tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57481566905218309362024-03-19T09:06:03.104+00:00Aviation of Japan 日本の航空史A site dedicated to information and discussion about the history of aviation and aeroplanes in Japan and the Far East.
日本と東洋の航空史と航空機に関する専門サイト。皆様からの情報やコメントをお待ちしてます。(日本語でも可)Straggler 脱走兵http://www.blogger.com/profile/10129611267271999294noreply@blogger.comBlogger1029125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748156690521830936.post-19854247335007135962024-03-16T17:15:00.003+00:002024-03-16T17:23:01.299+00:00Marabu Design 1/72 G4M1 Interior Details<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenlG55MZMr4fkEXwfEaavVhEz2Jo-OvGld0j857FpHEsbYmWkFiSMMEVssEjaDks8TgUYakuoAzs3oHvZsY59uCDpW4m13E4ewawbI50ZfoCaHNB0IMZQoPTqjUq22wKfe4WheKbqDUMzLt1DgIUp7Jq1ltZQrMhyphenhyphenl7FFyjLduRiuffJSG3ZIVpAdj-3y/s1600/IMG_20231219_142554.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenlG55MZMr4fkEXwfEaavVhEz2Jo-OvGld0j857FpHEsbYmWkFiSMMEVssEjaDks8TgUYakuoAzs3oHvZsY59uCDpW4m13E4ewawbI50ZfoCaHNB0IMZQoPTqjUq22wKfe4WheKbqDUMzLt1DgIUp7Jq1ltZQrMhyphenhyphenl7FFyjLduRiuffJSG3ZIVpAdj-3y/s320/IMG_20231219_142554.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm not a great fan of photo-etch. This is not a reflection on the photo-etch, originating in model railway circles (?) and now offering exceptional scale details for model aircraft, but on my own inability to master it to a degree of comfort and confidence. <a href="https://marabudesign.com/cs/" target="_blank"><b>Marabu Design</b></a> is a Czech Republic based company that was unfamiliar to me until their photo-etch detail set M72055 for the 1/72 scale <b>Sword</b> Mitsubishi G4M1 'Betty' came to my attention. That kit itself had impressed but the Marabu Design photo-etch set for it is superlative and has tempted me to give it another go. The last time I had attempted to detail a G4M1 interior was with the 1969 vintage <b>Hasegawa</b> kit using plastic card, wet & dry and an engraving tool many moons ago and long before photo-etch was even a thing. Now I'll need the 20 x lenses and the tweezer extensions for each finger.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrsk9pdh81AUCw3Awf86YJ7NIqxVtgIwfCXkKkztxVSyx6n_qjCSVvFjERYNnVvgN1TAAaeM6FgsR5fMvhZElT9DJb19iga9OYOkC7hJs-jaq0IpplJZczHSYVdtFXutBktFu1SuycIuT_liw5F_IVCULyeUBKDdU6Tu9BdWBdjST-5HWboWNuIPawGeQ/s1600/IMG_20231219_142639.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="1600" height="89" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrsk9pdh81AUCw3Awf86YJ7NIqxVtgIwfCXkKkztxVSyx6n_qjCSVvFjERYNnVvgN1TAAaeM6FgsR5fMvhZElT9DJb19iga9OYOkC7hJs-jaq0IpplJZczHSYVdtFXutBktFu1SuycIuT_liw5F_IVCULyeUBKDdU6Tu9BdWBdjST-5HWboWNuIPawGeQ/s320/IMG_20231219_142639.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtRYY_Xd1GkAD09bAr9hUPrIWOcGBM3MV8c9c6eOKUjZ7jAVAmjVZvvdyIYplEYVd5HmgaBFyW0xRPRj-dDB3OkV0evZmHj7BNZ7V5tptcaRkaJlU1x_-ZcRdFzJif6f-PkYNTQb0US05beqFut3M_kTN8NPrFZJ0AYaMoWn8sCDemTqbYiDcICgrBNp9/s1600/IMG_20231219_142650.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="1600" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtRYY_Xd1GkAD09bAr9hUPrIWOcGBM3MV8c9c6eOKUjZ7jAVAmjVZvvdyIYplEYVd5HmgaBFyW0xRPRj-dDB3OkV0evZmHj7BNZ7V5tptcaRkaJlU1x_-ZcRdFzJif6f-PkYNTQb0US05beqFut3M_kTN8NPrFZJ0AYaMoWn8sCDemTqbYiDcICgrBNp9/s320/IMG_20231219_142650.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The sheet is beautifully sharply etched on metal that would itself make an excellent finish for the anodised aluminium of the A5M, a very subtle gold tinted silver (please someone make a 'Bare Metal' type foil with this finish!). And the level of detail in the parts offered is astonishing.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvJpLKs1U5Lip8J0EPqYZaxbg565rjr3dAcDAinjoJXLdMTXq0bHcnoRDTb_61HD7CWwG7rC-SB-6gqY3L0X5Bz1IuUCtEW7JkoxBSVt0LkEdr4ViTRgwJz0ATxCnw7-7rGiq8s-SFfKls2Z5EcV-FmnK-u6vxFXvuCZxgLDXqryegDojufwlTwKCS-xS/s1600/IMG_20231219_150120.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1301" data-original-width="1600" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvJpLKs1U5Lip8J0EPqYZaxbg565rjr3dAcDAinjoJXLdMTXq0bHcnoRDTb_61HD7CWwG7rC-SB-6gqY3L0X5Bz1IuUCtEW7JkoxBSVt0LkEdr4ViTRgwJz0ATxCnw7-7rGiq8s-SFfKls2Z5EcV-FmnK-u6vxFXvuCZxgLDXqryegDojufwlTwKCS-xS/s320/IMG_20231219_150120.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKshE5yWCBnWvQGX0miu2oUmiBscKfsEywyNXNk555IiurFxIwHF-nZ5waN-_85qp4pvGMlbyxDTYZkOqYmsrpPthx-47I0SU4Q6eDWg12i2b9_e309sd7TgwCI1wplEUI7gPGH83exitZrDW_roxdGlCssEsx3QlZZYjF5SnUse7p-_xPkrxSQ8Q2sMU8/s1707/IMG_20231219_150259.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="1587" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKshE5yWCBnWvQGX0miu2oUmiBscKfsEywyNXNk555IiurFxIwHF-nZ5waN-_85qp4pvGMlbyxDTYZkOqYmsrpPthx-47I0SU4Q6eDWg12i2b9_e309sd7TgwCI1wplEUI7gPGH83exitZrDW_roxdGlCssEsx3QlZZYjF5SnUse7p-_xPkrxSQ8Q2sMU8/s320/IMG_20231219_150259.jpg" width="298" /></a></div></div></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The instructions which come with this set are very comprehensive, covering no less than 24 stages of construction and the whole presentation is to an exceptionally consistent care and quality, not always the case with photo-etch sets. The 'Betty' set includes film sheets for the instrument panel with differences specific to different aircraft variants.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gdRDbuP5MwqtJuBBddiu_0psuwMn6SijUrOS0lgzoOVYB8IXpQk7CbGg-975LHOfH2fdX2_Bx1PAYIjWdwExC3sUEqgxKT5r_oa0XyB1u5RKccrCgqoga85LxiOg23s7e0NsLXJsS-QMuXddStL4_e0U2fNSsWd0vlcnuh2STjhgGB4RMTDNDaAb8fzI/s1372/M%2072055.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gdRDbuP5MwqtJuBBddiu_0psuwMn6SijUrOS0lgzoOVYB8IXpQk7CbGg-975LHOfH2fdX2_Bx1PAYIjWdwExC3sUEqgxKT5r_oa0XyB1u5RKccrCgqoga85LxiOg23s7e0NsLXJsS-QMuXddStL4_e0U2fNSsWd0vlcnuh2STjhgGB4RMTDNDaAb8fzI/s320/M%2072055.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This image doesn't do justice to the gilded silver 'A5M' finish of the sheets</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Marabu Design offer other equally impressive sets for Japanese subjects which will be fully covered in a further blog. The sets can be purchased direct from Marabu in addition to being stocked by mail order houses such as <b><a href="https://www.hannants.co.uk" target="_blank">Hannants</a></b> in UK and <b><a href="https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/plamo/" target="_blank">Hobby Search</a></b> in Japan.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIoXXA8zc9h2vU6cwTeKlc_Q8wnMS4moHUknO85iTDVirDZqM3qe9Zy7jz-Ubf9DXCL3X3tpeRTEPG85ThDwCdqw5tEc6KgvyDUiTcc6FBocheooJhfS7n-9j8Ccshc47swPuQcE5uqrTQP-KrbgejdJs4Q8Sq1uiDF-K4ErziweH_Qm2TZpg-Fa8fvt1/s1536/Marabu%20G4M1%20Insts%20A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1103" data-original-width="1536" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIoXXA8zc9h2vU6cwTeKlc_Q8wnMS4moHUknO85iTDVirDZqM3qe9Zy7jz-Ubf9DXCL3X3tpeRTEPG85ThDwCdqw5tEc6KgvyDUiTcc6FBocheooJhfS7n-9j8Ccshc47swPuQcE5uqrTQP-KrbgejdJs4Q8Sq1uiDF-K4ErziweH_Qm2TZpg-Fa8fvt1/s320/Marabu%20G4M1%20Insts%20A.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YEFRFzhCp6y_NcgEYMrM4AIidCfGtJWRCaNfpVEtGZopFppc-iA7Z3rk8Mj90yUbidJ8Mei82Zkz72c34EmKbtn_ujZFGec0cIoGwJVAHpLBnzRTV7_pgxQNZtK9-Ao5tYJ13qNqrlHS9sf5-jB6hvIEhqjzwg1o6GRYIfU21KAIxq5mTo7stS-WbntS/s1536/Marabu%20G$M1%20Insts%20B.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1103" data-original-width="1536" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YEFRFzhCp6y_NcgEYMrM4AIidCfGtJWRCaNfpVEtGZopFppc-iA7Z3rk8Mj90yUbidJ8Mei82Zkz72c34EmKbtn_ujZFGec0cIoGwJVAHpLBnzRTV7_pgxQNZtK9-Ao5tYJ13qNqrlHS9sf5-jB6hvIEhqjzwg1o6GRYIfU21KAIxq5mTo7stS-WbntS/s320/Marabu%20G$M1%20Insts%20B.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">With special thanks to Radek of Marabu Design for providing these images of the photo-etch set and for permission to show them here.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAeoM8d9kQD4DOExJuUDCbtSi11mz0zqfn3Nsns4RYbXrgEUF3ynxLeO7ou1uz5dcbnci8ArS8KKToa6VK09nloVi1Rhyphenhyphen7KCh734yFJMzkr8-TkVrmTFfYRfYrrVQqJGCUsAEw4XQVnmilZ4yOJnQKuZ1wyHy62TJT2bT1NdT9aKXRQhVT5IiEtWhhvDk/s897/Marabu%20M73055.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="597" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAeoM8d9kQD4DOExJuUDCbtSi11mz0zqfn3Nsns4RYbXrgEUF3ynxLeO7ou1uz5dcbnci8ArS8KKToa6VK09nloVi1Rhyphenhyphen7KCh734yFJMzkr8-TkVrmTFfYRfYrrVQqJGCUsAEw4XQVnmilZ4yOJnQKuZ1wyHy62TJT2bT1NdT9aKXRQhVT5IiEtWhhvDk/s320/Marabu%20M73055.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image credit: All © 2024 <a href="https://marabudesign.com/cs/" target="_blank">Marabu Design</a></span><p></p>Straggler 脱走兵http://www.blogger.com/profile/10129611267271999294noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748156690521830936.post-25441265622117342822024-03-14T09:57:00.002+00:002024-03-15T11:10:18.738+00:00Magnificent 1/72 Emily - 'She's A Big Bird' - by Jan Voorbij<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLqXF1LndkSoIFQkGerhWdPAxraFGv0xk1xX198OQ1ZcqCBCTUSsK728DJeYUpmiOgmWWqTWcS2u4pNMAO468FyuKWWdA4gqXBYc1Dhxb8WzrmShHz6YiXaURT7unaDHPfzwn1z90Bif0nPT2X9qRQkU5EQhsf2OwaHEBtWMVDJvCSzqWAC8TSJlimjxm/s1366/H6K%20Heading%20Image.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLqXF1LndkSoIFQkGerhWdPAxraFGv0xk1xX198OQ1ZcqCBCTUSsK728DJeYUpmiOgmWWqTWcS2u4pNMAO468FyuKWWdA4gqXBYc1Dhxb8WzrmShHz6YiXaURT7unaDHPfzwn1z90Bif0nPT2X9qRQkU5EQhsf2OwaHEBtWMVDJvCSzqWAC8TSJlimjxm/s320/H6K%20Heading%20Image.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Rather larger than the 1/144 scale Mavis preceding it, this magnificent <i>and fully crewed</i> Kawanishi H8K2 Type 2 Flying Boat Model 12 'Emily' flying boat in 1/72 scale has been built by <b>Jan Voorbij </b>of Holland from the <b><a href="http://www.hasegawa-model.co.jp/product/e45/" target="_blank">Hasegawa</a></b> new tool kit, presenting a 'Little and Large' feature for the IJN's flying boat duo. The title quote relates to the iconic 1944 colour movie 'The Fighting Lady', narrated by <b>Robert Taylor</b>, where an 'Emily' is encountered and attacked by aircraft from USS Yorktown (CV-10). </div></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4qedyLh5-yvf9SP9f3OYN3DpJbVTvXX8-8zkSp_epTMY9sdlkJTv-wXe2uhubAGTojuDj_z_-pGgMT0PeSIjjzOHZN9lfOlI6is1utftJrprcZTe7BPDVl_DxW25YO18AJ4TdJaBZroV3hxRN6jU-aQSFBblk9yOFfHjXhpBkmWVQGAwmJs8xjtrNEDH/s1024/01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="1024" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4qedyLh5-yvf9SP9f3OYN3DpJbVTvXX8-8zkSp_epTMY9sdlkJTv-wXe2uhubAGTojuDj_z_-pGgMT0PeSIjjzOHZN9lfOlI6is1utftJrprcZTe7BPDVl_DxW25YO18AJ4TdJaBZroV3hxRN6jU-aQSFBblk9yOFfHjXhpBkmWVQGAwmJs8xjtrNEDH/s320/01.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxuov7GSZx7CDnsu7FRO44xR-EsWfodgyc0TcVhUzBw1QDBQreXwamhD_tRFY9f-gGD4keuAW3sytC4zj2NtzzsGLWUi96_ojVCCUQ51urv3A7FFtZoXl2c2-4nkFFzpm9a1AKnr7XJti7YAxzlhK7fpPwUg1rrcz4Lo4TQzs2C7iSkdv6UDeAiYWitrF/s1024/001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="1024" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxuov7GSZx7CDnsu7FRO44xR-EsWfodgyc0TcVhUzBw1QDBQreXwamhD_tRFY9f-gGD4keuAW3sytC4zj2NtzzsGLWUi96_ojVCCUQ51urv3A7FFtZoXl2c2-4nkFFzpm9a1AKnr7XJti7YAxzlhK7fpPwUg1rrcz4Lo4TQzs2C7iSkdv6UDeAiYWitrF/s320/001.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwW-SHZ8HP5MRFIP_0Hyj7J2jLulGgDUaaMdByMawYPY52wAxBr808sGer0W3cSxBO5CTgxy8pJakPXSFyos8bXHZtQ5GCOLDPQCsZWF5avIRg5LxARiTRytXCbgBUMHbg58MIV7KC4rffdWoLig-tBMbPJbR-GQo003X1d0-7Qi7sJtZhONcLb6_b0b0Q/s1024/02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="1024" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwW-SHZ8HP5MRFIP_0Hyj7J2jLulGgDUaaMdByMawYPY52wAxBr808sGer0W3cSxBO5CTgxy8pJakPXSFyos8bXHZtQ5GCOLDPQCsZWF5avIRg5LxARiTRytXCbgBUMHbg58MIV7KC4rffdWoLig-tBMbPJbR-GQo003X1d0-7Qi7sJtZhONcLb6_b0b0Q/s320/02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Jan's model represents an aircraft operated by 802 Ku at Shortland Island in the Solomon Islands during 1943 and is well displayed on a plinth with its description presented on the image of an IJN battle flag.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jgVU0RkN7Iqj2G4osfxEvhp6hk_ArhRb24HEcleITI9Ga_P8FJB1Xamiv9njtcdPLxSPkM1-f2zmp5nWihOkksnvZ4AqyimwO95rC06hmnnc9ryMOmqRAIXtQ_sdpyvC8AcfU0wIkvR0omPqY6H7iXnFr61tw9PJO8Sdbh9p5OLYPhyphenhyphen_TtEAT1zJPY0J/s1024/04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1024" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jgVU0RkN7Iqj2G4osfxEvhp6hk_ArhRb24HEcleITI9Ga_P8FJB1Xamiv9njtcdPLxSPkM1-f2zmp5nWihOkksnvZ4AqyimwO95rC06hmnnc9ryMOmqRAIXtQ_sdpyvC8AcfU0wIkvR0omPqY6H7iXnFr61tw9PJO8Sdbh9p5OLYPhyphenhyphen_TtEAT1zJPY0J/s320/04.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-ilIhPj3ZxVuOfVERsWfWX5C7t67qlDtaQpzLXGdhWL7Ey8Lf04sP93E7lie4ZnlKrGKMLLkswUPauRgwoNeef1WzNtHEUMMO1mzo7l9u4PdQH6m4aOCrutw4XUmZ8xY6hd7lgbAy0_U0lRmMO_lHpVhA07Tk1nrlh9XTNIKORtP3N5uS4BCZ9z3IbNE/s1024/05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="1024" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-ilIhPj3ZxVuOfVERsWfWX5C7t67qlDtaQpzLXGdhWL7Ey8Lf04sP93E7lie4ZnlKrGKMLLkswUPauRgwoNeef1WzNtHEUMMO1mzo7l9u4PdQH6m4aOCrutw4XUmZ8xY6hd7lgbAy0_U0lRmMO_lHpVhA07Tk1nrlh9XTNIKORtP3N5uS4BCZ9z3IbNE/s320/05.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Hhxzli6nSBsBzJwEP3ZUhpkj_oVG1WqnLq28ZQJhPelfWHGsxO9iyhPfihIU9fTohxp8j1tfwLYaeaZ2BO2gdGKNSicr2IQkoHkRfDN6OIlou8RFIrnP8WHMxFYScz67atPg24ukQgGANQWgY0j49WrKQ6SPwteXX0r-Np6GLS2Vg3m0XLFkB7C6XPdl/s1024/06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="1024" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Hhxzli6nSBsBzJwEP3ZUhpkj_oVG1WqnLq28ZQJhPelfWHGsxO9iyhPfihIU9fTohxp8j1tfwLYaeaZ2BO2gdGKNSicr2IQkoHkRfDN6OIlou8RFIrnP8WHMxFYScz67atPg24ukQgGANQWgY0j49WrKQ6SPwteXX0r-Np6GLS2Vg3m0XLFkB7C6XPdl/s320/06.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Jan observes that the kit is fantastic but that the plastic is a bit soft. