Background:
The Kawasaki
T-4 was developed as a new generation jet trainer to replace both the T-33 and
T-1 in use by the JASDF which were by then becoming obsolete. It first entered
service with 31 SQN and later 32 SQN at Hamamatsu AB. The wholly indigenous
aircraft incorporated what was cutting edge technology at the time, including
extensive use of composites, OBOGS, ring laser gyro AHRS etc... Even the engine
was of Japanese design and manufacture.
In JASDF
service, it bridged the gap between initial training on the T-3 prop trainer and
before proceeding on to advance training for all its fighter pilots. Even though
the T-4 is a very capable and sprightly aircraft, hence it’s use by the Blue
Impulse, it has not been developed to its full potential like its more famous
counterpart, the BAE Hawk. The reason is that as the JASDF uses the F-15DJ and
F-2B as its advanced/ LIFT trainers, there’s no need to have a separate LIFT
or advanced trainer and therefore apart frpm drop tanks, the T-4 has no weapons
capability.
Click on
images below to see larger images
|
|
|
|
As well as its
training role, a couple of T-4 are on strength with every fighter sqns and ADC
HQ for use as squadron hacks. By far the most famous and visible user of the T-4
is the Blue Impulse aerobatics team based at Hamamatsu. Even though the JASDF
does not name its aircraft like the USAF, the T-4 is unofficially known as the
Dolphin to both pilots and crews due to it’s resemblance to the marine mammal.
My T-4 is
painted in the special markings applied by 306 SQN for the 1996 Senkyo or TAC
Air Meet held at Komatsu AB. TAC Air Meets are held every year at different
bases and are broadly equivalent to the William Tell/ Gunsmoke competitions.
This is one of 2 T-4s painted in the F-1 camo scheme, the other one coming from
co-resident 303 SQN. The T-4 from 303 SQN had its 2 green colors reversed but
was otherwise of the same pattern.
The
Kit:
As with all new
kits of JASDF aircraft released by Hasegawa, the extra TLC given really shows
with an accurate cockpit and with ultra sharp and superb fitting parts. Also
this release had the markings of EVERY T-4 operator as well as individual
numbers for the serials included! This means you can build any T-4 you want,
just check your reference! I got the panther markings for my Phantom from here.
Incidentally
this was the first kit from Hasegawa to use poly caps for attaching the landing
gears and horizontal stabs. I know there have been some grips from modelers
about the problems with poly caps but I find it a welcome addition as the
attachment pins for this kit was quite big and held the parts very securely.
Only problem I had was I attached the tail stabs too early and broke the left
stab while washing the kit after decal application. This is consistent with
curse of having an accident every time I build a kit! I also broke a stab when I
built my Phantom!
Click on
images below to see larger images
|
|
|
|
I
had manipulated the 2 stabs around while painting and applying the decals and
they stayed on the whole time. You can’t do that with glued on parts!
So I guess I’m a poly cap believer! I used Gunze’s Surfacer 1000 as a
primer prior to painting. The camo is the standard F-1 colors of 2 greens and a
light brown with a gray belly of FS32375. I exclusively use Mr Color’s range
of paints and this was no different. The colors were 308, 319, 320 and 321.
Washing was applied after painting on the panel lines. As I ran out of Humbrol
black, I made do with Testors black which was also an enamel paint.
Unfortunately it didn’t work as well as Humbrol!
The kit’s
decals were used and the serial number made up according to the info I have.
After a couple of semi gloss topcoats, I applied the weathering using pastels,
as the special scheme was applied over the standard gray color, I applied less
weathering to the camo part than the bottom. A quick spray to seal the pastel
and voila! Another JASDF aircraft for my collection completed!
Probably after
this I’ll do some Macross stuff as a break from building so many modern jets
this year. Cheers and happy modeling!
Andy
Click on
images below to see larger images
|
|
|
|