Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa
(Oscar)

by Robert Ferrero

Hasegawa's 1/48 scale Oscar is available online from  Squadron.com

Here are some photos of the recently released Hasagawa Ki 43 Hayabusa (Oscar) in 1/48 scale.

The kit offers the modeler two versions of the Type 1 fighter formally adopted by the IJA in May 1941. Most of the Model 1 planes were sent to Burma, where they made a significant contribution to the swift advances of the IJA campaign there.

My choice was the aircraft of the 1st Flight Regiment Commander, Maj. Kinshiro Takeda, Oct. 1942.

This kit was built straight from the box with the exception of Eduard seatbelts and CMK navigation lights. Model Master IJA Green, and Aeromaster ID Orange Yellow paints were used for this project. The undersides were shot with SnJ Aluminum.

I did not encounter any major problems in the assembly of this kit. Overall, it was a quick enjoyable build.

Click on the thumbnails below to view larger images: