Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate 1:72 Expert Set Arma Hobby - Model review

Few days ago Arma Hobby released brand new kit with Ki-84 Hayate in 1:72 scale. Fortunately, one hit my desk. 

 

 

As you can see, kit is packed in typical for Arma Hobby box. What's new is the author of boxart. This time it's painted by Shigeo Koike, known from Hasegawa boxarts. Modellers, especially from Asia, will apreciate it, but I miss boxart in good Arma Hobby style.

The contents of the box are packed in a plastic bag.

First I looked at main parts of plane.

 

 

  

It has to be admitted that it looks gorgeous. Fuselage nad wings have thin and delicate panel lines, surfece is smooth and details are well molded. On the other hand  there is consistently lack of full riveting in models from Arma Hobby.

 

There are some details molded on the inner side of fuselage.

 

 

 

Upper part of fuselage is developed in uncommon way. There are two variants, one for closed and one for open canopy.

 

 

 

Main wheel bays also looks pretty good.

 

 

Other parts are well molded too. On the control surferces there is recreated subtle facture of stressed fabric. In photo almost non visible after painting should look properly

 

 

 

Take a look at bombs, they are designed in smart way. 

 

At this point, I figured that I have to take a closer look at the parts. So it's time to bring in heavy artillery - macro photography.

Have look at those bomb racks

 

Details on wings are just fantastic.

Instrument panel is molded in plastic with decal to add on. For me it's fine.

Also other details in the cockpit  are well designed.

Engine parts are on high level too. There is one difference in design this time. Front cylinders row pushrod covers are molded as separate parts. 

I have to admit that this is not the end of clever engineering. Engine cowling is partial molded with fuselage parts. 

Rest of cowlin parts can be seen below.

 

Landing gear details are on the same high level.

Here's closer view on wheels bay.

 

 

And inner sides of fuselage halves.

 

 Finally, the minor issue that I found.

To be honest, it is quite easy to solve. I think one or two layers of surfacer should be enought to fix it.

Transparent parts are excellent. Thin and clear.

Despite plastic parts there are pre cut mask and photoedged parts in the kit.

Decals are as usual printed by Techmod.

They are gorgeous. Well saturated, sharp and with readable even smallest stencils. Just look at photos.

 

 

I used my macro lens again.

This is just incredible:

Instruction sheet as always is in the form of a booklet.

 

 

There is a lot of information here. 

 

 

 

For some  modellers it might be a bit unclear.

 

There are also some choises.

On last pages there are painting schemes.  

In summary, Arma Hobby again released a great looking kit. Despite the fact that I am not a fan of Japanese planes, seeing this kit I feel like building it. It will be fun for sure.

The review sample was provided by manufacturer - Arma Hobby

Thanks for reading! ZAP - Models&Reviews

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