Marushin Diecast Kits S-014
Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate/Frank Diecast Kit
IJAAF 1st Chutai, 73rd Sentai, #327, Tokorozava AB, Japan, November 1944 |
| 1:48 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate/Frank | | 8.25" | | 9.25" |
The Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate ("Gale") was a single-seat fighter used by the Japanese Imperial Army in World War II. The Allied codename was "Frank"; the Japanese Army designation was Type 4 Fighter.
Design of the Ki-84 commenced in early 1942 to meet an Imperial Japanese Army Air Service requirement for a replacement for Nakajima's Ki-43 Hayabusa, just entering service. The specification recognised the need to combine the maneuverability of the Ki-43 with performance to match the best western fighters and heavy firepower. The Ki-84 first flew in March 1943. Although the design itself was solid, the shortage of fuel and construction materials, poor production quality, and lack of skilled pilots prevented the fighter from reaching its potential. A total of 3,514 were produced.
Designed as a replacement for the Nakajima Ki-43-which was just entering service-the Ki-84 first flew in March of 1943. Japan needed an aircraft that had the maneuverability of the Ki-43 but could still compete with heavily armed, high-performance western fighters. The result was an exceptionally well-performing, robust single-seat aircraft that was considered by many to be the finest Japanese fighter to see large-scale action during WWII. Fortunately for the Allieds, the Frank was hampered by production quality problems and a shortage of skilled pilots, and it was never produced in numbers sufficient to make a difference to the war effort. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Marushin range presents detailed, pre-painted diecast aircraft kits of military aircraft in 1:48 scale. The fuselage and wings feature and unusally high level of metal content resulting in finished models that have a distinctively heavy and sturdy feel. Robust construction combined with a beautifully applied paint finish ensure that Marushin aircraft stand out from the crowd in any collection.
The models do require some basic assembly using a screwdriver and some glue. Most of the components are designed to "press-fit" together, but the application of a small amount of superglue during assembly results in a much more robust finished model. Each model includes an illustrated step-by-step instruction sheet with Japanese text. Although no English translation is available, the illustrations are quite simple to follow.
Marushin diecast airplane kits feature:
- Pre-painted components in kit form with illustrated instructions.
- Heavy diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads.
- Accurately detailed underside.
- Pilot figures and display stand sold separately.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
