I built the Otaki 1/48 Ki44 and was really very surprised to see finely recessed panel lines and petite recessed rivet detail. The kit was first moulded in 1974!! My Dad bought the kit for “me” and built it himself and I then spent many an hour buzzing the house with it. My example was moulded in green plastic however the kit I got was moulded in a light grey plastic, not that it mattered. It went together with little fuss, no putty to speak of and I enjoyed the whole process immensely. I only took a few pics before I rehomed through the local auction site. If you see these kits, they’re definitely worth a look and I believe Arii have the moulds now and re-released them.
otaki 1/48 Ki44d by Chris Wilson, on Flickr
otaki 1/48 Ki44c by Chris Wilson, on Flickr
otaki 1/48 Ki44b by Chris Wilson, on Flickr
otaki 1/48 Ki44a by Chris Wilson, on Flickr
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Nicely done Shoki, Chris! 
Several years ago I built the 1/48 Hasegawa kit in the markings of Makoto Ogawa and still have a few kits left in my stash … 
Torsten 
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@BlackWidow Awww thanks, buddy! I’ve got a couple of Hasegawa renderings in 1/48 and 1/32. Just recently picked up a limited edition Hasegawa 1/32 Shoki in the markings of the 246th Flight regiment. And while I’m dying to build one of the 1/32 scale renderings my next build is going to be a 1/48 SM79 Sparviero by Trumpeter, so watch this space! LOL
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Nice job on the old bird! The Otaki kits were ahead of their time. Externally they have good shape and great surface detail. Internally they do need help in the cockpit and engine if they are radials. But for the price, you can’t beat 'em. A little help here and there, and they really shine.
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@Stikpusher I couldn’t agree more Carlos! Though actual resin offerings for this kit are exceptionally thin on the ground! Adapting offerings for Hasegawa might work, but who knows? And the price of the original Otaki kits seems to be quite high on the likes of ebay, though, at your local club, they may be far more reasonable. This kit was quite a joy to build and I’ll be keeping my eye out for more offerings on the local auction site!
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I have the same kit in my stash, Chris. Interesting aircraft. The camo is a killer. Good luck with it! I know, why I haven’t started it yet … 
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I always thought of Otaki as ancient.
Nicely done!!!
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@joepanzer It is Joe! Moulds made in 1974! Otaki was at the time, light years ahead of the competition. It is certainly dated now but a great model can definitely be made with a little effort.
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@BlackWidow I hear that buddy!! I’m currently figuring out how I’m going to approach the subject. And do I cheat and find a set of decals for a simpler scheme??
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That’s turned out great.
I remember Airfix reboxed a number of Otaki kits in the early 2000’s but never picked any up. Can still be found for quite reasonable prices so might have to give one a try. Always fancied the Hellcat.
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