Continuing the Army twins theme here are images of Rob Ronconi's stunning Hiryu model built from the fine Hasegawa kit in 1/72 scale and photographed outside in the magic hour of the 'last light' he so skillfully exploits to achieve such clarity and realism.
Rob began modelling as a small child but had a long hiatus away from the hobby before getting back into it seriously about six years ago. He loves all of the new techniques - masks, improved airbrushes, even photo-etched parts, etc., and it has all been quite a lot of fun for him. This torpedo-toting Ki-67 was built from the box with only the addition of Eduard canopy masks - a must for that nose glazing alone. The build was very straightforward as Rob found the kit so well-engineered that it just fell together. The model was painted with Tamiya paints.
Rob's model represents an aircraft of the Dokuritsu Dai 2 Hikotai (2nd Independent Flying Unit) formed at Hamamatsu heavy bomber flight training division in July 1944 to conduct attacks against B-29 bases. In December 1944 it was absorbed into Hiko Dai 110 Sentai which engaged in anti-shipping attacks in the Iwo Jima and Okinawa campaigns.
With special thanks to Rob for sharing these images of his very fine model.
Image credit: All © 2020 Rob Ronconi
6 comments:
Great model of a very cool plane!
Quite exceptional build of the svelte Hiryu Rob. Love your weathering techniques and your photography. I shall try outdoor pictures at some point but here in Ohio the sun rarely makes an appearance during these months. I actually have the Hasegawa Ki-67 half built at my bench and I agree it is a really well engineered kit that everything just fits so well. Thanks for the inspiring kick in the the seat of the pants to get mine done. One superior example of the art of modelling you have shared with us.
Just one note, there can be sharp shadows during the magic hour...
Otherwise this is great model build with delicate weathering.
That's another fine build! The Hiryu is the best-looking of the Army heavies in my view. Your model reflects this very well.
The best looking of *all* WWII twins, IMHO. Been wanting a 1/48 kit of this since childhood (a million years ago). And the Sanger kit doesn't count! ;-)
Dan
Nice work Rob. Thanks for sharing, Rob & Nick.
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