1:32 Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate (Frank) part 6 - Imperial Japanese Army Air Force

Art Scale decals for the Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate, part 6, in 1:32 scale

This is a set of decals for a model of the Japanese army fighter Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate, designated Frank by the Allies, not the model itself. The set is the sixth part of a numbered series the maker runs for the same type in 1:32 scale, and it carries markings for machines of the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force. The individual parts of the series differ in the units and operators they cover; some are aimed at a particular unit, others at a wider selection of machines.

The real subject

The Ki-84 Hayate was among the most capable Japanese fighters of the Second World War. A powerful radial engine gave it good speed and climb, and its armament was above average by Japanese standards. The combat value of the type was pulled down, however, by the worsening production quality at the close of the war, unreliable landing gear and poor fuel. Even so the Hayate remained a machine with which Japanese pilots could stand up even to the newest Allied fighters.

Use

• Varnish the ground under the decals with gloss varnish; a matte surface leads to silvering.
• Cut the motif out close to the print and soak it briefly in lukewarm water.
• Set the decal, align it with a brush and blot the surplus water off.
• With engraved lines and rivets use a softener, so that the motif settles.
• Finally spray the model with varnish to the degree of gloss you want.

Who the set is for

For builders of Japanese aircraft at a large scale who want to build a model as a particular historical machine. At the large 1:32 scale the decals are seen close up, so it pays to spend time on setting them and on varnishing afterwards.