1:72 Ki-61-Id Hien, plastic model kit

This 1:72 scale plastic model kit captures the Kawasaki Ki-61-Id Hien, a Japanese Army fighter adopted in 1943 and known for a layout that differed from many of its contemporaries. The liquid-cooled Ha-40 engine, slim fuselage and long wing give the aircraft a lean, purposeful silhouette that reads clearly in a finished display build. The Ki-61-Id represented a heavily armed Hien variant, using a nose extended by 20 cm to house 20 mm cannons, while 12.7 mm machine guns were mounted in the wing. That configuration gives the model a specific historical identity rather than a generic fighter outline. With 1,360 units produced, the Ki-61-Id was the most widely built Hien version, and its strong high-altitude performance saw it assigned to intercept incoming U.S. B29 bombers over the Japanese home islands. Transparent canopy sections, landing gear, propeller detail and the included markings all contribute to a finish that reflects the aircraft's wartime character. On the workbench, the compact 1:72 format suits focused painting sessions and careful decal placement. Once completed, the aircraft sits naturally in a WWII aviation lineup, whether displayed as a single centerpiece or alongside other fighters from the Pacific War.