Techmod from Poland have recently prepared two sets of decals for the 1:32 scale Japanese Army fighter Ki-61 Hien, dedicated for two versions of this famous fighter. Each set contains three painting options.

Painting options

All of the planes depicted in both sets of decals represents machines which were used in 244th Sentai. Four machines are available to choose from six different painting options. One of the set is dedicated to the Tei version of the fighter while the second one is designed to fitt to the Hei airframes. Variation of the possible camouflages from the decals consists of the following options:

Set No. 32051 - Kawasaki Ki-61-I Hien

• Ki-61-I Tei, “Blue 24″, 244th Sentai, Japan, May 1945
  
• Ki-61-I Tei, “Blue 24″, Major Teruhiko Kobayashi, 244th Sentai, Japan, April 1945
  
• Ki-61-I Tei, “Red 24″, Major Teruhiko Kobayashi, 244th Sentai, Japan, December 1944

As it is easy to notice first two options represent the same machine but depict it in different time. The only change which I can see is the number of kill markings on the fuselage port side. Third option is another plane of Major Kobayashi and this one differs much more significantly from two other by camouflage patterns and individual markings.

Set No. 32052 - Kawasaki Ki-61-I Hien

• Ki-61-I Hei, “Red 295″, 244th Sentai, Japan 1944
  
• Ki-61-I Hei, “Red 295″, Major Teruhiko Kobayashi, 244th Sentai, Japan, January 1945
  
• Ki-61-I Hei, “Red 43″, 244th Sentai, Japan 1945

In this set we can also find actually two planes as one of them, “Red 295” presents two versions of individual markings. This plane was also flown by Major Kobayashi. In this set differences between all painting options are significant in camouflage, markings and colours.

All camouflages represent typical versions and colours for Hiens which consists of silver/natural metal surface covered by green patches on the upper surfaces and fuselage, sometimes with red tail and stripes running along the fuselage. This is of course very short description, there are many other general and individual characteristics. Anyway, all possible painting options look attractive.

Decals

Decal sheet are printed in the size of 260x180mm. Number of decals allows to decal one model using each set. We have a set of Japanese national markings, factory stencils and inscriptions and of course individual markings characteristic for each options. From the technical point of view decals look very good. Sharp edges and no misalignment of print will surely satisfy most of us. Decals are very thin so the user should be rather careful when placing them on the model. My experience with Techmod decals produced in the last years says they reacts nicely with the Micro Set and Sol agents which was not always so obvious. Thankfully Techmod have improved their tools and these problems are not already gone. On the scanned pictures the tone of red on all markings is a bit darker than it is in reality. I could not set my scanner and improve the picture to match it correctly. If you don't like it do not blame the producer but me.

Summary

These are another good quality decals which will give a lot of fun for the big scalers. Attractive painting options and nice product will surely result in a good looking scale replica in many display cases.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.