Finally finished after 14 months! Hasegawa's 1/32 Type 4 Fighter Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate (Gale, or Hurricane, code named 'Frank' to the Allies) of the 40th Direct Command (Independent Chutai), HQ Chutai, 1944. I like my models to tell a story, some subtle, some epic. This Hayate has been in the eye of the storm. Close examination suggests she has been wounded and patched up a few times.


















Painted with Polly Scale and Pactra acrylics. Kit decals except for the custom 40th Direct Command "Battle Axe Head" tail marking.

I know that Ki-84's combat flaps weren't usually down on the ground, but I decided to show them down.

Built OOB except (or including) Dragon USA's special write-away-for photo-etch set. The tip nav lights were hacked off and the clear parts used. I drilled out all of the lightening holes in the flap recesses. Custom mixed colors for cockpit, prop, underside and anti-glare panel. A variety of techniques for the paint chipping such as described in my article Salt Weathering . Accented by washing via Wash Techniques

Looks really good. A little overweathered for my taste, but otherwise great! Especially enjoy the camel, was it indigenous to where the "Frank" operated?
Might look good on a model shops ceiling? Russell

How about at the Smithsonian?




??????...what camel?

Hi Fred!

That's what I call weathering!

I think the wings look very realistic but i'm less convinced by the little dots on the cowling. The underside looks great too!

Maybe some paint would make the camel look better...

Jean-Luc

Hi Jean-Luc,

Thank you, I appreciate that.

Yes, the dotty spotty cowling is a disappointment. I used the salt I used on my 1/48 P-40 (looked great on it!) but they are too small for 1/32. I hadn't tried sea salt yet, as I did on my Finnish Buffalo. I'll go back and touch the cowl up some.

Camel, what camel?

Wow - excellent work. This is the level that I hope to attain one day. Congrats on a fine model!