Tamiya Ki-84 Hayate "Frank" Review - Is This Classic Kit Still Worth Building?

In this model kit review, I am looking at Tamiya's classic 1/48 Ki-84 Hayate or "Frank" (kit no. 61013). We'll be looking at the built up kit, the instructions, taking a look at what comes in the kit, going over my construction notes and painting/weathering techniques, and finally, I'll be giving my conclusions. This simple kit has been around for ages but is it still worth building? Let's find out together!

[@paulfrantizek102]

This is still worthwhile, extremely affordable and a great kit for experimenting with hairspray style chipping (the paint was very weak on WWII Japanese aircraft and peeled off pretty easily).

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Right on Paul!

[@jr7392]

Yep, this is exactly what I did. It turned out really well. I've seen applications of silver paint/color pencil to represent chipping look good but I don't have that skill set so I use hairspray. It's more work but can look really convincing. It turned out really well on this kit, but I learned that less is more when it comes to chipping and also go really slow as it's a lot easier to remove paint than add it back!

[@nevermore300]

Strangely enough I was just looking at this kit to buy, but was put off a bit by its old age and thought that i would have a look for any vids on yt first. So your one came in very handy and I will buy it after all. I haven't built a model in 50 years, so a simple kit to start will suit me. Thumbs up. Thanks for your review.

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Right on Rick! It's a great kit to start with. Let me know how it goes.

[@alantoon5708]

Bought that kit in....1974. I do recommend this kit to beginners because of fit and simplicity. Same for the Jack, their early Zeroes, and the Buffalo.

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Right on Alan. I'm planning reviews of those kits in future episodes as well.

[@darrellid]

The early Tamiya kits are excellent for the reasons you mentioned---great practice for body weathering, chipping, detailing and general paint schemes. There's also the frameable print that comes inside each box--a nice bonus!

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Right on! I still love the simple, classic, Japanese kits for those reasons.

[@jcwoodman5285]

Nice! An 84 is on my agenda...

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Thanks! The Ki-84 is a great looking airplane, in my opinion.

[@jcwoodman5285]

@@jonsmodelkitreview4624 If you haven't yet do check out Greg's Aircraft UT channel, lots of great Aircraft tech videos & a great series on the ki 84 amongst others...

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@@jcwoodman5285 I was watching Greg's B-26 video this afternoon. Video comfort food.

[@jr7392]

I just finished this kit as a testbed for techniques that I'll use when tackling the Hasegawa 1/32 version. I agree with all your points. Some minor engine detail and spending some time fitting and shaping the upper cowl really makes it shine. The only issue I had was the landing light clear cover fit terribly. Spent a lot of time adding plastic card, shaping etc. and it looked better but still not great. But then, what do you want for

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Right on. It's interesting about the landing light in your kit. I had no issues with mine (that I remember). Sometimes, there are production variations from kit to kit. And you're right - it's still a great value.

[@gsr4535]

The Hasegawa Frank is a terrific kit but I still like the old Tamiya one. I scratch build more cockpit detail and even created deployed flaps via an old Eduard photo etch set specifically for the kit.

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Nice! You gotta love the golden oldies.

[@fredtedstedman]

lovely job Jon ! you don't have to spend $100 to get a great looking kit ! best wishes from Wales

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Thank you Fred! I agree. Cheers!

[@MrAnacizen]

Love ur collection. I like it so much the color u chose! I cant find the "Poly Scale IJA Brown", can u recommend an equivalent?

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

The early more brown US olive drab is somewhat close. The number references for IJA brown are: 505276 and 30108

[@wyndsrfr16]

I used to date a "cheap, easy weekend slammer".

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Ouch!

[@jameslarosa2396]

I think you can make a great job out of it no matter who manufactured the kit.

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Thank you James!

[@c123bthunderpig]

Reminds of the "old" Aurora kits. Excellent build, ironically I am re-entering the model building world after retiring.While buying some new kits, I found my stash of kits from the old days, which will be much more interesting to build now with all of these new paints. I've never tried the weathering , so in addition to getting back up the learning curve that will be a little difficult to incorporate I have also stayed in the European Theater of Operations for WW2 aircraft. However I have obtained a few Japanese kits. As far as paint schemes what is the purpose of having the yellow coloring extending down the wing? ( some British and German aircraft had this as well). The skill set definitely disappears more than I thought so your videos are very helpful .

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

I'm glad you're enjoying the videos! Great question. The Japanese used the yellow stripes on the wing fronts to help ground personnel ID them more easily (same reason the British did).

[@c123bthunderpig]

@@jonsmodelkitreview4624 Thanks, that helps tremendously it seems to be one aspect that would have been covered in the decal , or body paint scheme. Especially for an old boomer like me. Appreciate the help as it will make a more authentic model representation. Looking forward to more of your builds.

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

@C123B Thunderpig Thank you! I also got back into modeling in my adult years. I loved the inexpensive older kits (I wasn't afraid to mess them up). My earlier kits certainly weren't great, but learning from other modelers helped immensely. I took my time getting into resin upgrades and photo-etch details. They weren't as difficult to use as I had anticipated. The fastest way to get good is to build kits. It sounds like you've got a nice stash of kits to start with!