I could have sworn I have built this kit multiple times, but reviewing my build page, I see that I've only built it once before, back in 2007 (!). I think I have started the kit more than once in the meantime, but those attempts ended up FUBAR.

I had some trouble with assembly (which is perhaps why I've only completed it once before). I had the kit mostly assembled and painted, but when I went to attach the engine, I realized that the front part of the engine was not attached properly. Fortunately, I had a second copy of the kit that I had purchased at a recent swap meet, and I was able to use the engine from that. Even with a correctly assembled engine, the cowling assembly was awkward.

I did not trust the kit decals, and the hinomarus were far too bright anyway. I wanted to do a NMF subject, so I used a subject from Aeromaster 48-011 Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusas. I primed with Ace Hardware Gray Primer in a rattle can. The NMF was Rustoleum 7715 Aluminum, also from a rattle can. It went on well, but was very shiny. In addition, the yellow on the wing edge (Vallejo Model Air IJA Chrome Yellow) and the anti-glare panel (Tamiya X-18 Semi Gloss Black) did not adhere too well. (I have noticed adhesion issues when trying to paint over gloss paint.) I had to touch up some of the yellow with AMMO Gold Yellow RLM 04, which actually matched the Chrome Yellow quite well. The mottling is Tamiya XF-12 JA Green. I first applied it by hand, using a microbrush. I wasn't satisfied, so I went over it with an airbrush, and it turned out much better.

There should be a blue stripe that runs almost the entire length of the fuselage, and the Aeromaster set includes the appropriate decals, but I didn't have the nerve to try to apply them. One thing I did do a bit differently was to apply the decals before applying the mottling, in order to ensure that the insignia did not cover any mottling.

Page last updated September 16, 2026.