Hello, here’s my latest experiment that I thought I would share. After finishing the Raiden, I wanted to continue practicing the chipping technique(s), that being the use of liquid frisket and hairspray chipping. I figured what better than another Japanese subject, the Hasegawa K-44 in natural metal. I had yet to build one of these and I had two in the stash. It looked like a simple straight-forward build.
The Shoki (Demon) or Tojo (the Allied code name) was a subject I’ve always kind of liked. Perhaps I find the racer look appealing. I’m not far off as it was designed for speed and rate of climb instead of being nimble like the Ki-43. It was a pure defense interceptor against bombers and had some success here, especially in the right hands. I had decals for Makoto Ogawa’s 70th Sentai “Black #2” which had the white defense bands. I have yet to do these on a Japane machine.
Ogawa was a skilled pilot and would shoot down 7 B-29 bombers and 2 P-51 fighters. He did survive the war.
I built it pretty much from the box. I did throw PE belts on an Ultracast Ki-84 seat I had in the stash (the seat looked similar). I rigged up the radial and gear legs with lead solder. The black 2 and “kill eagles” were provided by Lifelike Decals. Everything else was painted on. I used a mixture of Alclad and AK Extreme Metal. Weathering was with AK Interactive and Mig Ammo enamel washes.
I’m thinking a Ki-43 or Ki-84 will be next. Practice makes perfect…
Thanks bud. The tonal variance between metal colors is a little bit much for my liking. I was hoping The subsequent washes and stuff would tone it down. Oh well. The #2 and kill eagles came chipped up. A nice touch by Lifelike. The gears are painted Alclad aluminum.
WOW! Excellent natural metal finish. The tonal differences between the various panels is outstanding. Definitely a “gold medal” in any contest that you’d enter it in. Your base and figure just add to its presentation.
Erickson collection has a KI-43 that has the “green blotchy” camo over bare metal. Well worn, have some pics of it in my computer files. Can look for them if needed. They put a p/w in it, as an original engine couldn’t be located. Is one of the few airworthy Oscars.
Very, very, very well done!