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzW4f5PyJ1cGOqT80J9YYCEkzIm4SqENBuNvYqOQC26NjdMAkhheubddVU6B7c4Ke59-ZY-WGUmPegUQiBEdvBF9hq-UNeTeIhrNSGROF8VouexmJMcNKipDIp2JEBSO6fHMoQmSTxVKAvoCHCqSnAPWnIA6nVdQ745qVX4-E2iZ5aSj5I5-VvUPRgkrjM/s1024/07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzW4f5PyJ1cGOqT80J9YYCEkzIm4SqENBuNvYqOQC26NjdMAkhheubddVU6B7c4Ke59-ZY-WGUmPegUQiBEdvBF9hq-UNeTeIhrNSGROF8VouexmJMcNKipDIp2JEBSO6fHMoQmSTxVKAvoCHCqSnAPWnIA6nVdQ745qVX4-E2iZ5aSj5I5-VvUPRgkrjM/s320/07.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QgEQQPpbMpP3_UFUD74jT3Y1zz02kO-MFvaU-cS4LWLQYjcCPHb67j-u425qXWOlrhLIGMCKWyLaEp6dvkI-dS9hvB2Cr-OK2rwq7d7RqnVXbOBH9UmXtOdRhrG2oxXCWwVPRb2V_qzmL2oGP9lmjIQsmDfGJiVzJ-9qykmYHW4l8SRc1-cpDsNA7Gkz/s1024/08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="1024" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QgEQQPpbMpP3_UFUD74jT3Y1zz02kO-MFvaU-cS4LWLQYjcCPHb67j-u425qXWOlrhLIGMCKWyLaEp6dvkI-dS9hvB2Cr-OK2rwq7d7RqnVXbOBH9UmXtOdRhrG2oxXCWwVPRb2V_qzmL2oGP9lmjIQsmDfGJiVzJ-9qykmYHW4l8SRc1-cpDsNA7Gkz/s320/08.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6S5EPm0TR1sRk9bHLcvLEL1MVkRpfTmOkm6Xrj4w2uqtlWeR78rukqtp79DbiMEsEZg4nr-Yhmc5kQ4p7d6fhOiqcg5Wz9j95fmGbw0sB88tKGRlBhiHg3EHEuVqoBRjWuYWVQ8RKhBa_2EEXV81XgYTLkTSmah58ZYZ5sxYCOeC3VOczeagqrBTo_Wu/s1024/09.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="1024" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6S5EPm0TR1sRk9bHLcvLEL1MVkRpfTmOkm6Xrj4w2uqtlWeR78rukqtp79DbiMEsEZg4nr-Yhmc5kQ4p7d6fhOiqcg5Wz9j95fmGbw0sB88tKGRlBhiHg3EHEuVqoBRjWuYWVQ8RKhBa_2EEXV81XgYTLkTSmah58ZYZ5sxYCOeC3VOczeagqrBTo_Wu/s320/09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Jan also notes that whilst the instructions are in themselves clear, the advised building sequence is not always logical so he advises creating a building plan before construction starts.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX82GyjIYgaD_HsuSRK1v2-yVwPdaxyMwU8BUcbC5-ihZkuODTo2rHTTMSYrzyePv8BA5I0_p96hDzEINYsKApfzQWcrx-4EtTbk4Kp57Zubh0lrsnEEGBcvI1FCvbnkTHqUf8-Dxp_tDkRFA09B4zAEt5eAUJNC9MjfvgHAVnm8FNuOp-OjY9kB9F4Lpu/s1024/10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="1024" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX82GyjIYgaD_HsuSRK1v2-yVwPdaxyMwU8BUcbC5-ihZkuODTo2rHTTMSYrzyePv8BA5I0_p96hDzEINYsKApfzQWcrx-4EtTbk4Kp57Zubh0lrsnEEGBcvI1FCvbnkTHqUf8-Dxp_tDkRFA09B4zAEt5eAUJNC9MjfvgHAVnm8FNuOp-OjY9kB9F4Lpu/s320/10.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmknn5ITuedbitGNvXEZxMLcoXnqefb1ZISggkmqQic-8an8jIUvSLpMuIukP4RVXqbEKL04zCiL_Zgy0Dq2x6b6YenYzGuAaWy_dxyU3DMHlWtTVSXdBC1Jj3_3Ra1hmiw03vDPbI-V_Xds75wKXYUB_Av9LRu2NOif0BI34xw1ea1G7_7a6XS47MGcSB/s1024/11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmknn5ITuedbitGNvXEZxMLcoXnqefb1ZISggkmqQic-8an8jIUvSLpMuIukP4RVXqbEKL04zCiL_Zgy0Dq2x6b6YenYzGuAaWy_dxyU3DMHlWtTVSXdBC1Jj3_3Ra1hmiw03vDPbI-V_Xds75wKXYUB_Av9LRu2NOif0BI34xw1ea1G7_7a6XS47MGcSB/s320/11.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV82tEzKRFyY2PSbyxOjG1uZEQmfIAyMNAPEdWBtOmQtXYapM2DZ1Ol_2l7JgAmPjB7fCOASfYz02z6cn5Twu1uXsTGdfryJuumF9k_e38usE_IWTw2fKu9CkvmrrJCN2kujpuRh9v8Aro5pluQxjTnlV5HfVmAlMy7IspbVqpsL3V9DDLkza8sMl_P93X/s1024/12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="1024" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV82tEzKRFyY2PSbyxOjG1uZEQmfIAyMNAPEdWBtOmQtXYapM2DZ1Ol_2l7JgAmPjB7fCOASfYz02z6cn5Twu1uXsTGdfryJuumF9k_e38usE_IWTw2fKu9CkvmrrJCN2kujpuRh9v8Aro5pluQxjTnlV5HfVmAlMy7IspbVqpsL3V9DDLkza8sMl_P93X/s320/12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Jan encountered one omission: the wing floats should be strengthened by cables attached to the wings. There is no mention whatsoever of these cables in the instructions. To solve this problem Jan referred to the instructions of the older Hasegawa version of the 'Emily'<b> <a href="http://www.aviationofjapan.com/2016/08/new-tool-hasegawa-emily-in-172.html" target="_blank">(kitographed here)</a> </b>and the relevant section of those is added below for the assistance of others who may be building or planning to build the new tool model.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShXpxnkjPlq6te-Omg-VcdP1PteKcPsSpjpZePnuRTMDZyz-MiV_SDGVYsHqatvyMjeowZSwG9PkDP2Mi8gNP9_P9tzJeC7QeSQcO_7oyaQduB5WqUeHS2Yi3I2RBZ2_M3iwKxd3ztE1XJvkBswAPedUCi-d__Lmd2bsFqOjEszt-8aOycIYEpYRMsyzn/s1480/HasegawaH6KInstsFloatWires.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1480" data-original-width="922" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShXpxnkjPlq6te-Omg-VcdP1PteKcPsSpjpZePnuRTMDZyz-MiV_SDGVYsHqatvyMjeowZSwG9PkDP2Mi8gNP9_P9tzJeC7QeSQcO_7oyaQduB5WqUeHS2Yi3I2RBZ2_M3iwKxd3ztE1XJvkBswAPedUCi-d__Lmd2bsFqOjEszt-8aOycIYEpYRMsyzn/s320/HasegawaH6KInstsFloatWires.jpg" width="199" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">In official IJN parlance 'Emily' was the <i>Ni Shiki Hikoh-tei</i> (二式飛行挺) colloquially abbreviated to <i>Ni Shiki Taitei</i> (二式大挺). 'Emily' was conceived to achieve a 30% higher speed and 50% longer range than 'Mavis' plus improved manoeuvrability for torpedo attacks. The flying boat had an impressive range of 3,800 nautical miles (4.370 miles). However whereas Mavis was stable on the water the prototype of 'Emily' completed in 1940 capsized during take-off runs due to the reduced hull width designed to lighten the aircraft. An in board step partly solved the problem and with the aid of a double flap combining fowler and split designs the flying boat was able to take off in 30 seconds even when heavily loaded.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNsun7DeIgqVQw3dVvHwZQikn79xjW5szpWZSVLEk8Yw_BKIZEDemK35ATT5wkXZKGNufasu-frkHTmWFBCr2W2L0m0dyPJj1QU_8HIV6gtzMPRSGdJsnmfExaawgVj08L_Qw0bDXsIgeX_dIj9B5OqWMbst7L_xQY1esJwF7XrrQ2ZOzZg3QMeLpfksn/s1024/13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="762" data-original-width="1024" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNsun7DeIgqVQw3dVvHwZQikn79xjW5szpWZSVLEk8Yw_BKIZEDemK35ATT5wkXZKGNufasu-frkHTmWFBCr2W2L0m0dyPJj1QU_8HIV6gtzMPRSGdJsnmfExaawgVj08L_Qw0bDXsIgeX_dIj9B5OqWMbst7L_xQY1esJwF7XrrQ2ZOzZg3QMeLpfksn/s320/13.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0pCCwAmzLu8BloYpltk8AWkqWO3Isb88nzl33BCXh5Z4StVoyTOvdIyls25xnuw5sEkd1lvAXY0OdvX0vI7-QjTcQHXZsyjtvPLYSwWo18EyA-NKBRJEjkBobYMce56RUxS_OwXNKgxSXBla5eA9o9zVm4pHC3NUHevfpLUar_SkmClsgObml-XxQKr8/s1024/14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="1024" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0pCCwAmzLu8BloYpltk8AWkqWO3Isb88nzl33BCXh5Z4StVoyTOvdIyls25xnuw5sEkd1lvAXY0OdvX0vI7-QjTcQHXZsyjtvPLYSwWo18EyA-NKBRJEjkBobYMce56RUxS_OwXNKgxSXBla5eA9o9zVm4pHC3NUHevfpLUar_SkmClsgObml-XxQKr8/s320/14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jan's superbly realised Emily flight deck with busily engaged crew</span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">To further solve the problem of porpoising an indicator was installed to facilitate the pilot maintaining the nose up at 4-6 degrees by lining up the horizon with the so-called 'hairpin' bar fitted to the pylon on the nose in front of the windscreen. In post-war flight testing in the USA NACA (the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) noted that 'Emily' left far less wash during take off and landing than comparable German and American flying boats. The Model 12 'Emily' was deemed to have superior performance to the Consolidated PB2Y Colorado and was 50 mph faster in level speed. A total of 131 examples of the flying boat were manufactured at Konan near Kobe and 36 of the Model 32 transport version <i>'Sei-ku' </i>(Clear Sky) which could carry 64 personnel and their armaments.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBPb8Ti3htwVCq18N27fLcHHhMqngbPgTogY4qVbIxg8nCdtarfWb_oWguSyOekXFdW88ZuEuOxVAPb67tGu-equPZOpiiRHXqELYfw-48yJKQeNZzo86FTgPSoP9JbvGoralcyjTJvElZOrgLfcLjXeNiSXk6ENJ-OHWolVprCVXw3aG3E7kpMHXV2-r/s1024/15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1024" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBPb8Ti3htwVCq18N27fLcHHhMqngbPgTogY4qVbIxg8nCdtarfWb_oWguSyOekXFdW88ZuEuOxVAPb67tGu-equPZOpiiRHXqELYfw-48yJKQeNZzo86FTgPSoP9JbvGoralcyjTJvElZOrgLfcLjXeNiSXk6ENJ-OHWolVprCVXw3aG3E7kpMHXV2-r/s320/15.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifewz88Tu_fMg8JkLKGKHZ8AzzByK3H0LGW2nPoxbFf37GF-z2NvgB7hD__71Ym_owN5Bthi3I352G0H8E3C4VukPXOHBTNO0KfkbXWc9f2NIn4jvFue9McMlhCQjTlLfVlk1L8ASIGN8HVEsNIT0ETr0J21EXMe2B093kBMN8jfwJl2x_0vaplV9SgSJT/s1024/16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="1024" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifewz88Tu_fMg8JkLKGKHZ8AzzByK3H0LGW2nPoxbFf37GF-z2NvgB7hD__71Ym_owN5Bthi3I352G0H8E3C4VukPXOHBTNO0KfkbXWc9f2NIn4jvFue9McMlhCQjTlLfVlk1L8ASIGN8HVEsNIT0ETr0J21EXMe2B093kBMN8jfwJl2x_0vaplV9SgSJT/s320/16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">'Emily' was noted for a second attack on Pearl Harbor in March 1942, albeit unsuccessful, when two flying boats made the sortie from Watje in the Marshall Islands, re-fuelling from submarines I-15 and I-19 at French Frigate Shoals after a flight of 1,605 miles, then flying another 482 miles to their target. Cloud cover disrupted bomb aiming and each aircraft dropped its four 550 lb bombs blind.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_BTHH5cGxzV3esFu635rQvAN-M7c2U7lyMRA4jPm0V0o03bTR3C36gcOLToiIJ8JUb9WoLNFBOa1bMJ1RvXD3yBAFmFej9OYoQnyCjxhbHFzUwF_xc2YnRoiDBiDpanqOHhdivgsXMUHi39-Q8K7XiZVsNiuVmJsMqbt2LIMhBvFIT6xf6aPW1qDRbEQ/s1000/e45.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1000" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_BTHH5cGxzV3esFu635rQvAN-M7c2U7lyMRA4jPm0V0o03bTR3C36gcOLToiIJ8JUb9WoLNFBOa1bMJ1RvXD3yBAFmFej9OYoQnyCjxhbHFzUwF_xc2YnRoiDBiDpanqOHhdivgsXMUHi39-Q8K7XiZVsNiuVmJsMqbt2LIMhBvFIT6xf6aPW1qDRbEQ/s320/e45.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Although appearing elsewhere, special thanks to Jan for sharing these images and details of his magnificent model with AoJ and for his patience in waiting for them to appear here. Reference for the additional details of 'Emily' development from 'General View of Japanese Military Aircraft in The Pacific War' by the staff of 'Aireview', published by Kantô-Sha Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, 1956, in dual Japanese and English text volumes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image credit: All model photos © 2024 Jan Voorbij; Instruction excerpt and box art © <a href="http://www.hasegawa-model.co.jp/gsite/" target="_blank">Hasegawa Corporation</a></span></div></div><p></p>Straggler 脱走兵http://www.blogger.com/profile/10129611267271999294noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748156690521830936.post-65008109030211036442024-03-13T07:39:00.001+00:002024-03-13T18:37:54.932+00:00Green Cross Mavis by Mark Smith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7395cW6yHJR1XmFFExKg5ufzBaxBjJ72_7o3fbtNhYC69ErVJOILjnyuGz2EPBeH10dhrgdmfY848h5BRrJw1veJfrDYT9zJPUVB7o90W43dPXVFD6gIAOgbtbBxhm27EnSVVadqnB3VBs2Q_ohZHFOgtkoxRNK1ANbt1gY6PEw_CD0MULwE3I34fKjjt/s2016/IMG_3016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7395cW6yHJR1XmFFExKg5ufzBaxBjJ72_7o3fbtNhYC69ErVJOILjnyuGz2EPBeH10dhrgdmfY848h5BRrJw1veJfrDYT9zJPUVB7o90W43dPXVFD6gIAOgbtbBxhm27EnSVVadqnB3VBs2Q_ohZHFOgtkoxRNK1ANbt1gY6PEw_CD0MULwE3I34fKjjt/s320/IMG_3016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Once again <b>Mark Smith </b>beguiles with a model which can easily be taken for a larger scale - the graceful Type 97 Flying Boat (<i>Kyu Nana Shiki Hikoh-tei</i> 九七式飛行挺 or <i>Kyu Nana Taitei</i> 九七大挺), Kawanishi H6K 'Mavis'.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Rainy Day Kit: Trumpeter's Mavis</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>by Mark Smith</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhZTfgWS8qjLu_ZnAbTauejJxyeHMvjf3IrvfHC3FNsbLgIHaQBQZyOajM1DPd9YtPULUpeuoLjQHg3J-IkxsKZCdyHg0LelrJlVyiywjSamMGKzur_9oZkXcQNDSw_2_BxnkChdGQiXfwyMZLASU4nQU1WVlYFhlaOU2roD_ouZxasBjWbkmKjv9A_Cw/s2015/IMG_3021.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1046" data-original-width="2015" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhZTfgWS8qjLu_ZnAbTauejJxyeHMvjf3IrvfHC3FNsbLgIHaQBQZyOajM1DPd9YtPULUpeuoLjQHg3J-IkxsKZCdyHg0LelrJlVyiywjSamMGKzur_9oZkXcQNDSw_2_BxnkChdGQiXfwyMZLASU4nQU1WVlYFhlaOU2roD_ouZxasBjWbkmKjv9A_Cw/s320/IMG_3021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The <b><a href="http://www.trumpeter-china.com/index.php?g=home&m=product&a=show&id=2273&l=en" target="_blank">Trumpeter</a></b> 1/144 scale kit of the Kawanishi H6K Mavis flying boat has been around since 2003, and has always seemed a bit of a sleeper. It’s an accurate but simple kit which looks great in military or civil markings. Considering the size of the original, it’s perfect for those who don’t have space to display the ancient 1/72 <b>Hasegawa</b> kit - generally the less accurate of the two. The usual suspects have it in stock for twelve to fifteen dollars (listed as £10.99 at <b><a href="https://www.hannants.co.uk" target="_blank">Hannants</a></b> in UK but currently on backorder. Ed) . It’s always been in production. Of course, if a rumor got round that the molds had been destroyed in a rare head-on train collision, then we’d be talking about a hundred-dollar collector’s item. So best get one now.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHnsLvecqJBWeooSuUpVEaSZzWMswjsTnqHBrZKV5BPQQd3-X6ViWknxKOZ2XkcdQAGRYErHZHC54BBqMbE1p119NeTd6KNee_O8dZcFKw5Q6_UyNYV9Ilbr0iQycM20NxRuzsNoGhDaouswVcS5g59SXsgvxwiVfF5t_3fw6J1y4G0aJmpBRJ2wzsoKt/s2016/IMG_3011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHnsLvecqJBWeooSuUpVEaSZzWMswjsTnqHBrZKV5BPQQd3-X6ViWknxKOZ2XkcdQAGRYErHZHC54BBqMbE1p119NeTd6KNee_O8dZcFKw5Q6_UyNYV9Ilbr0iQycM20NxRuzsNoGhDaouswVcS5g59SXsgvxwiVfF5t_3fw6J1y4G0aJmpBRJ2wzsoKt/s320/IMG_3011.