This latest release from Lifelike Decals features 7 different Type 97 fighters.  This is Part 1 of  a series dealing with the Ki-27 Type 97 in Japanese and Manchurian Air Force markings from November 1938 over China to January of 1943 in Japan. 

The 7 aircraft include 6 Japanese and 1 Manchurian Air Force fighters.

• Ki-27 Otsu flown by 246th Sentai Commander, Major Takeo Miyamoto, Kakogawa AB/Hyogo Prefecture, December 1942.  This aircraft features a big red Eagle on the side of the fuselage as artwork.

• Ki-27 Otsu flown by 4th Sentai Commander, LT. Col Suburo Hayashi, Kikuchi AB/Kumamoto Prefecture, September 1940.  

• Ki-27 Otsu flown by Corporal Susumu Kajinami of the 246th Sentai 2nd Chutai, Kakogawa AB/Hyogo Prefecture, January 1943. 

• Ki-27 Kou flown by 1st Lt. Iwori Sakai, Captain of 64th Sentai 2nd Chutai, Ertaokou AB/Central China, November 1938. 

• Ki-27 Otsu flown by M. Sgt. Katsutaro Takahashi of the 59th Sentai 1st Chutai, Hankou AB/China, end of 1939. 

• Ki-27 Otsu flown of the 77th Sentai 1st Chutai, probably Lampang AB/Thailand, beginning of 1942.  This aircraft has green and brown camo on the upper surfaces.

• Ki-27 Otsu flown of Manchurian Air Force, photographed at Takanosu AB/Fukuoka Prefecture September 17 1942. 

Click on images below to see larger images

The quality of these decals is of very good quality.  The decals themselves are clearly printed and in perfect register.  

The seven Ki-27's on this decal sheet all include a large variety of colourful markings that are sure to please anyone wanting to build the Ki-27.  The addition of the Manchurian aircraft was a special treat.  

You can purchase these decals either directly from Lifelike Decals at fax number is +81-3-5680-6733, and e-mail is lifelike@eos.ocn.ne.jp. or from HobbyLink Japan.    

Other shops that stock Life like Decals are *Hannants/UK, *Mister Kit/Italy, *Revi (publisher)/Czech Republic, *SkyGrid/Canada, *Roll Models/USA, *Great Models Webstore/USA, *FlightDecs/Canada, *Victory Models/USA
*M & Models/USA, *Zed Hobbies/Australia, *AB &S Enterprise/Australia, *Desert Miniature/USA. 

I would like to thank Lifelike Decals for providing me with this product sample.

Steve Bamford