Hasegawa 1/72 Ki-44 II Tojo
Lovely little kit - already had engraved panel lines. They were a bit shallow so I re-engraved them so they'd do a better job holding panel line wash. I also riveted - pretty extensive riveting on the Ki-44! Tedious but fun. Cut out and created the landing light, drilled the gun barrels and exhausts, and separated the cowl flaps a bit more. I also did hairspray chipping on the glare panel, and the white areas and yellow ID bands.
It was an old kit, so had to buy AFM decals, but have some additional options for a few more Tojos I have in the stash. There are a few seams I didn't clean up as well as I would have liked, but you have to look close so I'm fine with the end result. The only regret is that the contrast between some of the dark metal panels is too much. Oh well.
Greg @gkittinger , this is an absolutely stunning build. Congratulations. The techniques you have used - especially the riveting and chipping - and the foresight to open up the panel lines a touch, has taken this to another level. It’s a fantastic subject, and a masterpiece!
G’day Greg (@gkittinger),
That doesn’t look like 1/72.
Great attention to detail.
Liked!
Nicely done, Greg @gkittinger. Riveting always seems daunting to me. Is it? What’s your choice of weapon?
@eb801 - My main go-to is a set of Galaxy Tools rivet wheels in .55, .65, and .75 - usually use the .55 for most riveting. I also have a double-wheel and triple-wheel riveter from UMM in .55 - gives you nice parallel lines that you sometimes find so the rivets line up better (though the triple takes a lot of finesse to get it right).
Thanks. UMM is THE place for stuff like this.
What a neat looking build! Thanks for sharing.
Rod
Painting are beautiful!
Beautiful result from an old kit, Greg!
To me the panels really give the finish an interesting eye catching appeal. I like it very much.
Well done, Greg and a fantastic result! Beautifully done NMF too!
That's a looker, all right. Great job, Greg!
I’m going to chime in here and say that I will echo what has been said by our friends above. This is an amazing build, and I have a hard time believing that it is a 1/72 scale model. I would never be able to build anything close to looking this good, and especially in this scale.
I do have a larger 1/48 Hasegawa model that has the same markings on it. Maybe I will get to it someday. Hopefully sooner than later.
Well done my friend and I will definitely click on several of these various like buttons.
This one is your best build yet. Incredible job here.
Very well done!
Another of your masterpieces, Greg! Stunning build!
This level of detail in that small scale is amazing. You are a master of your craft.
This is very impressive, Greg @gkittinger
All the details and the fine painting results are superb, especially considering this to be just a 1/72 scale.
Greg this is a beauty if a build, great job!
Very nice work, Greg!
Your work always impresses.
Nice one Greg, I love the scheme ! It's been awhile since I've seen one of your inflight beauties.
@roofrat - I'm finally getting back into the groove after knee replacement last summer... Have 5 on the bench in various stages now!
I haven't been too active either I am about to submit two articles soon. I had my right toe fused- worn out joint. plus, the Parkinsons ,shake and bake ha.
@roofrat - so sorry to hear about the Parkinsons - I have some other friends who have experienced that. Prayers for you!
Thanks, and to you too. Where are the Phantoms?
@roofrat - got one on the bench now - an old IMC Battle Damaged RF-4B...
Beautifully built model , Greg @gkittinger . The weathering is wonderful and the various shades of aluminum are expertly executed. The small 1/72 scales makes all that work even more impressive.
Nice job, Greg. The rivets are well done.
Very nicely built. Looks really good.