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLprktyFj7vR-XFkJHZ7OL_dpwtxdaTpsrJyje4adP2BpV6ZVkwJXggi-4y-mQ7DEnEptAjSToch3qXVvdpr60dAPkYF4mJUqisx_Lpo1DKNWb5AFs1yqoapyh3Q0cej4My6pMYbP0wgO404vapkERRS7BJKqSuGbq6xYDBlpW31vD41GQOaZLWkoETt3_/s2016/IMG_3027.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLprktyFj7vR-XFkJHZ7OL_dpwtxdaTpsrJyje4adP2BpV6ZVkwJXggi-4y-mQ7DEnEptAjSToch3qXVvdpr60dAPkYF4mJUqisx_Lpo1DKNWb5AFs1yqoapyh3Q0cej4My6pMYbP0wgO404vapkERRS7BJKqSuGbq6xYDBlpW31vD41GQOaZLWkoETt3_/s320/IMG_3027.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was a relatively quick build with good fit, with the exception of the central V-shaped pylons for the wing; here the join is secure but needs special attention and some filler to fair things in smoothly. Only the clunkiest parts were redone here, necessitated by molding limitations - the unusual center-wing pitot tube, rdf loop, and antenna masts have been replaced by items made from brass rod. There appear to be two different versions of these molds released, civil and military, with beautiful box art for each. (The kit was also released in both versions by <b>Monochrome</b> which appears to be a Japanese outlet for Trumpeter kits. Ed)) In fact, lift the lid on either, and it’s the same kit with the same lovely decal sheet, which covers both options. The aircraft offers the modeler a wider scope for markings than some Japanese types: a civil-operated a/c in pristine natural metal, or IJN versions in overall grey or green over grey.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zi45BnceXJ8RW1gcurgteVQkPH5_TOc0lPQmjeHzKE60-9ymvm7hoycXivbL4w9uwZXS8I7RsUf63bC-NZLUXGV1lH67AG8frSZ-zKxi_9pvezZfhWl6zAqjuC6hpjIbAlxOQFPW1cIsmcrXHfkDi7Sis7Foht88lpDOG1PtKjhyKvBv6nLudPgG6a3x/s2016/IMG_3028.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zi45BnceXJ8RW1gcurgteVQkPH5_TOc0lPQmjeHzKE60-9ymvm7hoycXivbL4w9uwZXS8I7RsUf63bC-NZLUXGV1lH67AG8frSZ-zKxi_9pvezZfhWl6zAqjuC6hpjIbAlxOQFPW1cIsmcrXHfkDi7Sis7Foht88lpDOG1PtKjhyKvBv6nLudPgG6a3x/s320/IMG_3028.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1dtPr8hTTnD4U2antBJvwk9Cdje8YCyO9LoAIFZbaftzjx4-FmUQ7xIOJy3IQhaCWSWzfDkySlM1-A0fgm2vchUORLGL_Al5uBbkd4USntToPwi42YYKX8bEYMCnvjzppgJRLjKbg0zvooayDVbtW2wqZOcFPm-NlouFCqGishl9UsTHObo3TEKNeDth/s2016/IMG_3039.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1dtPr8hTTnD4U2antBJvwk9Cdje8YCyO9LoAIFZbaftzjx4-FmUQ7xIOJy3IQhaCWSWzfDkySlM1-A0fgm2vchUORLGL_Al5uBbkd4USntToPwi42YYKX8bEYMCnvjzppgJRLjKbg0zvooayDVbtW2wqZOcFPm-NlouFCqGishl9UsTHObo3TEKNeDth/s320/IMG_3039.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I built this one in the surrender markings of an aircraft found near the seaplane ramp at Yokohama. with only the back half of the fuselage in the prescribed white with green surrender crosses on the fuselage. Someone in charge had obviously thought it through: 'With a wingspan of about 131 feet, and a wing area of 1,830 square feet, on a cloudy day how many gallons of white paint would be required to evenly cover the surface of a Kawanishi flying boat wing?' (Correct Answer: 'D. Too many').</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJ_hNMbSQoliRAfd0utzVyaQWFRuGfHTriIpMVDvduSV1hxZHWD-Fo5-hy-CKuCeYa8mHOWVwps8xo4M-1f87NwHwQ9ZYL9zgqzsLpBa1s8JDLTFFFKd2VneGSe5sMoKPZ4L7ZgHHDRPdpdIpbsxeAkuXbwLJaA9tKbzsOKJPBwkrp6NOEreaWRcjniaN/s2016/IMG_3041.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJ_hNMbSQoliRAfd0utzVyaQWFRuGfHTriIpMVDvduSV1hxZHWD-Fo5-hy-CKuCeYa8mHOWVwps8xo4M-1f87NwHwQ9ZYL9zgqzsLpBa1s8JDLTFFFKd2VneGSe5sMoKPZ4L7ZgHHDRPdpdIpbsxeAkuXbwLJaA9tKbzsOKJPBwkrp6NOEreaWRcjniaN/s320/IMG_3041.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2wHoX18h8CkOx81FDidwrEwX3xDIAeBtkf0_1l7sDI9YOHz4XcaaSLE3EC4wCmztCWuC9BabPfjAYxbNhZikAIAa4VSm3HiSYguIofLlkmX3jZP0wvTf1cKd__B9hJJ4N59hubLQRi6ZZ7Vl3kVsvqnX1iontmyUj1V7U3l6MS3eLq7IPmR3ruSHG7l6/s2016/IMG_3031.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2wHoX18h8CkOx81FDidwrEwX3xDIAeBtkf0_1l7sDI9YOHz4XcaaSLE3EC4wCmztCWuC9BabPfjAYxbNhZikAIAa4VSm3HiSYguIofLlkmX3jZP0wvTf1cKd__B9hJJ4N59hubLQRi6ZZ7Vl3kVsvqnX1iontmyUj1V7U3l6MS3eLq7IPmR3ruSHG7l6/s320/IMG_3031.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Trumpeter's model comes with a clear stand, which I found unattractive, to display the model in-flight. The finished project, with its rigging and antenna aerials, suggested an accident waiting to happen. So I built a V-shaped plinth for the hull to mount it, with the plate below finished in aotake, with brass plate underneath to give it weight.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcwNNlF7RPBJW1RfVR3H-0yhZDGUGX7J7U9-NY2yoYTBgjBh2mnFVa7HFp9wrp1ZjcpkAfBi2T6lEcr-FbcVXY5ogFGtO5L7KVZzgaG4Er8hM-Ogpgis_eFnEthXuPm7NxEEpY7O9Id-b3FbSlX_VcoQM2HRCzxy3_zDWlPvVLwOjkJhC8GvohT0b9xZJ/s2016/IMG_3040.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcwNNlF7RPBJW1RfVR3H-0yhZDGUGX7J7U9-NY2yoYTBgjBh2mnFVa7HFp9wrp1ZjcpkAfBi2T6lEcr-FbcVXY5ogFGtO5L7KVZzgaG4Er8hM-Ogpgis_eFnEthXuPm7NxEEpY7O9Id-b3FbSlX_VcoQM2HRCzxy3_zDWlPvVLwOjkJhC8GvohT0b9xZJ/s320/IMG_3040.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI01XxxPYHwLaQpfgCrRuneeLO-xcanDUxlgarywKjEEXvr-4eJCPXnTmK6qzsIi5aFIVe4OIeWoeAbMWe57oirSk0smnzqeqZhWofZ4-XlTGhBabRzIL9GeHEK39IgPBE-p58YO0rt-f_nDdq30S55ItbhDru3Ox57hGvmV1mQEIC0GPIaNIPz1ea5IQx/s2016/IMG_3014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI01XxxPYHwLaQpfgCrRuneeLO-xcanDUxlgarywKjEEXvr-4eJCPXnTmK6qzsIi5aFIVe4OIeWoeAbMWe57oirSk0smnzqeqZhWofZ4-XlTGhBabRzIL9GeHEK39IgPBE-p58YO0rt-f_nDdq30S55ItbhDru3Ox57hGvmV1mQEIC0GPIaNIPz1ea5IQx/s320/IMG_3014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This model was very much inspired by seeing <b>Steve Hustad’s</b> remarkable 1/72 Hasegawa build, and the article and photos he shared on j-aircraft many years ago.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> <span style="text-align: center;">_______________</span></b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">With special thanks to Mark for sharing these images and details of another superbly realised 1/144 scale model. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image credit: All photos © 2024 Mark Smith</span></p><div><br /></div>Straggler 脱走兵http://www.blogger.com/profile/10129611267271999294noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748156690521830936.post-18385323885063441972024-03-11T07:43:00.005+00:002024-03-11T15:14:15.251+00:00The Nichimo E13A 'Jake' revisited by Michael Thurow ‒ Part 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoam_5fJk-u-sH8KVjgK83MFnYBd2gAdeFRVWGrJIiZiAiQBjOOgvT1FyQ84xRDRI1KJQFPtz9YmuSo4lW9cBinvEVPFmUpT9r4NhHrgAmnqDJmlXB-ghLUydiNiLlo54Cx0C3cCUxkcuqFqrcLMfnngA8iqNtG-EZibu1gt2_59k3UQApCJi3O-ofkLV/s1440/E13A-00.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1440" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoam_5fJk-u-sH8KVjgK83MFnYBd2gAdeFRVWGrJIiZiAiQBjOOgvT1FyQ84xRDRI1KJQFPtz9YmuSo4lW9cBinvEVPFmUpT9r4NhHrgAmnqDJmlXB-ghLUydiNiLlo54Cx0C3cCUxkcuqFqrcLMfnngA8iqNtG-EZibu1gt2_59k3UQApCJi3O-ofkLV/s320/E13A-00.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The history of the <b>Nichimo</b> 1/48 scale (ex-Marusan 1/50 scale) 'Jake' kit was the subject of Part 2 of 'Jake a Tale of Two Scales' way back in November 2016 <a href="http://www.aviationofjapan.com/2016/11/jake-tale-of-two-scales-part-2.html" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>. Now <b>Michael Thurow</b> presents the third and final part of his impressive resurrection and improvement of his own, older build of that kit, as so splendidly realised in the heading image above. The previous parts 1 and 2 of his article are <a href="http://www.aviationofjapan.com/2023/11/the-nichimo-e13a-jake-revisited-by.html" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a> and <a href="http://www.aviationofjapan.com/2023/12/the-nichimo-e13a-jake-revisited-by.html" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>. Over to Michael then:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>The Nichimo E13A 'Jake' revisited ‒ Part 3 </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Michael Thurow</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The third part of my 'Jake' renovation story describes the final assembly and finishing of the model's main components.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Before painting the fuselage I asked advice from Nick regarding an amber grey variation for the E13A which I then tried to approximate with a home-made mixture that appears more amber than in Fig.12ff. Basic decals came from the spares box and the tail code was printed on clear decal film (red outline filled with white colour). A few extras are highlighted below -</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjWO_3ptwJnz_2wFIMmzt6vMcSUci7dnLDvrpxkArpTOJeSYbR-R59QXdwo4Mlbmso99ak-ixbLdckShUvkRwzIOc1tpvqUxG7gblofBuxMu0wE2xy2P8zfBBfyLKXXQ9yRGmBy4ApBpw6acj5rMhq53ty7MKfVLidJmnS5nO2RTO6oju15I2aZW0BJiE/s1920/E13A-14%20Fig12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjWO_3ptwJnz_2wFIMmzt6vMcSUci7dnLDvrpxkArpTOJeSYbR-R59QXdwo4Mlbmso99ak-ixbLdckShUvkRwzIOc1tpvqUxG7gblofBuxMu0wE2xy2P8zfBBfyLKXXQ9yRGmBy4ApBpw6acj5rMhq53ty7MKfVLidJmnS5nO2RTO6oju15I2aZW0BJiE/s320/E13A-14%20Fig12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;">The floats received prop warning stripes and indicators for the beaching trolley. I painted the underside dark grey, probably an anti-corrosive, that was not generally applied to 'Jake' floats but can be observed on a few examples (MM p.5, FAOW 207 p.12) and presumably on ZI-23 (ibid p.22). It lends a more elegant shape to the float which is a bit too deep for 1/50. Other details as described in Fig.13 -</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_CRA_x-mgYiFsO-UkcrC7aDrPVbczIn_K2XdQTOIIuCX0Adfl5F6_2PFEr63kdv_bv01_-HkKUCqAktsnMfGZ3ZgkjwksO2kGb5bG6H5e4ski8gdkF1Ermr-GK9geDLyVI1Mh_dZu9ioaISZgMWKxCA6nQcgPDtbd7VxqiC4Pqec2u32X96VJIaL8eZE/s1920/E13A-15%20Fig13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="1920" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_CRA_x-mgYiFsO-UkcrC7aDrPVbczIn_K2XdQTOIIuCX0Adfl5F6_2PFEr63kdv_bv01_-HkKUCqAktsnMfGZ3ZgkjwksO2kGb5bG6H5e4ski8gdkF1Ermr-GK9geDLyVI1Mh_dZu9ioaISZgMWKxCA6nQcgPDtbd7VxqiC4Pqec2u32X96VJIaL8eZE/s320/E13A-15%20Fig13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The folded wings help to disguise the deficient chord at the wing root but caused an extra problem of spotting details on the few blurry pictures existent. My best effort is presented below. Even so, having a model with folded wings adds a special touch to my collection.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yiYaEs1J9PEyt59Sjzmfa7jErY4cY16fVCZObMYNrp-abHxNZKVfMHeq3tYEpVQx2scj2UAMF81kbVYJYZswhs-PNEUMMMzGNvie5OJAE_2tmVhWXcJXokd8HCdUfq7vWo6bqguEDGC5Hmd8XmmkBHSn4TxoHUcdk-2Obpsh1Mgvh0-hu4j8uceZah6z/s1920/E13A-16%20Fig14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yiYaEs1J9PEyt59Sjzmfa7jErY4cY16fVCZObMYNrp-abHxNZKVfMHeq3tYEpVQx2scj2UAMF81kbVYJYZswhs-PNEUMMMzGNvie5OJAE_2tmVhWXcJXokd8HCdUfq7vWo6bqguEDGC5Hmd8XmmkBHSn4TxoHUcdk-2Obpsh1Mgvh0-hu4j8uceZah6z/s320/E13A-16%20Fig14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(4) Maru Mechanic (p.58) describes the stripes as drift marks. I'm not convinced because on photos (MA p.38) they appear straight and parallel and not angled like typical drift lines. They might as well be indicators for the leading edge tank or for the pilot to judge the float dimensions. Apparently not all early 'Jakes' were decorated in this way. (Dive angle indicators. Ed)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And here, finally, is the finished model -</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUF2pDJWCPyRG-91JN-q0vTW5viUjZMLQg2F_o2m4I_HKcF8xkTJuFD6r6YZ2VJX80RmzyiD3-QwX95g7cUSg8W0jYjemzBk-kMcEtgRqWMwHAzR1hb_jwldMCT8-0CyQTb0k33RsJDbGO0EM9ZWoZTGOlvAh1WTY5_worQUXpgZmrs2m58IODhHz21cf/s1920/E13A-17a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUF2pDJWCPyRG-91JN-q0vTW5viUjZMLQg2F_o2m4I_HKcF8xkTJuFD6r6YZ2VJX80RmzyiD3-QwX95g7cUSg8W0jYjemzBk-kMcEtgRqWMwHAzR1hb_jwldMCT8-0CyQTb0k33RsJDbGO0EM9ZWoZTGOlvAh1WTY5_worQUXpgZmrs2m58IODhHz21cf/s320/E13A-17a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">ZI-22 was one of four Type 0 Reconnaissance Seaplanes aboard the tender Kamikawa Maru. The ship and her compliment of 'Jakes' seem to have participated in several offensive operations during the first six months of the Pacific War. FOAW 207 shows them floating at Saint-Jacques near Saigon in late December 1941 during the landing operation in Malaya (p.23). Carrier Operations Vol.II has them heading for Batavia on February 24, 1942 as part of the Java Invasion Force (p.29), and SPAW Vol.3 locates them at Deboyne Is. in the Coral Sea in May 1942 supporting the planned seizure of Port Moresby. The Kamikawa Maru soldiered on until May 29, 1943 when she was sunk by the submarine USS Scamp.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRj7ikd0rNLwKGwd2Y_hlB53I-jiJaBRf6Oy5XW2FrAwcK32eKf59aw4gmwgeHutICsia4_qFybWI6zvq0ZhIDe8zChNdm-MboVrfUCwkUvZfajvZs9HRqUbr4pylqmHCB-UoEMlhm1M5JH5EUArKNDvg7lzGwaS4Papbpz1ga1CavuBqU1I6kPELhFRWb/s1920/E13A-18a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRj7ikd0rNLwKGwd2Y_hlB53I-jiJaBRf6Oy5XW2FrAwcK32eKf59aw4gmwgeHutICsia4_qFybWI6zvq0ZhIDe8zChNdm-MboVrfUCwkUvZfajvZs9HRqUbr4pylqmHCB-UoEMlhm1M5JH5EUArKNDvg7lzGwaS4Papbpz1ga1CavuBqU1I6kPELhFRWb/s320/E13A-18a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wO1VR4DYe58Xeu22ZVHHu41NXkmBVJn5vb04P0J-cKoaUYFk9m7RBI_flp1fEv2X-UD4Oa0L968-3_zKADV_DgPmuLeUbPKkwvAnC4WN1RMMnT9mqoUvNuHQISSBE0mZaCpYhXyu0ZBYUXNqu0XUk0TPA48iS9jhUj68C3zf4MCHxPPD41YINYps2ZVT/s1920/E13A-19a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wO1VR4DYe58Xeu22ZVHHu41NXkmBVJn5vb04P0J-cKoaUYFk9m7RBI_flp1fEv2X-UD4Oa0L968-3_zKADV_DgPmuLeUbPKkwvAnC4WN1RMMnT9mqoUvNuHQISSBE0mZaCpYhXyu0ZBYUXNqu0XUk0TPA48iS9jhUj68C3zf4MCHxPPD41YINYps2ZVT/s320/E13A-19a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The beaching trolley is enclosed in the Nichimo kit as a bonus part. Some photos enticed me to upgrade it to a trolley-cum-work-platform shown here in more detail. With this picture I'd like to round off my seven months of involvement with this venerable kit. Thank you for your interest and for your kind comments.