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Ki-44

jknaus

jknaus

Administrator
Well I set aside the TBD as I was getting frustrated and decided to do a P-47 first. Unfortunately I couldnt just build the kit but had to try and improve it. I made some 3D pullies for the rudder cables and showed Saul for his advice. Well I was way out to lunch and now I have to try and make the proper pullies and so again I was stuck. So pulled out this old Hasegawa 1/32 Kai-44. I decided to do it straight out of the box as I have not completed a model at all this year. Here is where I am today. I drilled out the seat and I used card in the landing light housing. Of course I lost a couple of pieces to the modeling gods and despite a blood sacrifice via my finger I can not find them. So I said Myself, myself I said, just finish it and who gives a darned. So despite missing some parts I got the cockpit painted and buttoned up and the wings installed. Engine and cowling are just taped in. Will be doing a bird from the 3 Regiment, 70 Flight in natural metal. I hate NM but will try. I'm doing this scheme because of the big white home defence bands it wears and the 6 B-29 kills. So if you're disappointed, sorry, but I just want to finish something before the end of the year.
'Hopefully get the engine finished next weekend and to the point I can prime it at least.
This is the scheme I hope to do.
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Is that the kit with the counter rotating prop? I have always wanted to build that one but since I put the kibosh on buying I'll just enjoy your building.
 
Hi Paul. No not the counter rotating prop, just a 3 bladed regular prop. The Ki-44 was very fast and climbed fast but wasn't very maneuverable. It was a bit of a step back from the Ki-34. The Ki-84 had all the good attributes. I'm not thrilled with the NM finish, but I do like the big white bands for home defence. They make it stand out a bit more. I was surprised that this took out B-29s, but I have not really studied the PTO very much. I was under the impression it was the Tony;s that could get to altitude to tangle with the B-29s. Its a nice straight forward kit with the exception of the 2 panels on the fuselage. They dont fit great. I tried to fill in the gaps on the inside to find that you cant see them anyways. There is very little after market for this old bird and so a nice simple oob build. Overall fit is outstanding.
James
 
That would be fun, Paul. It would be the first time I have tried it with a contra-prop, and the propellers are supplied as white metal. We'll see.....
 
It can be done. I used some really small tubing and .020 steel wire when I did my Bugatti P100 racer in March. I can try and dig up what sizes I used and where I got them if you are interested.
 
Wire and tubing I got, Paul. I use it for R/C projects and plastic models. It will take some work to get everything centered right and balance may be more of an issue than with plastic blades.
 
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