Marushin Diecast Kits S-016
Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa/Oscar Diecast Kit
IJAAF |
| 1:48 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa/Oscar | | 7.25" | | 9" |
The Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa ("Peregrine Falcon") was a single-engined land-based fighter used by the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force in World War II. The army designation was "Type 1 Fighter"; the Allied codename was Oscar.
Like the Zero, the Ki-43 initially enjoyed air superiority in the skies of Malaya, Netherlands East Indies, Burma and New Guinea. This was partly to do with the better performance of the Oscar and partly due to the relatively small numbers of combat-ready Allied fighters, mostly the P-36, P-40, Brewster Buffalo, Hawker Hurricane and Curtiss-Wright CW-21 in Asia and the Pacific during the first months of the war. However, as the war progressed, the fighter suffered from the same weaknesses as the Ki-27 and the Mitsubishi Zero; light armor and less-than-effective self-sealing tanks, which caused high casualties in combat. Its armament of two machine guns also proved inadequate against the more heavily armoured Allied aircraft. As newer Allied aircraft were introduced, such as the Vought Corsair, Hellcat and Seafire Mk III, the Japanese were forced into a defensive war and most aircraft were flown by inexperienced pilots.
Designed to replace the Nakajima Ki-27, the Ki-43 first flew in January, 1939. Specifications for this aircraft included a top speed of 311 mph and a climb rate of 16,400 feet in five minutes. Widely used as an Army fighter, the Ki-43 claimed air superiority in many Pacific theatres during the early part of the war, but the introduction of more advanced Allied fighters such as the P-51 and the F4U Corsair exposed the Ki-43's dangerous design flaws such as its light armor and ineffective self-sealing fuel tanks. By the end of the war, many surviving Ki-43s were repurposed for Kamikaze roles. © Copyright 2003-2025 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 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