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLPYn74m7xaZ0ZakI8vKauEpuVnv7fDJAOGMH-8JxdkT2lp_3D6P0WDV3LSkP77f3CzWVM-e18_GdikfL7ugPWKXYFzFjle8e_21YsO31zP6wTPiOH89aH61G8uxCAI7iWEBQTt7-oevJaxtscoghF3WorBZh63jdtxvo_MuRpystv048AQv1P4nU43oH/s1920/E13A-20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLPYn74m7xaZ0ZakI8vKauEpuVnv7fDJAOGMH-8JxdkT2lp_3D6P0WDV3LSkP77f3CzWVM-e18_GdikfL7ugPWKXYFzFjle8e_21YsO31zP6wTPiOH89aH61G8uxCAI7iWEBQTt7-oevJaxtscoghF3WorBZh63jdtxvo_MuRpystv048AQv1P4nU43oH/s320/E13A-20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>References</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">CARRIER OPERATIONS IN WORLD WAR II, VOLUME II, DAVID BROWN, SHEPPERTON, 1974</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">TYPE 0 RECONNAISSANCE SEAPLANE, MARU MECHANIC NO.12, TOKYO 1978</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">IMPERIAL JAPANESE NAVY RECONNAISSANCE SEAPLANES, FAMOUS AIRPLANES OF THE WORLD NO.47, TOKYO, 1994 IMPERIAL JAPANESE NAVY SEAPLANES, MODEL ART NO.565, TOKYO, 2000</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">IMPERIAL JAPANESE NAVY SEAPLANES, NOHARA SHIGERU, JAPAN, 2007</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">SOUTH PACIFIC AIR WAR, VOLUME 3, MICHAEL CLARINGBOULD / PETER INGMAN, KENT TOWN, 2019</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">TYPE 0 RECONNAISSANCE FLOATPLANE, FAMOUS AIRPLANES OF THE WORLD NO.207, TOKYO, 2022 WWW.AVIATIONOFJAPAN.COM/2010/04/AICHI-E13-JAKE-INTERIOR-COLOUR.HTML</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">CORRESPONDENCE WITH NICK MILLMAN, 2019/2021/2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">With special thanks to Michael for this thoroughly exacted account of the resurrection and improvement of this older model - and how! A masterclass in how not just an older kit but an older model can be brought up to something beautiful to behold. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image credit; All photos © 2024 Michael Thurow </span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Straggler 脱走兵http://www.blogger.com/profile/10129611267271999294noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748156690521830936.post-83565935030442237552024-03-08T14:58:00.008+00:002024-03-10T11:33:26.663+00:00Jake Rides Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuSsw1JKRPOACn-awZ2l1pHQjsbkW99mYOYvCN8WD9tw7UvlgHWuD-wc7Mre2ngz_7bYTNoOj1UOoLvUnAx6hIXvkmJCPpE3eI8udo5d2gtd-XveL02scra0M7by6OJO9wwLwYkiZauks6hfY-_JfW5gS8ySleKswtpGm-lxnRAlaYixlSbvTgq_1T9QC/s1200/10915558a2022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="1200" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuSsw1JKRPOACn-awZ2l1pHQjsbkW99mYOYvCN8WD9tw7UvlgHWuD-wc7Mre2ngz_7bYTNoOj1UOoLvUnAx6hIXvkmJCPpE3eI8udo5d2gtd-XveL02scra0M7by6OJO9wwLwYkiZauks6hfY-_JfW5gS8ySleKswtpGm-lxnRAlaYixlSbvTgq_1T9QC/s320/10915558a2022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Since the last AoJ surveys of <b>Hasegawa </b>1/72 Aichi E13A1 'Jake' kits in November 2016 and March 2021 (seems like yesterday!) blog articles 'Jake - A Tale of Two Scales' Parts 1 and 3 <b><a href="http://www.aviationofjapan.com/2016/11/jake-tale-of-two-scales-part-1.html" target="_blank">here</a> </b>and <b><a href="http://www.aviationofjapan.com/2021/03/jake-tale-of-two-scales-part-3.html" target="_blank">here</a> </b>respectively, the long running 'only game in town' for that scale has seen further re-releases. Box art and details of the subsequent releases as follows:-</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQokZNALGznocK1gx-pOmQag4PpIxtGqf5rA-Yk89rWpcAYsGLjshgC2fmOJcQSBFFtIE6M_5_xo6tfd_NP_Mgvxtu7kQzb0FfX1r7tBKnTdgYPCZ4XdjMSZcqWFeEF6nqtQv23BCrjCjE6MgMTRF0BKhPDZnGOJwYCDaYqTQXNki9tgDphyphenhyphenSXqNS_qTor/s1000/10915558p2022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="1000" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQokZNALGznocK1gx-pOmQag4PpIxtGqf5rA-Yk89rWpcAYsGLjshgC2fmOJcQSBFFtIE6M_5_xo6tfd_NP_Mgvxtu7kQzb0FfX1r7tBKnTdgYPCZ4XdjMSZcqWFeEF6nqtQv23BCrjCjE6MgMTRF0BKhPDZnGOJwYCDaYqTQXNki9tgDphyphenhyphenSXqNS_qTor/s320/10915558p2022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">In 2022 a re-release of 'Jake' and catapult with markings options for B3-11 and B3-12 from the battleship Kongo in 1943. The accompanying made up model shown as heading image draws attention to the canopy profile but otherwise looks 'no bad'. Perhaps one reason we might not see a kit from any other manufacturer in this scale. But surely Hasegawa know and should at least replace the canopy with a new tooled item? The battleship was built by Vickers in England for the IJN and launched as Kongo in May 1912. Kongo had a long and distinguished service with her floatplanes playing a significant part in Pacific War campaigns until she was sunk by submarine USS Sea Lion II (SS-315) in a torpedo attack off Formosa on 21 November 1944. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZ6fUvDoH3idPdqu4s4kC9IoYnL4Vk5vT9HHbGovcZYk5wB50DzWeN3So7DydVY1C7_ev2T27-qB_o4fCThanAkKEW8toJG9n0na7pjDkYbvwcrD9y2v4joPgN__oA57u_IS8Lo1LCiAdD8RYtDzPwpFHeJWRxoA7REa4uEXsGkl4rpYtV1z1vTp5PIPQ/s1200/11017056p2023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="1200" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZ6fUvDoH3idPdqu4s4kC9IoYnL4Vk5vT9HHbGovcZYk5wB50DzWeN3So7DydVY1C7_ev2T27-qB_o4fCThanAkKEW8toJG9n0na7pjDkYbvwcrD9y2v4joPgN__oA57u_IS8Lo1LCiAdD8RYtDzPwpFHeJWRxoA7REa4uEXsGkl4rpYtV1z1vTp5PIPQ/s320/11017056p2023.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">In 2023 a re-release of 'Jake' and catapult with markings options for a clandestine overall grey 'X-5' on seaplane tender <a href="http://www.combinedfleet.com/Kimikawa_t.htm" target="_blank">Kimikawa Maru</a> (shown below and not to be confused with sister ship <a href="http://www.combinedfleet.com/Kamikawa_t.htm" target="_blank">K<b>a</b>mikawa Maru</a>) operating near the Kurile Islands in 1942, or a green over grey X-7 on the same vessel operating in the Aleutians the same year. The decal sheet included a run of white codes from X-2 to X-7 to represent any of the seven aircraft aboard that vessel. By the way the catapult in the Hasegawa 'Jake' and 'Alf' kits was originally moulded by <b>Ross Abare </b>in the USA<b> </b>and sold by <b>Unique Scale Accessories</b> in Springfield, Massachusetts for $3. Hasegawa eventually bought the moulds for inclusion in their 'Jake' and 'Alf' kits. It's a great way to display the floatplane models as the heading photo shows.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEV2oqSJ74Z6GMFYWlEJRaUl6vwtlKalvrEBsrzYnqS7YuQEszY1vNwYU59U4yqbWGDFYFDZrkW6qgKOszLu02L7ljQz9H0LcbSAIXMSADzfhWnDGnAsQGaO6x9pCcIFXfA8VI9c79Q-6ttxixzgj-SIKWsYSG3dfixE8GrKUGYgKLw_7cYkSxFVF4fnaW/s1200/10320879p.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="1200" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEV2oqSJ74Z6GMFYWlEJRaUl6vwtlKalvrEBsrzYnqS7YuQEszY1vNwYU59U4yqbWGDFYFDZrkW6qgKOszLu02L7ljQz9H0LcbSAIXMSADzfhWnDGnAsQGaO6x9pCcIFXfA8VI9c79Q-6ttxixzgj-SIKWsYSG3dfixE8GrKUGYgKLw_7cYkSxFVF4fnaW/s320/10320879p.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Note</u></b> this blog article has been updated as the details of the two combo kits were already included in the March 2021 article which I had overlooked - doh! That blog article also addressed the question of the kit's accuracy with suggested improvements.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">That's it folks! Please let me know if I've missed any. Stay tuned for more 'Jake' later.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image credit: Aichi E13A1 'Jake' box art and images © 2022 & 2023 <b><a href="http://www.hasegawa-model.co.jp/gsite/" target="_blank">Hasegawa Corporation</a></b>; Kimikawamaru box art © 2015 <b><a href="https://www.aoshima-bk.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Aoshima Bunka Kyozai Co., Ltd.</a></b>; all sourced via <a href="https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/plamo/" target="_blank"><b>HobbySearch</b></a> Japan.</span></p>Straggler 脱走兵http://www.blogger.com/profile/10129611267271999294noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748156690521830936.post-39169623277173168262024-02-29T21:40:00.003+00:002024-02-29T21:50:58.540+00:00A Remarkable Model<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmtPgu97VpX0aO5eBrMcKO2Zs0Oz5jvh7sZh8fSjXbRk2RMYqwtBQommiE0ATLxIN9v4q0qSZsxhiAwNHgR5WvgsjrI4XnC4hHcamw1CzowOSJkrwjytH2xOHo42b2bfSUWwfLTA0lF208249NdExjb2Q3ZXXrafqwzau6bSqxzzdgK1IKD9mW4_s95kK/s900/NASM-NASM2011-02353-000004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmtPgu97VpX0aO5eBrMcKO2Zs0Oz5jvh7sZh8fSjXbRk2RMYqwtBQommiE0ATLxIN9v4q0qSZsxhiAwNHgR5WvgsjrI4XnC4hHcamw1CzowOSJkrwjytH2xOHo42b2bfSUWwfLTA0lF208249NdExjb2Q3ZXXrafqwzau6bSqxzzdgK1IKD9mW4_s95kK/s320/NASM-NASM2011-02353-000004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Back to IJN floatplanes and a hat tip to Aviation of Japan's Texas correspondent <b>Mark Smith</b> for alerting to this remarkable 1/72 scale US Navy aircraft recognition model of an <a href="https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/model-recognition-aichi-e13a1-jake/nasm_A19470046000" target="_blank"><b>Aichi E13A1 'Jake'</b></a> in the National Air and Space Museum (NASM) collection. The model reportedly dates to 1943 and is of wood construction with a clear plastic canopy. It was transferred to NASM custody from the US Department of the Navy, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Sharp eyes may note that it includes a crew of three figures and panel lines are represented. Mark suggests that this appears to be the type of model photographed from various angles for the images to be included in recognition books.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfT-nxYG3DP5TXvxmioHFCgalZkpGoIvh01bk_hT-5Mv8UOcr_GDaFoNYojkLqOIgm1doDLxT-wKToSmcMY-bLIsD326FvtvLpluX7uYMo0DbgwSA6qTYcGaFJDYmHo9VVAxY4tqkq88JNAUwISINFmUT7YKIjGAI0-ZOsIGMbyMDIRhA7nmQvSDt3glz/s2000/NASM-NASM2011-02352-000004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1331" data-original-width="2000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfT-nxYG3DP5TXvxmioHFCgalZkpGoIvh01bk_hT-5Mv8UOcr_GDaFoNYojkLqOIgm1doDLxT-wKToSmcMY-bLIsD326FvtvLpluX7uYMo0DbgwSA6qTYcGaFJDYmHo9VVAxY4tqkq88JNAUwISINFmUT7YKIjGAI0-ZOsIGMbyMDIRhA7nmQvSDt3glz/s320/NASM-NASM2011-02352-000004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Apart from the obvious errors in the form of the canopy it is arguably a better representation of 'Jake' than the venerable <b>Hasegawa</b> kit! Mark has speculated that the model may originate from studies of the first aircraft of this type to be captured. He writes as follows:-</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>'Being built in 1943, that charming model is a reference in itself. Recognition models often don’t look right because the markings are not correctly placed and the colors are an afterthought. Here every color seems carefully considered And while there is no way to be sure of this, I would not be surprised if the colors were of Japanese origin from captured stocks, sent to Washington. I would never make that claim, but it’s an interesting possibility.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYK0fmrWn1F09Tnkihd7GTFpAtb_kb4UuA8ka4ZqZi9XG7zitpGmGutHmoJk6ZuLxrrmpbqRTk_VqxWP1ECELF_-1a_nTIm0CruJFkXvaabJdNNp_pOsq-jhMEBkeh5M16vlLlSZb-DugDyJjkq3uZNVw8LIZ_R_O2mZBLXiMlQqQ6Rkp9Ir1zRBB7UCY/s2000/NASM-NASM2011-02354-000004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1383" data-original-width="2000" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYK0fmrWn1F09Tnkihd7GTFpAtb_kb4UuA8ka4ZqZi9XG7zitpGmGutHmoJk6ZuLxrrmpbqRTk_VqxWP1ECELF_-1a_nTIm0CruJFkXvaabJdNNp_pOsq-jhMEBkeh5M16vlLlSZb-DugDyJjkq3uZNVw8LIZ_R_O2mZBLXiMlQqQ6Rkp9Ir1zRBB7UCY/s320/NASM-NASM2011-02354-000004.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>'The markings reflect the two Jake hulks that were measured and photographed carefully by American intelligence, so I would imagine that is the source of its accuracy. The one place where this fails is the canopy: its unique windscreen with its cut back angle, the rear section, and the framing itself. I think this is due to the fact that the canopies were probably not present on the wrecks. At least I don’t remember seeing them though I do recall some nice shots of the pilot’s cockpit, although it was stripped of much equipment - I forget whether those were found at Attu or Kiska. The only sign that I could see of any damage or missing part was one of the float Rudders gone.'</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nGgCYCh6SkHR9WgNKpKHxZesqe98M-rcPnFtcUQGbAc7NfkOxPM67b7sKfWbCCASSNgWaeLVTw_veyIrCJRSRIwuGxpYYdVl5pe53CoP_l91fxPK3busyk3aSstgTCkCC5OQeDvFdzkJ5DJRdcqCZjKe-RqvuFo_DWhXkYG7Z-hkXmMUopoxb0d2IS3T/s1999/NASM-NASM2011-02356-000004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="1999" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nGgCYCh6SkHR9WgNKpKHxZesqe98M-rcPnFtcUQGbAc7NfkOxPM67b7sKfWbCCASSNgWaeLVTw_veyIrCJRSRIwuGxpYYdVl5pe53CoP_l91fxPK3busyk3aSstgTCkCC5OQeDvFdzkJ5DJRdcqCZjKe-RqvuFo_DWhXkYG7Z-hkXmMUopoxb0d2IS3T/s320/NASM-NASM2011-02356-000004.