[HASEGAWA 1/48] Ki-61-I Tei Hien

[Antoine]

Hi there,

 

Taking a break from different jets currently on the bench, and after a quick meeting with me and myself, we've decided for a "weekend build" of a simple Japanese WW2 fighter kit in1/48 from Hasegawa, the Ki-61-I Tei Hien (Or Tony).

 

Building it shouldn't be difficult(?), but I'd like to have some fun with the paint and the weathering, and I'll certainly try & test a few things.

As I was not happy with the options offered by Hasegawa, I took the opportunity to have a look in my decals stash, where Iknew I would find some goodies:

 

Aeromaster's Special Attack Squadrons

 

 

I've already had a try with those decals maybe two years ago, with a colorful Ki-27, and it was a very pleasant experience with both decals and kit, despite the latter being released first (by Mania IIRC) in 1977...

 

 

 

But at this moment, this is my choice.

 

 

 

 

Well, I will have to answer some question there, as the decals must be at least from the early 90's and the paint references given at the time must be obsolete.

 

I must say also that I wasn't able to find any picture of the aircraft, 

 

There should be no problems with the under surface, which is natural metal, or painted aluminium(?), but whatever, I intend to play with different metal references. 

 

The upper surface is dark green... well, which one? And what about the moving surfaces, for both wings and tailplane?

 

we'll see!

[Antoine]

Well, this must be one of the simpliest kit from Hasegawa concerning a Japanese fighter from WW2.

 

In no time, the fuselage is closed:

 

 

 

I was barely able to take some pictures from the inside.

 

I've read from Nick Millman's blog Aviation of Japan that the cockpit could have been painted Hai Ran Shoku. I used a AK RC ref. to match it. Front panel is black and the drybrushed to show the different dials, those related to engine being then repainted in different colours.

 

 

 

I just forgot to apply a wash and then a matt varnish before I took the pictures...

 

[lyn]

nice well done

[fubar57]

Lovely looking innards. Nice to see that the blue U.S. oxygen regulator isn't installed. It was added on a captured -61

[Antoine]

8 hours ago, fubar57 said:

Lovely looking innards. Nice to see that the blue U.S. oxygen regulator isn't installed. It was added on a captured -61

 

Really?

Only pure luck, then...

[Antoine]

Next step, the wings are added;

The tape will help to keep the correct angle while the glue's drying.