Nichimoco S4820 Ki-43 (OSCAR)

Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa (OSCAR) Nichimoco Kit S-4820 

I think I am going to need google translator or simply download an English version of the instructions.  

Additional assembly instructions along with paint scheme guidelines. Pg 1 of 2. 

Additional assembly instructions along with paint scheme guidelines. Pg 2 of 2. 

Decal Sheet 

All Parts in box 

Introducing the pilots...they will not be used. 

Engine Part 1 

Engine Part 1 + Part 2 

Fire wall & oil reservoir  

Cockpit and levers/parts ready for assembly 

Did not spend too much time detailing the lines and just did a dry brush with Chrome paint. The hole of the cockpit area is too small for someone to see all the details. 

Fairly detailed cockpit area for such an old kit, lots of small parts.  

Connecting the fire wall to the engine will be a pain since those bars are not lined up once the glue dried. 

Opted to dry brush the instrument panel (you get 2 with this kit: one that you can paint/dry brush and the second one is plain to add the decal). Did not go into too much hand painting since you can't see too many details into the cockpit area due to the small opening.  

As suspected, you can not see the instrument panel from the top hole of the canopy. 

Some detailed shots before they are not visible once the fuselage and wings are attached. 

Ready for primer 

Primed top side 

Primed bottom side 

Added panel liner to bring out the lines. 

Tamiya Chrome spray plus tamiya gloss finish (will try a chipping effect on the top side once i paint on the camo colors) 

Camo #1 (XF-58 Olive Green w/2:1 Thinner) 

Camo #2 (XF-64 Red Brown w/2:1 Thinner) 

Chipping effect on fuselage and wings 

Added the engine, cowling, landing gears, canopy and fuel tanks. Will add the antenna + mast, and the pitot tube after the decals are applied. 

Decals were very delicate but at the same time..I should have been more patient and careful in application. Made a lot of mistakes causing them to crack/break. 

Another lesson.. Do Not Rush..Take Your Time.. did not allow enough time for the paint to dry before applying the gloss coat to do the decals.