I added seat belts, rudder pedals, a fuel tank in the center and fuel lines to the main cockpit.
The rear cockpit also got some detailing including belts and canvas roll.
The engines had nice detail and just needed wiring to have them exposed. I chose to close up the nacelles.
Entire model was pre-shaded even though the panel lines were recessed. I did not shade all the panels but got to at least 70% of them.
Yellow wingtips and white bands were painted and taped off.
Aircraft was painted overall JA light gray letting the preshade show through.
Green camo was done by hand. I worked in small areas painting 2-3 large mottles, filling in with medium mottles and finishing off with a few tiny ones. That way I forced myself to vary the sizes.
The kit decals were thick and would not settle down. I used the stripe, number and tail insignia from the kit. The rest came from a generic sheet.
I applied a dark gray wash to the panel lines and detail painting (like exhausts) was completed. Flat overcoat applied and cockpit masking removed.
I used a silver prisma pencil to apply scratches.
Props got the same weathering, washes and silver pencil scratches
Antenna Wire is 2lb fishing line glued and set with a match. The rear position did not get an MG as this late in the war the plane only carried a pilot to intercept B-29 bombers. All other items were removed to reduce weight.
In response to other countries developing two seat fighters, Japan ordered the Ki-45 and started taking delivery in 1939. Initially used as a long range bomber escort, it was clear the fighter could not hold its own against the allied single seat fighters. The role was then changed to an attack aircraft and a bomber interceptor. The lower 20 mm cannon was replaced with a 37 mm gun and upward firing 20 mm cannons. Deployed against the B-29 bombers attacking Japan in 1944, the aircraft had limited success and trouble reaching the B-29's at high altitude. It was more effective when used in ramming attacks on the B-29's.
This was a fairly simple kit but had good detail in the cockpit and nice recessed panel lines. I added a bit more detail to the cockpit as it would be very visible through the windows. The aircraft is painted with a mix of Aeromaster (out of production) and Testors paints. The camo is done freehand with a Paasche H airbrush. In an attempt to lighten weight and incr
