New from RS Models comes a quarterscale kit of the last in the inline-engined Hien series - the Ki-61-II Kai.

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If you have comments or questions please post them here.

Thanks!

Rowan,
Another really well detailed and written review. While I don't have a great deal of interest in Japanese WW11 aircraft, your description of this kit has me somewhat intrigued.
Joel

The longer-nosed Tony is, I believe, the most beautiful fighter of WWII. With the "fast back" canopy, this is a very appealing model. That instrument panel amazes me. I need to acquire one of these.

Hi Fred

I don't know that I'd go as far as calling it the most beautiful fighter of WW2 (and Mal almost certainly wouldn't! LOL!), but it's definitely a fine-looking beast.

All the best

Rowan

Nice review, could be something for me.

I agree the Ki-61-II is the most beautiful single engine fighter aircraft of WWII, particularly the "bubbletop" version.

Twin engine would be more crowded for best looks, but the same manufacturer's Kawasaki Ki-45 is up there as well for twins.

I wonder if the curved left wing (from the Hasegawa 1/48th kit) is fixed on these moulds? It seems likely given the all new sprue:



It may seem like a very easy problem to fix by bending: Don't believe it for a minute... Bending will inevitably cause a dimple on the thin top side plastic. Also, the Hasegawa wings don't taper continuously in two straight top/bottom lines from root to tip (as they should): The bottoms are moulded in a strange lateral concave curve, especially the left wing, so the outer half of the wings are almost paralell top/bottom, rather than tapering to a fine sharp wingtip; any attempt to bend the outer wings hugely exaggerates the fact the wings are almost straight on top but curved on the bottom... I got close to fixing it but it took several kits, and in the end the lack of continuous taper was just too obvious...

Great new subject to see! The exhausts should have many substitutes, so that doesn't seem to be a big deal.

Gaston

While it's certainly a streamlined and graceful looking aircraft, a P-51-D gleaming in the sunlight stands out as one of the most beautiful in the skies. And I'm quite sure that the British across the pond have a much stronger attachment to their Spitfires.

Joel

I don't know, I'd say my most beautiful fighter of WWII would have to be the Hawker Typhoon with a bubble top. It just has beautiful lines on the whole aircraft, and I find something beautiful about that big old chin radiator!

Or, as Joel said, the P-51. It might not be my favorite plane of the war, but it sure does have that look.