Halinski Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa 1:33

**ruf0us** · #1 07-31-2009, 05:01 PM

Hi Everyone,

I've been building this model since the end of February and it's still 60%-70% done. This is my first 1:33, pre-printed, Halinski model and it's been a huge challenge for me. I'm still not sure if I can ever finish this model. Since it's partially done, this thread will start with looking back at what I've done in five months and then move on to the real-time build report for the rest of the model.

The aircraft

The aircraft is a Japanese army fighter of WWII, Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa Type II. Threre are 5 known subtypes of Ki-43-II and this airplane is the earliest one, with its distinctive circular oil cooler in front of the Ha-115 radial engine.

The model

KARTONOWY ARSENAL 1/2002 from A. Halinski. This model has been discontinued but some internet retailers may still have it in stock. I chose this model over the newer Ki-43-II (KA 4/2006) because it is simpler, easier to build yet the graphic is superb. You could impress your friends with less effort.:D Seriously, I think this is a good kit for introduction to Halinski models.

I started from the cowling and the engine. I don't think I did great in this section, but this is how it turned out. I had to rebuild the oil cooler from the backup scan because I didn't like the way I did edge coloring.

More pictures will come soon.

Cheers,
Shinji

**kenlwest** · #2 07-31-2009, 07:34 PM

Looks pretty darn good to me!

Ken

**ccoyle** · #3 07-31-2009, 08:34 PM

Agree...looks very nice so far.

**birder** · #4 07-31-2009, 09:45 PM

Looks good rufOus, I need an Oscar myself...will be interested how it goes together for you!

**Tim Crowe** · #5 08-01-2009, 01:23 AM

Great start - cowling looks really nice - looking forward to the rest of this build thread.

Tim

**dansls1** · #6 08-01-2009, 01:41 AM

Excellent start - I look forward to seeing the progress of this one

**Don Boose** · #7 08-01-2009, 08:39 AM

Seeing this build show up made my day, Shinji! I have this one and have seen the one that Bill Geoghegan (DrBill) has been working on. I look forward to seeing your build and I will take careful notes on the entire process.

Don

**ruf0us** · #8 08-01-2009, 03:10 PM

Thanks guys for your kind words.

The cockpit of this model was rather simple and I tried to add some more details. I scanned the instrument panel, punched some holes for the gauges on it and laminated it on the original instrument panel. I punched some holes on the seat, too. Then I added some knobs and a handle to open/close the canopy on the walls. It still looks far less cluttered than the real cockpit, but I think it is convincing enough when you look through the canopy.

Thanks,
Shinji

**Don Boose** · #9 08-01-2009, 03:40 PM

Very convincing, indeed!

Don

**Wily** · #10 08-02-2009, 02:02 PM

I'm going to be watching this thread...cool airplane and super build so far!!