Poland’s Arma Hobby has re-released its stunning Ki-84 Hayate fighter in a three-scheme Special Attack Units boxing.
Continuing its usual policy of re-issuing its toolings with different markings, Arma Hobby now offers its superb 1/72 Ki-84 Hayate (Frank) in a new package entitled Special Attack Units. So-called Kamikaze (Divine Wind) pilots were infamous for their suicide attacks, mainly on Allied shipping, whereby they purposely crashed their aircraft into the chosen target.
Read a review of Arma Hobby’s original 1/72 Ki-84 release
Arma Hobby’s kit includes its previously released (and splendid) Ki-84 runners, pre-cut paint masks and a new decal sheet. The three Imperial Japanese Army Air Force liveries are:
• ‘21’, Tadashi Kono, 57. Shimbu-tai, Miyakonojo airfield, Kyushu, Japan, 1945
• ‘7’, Lt Toku Ueda, 58. Shimbu-tai, Miyakonojo airfield, Kyushu, Japan, 1945
• Lt Fujiyama Nobuho, 195. Shimbu-tai, Yura airfield, Awaji Island, 1945
All airframes wear green over grey camouflage and each has interesting and appropriate unit décor on the tail. The 57. Simbu-tai tai example is particularly fetching due to its extensive red trim and ‘arrow’ cowling motif.
As usual, the decals are beautifully printed with pinpoint register, and the sheet also offers seatbelts and instrument panel dials. The parts detail is stunning due to Arma’s super-fine panel line/rivet engraving, a well-rendered double-bank radial engine and a busy cockpit. If you haven’t tried an Arma Hobby kit before, this is a great starting point… especially with such interesting markings and subject matter. The kit costs €24.50 direct from Arma Hobby, but it's also available at Hannants in the UK.
