The
Aircraft:
The
Ki-44 was developed by the Japanese Imperial Army Air Force as a defensive
interceptor with an emphasis on high rates of speed and climbing ability.
Considered to be a bomber engine, this stubby little fighter is constructed
around the Nakajima Ha-41, a two-row 14-cylinder radial engine rated at over
1,200 h.p.
The
model pictured above represents a Pre-production Ki-44 of the 47th
Chutai, flown by Captain Yasuhiko Kuroe in French Indo- China, January 1942.
The Kit:
The Hasegawa kit is
pretty straightforward and is a good little kit for the beginning modeler. I
have built this particular kit three times and wouldn’t you know it I get
better with each attempt. Actually
I have started a scale model building club at the middle school where I am a
teacher. I was using this kit to instruct a few of my students on a couple of
techniques in weathering. This was an inexpensive kit and rather easy to put
together so I chose to build it for those reasons, as well as the time factor.
I’m not really a 1/72-scale fan but for this job I made the exception.
Click on
images below to see larger images
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Painting:
I used a combination
of Model Masters enamels and acrylics. Of course I used the enamels first. I
started by priming the model with Anthracitgrau RAL 7016 and this allowed me to
find any imperfections and sand them out. Next I painted the entire model with
Crome Silver FS 17178. I allowed this to dry for a few days. For the final paint
coat I mixed IJA Brown with Insignia Red, both Model Masters ACRYL. I sprayed
this very lightly and built it up in the panel line areas and areas likely to
receive heavy exhaust build up. It matched the profile I was using almost
exactly. While this dried I used masking tape to rip the paint off in areas of
weathered appearance. It worked like a champ and my students really liked the
effect. I saw the excitement on their faces and it reminded me of why I got into
building these kits! FOR FUN!!!
Click on
images below to see larger images
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I
was inspired to try and get a few pictures outdoors. This however is an
area that is going to need some work.... We shall see...
Conclusion:
Overall this is a good
kit and very easy to work with. I’m sure those of you who are really good at
working with 1/72 could have a field day with it. I was happy with the finished
product next time I think that I’ll just get a bigger scale.
Hope
you like it!
Bobby
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