Ki-84 Hayate Part 1

Lifelike Decals, 1/72 scale

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Reviewed by Rodger Kelly

This is a new release from Lifelike Decals, 72-013 is part 1 of a (hopefully!) multi-sheet series covering the Nakajima built Ki-84 Hayate (Gale) or "Frank" as it was named under the Air Technical Intelligence Unit system of easily remembered names for Japanese aircraft.

The sheet provides markings for five aircraft in all.

• An early production Ki-84, reportedly flown by Second Lieutenant Toshizo Kurai of the 1st Operational Flying Training Unit out of Sagami Air Base in December of 1944.  The machine is finished in a blotchy dark green upper surface camouflage over natural metal undersides with a red spinner and red/white Sentai tail markings.   Replicating the camouflage scheme in 1/72 scale will be challenging!

• Ki-84 Kou flown by Second Lieutenant Moritsugu Kanai of the 1st Chutai, 25th Sentai from Kyongsong, Korea during the summer of 1945.  The machine is finished in a (debated) scheme of black upper surfaces over natural metal undersides with a yellow/green spinner.

• Ki-84 Kou flown by an unknown pilot of the 104th Sentai out of Xingjian in China in late August of 1945.  The camouflage scheme is an unusual yellow/green on the upper surfaces over greenish grey undersides.

• Ki-84 Kou flown by Lieutenant Colonel Hiroshi Yoshioka, the Commanding Officer of the 21st Hikoudan sometime in the May to December 1944 timeframe in either Japan or Formosa.  Camouflage scheme is purported to be dark green upper surfaces over natural metal undersides.

• The final option is another Kou and it is from the 102nd Sentai based at Miyakonojo Nisha Air Base circa 1945.  Finish is an unusual mid-blue upper surface over greenish grey undersides with a red tipped spinner.

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I am impressed with the research that was undertaken for this sheet.  Lifelike decals have chosen to provide markings for some controversial machines to say the least.  There is much speculation with regard to the camouflage and the markings worn by each of the machines featured on this sheet.  Lifelike's researchers acknowledge this and for every option, the placement guide provides full and complete discussion to these variations.

The placement guide itself is A-4 in size and comprises two sheets.  It provides colour left hand side profiles for each option and the aforementioned descriptions/history on the centre pages as well as appropriate upper and lower surface views on the other page.  A full list of references consulted is also provided – 14 in all!

The decals themselves are thin, have an absolute minimum of film surrounding each design and are in perfect register. A single set of national insignia and a very comprehensive set stencil data is also provided.

The decal sheet and the placement guide come packed in a clear plastic zip-loc bag.

This is an excellent product from Lifelike Decals.  The decals themselves are first rate.  The research is comprehensive and the conclusions drawn from it are an education in themselves.

Well and truly worth the asking price as far as I am concerned.

Postscript

Chutai?  Sentai?  Hikoudan?  Ki?  Kou?  Just what do all these words mean?   Take a trip to Dave Pluth's http://j-aircraft.com/ and you will find out.  If you are ever contemplating a build of a WWII Japanese aircraft then this site is a must.  It will not only educate you on everything in Japanese WWII aviation but it will also provide you with the answers on what colours to paint the interior and the details of your next masterpiece. 

Thanks to Keishiro Nagao of Lifelike Decals for the review sample.

Lifelike Decals are available by email at lifelike@eos.ocn.ne.jp or from

2-8-7-202, Kameari, Katsushika, Tokyo 125-0061, Japan
fax: +81-3-5680-6733