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The colours are convincing. The 'warm' grey under surfaces are to be noted and can be compared to the 8609 2-6 (post J3) colour shown in an <a href="http://www.aviationofjapan.com/2023/10/japan-aircraft-standard-8609-aircraft.html" target="_blank"><b>October 2023 blog</b></a> from L*a*b* measurements of the original swatch by the Japanese Aeronautic Association. The upper surfaces appear similar to D1 Deep Green Black although a wipe over with vegetable oil might reveal a slightly richer green colour closer to D2 Green Black. The Hinomaru colour appears spot on. The 'MI' tail code is associated with the minelayer Okonoshima. Markings details extend to the tailplane drift lines and the float pontoon stripes but note the absence of yellow wing leading edge IFF strips which does suggest an early to mid-1942 aircraft. The dimensions of the model are 5.1 x 15.2 x 20.3cm (2 x 6 x 8 in).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-8f9oG8Q8BiULm173gus3TSIzfGmQMe8N2wybYUmgDJ9ULvA2fO71raZChH4sRIQOybgq5MuQA_RpZHrDiBXMpjZCO2Zye0_z5ymmome2XULkkrAdoqcTiFNLgXrpYCYqlgaFIaJcJoF5Qg2ewoAQ9xb8RPeuYR72zXtCByPcp3YO-IoYI6MEjBrDIkn/s2754/NASM%20Jake.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="2754" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-8f9oG8Q8BiULm173gus3TSIzfGmQMe8N2wybYUmgDJ9ULvA2fO71raZChH4sRIQOybgq5MuQA_RpZHrDiBXMpjZCO2Zye0_z5ymmome2XULkkrAdoqcTiFNLgXrpYCYqlgaFIaJcJoF5Qg2ewoAQ9xb8RPeuYR72zXtCByPcp3YO-IoYI6MEjBrDIkn/s320/NASM%20Jake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">With special thanks to Mark for a most interesting and intriguing discovery and to NASM for preserving and photographing the model </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image credit: <a href="https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/model-recognition-aichi-e13a1-jake/nasm_A19470046000" target="_blank">NASM Collection, Inventory # A19470046000 </a> </span></p>Straggler 脱走兵http://www.blogger.com/profile/10129611267271999294noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748156690521830936.post-83649945258695871382024-02-10T11:25:00.002+00:002024-02-10T11:25:46.973+00:00LS and Judy Part 3<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUBwwFzaX33RW44Gl9S1VdkCOj-i3PLRjkvICLslNAxo9e4yJxdnTi3We0QCbJ45uEgT8QTAsPvrAVW3eFom1Kqhq3gMr0a6JmJZwopy41O3MIMr9WoyE_mRg5W31TmM0eXbrvaqgMtdRqiUptWtHI6c9kaZMeMyeV379AQznDo4NTY7t0q3KvOhxzNsy/s783/LS%20D4Y2%20Release%20Date%20Unknown.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="783" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUBwwFzaX33RW44Gl9S1VdkCOj-i3PLRjkvICLslNAxo9e4yJxdnTi3We0QCbJ45uEgT8QTAsPvrAVW3eFom1Kqhq3gMr0a6JmJZwopy41O3MIMr9WoyE_mRg5W31TmM0eXbrvaqgMtdRqiUptWtHI6c9kaZMeMyeV379AQznDo4NTY7t0q3KvOhxzNsy/s320/LS%20D4Y2%20Release%20Date%20Unknown.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The <b>Scalemates </b>website lists the LS Judy box shown above as released in the 1980s and <i>after</i> the 'white box' release. Whether other box variants existed is unknown, but before their demise in 1992 LS issued the kit in the 'grey' box type shown below, and this time with an improved and more complete decal sheet containing tail codes for our old friend <i>Yo</i>-201 - <i>with</i> the yellow command stripes - and for a 523 Ku aircraft 鷹-3 (<i>Taka</i>-3 - 'Hawk'-3). The sheet included white blanks to apply the six Hinomaru to, basic stencilling, flap warning outlines, a data plate and even white drift lines for the tailplanes.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUey6eNzJ11REuEo68OP4pL2nKN25T7sQy_Hj7BHsnnis24eqNQldptByy7AT0LQ8UoQQ9tQsqOFqP32D4xL-bgvP387h75kUW22SynmRCqYQcui-tg6GfFl-LFjG6TYRoHNifP9kMymAriawFDk4jDs3YsJCEEcxNqC4ojIL00ybpKab7HfPac5xRZDrm/s609/LS%20Judy%20Grey%20Box.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="609" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUey6eNzJ11REuEo68OP4pL2nKN25T7sQy_Hj7BHsnnis24eqNQldptByy7AT0LQ8UoQQ9tQsqOFqP32D4xL-bgvP387h75kUW22SynmRCqYQcui-tg6GfFl-LFjG6TYRoHNifP9kMymAriawFDk4jDs3YsJCEEcxNqC4ojIL00ybpKab7HfPac5xRZDrm/s320/LS%20Judy%20Grey%20Box.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RteOD4O1KSdIbXJmZD4yqlYBQt6KGUxm3WGc7rwaVHeqPbspO1NlLhAcN2kzm2n1otdHWBvd4s2T8bS1eIF7WVtW_AeqFyINPaOaM5wacPTbElVaNSU4iusM-FyDgFWUJfYSN2U9XRuxtpqWm51Zi42KT1i8EzUMaS3e1UebczId087FIqyNd5_pq2W-/s970/Arii%20Judy%20%201995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="970" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RteOD4O1KSdIbXJmZD4yqlYBQt6KGUxm3WGc7rwaVHeqPbspO1NlLhAcN2kzm2n1otdHWBvd4s2T8bS1eIF7WVtW_AeqFyINPaOaM5wacPTbElVaNSU4iusM-FyDgFWUJfYSN2U9XRuxtpqWm51Zi42KT1i8EzUMaS3e1UebczId087FIqyNd5_pq2W-/s320/Arii%20Judy%20%201995.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In 1995 <b>Arii </b>re-released the kit in an identical box and contents, shown above, including the same decal sheet (shown below), with just the logos changed. And this kit has been available intermittently ever since, most recently at <a href="https://www.hlj.com/1-72-scale-suisei-d4y2-mk12-judy-ari320035" target="_blank"><b>HLJ</b></a> for the princely sum of £4.59. Probably not first choice now for a Judy model given the scale, 'fatal flaw' and emergence of more modern kits from <b>Fujimi</b> and <b>AZ Model</b>. But at least the Arii releases offer the chance to retro-model the LS Judy as intended, whether from nostalgia or just curiosity, without spoiling a potential collectable.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8389roZX-_EjZGNXaR59eeAtpcC4-POQROwp5WyJN3rtY_VKEFLGYDZU-IHg-bg6wfwzDaSF-4amWLAI-JoOgpnDxQUX13a7P2-CFkpj-Gzd9fyEXM4CYDJgExWlzWHa3lYLNxfVIwYZcfJTgjpEd29Nt379dNF8BwwZVb4pnJvmfvUrUi_VDkCQvcomG/s914/LS-Arii%20Decals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="914" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8389roZX-_EjZGNXaR59eeAtpcC4-POQROwp5WyJN3rtY_VKEFLGYDZU-IHg-bg6wfwzDaSF-4amWLAI-JoOgpnDxQUX13a7P2-CFkpj-Gzd9fyEXM4CYDJgExWlzWHa3lYLNxfVIwYZcfJTgjpEd29Nt379dNF8BwwZVb4pnJvmfvUrUi_VDkCQvcomG/s320/LS-Arii%20Decals.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mONt6VyeGg0BTxTK6eNxneDjYIAY18cF_-xSH6lt1xvu-8Lwhb8SlBURWHeMnv2zP3OvdjWC0qD0BT_VTBldCPZ1si3p2k3CeXc99Q70AqNU-u_ImxY4jpQwQ4XGPQePVDDw5wvsQsAYhKx6QbE_di2bNHmrafjFswJT0uE3dscUsvWR_q7wliZFbbNE/s1136/LS-Arii%20Paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1136" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mONt6VyeGg0BTxTK6eNxneDjYIAY18cF_-xSH6lt1xvu-8Lwhb8SlBURWHeMnv2zP3OvdjWC0qD0BT_VTBldCPZ1si3p2k3CeXc99Q70AqNU-u_ImxY4jpQwQ4XGPQePVDDw5wvsQsAYhKx6QbE_di2bNHmrafjFswJT0uE3dscUsvWR_q7wliZFbbNE/s320/LS-Arii%20Paint.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The instructions and decals in the Arii-Microace release (shown above) are unchanged from the LS 'grey box' release which presented more detailed colour schematics than before and referencing Gunze paints. LS were evidently intent on upping their game in competition with other Japanese kit manufacturer house styles, but Fujimi's Judy was already approaching its tenth birthday so the market for the 20-year old LS kit was ever decreasing and sadly their planned Mitsubishi G4M2 kit was never to be released, a 'Betty' variant which would be kitted by <b>Hasegawa</b> four years later. </div></div></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPm2m3mV33CBv5UFHeC67i_TpIRH7CYERJrdki3D2rvacX94Uca4q2ZuX0OJd53YrIA-MrdBWYENJIiZfHwsjtuin-DaHHv70ErTHUUTt-ljwCXs7nzWNt8xlr6FCx-Md8IwclDQlJ5XPwNDF08qllYtAkZ2E-SubAZfYqjENE-f3g2RxqYfmmfIyPCxV/s887/LS%20G4M2%20Advert.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPm2m3mV33CBv5UFHeC67i_TpIRH7CYERJrdki3D2rvacX94Uca4q2ZuX0OJd53YrIA-MrdBWYENJIiZfHwsjtuin-DaHHv70ErTHUUTt-ljwCXs7nzWNt8xlr6FCx-Md8IwclDQlJ5XPwNDF08qllYtAkZ2E-SubAZfYqjENE-f3g2RxqYfmmfIyPCxV/s320/LS%20G4M2%20Advert.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">To be continued . . . </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image credits: Boxes © 1980s & 1990s L&S Co., Ltd and box, instructions and decal sheet © 1995 Arii/Microace</span></p>Straggler 脱走兵http://www.blogger.com/profile/10129611267271999294noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748156690521830936.post-31334268523163091832024-02-07T19:34:00.001+00:002024-03-10T10:48:18.844+00:00LS and Judy Part 2<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2dlAUse3X9uiYNb9UG_d7KExHEe17X8x9WKrt4IcW34sQZN2pdP5EORaGdAlms45zHk4wo7vCBOOlbtP8O5HNTp-FJxLq1FwzJJBHCZOno5QYuiuLBGoM0mWjiUZ2l2j0b5tEL3sU96w8Hwdd2Es82FtWloSXTBeaXk0fuAP46uMQ1jbKnauaQZ0YHKo/s681/LS%201968.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="345" data-original-width="681" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2dlAUse3X9uiYNb9UG_d7KExHEe17X8x9WKrt4IcW34sQZN2pdP5EORaGdAlms45zHk4wo7vCBOOlbtP8O5HNTp-FJxLq1FwzJJBHCZOno5QYuiuLBGoM0mWjiUZ2l2j0b5tEL3sU96w8Hwdd2Es82FtWloSXTBeaXk0fuAP46uMQ1jbKnauaQZ0YHKo/s320/LS%201968.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">By 1968 <b>LS</b> were presenting in Japanese as エルエス (<i>Eruesu - LS</i>) and in English as the more conservative L. & S. Co., Ltd. In 1966 they had released their 'Twin-Engine Series 1/72-1/75' with models of the Mitsubishi G3M 'Nell' and Ki-67 Hiryu. In an ambitious marketing decision each type was released in three separate kits with different parts and decals to suit. </div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">G3M1 Model 11/21 with parts for either early or late versions with flat-topped or domed turrets</li><li style="text-align: justify;">G3M2 Model 23 with 'turtle shell' dorsal turret</li><li style="text-align: justify;">L3M1 Type Nippon-Go which could be completed as the civilian trail-blazing and world circumnavigating pioneer J-BACI with alternative decals for J-BEDA Soyokaze-go, J-BEOC Yamato-go, J-BEOG Matsukaze-go, or IJN transports from 1 and 1001 Ku</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Type 4 Ki-67 bomber</li><li style="text-align: justify;">'Yasukuni' Ki-67 torpedo bomber</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Ki-109 Interceptor</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;">The first kit boxes displayed the scale as 1/75 with '1/72-1/75' presented in the 1968 catalogue, but subsequent boxes displayed 1/72. Special 'chrome-plated' versions of both types were also released. More about these appealing kits and their wonderful presentation in due course but suffice to say that they became popular and essential models for collections of Japanese aircraft. Even into the 1990s they held their appeal and two kind souls once generously gifted their very well-made silver and red G3M1 to the author after he had admired it, and it is still treasured and admired (thank you both). <b>Arii </b>re-released all the G3M and Ki-67 kits in the 1990s with revised and re-printed decal sheets and on opening the boxes they still cry out 'Build me!' whereas the <b>Hasegawa</b> versions from 1997 and 1999 look daunting. But there was more. The LS Ki-109 faithfully reproduced the modified cockpit configuration of the interceptor complete with ammunition rack and cannon whereas the limited edition Hasegawa kit of the same variant retained the standard bomber cockpit and just provided a new resin nose to wrestle with. </div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkI9Tgnni5T5N0P_k4kelCR6oxpGU8wO-BuB01IGLOnyg7sxZ5HoimGAIRyek7RuHkzkdzfTWEg8Uqu1oKj1p47aceta1jqS12ez7EcSX3qmtE7iFAeKgr9tKd8372WzjaB_l0rxkDyeknha2PIwuxRDAalDuyoIx1dgkiQxdZxjmBXVB93HFFIOoG1n4G/s912/LS%201971%20Catalogue.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="912" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkI9Tgnni5T5N0P_k4kelCR6oxpGU8wO-BuB01IGLOnyg7sxZ5HoimGAIRyek7RuHkzkdzfTWEg8Uqu1oKj1p47aceta1jqS12ez7EcSX3qmtE7iFAeKgr9tKd8372WzjaB_l0rxkDyeknha2PIwuxRDAalDuyoIx1dgkiQxdZxjmBXVB93HFFIOoG1n4G/s320/LS%201971%20Catalogue.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLvfjSh6dAVgOQruXi3wtw8tOzoS7JcgwdjMZN3DNFdA1Kuxadyz42TK7oIuakBCXU1Kb0J8iJZnEkCdm-w0B6PoR32y1mk1icBJod4cOpFrDWp8-x-2cBUFSBZWC4SIyK2z3Clh0FKT_uTe-bW5f2Vced4o2lXdFerd7hfNi8-RUwHxCL0UVp9IjdlUy/s1098/LS%20Motorised.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="1098" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLvfjSh6dAVgOQruXi3wtw8tOzoS7JcgwdjMZN3DNFdA1Kuxadyz42TK7oIuakBCXU1Kb0J8iJZnEkCdm-w0B6PoR32y1mk1icBJod4cOpFrDWp8-x-2cBUFSBZWC4SIyK2z3Clh0FKT_uTe-bW5f2Vced4o2lXdFerd7hfNi8-RUwHxCL0UVp9IjdlUy/s320/LS%20Motorised.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">By 1971 the LS catalogue was presenting the kits as 1/72 scale and the mystery of the strange base in the 1968 Judy kit was solved - it was indeed intended for motorisation. </div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONZDDkp1Jc7FZUxV2-DqvJ3LAv4S8VzCzU2PqwZ40nxhlyLzLJ8oFzGyH8GEA9jebFyz70nsYsE9GdHYKD3QC6JElUEzB8c9AJe7IRVzRMeDjorcVVrg0yleQwC4ho5JbZPtb4zHrvSHH6mi25y9HoqZayiQgTK7DTyTxmlEbruyiqsjicfwEE0czWuTO/s1633/LS%20No.3%201972.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="1633" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONZDDkp1Jc7FZUxV2-DqvJ3LAv4S8VzCzU2PqwZ40nxhlyLzLJ8oFzGyH8GEA9jebFyz70nsYsE9GdHYKD3QC6JElUEzB8c9AJe7IRVzRMeDjorcVVrg0yleQwC4ho5JbZPtb4zHrvSHH6mi25y9HoqZayiQgTK7DTyTxmlEbruyiqsjicfwEE0czWuTO/s320/LS%20No.3%201972.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">In 1972 <b>LS</b> released a completely revised 'Judy' kit, moulded in pale grey plastic and with the nose halves separate from the fuselage halves in order to facilitate release of a companion D3Y3 Model 33 variant with radial engine. According to 'Encylopedia of Military Models 1/72'* this release was also lengthened to match 1/72 scale. The original kit was further enhanced with boxed in wheel wells and a rudimentary cockpit interior consisting of floor, seats, instrument panel, compass, joystick and machine gun. Two crewmen apparently closely modelled on the aliens from Invaders from Mars (1953) could be sat somewhat awkwardly on those seats but were a poor replacement for the original seat bound pair who were actually not that bad. Unfortunately the kit retained the engraved Hinomaru positions and the decal sheet was reduced to providing just eight Hinomaru. Although the new box art by one <b>Ikematsu</b> (shown above) depicted <i>Yo</i>-201 (without the tail stripes) no tail code decal was included. Other improvements were a complete optical sight very finely moulded to the fuselage halves, a separate intake with splitter plate and more finely moulded undercarriage legs with commendably thin wheel covers. The working bomb bay doors and bomb were gone with the doors now moulded integrally with the fuselage halves and closed. There was no stand included.