Tamiya 1/48 Ki-84 Hayate (Frank)

[Stikpusher]

This is Tamiya's 1973 vintage Ki-84 kit. One of their nice easy cheap kits that sat in my stash for years. I added some PE and scratch work in the cockpit, but otherwise it is OOB. Decals are by Superscale for a unit out of Formosa and the Phillipines in late 1944.

[BorgR3mc0]

Nice one! I think these are the types of kits that really cemented Tamiya's position as a high quality brand. Even after all these years it is defenitly up to par.

[LyleW]

Thanks for this one, Stik...now I want one. Almost reminds me of a Japanese P-47.

[AIRFIXER]

Great Hayate, stik! Spot on.
IMHO, the Ki-84 is one of the most elegant radial engined fighter aircraft.

Even by today's standards, TAMIYA's Frank still is a rock solid and decent piece of kit.

Erik

[Handiabled]

Very nicely done Stik all around!

[LyleW]

Senor Skik...do you have the kit number or a box shot?

[Stikpusher]

Thanks guys. I appreciate all of your kind words.
Borg, this kit, thier Raiden, Buffalo, and early Zeros (A6M2 & A6M2N) are where Tamiya stepped up their game from thier earlier "Clunkier" 1/50 scale kits such as the "Val and Tony". But it still has its' weak areas- very spartan cockpit & engine, rough fit of the engine cowl decking. I would compare it in quality to Monogram's P-47D Bubbletop, but with that kit having superior interior detailing, and being a tad bit older. And that kit still looks good to this day as well
Erik, yes this is a good kit for the money and has held its age well. Certainly as you have decribed it. Want a nice late war Japanese fighter kit for under $20 from Tamiya? Look no further.
Lyle, it certainly does evoke the comparisons to the P-47, although I think the Hayate is more graceful while still having an air of power around it. The P-47 is just pure brute power. I am pretty sure that I have a box shot somewhere and I will try to dig it up to post on here for you.

[Stikpusher]

Senor Skik...do you have the kit number or a box shot?

Here you go my freind

[LyleW]

Thank you, sir. May have to order me one. Still seem to have pretty good prices on ebay.

[Stikpusher]

If you like 'em cheap & easy, you can't go wrong here...