**** DONE: GB-54 1:48 Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien - Pacific Theatre

[Grant Barr]

Another outstanding model Andy. Your tips for mottled paint finishes are really appreciated as I now have at least 4 Italian aircraft that will require various types of this finish!!

Really looking forward to seeing this one completed - it should look superb!

 

[Gnomey]

Nice work so far Andy!

 

[Crimea_River]

Cheers guys. Attempts to add the finishing touches proved disappointing. Overall view:

The 3 radio antenna wires intersect away from the mast so placing and cutting these was very tricky. Grrr - not happy at all with the joint so I may strip this and start over.

The wheels-down indicators provided in the kit are just little stubs that are far too short so I wanted to extend them. The stretched sprue I used is too narrow and the joint looks awful so these will definitely be done over.

The pitot tube has a small reinforcing brass dowel inserted in the joint after I broke the moulded one off while cleaning the ridge off it. This turned out OK. You can also see the port nav light lens picked out in red. Stbd one is blue (not shown).

More later when I fix these last few bits.

 

[SaparotRob]

Believe me, it looks great!

 

[Crimea_River]

Believe me, it looks great!

Thanks Rob. Kind words.

 

[Wurger]

Well done Andy.

 

[Crimea_River]

Thanks guys. Fixed the antenna wires and indicators and they are better now. Finished pics soon.

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Looks great Andy and I know the feeling with those antenna wires, not an easy task when one is stepped back from the mast.

 

[fubar57]

Interesting antennae arrangement

 

[Crimea_River]

Thanks guys.

 

[Crimea_River]

OK, I'm calling her done and will post the finished thread forthwith. In the meantime, to close the loop on loose ends mentioned above, here is the new and improved landing gear position indicator. Looks like another drop of red is in order but I never would have seen it had it not been for this much-magnified pic.

The new and only-slightly-improved antenna wire joint:

A couple of other shots:

These were all taken with my cell phone as I don't trust my SLR/Macro lens combo anymore. Despite cleaning the sensor, the pics are no longer sharp.

I really enjoyed this build and loved the quality of this kit by Tamiya. Of course, the fit and precision of the parts were all first class. The clear parts are outstanding and the sprue gates are well thought out and minimized. The separate fuselage spine insert was a nice touch to eliminate a seam and this idea should have been extended to the underside of the nose cowl. Areas for improvement are the decals, a too thick prop, gimmicky engine and clear fuselage half (though the later served well as a paint mule), the clunky gun sight, and Tamiya's penchant for providing those silly, cartoony seat belt decals, which I've never liked. A separate optional position rad bath exit flap would have also been welcome is so many pics of the Ki-61 show this feature to be at least partially open.

I'd like to thank all those who followed along and who offered advice, info, and kudos. This being my first Japanese subject in over 40 years, I had a lot to learn and so I'd particularly like to thank Wojtek, Geo, Yves, Shinpachi, and Wayne for their help with colours and details.

 

[Wurger]

 

[Airframes]

Very nice work Andy, a real beaut.

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Well done Andy, it looks really great and good on you for the accolade which is well deserved to all concerned.

 

[SaparotRob]

Magnificent. That is a beautiful airplane.

 

[Crimea_River]

Thanks very much gents.

 

[rochie]

great finish to a great build Andy

 

[Snautzer01]

Very very nicely done. And my fav japanese fighter. Build was fun to follow. On to the next one.

 

[Crimea_River]

Thank-you friends.

 

[Bustedwing]

Oh that looks absolutely fantastic ! Great job !