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimipXAIFQm_o0Oq7rwtmoww0w6nnZTPZDkDM-v3jyPwBCw3QZ7zp-iM1qPFpauTolcWLaZ17i6P9B-DDngDl9bMDii_TGuF-kaBgU2w98U9sErWfPz1UVCkcfivZUchi190ZZXxJpNwjBx1ofv84TSRzvVE7Ex66eNYInCuu4MjoSQ2bdu2N8mtFb5s-bT/s1247/LS%20No.3%201972%20Inst%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1247" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimipXAIFQm_o0Oq7rwtmoww0w6nnZTPZDkDM-v3jyPwBCw3QZ7zp-iM1qPFpauTolcWLaZ17i6P9B-DDngDl9bMDii_TGuF-kaBgU2w98U9sErWfPz1UVCkcfivZUchi190ZZXxJpNwjBx1ofv84TSRzvVE7Ex66eNYInCuu4MjoSQ2bdu2N8mtFb5s-bT/s320/LS%20No.3%201972%20Inst%201.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_fy2rhENRdyzR-gHpsVbAA201KdISvYz0QhJt1FGPCLUpS4a_4gCXuCl-N6PtRrWPtm8ADn1zvYXTiwcNhGcXFfaN0t0tgVVX6KbO12-9j6nsJ4s-8407Ptjlq2gezygKB4QG0lc5J2eUKjvVz2Sl8x35NNG5rL_a0LPAlX6ro6Eg-mpKPFEdBTsPgp8/s1247/LS%20No.31972%20Inst%202%20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1247" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_fy2rhENRdyzR-gHpsVbAA201KdISvYz0QhJt1FGPCLUpS4a_4gCXuCl-N6PtRrWPtm8ADn1zvYXTiwcNhGcXFfaN0t0tgVVX6KbO12-9j6nsJ4s-8407Ptjlq2gezygKB4QG0lc5J2eUKjvVz2Sl8x35NNG5rL_a0LPAlX6ro6Eg-mpKPFEdBTsPgp8/s320/LS%20No.31972%20Inst%202%20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Still designated as No.3 in the 1/72 Series the box was also marked as Kit No. A103:100. The instructions were on two sides of a single sheet, in English, shown above. There was a schematic and list of the kit parts with an exploded view on one side prominently marked with 'Super Scale Aeroplane No.3', and on the other side excellent step by step assembly instructions with text and pictures culminating in an illustration of the completed model and a painting guide. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfr4I6PIvgC5nobhRlPtRZ6Jn-TEWzFGfM3HFEgFLQGY326qhYCEOqz9RNxpd5H4t1cs8v7Ar86JcNliUtTH_E47qMS_JeK3huD0ejy05btbJHOTP4F6IXVB1pX1tdSq7aPf02PoKPRAShl7nub1YkD9T_8-bktMISX0nHIRtG4if-VdFyFeIiRLbXZO8r/s954/LS%20Judy%20Insts%20Japanese.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="954" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfr4I6PIvgC5nobhRlPtRZ6Jn-TEWzFGfM3HFEgFLQGY326qhYCEOqz9RNxpd5H4t1cs8v7Ar86JcNliUtTH_E47qMS_JeK3huD0ejy05btbJHOTP4F6IXVB1pX1tdSq7aPf02PoKPRAShl7nub1YkD9T_8-bktMISX0nHIRtG4if-VdFyFeIiRLbXZO8r/s320/LS%20Judy%20Insts%20Japanese.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">A smaller sheet of Japanese instructions was included with some kits, as shown above. So far the kit boxes had been the same size - approximately 20 cm x 12 cm - but a later second release was presented in a smaller box - 17.5 cm x 11.5 cm - with an area of white cutting across the box art diagonally (shown below). The kit itself, instructions and decal sheet were otherwise unchanged.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjRTtuH7u0snSDwytJRn3VvuAALOFxZ-s9kG7v8hPz7SYI4tnaSE4kPjVTqzSb2Mq_0PdMHlJ-WzPqShYBNIaxcoWA6ZUTkivSO3gTLePYjSIVX-YqItYBogarnPi-QleRnJY_Cj9VMq-Yuk1Y6nOX7_PS3UWU-2xeIwvL5rr6dXSdubefRci2C_kNWyi/s810/LS%20Judy%20'White%20Box'.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="810" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjRTtuH7u0snSDwytJRn3VvuAALOFxZ-s9kG7v8hPz7SYI4tnaSE4kPjVTqzSb2Mq_0PdMHlJ-WzPqShYBNIaxcoWA6ZUTkivSO3gTLePYjSIVX-YqItYBogarnPi-QleRnJY_Cj9VMq-Yuk1Y6nOX7_PS3UWU-2xeIwvL5rr6dXSdubefRci2C_kNWyi/s320/LS%20Judy%20'White%20Box'.png" width="320" /></a></div></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfj8MMnyQ6cF5sGCF5ZSlktRNUCfQ2dOQAg4RXN19XOOjyCkKLnVuuq6mUhZ9Cqn0eF1OIlylogkS7c-Or4V2TUEsadRfQsAVy8EYik6TFiyrs-EqzGm-Q6jbJCqvcgzKzyUpMvZf1gCNbe_PKDv-HuDCj3GJjblOL-rYAIQHZpjKMBwAahegFov_NFVA/s1646/LS%20No.7%201972%20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="1646" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfj8MMnyQ6cF5sGCF5ZSlktRNUCfQ2dOQAg4RXN19XOOjyCkKLnVuuq6mUhZ9Cqn0eF1OIlylogkS7c-Or4V2TUEsadRfQsAVy8EYik6TFiyrs-EqzGm-Q6jbJCqvcgzKzyUpMvZf1gCNbe_PKDv-HuDCj3GJjblOL-rYAIQHZpjKMBwAahegFov_NFVA/s320/LS%20No.7%201972%20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The D4Y3 Model 33 was released the same year as the revised kit, but moulded in dark green plastic and in a box marked both No.7 and A107:100, It was identical to the earlier kit except for the provision of new cowling parts, consisting of two halves and front with a two-part twin row radial engine. Box art was again by Ikematsu, shown above. The 'fatal flaw' of both kits was the too narrow fuselage in plan view. That slim fuselage could be fattened with plastic shims but that spoilt the fit of the canopy. In 1983 the <b>Fujimi </b>release of the D4Y2 and D4Y3 in 1/72 scale effectively supplanted the LS kits and in 2012 <b>AZ Model</b> also released a family of 1/72 <i>Suisei </i>kits. Both the Fujimi and AZ Model <i>Suisei </i>families included the night fighting D4Y2-S variant with oblique armament.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOOvyD6HpbfOJDV7szKl_jOlEe808V51gKIihXZ5QEL5FMstCQ_HpBtzDd-YSX47ZEACxb7I-5mVOiGyrOPvd2d7B-hqAb6Kadiu6pRoe_wy5T6dH_inOPnDKNxc3UoNOlaPA_yg6cb1o8xgrecCW1SYLItxC-ZzdAXazONLOSKJO4Y1OT5pG2ZM0l__c/s1192/LS%201983%20Catalogue.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="1192" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOOvyD6HpbfOJDV7szKl_jOlEe808V51gKIihXZ5QEL5FMstCQ_HpBtzDd-YSX47ZEACxb7I-5mVOiGyrOPvd2d7B-hqAb6Kadiu6pRoe_wy5T6dH_inOPnDKNxc3UoNOlaPA_yg6cb1o8xgrecCW1SYLItxC-ZzdAXazONLOSKJO4Y1OT5pG2ZM0l__c/s320/LS%201983%20Catalogue.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The original 'six' and the D4Y3 in the 1983 L & S 'Pla-Model' Catalogue</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">* Encylopedia of Military Models 1/72' by Claude Boileau, Huynh-Dinh Khuong & Thomas A Young, English language edition. by Airlife Publishing Ltd., England, 1988</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">To be continued . . .</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image credit: All © 1966-1983 L & S Co., Ltd.</span></p>Straggler 脱走兵http://www.blogger.com/profile/10129611267271999294noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748156690521830936.post-66896706079375860392024-02-03T22:44:00.004+00:002024-02-04T08:25:31.983+00:00LS and Judy Part 1<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSI36c4i3exi1jckLVzuzW4HQDZV_MN5Rjr8F07OinxnYf4NYywzob2fHVcQAGjpcrdcpfQ124Pv7osCn91qjHNRMih4HXyiA9g7o0dYzUkGc8dRK03Gfo-Adgc0eHt9m5KZpCTmKlES29d6igsbck6tr4PLCTbfWqXG0R1UGSibQDarIV0XCOTv46pKl/s861/LS%201st%20Judy%20Kit%201961.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="861" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSI36c4i3exi1jckLVzuzW4HQDZV_MN5Rjr8F07OinxnYf4NYywzob2fHVcQAGjpcrdcpfQ124Pv7osCn91qjHNRMih4HXyiA9g7o0dYzUkGc8dRK03Gfo-Adgc0eHt9m5KZpCTmKlES29d6igsbck6tr4PLCTbfWqXG0R1UGSibQDarIV0XCOTv46pKl/s320/LS%201st%20Judy%20Kit%201961.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>LS</b> aircraft kits will be familiar to veteran modellers of a certain age from when they first appeared as 1/75 scale kits from Japan in the 1960s, and are still available to them and to new generations of modellers under the <b>Arii Microace</b> brand to this day. Back in the 1960s they presented a little more finesse than the contemporary <b>Aoshima</b> kits and indeed a finesse in the context of the time which gave several of their 'only kits in town' an impressive longevity when it came to certain Japanese aircraft types. For example their Ki-67 kits ruled that roost from 1966 until the <b>Hasegawa</b> kit of the type was released in 1999.<b> </b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The company was founded in 1946 by <b>Kan'ichi Kimura</b> as the Sunlight Science Model Factory and with 'SL' adopted as a monogrammed logo from 1954, misperceived as 'LS' because the 'L' was larger than the 'S'. Mr Kimura, who in 2006 at the age of 90 received an Aviation Age Award from the Japanese Aeronautical Association, had worked as a designer for Maeda Seisakusho, manufacturing gliders at Fukuoka before the war and afterwards established his own company to produce educational teaching materials including wood and paper aircraft. When the first miniature electric motors of Mabuchi type became available in 1954 the company, then based at Gifu as the Kimura Gliding Research Institute, began produced motorised ship models in addition to aircraft. The first plastic aircraft kit in their 1/75 series was the D4Y2 Model 12 Suisei 'Judy' (shown as the heading image above) released in December 1961 but was rapidly discontinued the following year when the company went out of business due to the cost of moving from wood and paper to plastic injection moulding. With regeneration as <b>エルエス</b> (<i>Eruesu</i> - LS) in July 1964 the company released six ground breaking 1/75 injection moulded aircraft kits including their original 'Judy' in a box of revised design but with the same box art (as shown below).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFTV933ZHrybwNxENOu3JF1MR00K_VNoHnSpnabuHtIuWEygy2wgKyo0hsHgXlLPgGUb2pqCx_1jyqa2tCL4oACqcGq2l8YzXRLbZClKg_3kwRp6eF4laQcyShLbH5q8xKblnb4NBLMbKNa_cSHpA_kzWQnlKaSmgPcnXDbL5qRTDsca4h4c0xuNehUhO/s1156/LS%20Suisei%20Kit%20No.3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="1156" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFTV933ZHrybwNxENOu3JF1MR00K_VNoHnSpnabuHtIuWEygy2wgKyo0hsHgXlLPgGUb2pqCx_1jyqa2tCL4oACqcGq2l8YzXRLbZClKg_3kwRp6eF4laQcyShLbH5q8xKblnb4NBLMbKNa_cSHpA_kzWQnlKaSmgPcnXDbL5qRTDsca4h4c0xuNehUhO/s320/LS%20Suisei%20Kit%20No.3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The 'Judy' then became kit No.3 in the 'Masterpiece Machine' series which consisted of:-</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li>No.1 Hayabusa Type 1</li><li>No.2 Hayabusa Type 2</li><li>No.3 Comet Carrier Bomber Type 12 </li><li>No.4 Type 2 Seaplane Fighter</li><li>No.5 Zero Fighter Type 21</li><li>No.6 Zero Fighter Type 52</li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The No.1 Hayabusa 1 kit was rather different to the No.2 kit, being heavily rivetted and with moveable flying surfaces compromising scale fidelity. The No.2 Hayabusa 2 kit was more cleanly moulded without rivets and with only the prop, canopy and ailerons being movable, but both kits had engraved Hinomaru locations. They are now considered crude by modern standards but in fact were more faithful representations of Hayabusa's slender shape than the 1/72 <b>Revell</b> kit released the same year. The cowlings are cylindrical but perhaps the worst parts are the canopies which appear under scale even for 1/75th. More about the two LS Hayabusa and other initial kits in a future article. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The 'Judy' was identical to the original kit, moulded in dark green plastic with crewmen moulded to their seats à la Revell box-scale style, with opening bomb bay doors and a loose bomb which was supposed to drop as they were opened. The propeller was designed to rotate and the main undercarriage to retract but there were no other moving parts. It had refined surface detail with engraved panel lines, a presentation only spoilt by engraved positions for the fuselage and wing Hinomaru. The support for the optical sight was moulded integrally with the fuselage halves but no separate sight was provided and the engine intake, although open, had no internal detail. A very clear and crisply moulded single piece canopy with clearly delineated raised frames was included, together with a clear stand bearing the LS logo and 'Made in Japan' in English. The decal sheet in this release (shown below) was glossy, and although the white borders to the Hinomaru were not consistently in register, it provided yellow leading edge strips, undercarriage warning bands and the white tail code with twin yellow tail bands for ヨ-201 - <i>Yo</i>(kosuka)-201. It also had a decal for the stand in the form of a yellow star on a white circle with the four red characters for <i>'Suisei Kanbaku' </i>(Comet Carrier Bomber)<i> </i>presented two on two. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkn09fM9GcA02LoG1H8exPUIvZzDSwL-oluuW-vcf_eWfTwO5PG6E7rzFzQ0WLAMWb9bFnb8QvbMgzswue4e2V1wquGzfHHLatejrmBXHX7fkfeWbcdQ0bUHru0BmaK_A-T9YsTeENtshYtR1Gfc2L1qlQQwDTStzxYSuyy8SbbEbmj5MlQgd8ZiC2-yQj/s1000/1st%20No.3%20Kit%20Decals.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="584" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkn09fM9GcA02LoG1H8exPUIvZzDSwL-oluuW-vcf_eWfTwO5PG6E7rzFzQ0WLAMWb9bFnb8QvbMgzswue4e2V1wquGzfHHLatejrmBXHX7fkfeWbcdQ0bUHru0BmaK_A-T9YsTeENtshYtR1Gfc2L1qlQQwDTStzxYSuyy8SbbEbmj5MlQgd8ZiC2-yQj/s320/1st%20No.3%20Kit%20Decals.jpg" width="187" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The only English on the box was '1/75 Series' and 'Suisei (Judy)' whilst the instructions on a single sheet (shown below) were entirely in Japanese.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qpY_Z-m5QnPZfpoihHn9Z0lFiBWA9YiqbCeSim5WJVpl3t_DdlOPIK7PJwUKCdNowssr70i4ENMG8X5-PdQTKZdGeiCMmVymyq4OFw9jJBn-uB-KQfaC2NdzKmDryST4WwtfPQpAl3o8ImC9seuhyphenhyphen0_fmtr_xcO6erVQ3tHK3kt2YvABF44buak79r77/s897/LS%20Suisei%20Instructions.