1:32 Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate (Frank) part 2 - Imperial Japanese Army Air Force - 57th Shinbu tai

Art Scale decals for the Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate, part 2, in 1:32 scale

This is a set of decals for a model, not a model of the aircraft. It relates to the Japanese army fighter Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate, which the Allies designated with the code name Frank, and carries markings for machines of the 57th Shinbu tai unit. It is the second part of a numbered series the maker runs for the same type in 1:32 scale; the individual parts differ in the units and operators they cover, so they complement one another and are not interchangeable.

The real subject

The Ki-84 Hayate was the most capable production fighter of the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force from the end of the Second World War. It combined a powerful radial engine, decent agility and, by Japanese standards, strong armament. In service, however, it was held back by falling production quality, trouble with the landing gear and a lack of quality fuel. The Shinbu tai designation belonged to special attack units of the Army Air Force formed in the last year of the war.

Use

• Apply the decals over a smooth gloss ground; on a matte one silvered edges appear.
• Cut the part out as close to the print as possible and soak it in lukewarm water for a few seconds.
• Adjust the position with a brush and blot the surplus water off with a cloth.
• On a broken surface a softener helps the decal settle into the engraved lines.
• Once dry, spray the whole model with varnish to the degree of gloss you want.

Who the set is for

For modelers who build Japanese aircraft at a large scale and want particular historical machines instead of the markings out of the box. The large 1:32 scale is demanding on the quality of decals, because every detail shows well on the model.