Tamiya 25424 - TAMIYA 1/48 KAWASAKI Hi-61 HIEN SP W/DECALS

Pretty Plated Kit

The Hien was officially adopted by the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) in 1943, and stood out among its Japanese aircraft contemporaries in the Pacific War on account of its liquid-cooled Ha-40 engine, slimline fuselage and long, elegant wing. A number of different variants were produced, among them the Ki-61-Id which featured a 20cm-elongated nose to house 20mm cannons, plus 12.7mm machine guns in the wing. In fact, with 1,360 units it was the most prolifically produced Hien variant; its superior performance at higher altitudes meant that it was often given the brief of taking on incoming U.S. B29 bombers in the skies around the home islands of Japan. One IJA unit which notably deployed the Hien was the 244th Air Group led by Captain Teruhiko Kobayashi. This model features silver color plated parts and camouflage pattern decals to aid in its finishing.

- This is a 1/48 scale plastic model assembly kit. Length: 187mm, width: 250mm.
- Accurately depicts the Ki-61-Id type Hien form with elongated nose and slim fuselage.
- Features silver color metal plated fuselage and wings.
- Ha-40 V12 engine has depiction of supercharger.
- Cockpit includes 20mm cannon ammunition cases and oil tank.
- Choose between open and closed canopy.
- Comes with two drop tanks, camouflage decals, a seated pilot figure, and two marking options.

This image shows the Hien of pilot Shunzou Takashima. Silver color plated parts and camouflage decals make for a professional finish.

The complex camouflage patterns of 244th Air Group can be depicted using the included decals. Also in the box are masking stickers.

This image displays the aircraft piloted by Teruhiko Kobayashi, its lack of camouflage highlighting the quality finish of the plated parts.

Dual drop tanks are included for installation on the belly. The underside also features landing gear bay detailing and crisp panel lines.

This kit has a seated pilot figure in the box, depicted in highly realistic pose, and ready to provide another layer of detail to your model.

The cockpit area offers a convincing finish, and really transmits just how cramped an environment Hien pilots were used to working in.

When building the kit, the constructor can choose between open and closed canopy options, each with dedicated parts for its recreation.

Go close up on the Ha-40 V12 engine, which is recreated in style and even features an accurate depiction of its supercharger.

The cowling on top of the engine is removable, allowing you to show off your paint job on the engine as it snugly sits in the nose.

There is plenty of detail on the cockpit auxiliary equipment, including the front 20mm cannons, ammo cases and oil tank.

Located on the fuselage underside, the multi-part integrated radiator/oil cooler is another feature you'll want to examine in detail.

A clever parts breakdown ensures that the full size aircraft's cooler is faithfully reproduced, complete with air intake slats.