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="897" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qpY_Z-m5QnPZfpoihHn9Z0lFiBWA9YiqbCeSim5WJVpl3t_DdlOPIK7PJwUKCdNowssr70i4ENMG8X5-PdQTKZdGeiCMmVymyq4OFw9jJBn-uB-KQfaC2NdzKmDryST4WwtfPQpAl3o8ImC9seuhyphenhyphen0_fmtr_xcO6erVQ3tHK3kt2YvABF44buak79r77/s320/LS%20Suisei%20Instructions.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAPzYycTX6Ikuzsj1oa-FBi8Bnc1YFmqZWNhz_MwtSanct7j29k8fMffj3uiDSYCuYAeTWJab_YtsDMEgLy3pOaxNXIhmHd48QTGZCH0Tjz_C0MBwbu1lBb0-GzHDz6bpQK4K_feHvj5qdiI5LZyjv6DGFqFJu0S6qUE_bnek8-SD4v_Jk-kfdvI3dSAM/s1184/LS%20No.3%201968.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="1184" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAPzYycTX6Ikuzsj1oa-FBi8Bnc1YFmqZWNhz_MwtSanct7j29k8fMffj3uiDSYCuYAeTWJab_YtsDMEgLy3pOaxNXIhmHd48QTGZCH0Tjz_C0MBwbu1lBb0-GzHDz6bpQK4K_feHvj5qdiI5LZyjv6DGFqFJu0S6qUE_bnek8-SD4v_Jk-kfdvI3dSAM/s320/LS%20No.3%201968.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The next release of kit No.3 was in 1968 with a new design of box and presenting as 1/72 scale with fresh box art by <b>T Ogawa</b> (as shown above) and perhaps geared more towards export. Indeed my example still has a price sticker for Argyle Models of 65p (13 shillings in old money!) so sold post-1971. The kit, which was also numbered as 103:100, and instruction sheet were unchanged, but the stand was now a curious affair in white plastic which seemed to be designed to accommodate motorisation, although there was no reference to this in the kit itself. An insert sheet in English was included (shown below), plus a tiny metal tube of glue and the decal sheet with same ヨ-201 option was enhanced with two sets of alternative yellow numerals from 0 to 9 and the yellow Katakana unit codes カヤ (<i>KaYa</i> for Kanoya) and タイ (<i>TaI f</i>or Tainan).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBtEnkC3BqI1LMLaWhXpI2Uy8D43ahQyie2_QCaYbuWmh4vfZcK1cKnX64wq7YcIPZgbrHoca_5daapCK-Y0jhQV0gQ6ILs6-ncoT0Np7yxkIOLmBbUzrp9KAdMEMLC9BegGuyH42fJBOaR0Rq7c5YyCK5XgX0-yw7_IEQfF1SrCibPpOEEVoN8wZ2b1M/s835/1968%20English%20Insert.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="835" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBtEnkC3BqI1LMLaWhXpI2Uy8D43ahQyie2_QCaYbuWmh4vfZcK1cKnX64wq7YcIPZgbrHoca_5daapCK-Y0jhQV0gQ6ILs6-ncoT0Np7yxkIOLmBbUzrp9KAdMEMLC9BegGuyH42fJBOaR0Rq7c5YyCK5XgX0-yw7_IEQfF1SrCibPpOEEVoN8wZ2b1M/s320/1968%20English%20Insert.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">In 1965 these six LS kits were being sold for 6/11d by importers like BMW in Wimbledon - their advertisement in the February issue of Flying Review International shown below - together with imported 1/50 Marusan kits, relatively expensive exotica at 12/6d and18/6d. The wording of the advertisement suggests that the LS kits sold out quickly. I recall Aoshima kits in a local hobby shop around that time but cannot recall seeing LS kits sold there - that might be because I couldn't afford them on 2/6d weekly pocket money!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0EKmm9GNdcqurL_HGuA4DmTq5EOIVxTltT2MUaJX8TBRZWkunyJNh5LS9kEt5F_7AAAm48lie7eTvOzWepelQOXCYwq4h4xu3gEbKP-8ShVwdV8KWMAaXhau3lSfOFztBJ8DYLiVv1SXhjLbENfri-Uw16OoeygotX-QmumsjrXRrStGy4mP2CZ6XTJo/s1076/LS%20Feb%201965%20FRI%20Advert.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="1076" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0EKmm9GNdcqurL_HGuA4DmTq5EOIVxTltT2MUaJX8TBRZWkunyJNh5LS9kEt5F_7AAAm48lie7eTvOzWepelQOXCYwq4h4xu3gEbKP-8ShVwdV8KWMAaXhau3lSfOFztBJ8DYLiVv1SXhjLbENfri-Uw16OoeygotX-QmumsjrXRrStGy4mP2CZ6XTJo/s320/LS%20Feb%201965%20FRI%20Advert.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">In 1972 the LS 'Judy' kit was re-released in a completely revised form which will be explored further in Part 2. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">To be continued. . . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image credit: LS box art, etc., © LS Co., Ltd © 1961, 1964 &1968; Magazine advertisement © 1965 BMW Models and Flying Review International (Purnell & Sons Ltd)</span></div></div></div></div><p></p>Straggler 脱走兵http://www.blogger.com/profile/10129611267271999294noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748156690521830936.post-61905749550417230352024-02-02T10:14:00.005+00:002024-02-02T10:22:59.382+00:00Mitsubishi A6M2 Type 0 Model 11 in 1/72 by Scott Jamieson<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61pLvD6AplvZy9TMLAJQ-2tjZVOYl1PLFbE2agkdyvB0gQFKXSiCmyNkuE9zI1n1P2_We3od-CBlJMKoxtU0PLOnTpGTYu4w73dWXfTdSZSAJHpJIAJyazUx64cSYWBxSuivL8rYd3bcv7t9dnVK7KHo24nhDf-139l3Hf73BKGM4uaqqUGdUWFnu02LG/s1316/A6M2%20Type%2011%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="1316" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61pLvD6AplvZy9TMLAJQ-2tjZVOYl1PLFbE2agkdyvB0gQFKXSiCmyNkuE9zI1n1P2_We3od-CBlJMKoxtU0PLOnTpGTYu4w73dWXfTdSZSAJHpJIAJyazUx64cSYWBxSuivL8rYd3bcv7t9dnVK7KHo24nhDf-139l3Hf73BKGM4uaqqUGdUWFnu02LG/s320/A6M2%20Type%2011%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A second, beautifully finished Zero model in 1/72 scale by<b> Scott Jamieson</b>, this time built from the 2012 <b>Tamiya</b> kit, No.80 in their 'Warbird' series, and backdated to Model 11 configuration to represent an aircraft of 12 Ku in China as flown by Naval Aviation Pilot 3/c <b>Kunimori Nakakariya</b> as wingman to Lt <b>Minoru Suzuki</b> on the 26 May 1941 sorties against Nanning. During this mission Nakakariya claimed two I-15s over Tiansu and those victories were marked on the tail fin of 3-138. He survived the war, claiming 16 victories in total. Fuselage band colours on 12 Ku aircraft have been variously depicted as blue or red without definitive conclusion and are discussed <a href="http://www.aviationofjapan.com/2022/07/rising-decals-zero-ptv.html" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOFrcQJkJYuordEaBMiUOUDDnx2UPPUtFHFj1wi0j_7FeWCwRZNQ9IHsxfQsZPE1FP0TMDpsi3CF15u3G5lzxv8g4bLQlgsAAJuVG2mX6zJsdyD6qjy-oA3AxWuK8JJl1OfPISKDygs2uSbkTa-B33ABi4tiOnOlvidUK0lzi5CPsrJZtkHEG6b30fu5N/s1433/A6M2%20Type%2011%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1433" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOFrcQJkJYuordEaBMiUOUDDnx2UPPUtFHFj1wi0j_7FeWCwRZNQ9IHsxfQsZPE1FP0TMDpsi3CF15u3G5lzxv8g4bLQlgsAAJuVG2mX6zJsdyD6qjy-oA3AxWuK8JJl1OfPISKDygs2uSbkTa-B33ABi4tiOnOlvidUK0lzi5CPsrJZtkHEG6b30fu5N/s320/A6M2%20Type%2011%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Scott filled in the arrestor hook slot and wingtip hinge folds, using the markings from the <b>Fine Molds</b> kit. The red fuselage band is from the Tamiya kit as the Fine Molds decal did not fit the Tamiya fuselage. Scott found it a bit large and felt he should have trimmed it.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwJeanjQh-XgiJ5zfqq5GVG2uUamtOEF4flyNBXTNSWHEpotyK8pV8EJtN_HgBNcfyxt6-pE8FpKLtc5sAtRtyfsEBm0WVx7rz4Q6LrXIjfX0zDL9hOKLYQukoa9onK4Iz727k8nSXGzby9NZM8Ppuk1dGW3akyrCFQ2UlEFrjvaA0HiBTi7i7MPtKQJj/s1453/A6M2%20Type%2011%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1043" data-original-width="1453" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwJeanjQh-XgiJ5zfqq5GVG2uUamtOEF4flyNBXTNSWHEpotyK8pV8EJtN_HgBNcfyxt6-pE8FpKLtc5sAtRtyfsEBm0WVx7rz4Q6LrXIjfX0zDL9hOKLYQukoa9onK4Iz727k8nSXGzby9NZM8Ppuk1dGW3akyrCFQ2UlEFrjvaA0HiBTi7i7MPtKQJj/s320/A6M2%20Type%2011%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Being a Tamiya kit there were no issues in construction but Scott added his usual details to the cockpit with seatbelts, drilled out seat, bungee cord for the seat adjustor, handle for the hydraulic back-up pump and landing gear and flap handles.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIl6zBjOeAKxOn2Ydd59FNZQZqdrCXN9et63xMT-qVoaTjvgu1xSk2qT0aOb7ov9q0TvazGu8oEslYOsD0nH1wh2QFtC6TGa5KUnv3oj1OlD6vkR8PlRYwLckP9vPX8vSQSNKLQgzpzm_BEviJpzzr4Q-b1L-ENxJjlXYAGw9y3gZnWmbuIl9sF2roTG4/s897/SJ%20Cockpit%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="897" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIl6zBjOeAKxOn2Ydd59FNZQZqdrCXN9et63xMT-qVoaTjvgu1xSk2qT0aOb7ov9q0TvazGu8oEslYOsD0nH1wh2QFtC6TGa5KUnv3oj1OlD6vkR8PlRYwLckP9vPX8vSQSNKLQgzpzm_BEviJpzzr4Q-b1L-ENxJjlXYAGw9y3gZnWmbuIl9sF2roTG4/s320/SJ%20Cockpit%201.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DyTjbHRn4L5SIlEgz2vunQq2KMolGilTxkqj2H3Bv64tTTB01RbR5SQBSbWesghGKr4-KV9u39CTJiE3a6LcHRC3kjEHFACDOSKpOZDPcVYuSvNmArMiq3sKCvAFh7yR3hvZ-WV-bNIU2Ru5pWihyj12ekTvq_8SoHas54QCMUetLKZvqJB8OElr47ou/s743/SJ%20Cockpit%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="743" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DyTjbHRn4L5SIlEgz2vunQq2KMolGilTxkqj2H3Bv64tTTB01RbR5SQBSbWesghGKr4-KV9u39CTJiE3a6LcHRC3kjEHFACDOSKpOZDPcVYuSvNmArMiq3sKCvAFh7yR3hvZ-WV-bNIU2Ru5pWihyj12ekTvq_8SoHas54QCMUetLKZvqJB8OElr47ou/s320/SJ%20Cockpit%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Scott again finished the model in Tamiya XF-76 Gray Green (IJN), as a Mitsubishi aircraft including the wheel bays, but painted the fabric covered flight surfaces in XF-21 Sky. Scott's 1/72 A6M2b model also built from the Tamiya kit featured <a href="http://www.aviationofjapan.com/2020/06/scott-jamiesons-mitsubishi-a6m2b-zero.html" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a> in June 2020. Scott has now completed six Zero models since 2019 and looking at his impressive collection (shown below) hopefully he will share images of the others here too. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46OJSqvOnKLrX3A2_BriDIaWwfWpl8-iIoR0wbT7T89yjWQ6oK8Gv80XiyU8LM_m6S2a3LWLe8JgFKNPXa5len9aWKcJLCo6Df3vc_nx1kMdTo2G3VoxPUyj4s1GmJ7BFiyJrVW2gDP7WLpFTlbYdhWursmJI2viYCVa-ErKrGxbZKaaQu8kVW7GxIKuW/s1642/A6M2%20Type%2011%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1049" data-original-width="1642" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46OJSqvOnKLrX3A2_BriDIaWwfWpl8-iIoR0wbT7T89yjWQ6oK8Gv80XiyU8LM_m6S2a3LWLe8JgFKNPXa5len9aWKcJLCo6Df3vc_nx1kMdTo2G3VoxPUyj4s1GmJ7BFiyJrVW2gDP7WLpFTlbYdhWursmJI2viYCVa-ErKrGxbZKaaQu8kVW7GxIKuW/s320/A6M2%20Type%2011%204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYz9-99RGcuG4pQEES1dXXqW9Ft0_06O5WYFHq8aKHQ1ID6i0nun71auai8SLG_CNNVKwHNXakwSj9O_8zs1kHCDcPJdCIIdifjdYIanvhOwMydrTFrQdjoV72t2BSmMhZ60q-pUAXjbqlA_EJCJX_AIjcs68riZrne37JjzOFhowSJqCqTj9VvwTtTldb/s1408/SJ%20Zero%20Collection.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1408" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYz9-99RGcuG4pQEES1dXXqW9Ft0_06O5WYFHq8aKHQ1ID6i0nun71auai8SLG_CNNVKwHNXakwSj9O_8zs1kHCDcPJdCIIdifjdYIanvhOwMydrTFrQdjoV72t2BSmMhZ60q-pUAXjbqlA_EJCJX_AIjcs68riZrne37JjzOFhowSJqCqTj9VvwTtTldb/s320/SJ%20Zero%20Collection.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">With special thanks to Scott for images and details of another very fine Zero model.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoRQ3RID5-CpZgx4awKwAmnuDobNZZsV738OBGQOxnTkd8sCScpJMYAjlqblVuRXwS5Na0sZeZHXQ_MTpLNafyhYkke6__9-hMioqph8jERIA7TywiN65bgtTf4v1AEE7rp3ydyEMgpgS0mU1GAtf4soeOtxPLmjc9jov8d-x4CZsEpQVmopxi2BYYWsk/s700/Tamiya72Warbird80.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="700" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoRQ3RID5-CpZgx4awKwAmnuDobNZZsV738OBGQOxnTkd8sCScpJMYAjlqblVuRXwS5Na0sZeZHXQ_MTpLNafyhYkke6__9-hMioqph8jERIA7TywiN65bgtTf4v1AEE7rp3ydyEMgpgS0mU1GAtf4soeOtxPLmjc9jov8d-x4CZsEpQVmopxi2BYYWsk/s320/Tamiya72Warbird80.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image credit: All model photos © 2024 Scott Jamieson; Box art © 2012 Tamiya</span></p>Straggler 脱走兵http://www.blogger.com/profile/10129611267271999294noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748156690521830936.post-73584895413302745302024-02-01T10:40:00.002+00:002024-02-01T17:21:27.203+00:0012-Shi Experimental 2nd Prototype (A6M1) in 1/72 by Scott Jamieson<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYjPMB9NwOfh1Q5U3JpRGH8ZaWXu4L0Gf0hpE_IAkPrPpEBEhvSGmI_sMvB2xaHVlKLP7kGZIIvEfRzlVbEdLGD7oYcp-D1YEefhj_XvktuDGIiDE2Bo0wPzJusvwoGLIKjR3A3Kv2iv8_xTJbWjBgG7FwrjYzsPZHgaD0bbw4lwOpNJubLEESXvg73dH/s1551/A6M1%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="813" data-original-width="1551" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYjPMB9NwOfh1Q5U3JpRGH8ZaWXu4L0Gf0hpE_IAkPrPpEBEhvSGmI_sMvB2xaHVlKLP7kGZIIvEfRzlVbEdLGD7oYcp-D1YEefhj_XvktuDGIiDE2Bo0wPzJusvwoGLIKjR3A3Kv2iv8_xTJbWjBgG7FwrjYzsPZHgaD0bbw4lwOpNJubLEESXvg73dH/s320/A6M1%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Continuing the Zero theme <b>Scott Jamieson</b> has very kindly shared these images and details of his splendid build of the <b><a href="https://www.finemolds.co.jp" target="_blank">Fine Molds</a></b> 1/72 A6M1 prototype, the 12-Shi Experimental second aircraft, from their <a href="https://www.finemolds.co.jp/FP/FP34.html" target="_blank"><b>2019 combo kit</b></a> which paired it with an A6M2 Model 11 (currently out of stock). <p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ek8lHzPwSpsfc9OU8kpwWw4m5bLxyU3i1pFhCKh8m-HnJsoZAcUE5gJABkk7AsMbSg_9KvNIptYtyTZ7SsoS6QhuxeWk6JGw3ggLo8-Nl5fWqDQBMFUThxkUOJBZKSa1M3lLZrFXDQpay7GV32phqjT57jBRaKLcorBVZxNYMjSfj0-M1k4QxlBVMlXF/s1260/A6M1%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1260" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ek8lHzPwSpsfc9OU8kpwWw4m5bLxyU3i1pFhCKh8m-HnJsoZAcUE5gJABkk7AsMbSg_9KvNIptYtyTZ7SsoS6QhuxeWk6JGw3ggLo8-Nl5fWqDQBMFUThxkUOJBZKSa1M3lLZrFXDQpay7GV32phqjT57jBRaKLcorBVZxNYMjSfj0-M1k4QxlBVMlXF/s320/A6M1%202.