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 !
Very neat paint job, Joe, and it definitely looks like a racer!
It still looks as if it is going fast.
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
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.
For the record, it's a "HIEN" Literally Swallow(the bird) in Japanese. Your hien looks great in those colors, good idea.
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?
I love it Joe, I just may have to steal your idea
That's cool!
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.
That is awesome! Need to clip the wings and add a four blade prop next...
You guys should have seen an entire club scratching their heads over which race this flew in!
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!
Nice one Joe. Looks like an entry in a modern air race.
I agree with the above comments.
A great job done there Joe.
Imaginative colour scheme amd lovely finish.
FUN is what it is about!
that's awesome man...i'm still smiling
Joe,
Love the name, love the paint job, absolutely love the whole thing. Great imagination and great job.