Otaki 1/48 (Ki-61) “Hieney Racer”
I always thought the Ki-61 was one of Japan’s sleekest looking WWII fighters. German desigined and Daimler-Benz powered, it was built by Kawasaki, and named the “Hien”.
The cost of an Otaki kit was reasonable enough that I could afford to play with it. Minus the guns, add a little putty, a “modern day”, Monogram pilot (in a civilian jump-suit), a tricked out paint scheme, and some old decals…not for the purista, but not bad, and a lot of fun.
The paint used was Testor’s Jade Green, Valspar Garden Green, and Krylon Sun Yellow Gloss, all rattle cans. Scallops were made from masking tape, using the old school method : quarter, nickel, penny, dime… A little work, but I got the result I was after. Like it or not, you won’t see another like it !
8 additional images. Click to enlarge.
George Williams said on December 16, 2013
Very neat paint job, Joe, and it definitely looks like a racer!
Mark Fidler said on December 16, 2013
It still looks as if it is going fast.
Gary Brantley said on December 16, 2013
Alright Joe! That’s a cool one, and a keeper too. That is a great idea for a one-off build if I’ve ever seen one!
Gary
AL HOFFMAN said on December 16, 2013
That’s thinking outside the box Joe. Too bad some of these didn’t make it to Reno after the war. Clip the wings & it might have been competitive.
Well done.
Bill Koppos said on December 16, 2013
For the record, it’s a “HIEN” Literally Swallow(the bird) in Japanese. Your hien looks great in those colors, good idea.
Larry Allen said on December 16, 2013
I like it Joe. I’m currently working on various air racers for a group build, and would like to do one like this. What is the source of decals for this one?
Paul Wilsford said on December 16, 2013
I love it Joe, I just may have to steal your idea
Bryan W. Bernart said on December 16, 2013
That’s cool!
Robert Bausch said on December 16, 2013
Joe, as the British would say, “bang on!” I absolutely love it. And, you are right, model making IS supposed to be fun. You have shown it can be! Thanks very much.
Jaime Carreon said on December 16, 2013
That is awesome! Need to clip the wings and add a four blade prop next….
Michael Wayne Knowles said on December 16, 2013
You guys should have seen an entire club scratching their heads over which race this flew in!
Mike Maynard said on December 16, 2013
At first glance I thought it looked like a WWII IJN paint scheme, very colorful. Great job thinking outside of the box, it’s all about the FUN!
Rob Pollock said on December 17, 2013
Nice one Joe. Looks like an entry in a modern air race.
Simon Whitney said on December 17, 2013
I agree with the above comments.
A great job done there Joe.
Imaginative colour scheme amd lovely finish.
FUN is what it is about!!!
bob mack said on December 17, 2013
that’s awesome man…i’m still smiling
Frank Cronin said on December 18, 2013
Joe,
Love the name, love the paint job, absolutely love the whole thing. Great imagination and great job.