1:32 Kawasaki Ki-61-I Hien Inspection Covers

Inspection covers for the Kawasaki Ki-61-I Hien, 1:32 scale

The set from Dead Design takes care of one particular detail: the inspection covers, that is, the lids of the service openings scattered over the airframe. On the real machine these covers were often set off from the surrounding surface, and on a model they therefore show at first glance. The parts are cut to the shape and spacing that match this type, so there is no measuring out and no hand cutting of small shapes from tape. The set serves as an accessory for a plastic model, not as a kit in its own right.

The real subject

The Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien was a Japanese fighter of the Second World War, unusual among Japanese types for its liquid-cooled V engine, which gave it a slender nose and an unmistakable silhouette. The Allies knew it under the code name Tony. The Ki-61-I is its first production series. In 1:32 scale the model is large enough for small surface features to decide the overall impression.

How to work with it

• The surface has to be finished, smoothed and degreased; on a rough or greasy finish the parts will not hold and the paint will run underneath.
• Lay the elements on with tweezers and check the position against the other half of the airframe straight away, so that both sides are even.
• Press the edges down firmly with a soft tool, for instance a wooden stick or a cotton bud.
• Apply the paint in thin coats; one heavy coat creeps under the edge more often than three light ones.
• Once it is finished, a fine wash into the engraved lines helps to settle the covers visually into the surface.

Who the set is for

• Builders of large scales who want the surface of an aircraft varied rather than uniform.
• Modelers who do not enjoy cutting dozens of small shapes by hand.
• Those who want the detail repeatable and even on both sides of the model.

This is an accessory for a plastic model, not a kit. The model, paints and glue are not included in the package.