Arma Hobby 70051 - 1:72 Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate - Expert Set

Plastic model kit of the Japanese Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate fighter aircraft in 1:72 scale – Expert Set

The last fighter of the Imperial Japanese Army to reach large-scale production, in Arma Hobby's most complete boxing. Kit 70051 is based on the new tooling of 2022 and allows a well-detailed Hayate to be built without reaching for anything outside the box.

The two plastic sprues include drop tanks and bombs, and the canopy can be displayed open. The Expert Set boxing adds a photo-etched fret covering the engine ignition harness, seat belts and cockpit components, together with yellow paper self-adhesive masks for the canopy and wheels.

The Techmod decals, supported by a supplementary sheet, cover six marking options: a Ki-84 Otsu of the 104th Sentai at Ota base, Japan, August 1945; a Ki-84 Ko of the 2nd Chutai, 11th Sentai, Philippines 1944/45; a Ki-84 Ko of the 10th Rensei Hikotai flown by Lt Takata, Japan, spring 1945; a Ki-84 Ko of the 3rd Chutai, 47th Sentai (Capt. Hatano), Narimasu, February 1945; a Ki-84 Ko of the 57th Shimbu-tai at Miyakonojo airfield, Kyushu, May 1945; and a Ki-84 Ko of the 2nd Yuso Hikotai flown by Lt Shuho Yamana, summer 1944.

What's in the box:

• Two plastic sprues with the airframe parts
• Sprue with the transparent parts, with the canopy that can be displayed open
• Drop tanks and bombs
• Photo-etched fret – engine ignition harness, seat belts and cockpit components
• Yellow paper self-adhesive masks for the canopy and wheels
• Techmod decals for six marking options with a supplementary sheet
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Kit specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalogue number: 70051
• Manufacturer: Arma Hobby
• Model length when assembled: approx. 138 mm
• Model wingspan: approx. 156 mm
• Skill level: intermediate (photo-etched parts, engine ignition harness, small details)

Please note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. The model requires assembly.

Building the model:

We suggest starting with the cockpit and the engine. The photo-etched parts allow the seat belts and the ignition harness of the Ha-45 radial to be reproduced, and the harness remains clearly visible through the cowling openings – one of those details that add the most realism to the finished model. Cyanoacrylate glue and precision tweezers work well for attaching them. As the canopy can be displayed open, it is worth finishing the interior carefully; the yellow paper self-adhesive masks noticeably shorten the preparation of the glazing and wheels for painting.

Most of the options use the typical scheme with the dark green upper surfaces used by Japanese Army aviation over natural metal or light grey undersides, an anti-glare panel ahead of the windscreen and yellow identification bands on the wing leading edges. For the cockpit interior we recommend the blue-green shade characteristic of Nakajima-built aircraft. It is worth considering some paint wear on the underside of the wings and around the undercarriage bays, typical of late-war Japanese aircraft. Applying the decals over a gloss coat helps to limit silvering, with a matt varnish as the final finish.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Cyanoacrylate glue for the photo-etched parts
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in various sizes or an airbrush
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to emphasise panel lines and details
• Gloss varnish under the decals and a matt or satin coat for the final finish
• Masking tape for the camouflage demarcations

About the aircraft – Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate:

The Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate, or "Gale", was the last fighter of the Imperial Japanese Army to reach large-scale production. Work started in 1942 on a successor to the successful Ki-43 Hayabusa, this time with the emphasis on speed, firepower and pilot protection rather than manoeuvrability alone. The prototype flew in the spring of 1943 and series production began the same year. The Allies gave the type the reporting name "Frank".

At the heart of the design was the 18-cylinder Nakajima Ha-45 "Homare" radial of around 1,990 hp – a very modern powerplant that nevertheless caused serviceability problems, especially as fuel and build quality declined. The armament of the I Ko version comprised two 12.7 mm Ho-103 heavy machine guns in the fuselage and two 20 mm Ho-5 cannon in the wings, with provision for drop tanks or bombs under the wings. In good mechanical condition the Hayate exceeded 630 km/h and matched the performance of Allied fighters including the P-51D Mustang and the P-47 Thunderbolt.

The Ki-84 fought over China, the Philippines, Okinawa and the Japanese home islands, used both in air combat and against incoming bombers. Aircraft of this type were also issued to the Shimbu-tai special attack units of the final period of the war. Mounting bombing of Japanese industry, raw material shortages and falling production standards meant that the design's full potential was rarely realised. Around 3,500 examples of all versions were completed before the end of the war.

Original aircraft specifications (Nakajima Ki-84 I Ko Hayate):

• Length: 9.92 m
• Wingspan: 11.24 m
• Height: approx. 3.39 m
• Wing area: approx. 21.0 m²
• Empty weight: approx. 2,660 kg
• Take-off weight: approx. 3,610 kg
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: 18-cylinder Nakajima Ha-45 "Homare" radial of approx. 1,990 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 630 km/h at approx. 6,500 m
• Service ceiling: approx. 11,500 m
• Range: approx. 1,700 km, up to approx. 2,900 km with drop tanks
• Armament: two 12.7 mm Ho-103 heavy machine guns in the fuselage and two 20 mm Ho-5 cannon in the wings
• External stores: two drop tanks or bombs of up to 250 kg
• Production: 1943–1945, approx. 3,500 examples built

About the manufacturer – Arma Hobby:

The Warsaw-based Arma Hobby has been producing plastic model kits since 2016, with roots reaching back to Attack Squadron, which previously supplied modellers with resin accessories. The company designs its kits digitally, using scans of surviving aircraft, and has the moulds made in Poland. Its products are recognisable by very fine surface rendering – riveting and panel lines – by thin trailing edges and by carefully prepared clear parts. The catalogue covers 1:72 and 1:48 scales, with Polish aviation such as the PZL P.7a, PZL P.11c and TS-11 Iskra holding a special place alongside Allied fighters of the Second World War. The decals supplied with the kits are of high quality and usually contain a complete set of stencils. Arma Hobby models have repeatedly been distinguished in industry polls, including a Model of the Year title at the Nuremberg trade fair. The manufacturer is also happy to use 3D printing, placing finished parts in the box or releasing files for home printing.