marusan did not attempt to simulate a fabric texture.

The model has 46 parts of dark green or clear plastic:

8 x airframe (sans landing gear and bracing struts)

12 x interplane struts

11 x landing gear

2 x cockpit

6 x torpedo and mounts

5 x miscellaneous (propeller, radiator cap, propeller cap, ram-air generator and propeller

1 x clear windscreen

1 x thread for rigging

Marusan helped out the modeler by engineering holes in the struts for the rigging thread. The airframe parts are pretty robust. I am concerned as to how well the thin landing gear will support the model not to mention the interplanes struts holding up all that wing area.

Detail
Not much. The cowling and exhaust are primitive. The radiator is clunky. The cockpit is merely a sorry looking seat with an instrument panel.

Very fine propellers for the torpedo were molded onto robust sprue connectors. Most of the propellers are broken and gone.

Decals and Instructions
Both are simple. The instructions are clear and the decals, although thick with too much excess carrier film, seem to be well registered.

Conclusion
Marusan's Type 10 1MT1N Carrier Torpedo Bomber is an incredible model in that it is a bizarre subject and yet for 1958, molding is commendable. Not without flaws but commendable. I don't think anyone will come out with a photo-etch detail set for it, nor resin upgrades.

I look forward to building this unique 1/48 subject. If one like the IJNAF and multiple-airfoil aircraft then this is certainly a special subject.

Click here for additional images for this review.

SUMMARY
Highs: Molding is commendable. Cool factor.
Lows: Molding is commendable - not without flaws but commendable.
Verdict: I look forward to building this unique 1/48 subject. If one like the IJNAF and multiple-airfoil aircraft then this is certainly a special subject.
  Scale: 1:48
  Mfg. ID: 7026
  Suggested Retail: 325¥ (1958)
  Related Link: Marusan Toy today
  PUBLISHED: Sep 07, 2017
  NATIONALITY: Japan / 日本
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 87.04%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 0.00%

About Frederick Boucher (JPTRR)
FROM: TENNESSEE, UNITED STATES

I'm a professional pilot with a degree in art. My first model was an AMT semi dump truck. Then Monogram's Lunar Lander right after the lunar landing. Next, Revell's 1/32 Bf-109G...cried havoc and released the dogs of modeling! My interests--if built before 1900, or after 1955, then I proba...

Copyright ©2021 text by Frederick Boucher [ JPTRR ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved.



Comments

Fred - Fascinating! Thanks for sharing this with us and I hope you'll post some pics of the build - Cheers -Richard
SEP 07, 2017 - 07:10 AM
   
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