Here is the second kit I completed since returning to the hobby. It is a 1/48 scale Nakajima Ki 84-IA Hayate, Allied code name "Frank". It is Tamiya kit number 61013. I was looking for a kit with a relatively easy paint scheme. The fact that it has a bubble top canopy was also a plus, since I've learned it's going to take some practice to get good at masking canopies.

For more details on the kit, refer to the review here on Modeling Madness.

I used a combination of paints on this model. I first primered with Painter's Touch flat white (from Home Depot) in a spray can. I then tried to paint the bottom with IJA light gray, but it was very close to the primer and I got very frustrated. I then reprimered with a gray primer, also from Painter's Touch. I discovered that paint designated as primer is significantly thicker than the regular colors.

I then used Model Master IJA light gray enamel on the bottom. Since I had heard so many good things about Tamiya paints, I used their IJA dark green on the top. I must admit, it went on well. However, I did have to touch up a little, and, as others have noted, the Tamiya paint did not brush well.

I used the simplest paint scheme, and fortunately this corresponded to the fewest decals. This represents a plane belonging to the 58th Shimbu unit of the Special Attack Corps at the Miyakonojo Airfield in Miyazaki Prefecture on Okinawa. (This description is straight from the instruction sheet.)

Page last updated June 15, 2023.