Having released its stunning 1/72 new-tool Nakajima Ki-84 as an Expert Set with aftermarket items, Arma Hobby has re-issued it minus the extras, but with new decals.
The usual modus operandi of Polish manufacturer Arma Hobby is to release a new tooling under its Expert Set label, which means styrene parts, photo-etched (PE) details and self-adhesive paint masks. Beautifully moulded items such as the company's 1/72 F4F Wildcat and P-51B/C were both subject to this policy.
It has also taken the same approach with its recent and highly impressive same-scale Japanese Ki-84 Hayate fighter, which is now available as a standard boxing with styrene components alone, for a reduced price. However, the kit does come with a new decal sheet, offering markings for two colour schemes.
For a full review of Arma’s initial Ki-84 Hayate Expert Set, see here
The liveries are as follows:
• ‘762’, Capt Yasuro Masaki, 1. Chutai, 112 Sentai, Nitta airfield, Japan, July 1945
• ‘81’, 3. Chutai, 72 Sentai, Clark Field, Philippines, early 1945
Both aircraft wear the familiar Imperial Japanese Army Air Force green over grey scheme, with décor on the vertical stabiliser/rudder. Arma’s Hayate is a superb kit; much like its Wildcat, Mustang and Hurricane predecessors, it offers sublime detail, previously only seen on aircraft in larger scales – and will buikd into a gorgeous replica with the styrene parts alone. The new boxing costs €19.18 direct from Arma Hobby, but is also available at Hannants in the UK for £18.99.
