1:48 Ki-43 I Hayabusa

The real subject

The Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa was the basic fighter of the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force in the first years of the war in the Pacific. The Allies gave it the code name Oscar. Its light structure and radial engine earned it a reputation as an exceptionally agile machine, but the agility was paid for with weak armament and no protection for the pilot. The Ki-43-I version is the earliest production form, with a weaker engine and lighter armament than the later batches.

What the masking set is for

Masks cut exactly to the shape of the glazing save hours of work with tape and a knife, and the cabin frames come out of them sharp and straight. Working with them is simple: clean and degrease the part, transfer the mask to the glass with tweezers and press it down with a toothpick or a blunt tip, so that the edge does not stand off anywhere. Only then spray, first the shade of the inner side of the frame and, once dry, the external finish. Take the mask off shortly after the paint has dried, not after several days.

What to watch out for

• the masks are cut for a particular kit; check that it matches yours
• on a greasy or dusty surface a mask will not bed down and paint creeps under
• run a blunt tip over the edges of the mask, especially in the corners of the glazing
• apply the paint in thin coats; a heavy coat creates a step at the edge
• remove any adhesive residue left by the mask with a cotton bud moistened with water

Terms of supply

Paints, glue and the aircraft model are not part of this item, unless stated otherwise.