Tiger Models 102 Nakajima Ki-84 "Hayate"

Kit#: 102.

Price: Can't remember.

Decals: One option.

Notes: Includes decals and stickers for the markings.

History:

From Wikipedia: "The Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate is a single-seat fighter flown by the Imperial Japanese Army Air Service in the last two years of World War II. The Allied reporting name was "Frank"; the Japanese Army designation was Army Type 4 Fighter. The Ki-84 is generally considered the best Japanese fighter to operate in large numbers during the conflict. The aircraft boasted high speeds and excellent maneuverability with an armament (up to two 30 mm and two 20 mm cannon) that gave it formidable firepower. The Ki-84's performance matched that of any single-engine Allied fighter it faced, and its operational ceiling enabled it to intercept high-flying B-29 Superfortress bombers. Pilots and crews in the field learned to take care with the plane's high-maintenance Nakajima Homare engine and a landing gear prone to buckling. The difficulties of Japan's situation late in the war took a toll on the aircraft's field performance as manufacturing defects multiplied, quality fuel proved difficult to procure and experienced pilots grew scarce. Nevertheless, a well-maintained Ki-84 was Japan's fastest fighter. A total of 3,514 aircraft were built."

The Kit:

This kit is one of several egg planes done by Tiger Models. The sprues were bagged in four separate bags. Parts are moulded in dark green and clear plastic. A single full colour instruction sheet is included with the model, and there's only one decal/sticker option.

Construction:

This kit was really simple, five construction steps and one painting and decalling section. I began by painting all the cockpit parts (seat, instrument panel and control stick) in Interior Green and black respectively. Then I glued all the pieces together and place the cockpit inside the fuselage. I next assembled the propeller and placed it in front of the cockpit. I also glued the tailwheel into place. 

When I tried to close the fuselage, I realised I had put the engine askewed, so I had to force it into place, while at the same time breaking the propeller shaft. Disappointed but not discouraged, I went on, knowing I'd be able to glue the prop back with CA.

The wings were assembled next, but I deviated a bit from the instructions and glued the ailerons in place (they can be placed without glue so they can move freely). After that, I glued the wing into the fuselage.

Colours and Markings:

The painting instructions indicated me to paint this kit with Japanese Army Green and Japanese Army Grey for the upper and lower surfaces. Not having any of those colours, I chose to use RLM 70 and Duck Egg Blue for the upper and lower surfaces. I then painted the yellow leading edge ID bands and painted the guns black. The exhausts were painted with Revell's 83 Rust. I then glossed the aircraft for the decals. 

There were only 8 decals for this model, and all performed well with the use of some Microsol.

Final Construction:

I painted the landing gear and the fuel tanks, which were then placed in their respective places after the paint was dry. The propeller was also glue in place with CA. The clear parts were also painted and place over the cockpit.

Conclusions:

My first egg plane. It was a fun build between more serious projects. I'll make sure to pick some more if I ever find them.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakajima_Ki-84