I've seen this question of cockpit color for the Hien before

[mechanic]

[mechanic]

[mechanic]

There is a photo of the cockpit here.

[LSP_K2]

As long as we're on the subject. Here's an (obviously) un-restored and cannibalized Tony 'pit. In part, I used this and some other photos as reference when I did my own Ki-61.

 

[trgt]

Is that washed out sand in K2's pic? I see something darker under it on the seat, the indigo #3 Mike posted and what appears to be represented in Mechanics post bottom of page 1. Italian sand? That's totally new and in all my research on this subject the only time I've seen it mentioned.

 

 I suppose with the chaos that the war was incurring on Japan in the years the KI 61 was produced Kawasaki probably used whatever paint was available. Maybe even borrowing some from the other manufacturers. No right, no wrong answer?

 

 Now which warren in this rabbit hole to follow. Perhaps the indigo #3, haven't seen too many painted in this color, if any.

[MikeMaben]

I think you're right. There was more than one color depending on where and/or when it was built.

 

                       

 

Say hello to Alice while you're down there 

[trgt]

Looks like Kawasaki borrowed that paint from Mitsubishi. The idea of doing a personally assigned aircraft with any real accuracy is near impossible for interior coloring.

 

All this could drive the hatter madder.

Edited March 22, 2023 by Target

[mechanic]

Not all songs are sung yet...)

AEROMASTER WARBIRD ACRYLICS (j-aircraft.com)

[mechanic]

Untitled Document (j-aircraft.com)

Pay attention to the longitudinal panel behind the headrest. Each aircraft presented here has a different color. The headrest refers to the interior of the cockpit and is painted accordingly to the color of the cockpit. The conclusion suggests itself...

[trgt]

All this mental gymnastics is exhausting. So, final decision, look at the kit to see which weaponry is in the box and let that decide.

I think.

 When faced with a decision and in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout.

[Dave Williams]

Yep, been down this rabbit hole and looked at the references, and have come to the conclusion that there is no definitive answer.  Decided I’ll just use #29 for an early Tony model and either #3 or #7 for a later one, and move on with my life.

[trgt]

I've taken the can opener down again as I remembered that my original plan before I got wrapped up in the cockpit color enigma was that I wanted a green brown (Japanese Olive drab) exterior, which places manufacturing after 1943, right?

 

 Soooo, going to 3 or 7 as Mr. Williams has stated and moving on.

[mechanic]

 

Yes, that's right... It all depends on the year of manufacture.

Edited March 25, 2023 by mechanic