Ki43-I

I started this model a LONG time ago. I decided to complete it as a refresher to get back into the hobby.  

Looks cool, but I am learning not all colors will show through. 

MR Paint - Parched Grass 

painting the meatballs 

more meatballs 

Not too happy with the Aotake color. I ended up using a Testors enamel. My first attempt was much better but I had trouble getting both areas to match. I started with aluminum and then applied a transparent blue and it looked great. But I did the landing gear area and flap area in two separate airbrush sessions and they didn't match. I should have left it alone. 

I will do crazy things to make up for my poor airbrushing skills. Like applying Blu Tack as a mask. 

Labor intensive but I like it! 

All paint. Lining up the arrow and it's outline was not easy. 

All painting complete except for clear coats. 

Why the delay? - testing clear paints. This is a weak point for me, so I decided to teach myself through experimenting.  

Gloss coats done. It's all cake from here on out! 

A picture of the engine before it is shrouded in darkness. 

instructions are not clear on this area and there is no diagram with landing gear down 

This is the best photo I can find of the area. Going to work with placement based on this. 

Here is my first build in years. Part of the fun for me is choosing my own colors and markings, so I only build 'could have beens'.
The only decals are the tiny letterings on the trim tabs. I thought I saw orange efts in an online picture once and it captured my imagination so I went with it. The canopy fit well and I tried using copper wire which was actually thinner than what I ended up using, but I could not secure it well enough to get it taut. I also made the base for it. Now that I know the tricky spots, I may build my another KI43.
My builds end up as targets for camera practice which is another budding hobby. I included a shot of something we are all used to seeing on model boxes - a flat profile with horizontal tail.