The model depicts a heavily weathered Kawasaki Ki-61-I-Otsu Hien (Tony) of the 149th Special Attack Squadron found at the Ashiya Airfield in Fukuoka after the Japanese surrender.
Only the Allies used the term ‘kamakaze” to describe either suicide pilots or their aircraft. In Japan, the correct nomenclature was Special Attack Squadrons, and in anticipation of an invasion of the Home Islands, the Japanese were collecting any and all available aircraft in the south to be so employed.
The base model is Hasegawa’s 09114 Kawasaki Ki-61-I Hien 244th Fighter Group kit upgraded using Eduard’s FE298 Zoom Pre-painted PE Detail Set. The canopy was masked with an EZ Mask set, and the aircraft’s markings came from the Print Scale 48135 Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien Part 2 decal set.
Inspired by a photo and color plate found on the internet (attached), this was my first attempt at “paint chipping”, and I’m pleased with the result.
Awards received.
OrangeCon 2021 3rd Place – 1/48 Axis Single Engine Aircraft