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9Qq5i8K2JsYhuctnek-x348N1gVnPEOVtGW_VjBFo4qUwtsCylq5jW00uR6mARY81F9QX3jaF5rLZzLrbwa3IAxX_zZxTe-bwBMU7DrCHuotcLq6G6K2-VJC_KmfLpEUT6eGdq0O4PL4t1FGNFIbfR85Ie5xYU_EZreX0OR1cC1_bICkJB6fOaRZaOzj/s1636/A6M1%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1636" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9Qq5i8K2JsYhuctnek-x348N1gVnPEOVtGW_VjBFo4qUwtsCylq5jW00uR6mARY81F9QX3jaF5rLZzLrbwa3IAxX_zZxTe-bwBMU7DrCHuotcLq6G6K2-VJC_KmfLpEUT6eGdq0O4PL4t1FGNFIbfR85Ie5xYU_EZreX0OR1cC1_bICkJB6fOaRZaOzj/s320/A6M1%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Although the finished model doesn't show it Scott found this build to be not so enjoyable and considered that the kit fell short of the previous Fine Molds A6M2 Type 21 Zero kit in terms of its quality. He described it as more of a conversion kit which disappointed with a one piece canopy and no provision for open cowl flaps. The additional parts consist of a new fuselage, cowling, engine and two-bladed propeller but there was no guidance on how to correct the basic A6M2 kit, such as eliminating the folding wingtip hinge points.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2L1tRjNm0QUP5lahQ7zE0n5BfWWIkdI3AnVzW7cJRnpq8NLLulsU9f4GhzS5L0Mw5AwgE9P53lwNf3S-qVK2cKtTLX7QB-DQmp1WwJrH7DrUDR4gA4d5RLJBMKMYmTZWQa7HbdSYP4NR3YpxwUzltWME92sCOojVkPVn4vwd0FOT6lk8rU-iPcHCsFG4U/s1497/A6M1%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="1497" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2L1tRjNm0QUP5lahQ7zE0n5BfWWIkdI3AnVzW7cJRnpq8NLLulsU9f4GhzS5L0Mw5AwgE9P53lwNf3S-qVK2cKtTLX7QB-DQmp1WwJrH7DrUDR4gA4d5RLJBMKMYmTZWQa7HbdSYP4NR3YpxwUzltWME92sCOojVkPVn4vwd0FOT6lk8rU-iPcHCsFG4U/s320/A6M1%204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The new cowling is moulded in three parts with seams through panel line detail which were not easy to fix or conceal. Scott also encountered a dihedral issue with the wings on both the A6M1 and A6M2 models. The port wing lined up whilst the starboard wing was too high. Scott did not notice this during construction and had to cut the wing at the root, crack it loose, gently bend it to line up, then fill, sand and re-scribe.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nxtgRS0LzsBj0_h84OUGbKJauGCk4sl7-6Bniv-L4769XxNiKX2xhrVQGyNDJ_3Lk5QIMNkTIubJqWoZlI3jPNzYoOXtyPTGAk2KB0dyJCNrEA30QxDmod8KwyHK1J9t8UUa6RaVg1RSIddzYfscOI00eDtLiOPDZZm9QDbDmhW92TSk-V28wdlQsBfj/s1252/A6M1%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1252" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nxtgRS0LzsBj0_h84OUGbKJauGCk4sl7-6Bniv-L4769XxNiKX2xhrVQGyNDJ_3Lk5QIMNkTIubJqWoZlI3jPNzYoOXtyPTGAk2KB0dyJCNrEA30QxDmod8KwyHK1J9t8UUa6RaVg1RSIddzYfscOI00eDtLiOPDZZm9QDbDmhW92TSk-V28wdlQsBfj/s320/A6M1%205.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Scott added minor details such as brake lines and the pilot seat bungee cord, as well as drilling out the seat. He cut the canopy apart and used the sliding section from a <b>Tamiya </b>Zero kit to display the model with an open canopy. The antenna wire was added with stretched sprue. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYc37vWVDnjPZv8h2FGdYCx-FAYHk6FtiTiy2eenV0er7nY8YwHxFUW7qsD7Vn1DpfLXeRHEsIwH-FcyWO23aqhVLNhFWLSkXlDUkKaDDouQNvlPkqbq07NLwM-svtvGUE6HGP7MiXB5pb3KEqf3YWzOBr4vSYy-CzmIG5_eJze8Cwm8lMqZAheikLzN2/s1562/A6M1%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1562" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYc37vWVDnjPZv8h2FGdYCx-FAYHk6FtiTiy2eenV0er7nY8YwHxFUW7qsD7Vn1DpfLXeRHEsIwH-FcyWO23aqhVLNhFWLSkXlDUkKaDDouQNvlPkqbq07NLwM-svtvGUE6HGP7MiXB5pb3KEqf3YWzOBr4vSYy-CzmIG5_eJze8Cwm8lMqZAheikLzN2/s320/A6M1%206.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">He finished the model with Tamiya XF-76 Gray Green (IJN) to represent the <i>'dimly shining ash green'</i> described by the designer <b>Jiro Horikoshi. </b>The kit decals worked well with<b> Micro Sol</b> but the application of <b>Testors </b>Glosscote followed by Testors Dullcote which has a slight amber tint created a slightly more tan appearance. At the end he was glad to have built it as he had always wanted a model of the prototype despite having little information about it.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCq7ZaouwQrSWBRc4Vy3YjloJXnX5ipglKprlkw-fAVl8BwC-1RYjie7d8lGnewWKQ9K8And5ERzLw8hSbSDbh8MxBxIdGO4hWZ6PJzUf_KBxcbRYiEaQa3EJZYj0okWpULa41ggNP0XeXAZgbD95wlS9CrdEvkdo5eHSlR-cUVsg6gx8XPbBQvZu8noUh/s1812/A6M1%207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1297" data-original-width="1812" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCq7ZaouwQrSWBRc4Vy3YjloJXnX5ipglKprlkw-fAVl8BwC-1RYjie7d8lGnewWKQ9K8And5ERzLw8hSbSDbh8MxBxIdGO4hWZ6PJzUf_KBxcbRYiEaQa3EJZYj0okWpULa41ggNP0XeXAZgbD95wlS9CrdEvkdo5eHSlR-cUVsg6gx8XPbBQvZu8noUh/s320/A6M1%207.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">With special thanks to Scott for sharing the images and details of a most interesting model. Possibly one of the best references to the 12-Shi Experimental is an article 'The Zero: Birth of a Prodigy' in the book '100 Key Chapters in Japanese Aviation' Vol.1 published by <b>Dai Nippon Kaiga Co., Ltd</b>. in 2004. Although the main text of this article is in Japanese a good selection of photographs are captioned in English and images of original blueprints and plans are included. Worth seeking out for that and other interesting articles on Japanese aviation within.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLvk7swV9p1LvXCSB0gB_h88DqAkFwsR6xZXrh9UsIFYmqFj7ESwMlzLWZg_bp-6yNFamllfikvYT-MRasXZWfIcAKTAGJFuzKl5IAZvlTXHGNdTro_v0gqcIvO9lBVDxd3Hp-rThNchZ8W8By8zXe1Bwf63xib7M0xioks82egRILdowRbfzQEBdDncj/s2170/FM%20Combo%202019.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1404" data-original-width="2170" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLvk7swV9p1LvXCSB0gB_h88DqAkFwsR6xZXrh9UsIFYmqFj7ESwMlzLWZg_bp-6yNFamllfikvYT-MRasXZWfIcAKTAGJFuzKl5IAZvlTXHGNdTro_v0gqcIvO9lBVDxd3Hp-rThNchZ8W8By8zXe1Bwf63xib7M0xioks82egRILdowRbfzQEBdDncj/s320/FM%20Combo%202019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVvygjQDFOI9kCEPs_lNhlcyYsa4n-asZ8_AHuDhF0tZn1GpVofvwxngmgqw8C25xI02f7J9ZQAeY81YT1_Zcmz0lqa0740sjvQVq_MJ-vPbD35BCL0PJYNWp1dExXtfrEPODdXTWszDgvpi10gkWUee1Vy9D5NtGxfFHdOny3Xh37o4K7iSLfzw4vkHw/s752/100%20Key%20Chapters%20Cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVvygjQDFOI9kCEPs_lNhlcyYsa4n-asZ8_AHuDhF0tZn1GpVofvwxngmgqw8C25xI02f7J9ZQAeY81YT1_Zcmz0lqa0740sjvQVq_MJ-vPbD35BCL0PJYNWp1dExXtfrEPODdXTWszDgvpi10gkWUee1Vy9D5NtGxfFHdOny3Xh37o4K7iSLfzw4vkHw/s320/100%20Key%20Chapters%20Cover.jpg" width="255" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image credit: All model photos © 2024 Scott Jamieson; Box art © 2019 <b><a href="https://www.finemolds.co.jp" target="_blank">Fine Molds</a>; </b>Book cover © 2004 Dai Nippon Kaiga Co., Ltd.</span></p>Straggler 脱走兵http://www.blogger.com/profile/10129611267271999294noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748156690521830936.post-70271872444281212892024-01-31T22:09:00.000+00:002024-01-31T22:09:00.078+00:00Lifelike Decals 48-062 Mitsubishi A6M Zero Fighters Part 2<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14p7uCOjx5X4sGCNFA-eUkdZvSEUHVKxuxRGtDGS6yKTpZJDir4SI9aQ9hozriCigRnZwpPyWW8qx-1RrB0TRrPe6qLU1lV4DCosKXWpOWRS5f0YWAd2nF4JNSZbU9Dig-fj2fe7xmSEzJqBbOuM1Lmq1mNWZhlSa0wyXJ9He4s7No84k8CuCrNtjnbt4/s952/48-062%20Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="952" data-original-width="669" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14p7uCOjx5X4sGCNFA-eUkdZvSEUHVKxuxRGtDGS6yKTpZJDir4SI9aQ9hozriCigRnZwpPyWW8qx-1RrB0TRrPe6qLU1lV4DCosKXWpOWRS5f0YWAd2nF4JNSZbU9Dig-fj2fe7xmSEzJqBbOuM1Lmq1mNWZhlSa0wyXJ9He4s7No84k8CuCrNtjnbt4/s320/48-062%20Cover.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Lifelike Decals</b> Set 48-062 Part 2 is the second of two recently released sets of beautifully printed decals for Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighters in 1/48 scale (and more Zero sets are planned and being prepared). This set contains markings for 13 subjects of different variants, including an A6M2-K two-seat trainer and two A6M2-N 'Rufe' floatplane fighters. It also includes the comprehensive notes as provided in 48-061 and the sheet of Hinomaru decals 48-SP-01 for which the previous comments also apply. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkZrTJ-Qggk8s_ezj8B98ZBy2FrtYM4qt1SykHnCodOGjx1x-s7ctJJy_VBsTIP-AJ074oBMejG7RomQ2fOa_M05J6Ggess9QjdaVZ5QGRxzHoXWDP5gPWi2Z0ijiVwS5ZBML-xfAMnPtJC4bx9dlQzfW7ms6kfvE6Mwsnh00PgoYTVTTo6JOyD1WX3Pu/s1212/48-062%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="1212" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkZrTJ-Qggk8s_ezj8B98ZBy2FrtYM4qt1SykHnCodOGjx1x-s7ctJJy_VBsTIP-AJ074oBMejG7RomQ2fOa_M05J6Ggess9QjdaVZ5QGRxzHoXWDP5gPWi2Z0ijiVwS5ZBML-xfAMnPtJC4bx9dlQzfW7ms6kfvE6Mwsnh00PgoYTVTTo6JOyD1WX3Pu/s320/48-062%201.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPpdc0a5vTXoqJhnT-erGICOdNQCMg9V06bDJAnjP4TZOawWSAeWuzOh3IZpkgW3iTcF7B8V7uWrsb3ZjwO2O-sbJq6V8J0JEZPTbTpLBVITdMG4V9X2fXzWnbZTV6ewzpdBatV4Jz9o_Ljyi-89gb7IExrkVLR-qcEL0a9Zd0B86vIQOTetPPNf-SS5K/s1212/48-062%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="859" data-original-width="1212" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPpdc0a5vTXoqJhnT-erGICOdNQCMg9V06bDJAnjP4TZOawWSAeWuzOh3IZpkgW3iTcF7B8V7uWrsb3ZjwO2O-sbJq6V8J0JEZPTbTpLBVITdMG4V9X2fXzWnbZTV6ewzpdBatV4Jz9o_Ljyi-89gb7IExrkVLR-qcEL0a9Zd0B86vIQOTetPPNf-SS5K/s320/48-062%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The subjects in this second set, shown above, are as follows:-</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">A6M2 Type 21 'X-183' as flown by PO 2/c Yoshiro Hashiguchi of 3 Ku from Kendari in February 1942; in overall grey-green, depicted with a blue fuselage band, white tail stripe and 11 cherry blossom kill marks on tail fin.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">A6M2 Type 21 'V-117' as flown by Lt Masuzo Seto of Tainan Ku from Balikpapan or Denpasar, Bali during January and February 1942; in overall grey-green, depicted with two blue fuselage bands and red tail stripes above and below the tail code. This well known aircraft has been depicted with various colour combinations for the fuselage bands and tail stripes but the caption presents the sound reasoning for the choice of colours in this set.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">A6M2 Type 21 '81-1146' of 381 Ku flown from Sorong airfield on Efman (or Jefman) Island in May 1944; in dark green over grey with theatre markings of grey painted tail fin and wing tips. white cowling front and white fin stripe, speculated as command markings. This aircraft has been previously depicted with various garish cowling front and tail fin colours but Lifelike set the record straight. The airfield was known as 'Sorong' to the Japanese even though the town and harbour of that name were across the sea to the east of the island on the north-western tip of New Guinea also incorporating a seaplane base. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">A6M2 Type 21 'EI-111' as flown by Lt Hideki Shingo of Shokaku Fighter Group during the Battle of Santa Cruz on 26 October 1942; in overall grey-green with white fuselageband and three white tail stripes, all outlined red. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">A6M2 Type 21 '虎-143' (<i>Tora </i>- Tiger-143) of 261 Ku flown from Kagoshima from end of 1943 to early 1944; in dark green over grey with white fuselage bands, tail stripe and wing stripes. Although the caption describes the spinner as speculatively depicted as dark brown the accompanying profile depicts a dark green spinner. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">A6M2 Type 21 '雷-134' (<i>Rai -</i> Thunder-134) of 265 Ku flown from Xinzhu (Hsinchu), Taiwan at the beginning of 1944; in dark green over grey with yellow lightning flash across tail fin and rudder and red tail code outlined in white. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">A6M3 Type 22 '191' as flown by Lt jg Usaburo Suzuki of 582 Ku from Buin on 7 April 1944; in field applied dark green over grey leaving some parts of the upper surfaces uncamouflaged, with two yellow fuselage chevrons and red tail code outlined white. The code '191' is speculative. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">A6M3 Type 22 '173' as flown by Lt Cdr Saburo Shindo from Buin on 16 June 1944; in factory applied dark green over grey with two yellow fuselage chevrons and red tail code 173 outlined white. Two pairs of fuselage chevrons are included for this and the previous subject with slightly different yellow hues.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">A6M2 Type 21 '81-1138' of 381 Ku flown from Sorong airfield on Efman (or Jefman) Island, Western New Guinea in May 1944; in dark green over grey with theatre markings of grey painted tail fin and wing tips, but differenced from subject # 3 by a non standard Houkoku-type marking in white on the rear fuselage. This aircraft is noted as carrying air-to-air bombs under its wings. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">A6M2-K 'ツ-415' (<i>Tu</i>-415) of Tsukuba Ku flown from Misawa, Aomori Prefecture, Japan during September 1944; in dark green over orange yellow with yellow painted upper fin and rudder. Although the caption describes the spinner as speculatively depicted dark brown the accompanying profile depicts aluminium.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">A6M2 Type 21 'BII-124' as flown by NAP 1/c Hajime Toyoshima of Hiryu Fighter Group, and force landed on Melville Island on 19 February 1942; in overall grey-green with two blue fuselage bands and blue tail stripe. </li><li style="text-align: justify;"> A6M2-N '34-116' of 934 Ku flown from Halong seaplane base on Ambon Island in March 1943; in dark green over grey with yellow lightning flash insignia on fuselage. The white borders of the Hinomaru have been overpainted on this aircraft. Ambon was part of the Molucca Island group in the Banda sea between Sulawesi and western New Guinea.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">A6M2-N '934-06' as flown by PO 1/c Hidenori Matsunaga of 934 Ku from Halong, Ambon Island from March 1943 to April 1944; in dark green over grey with yellow lightning flash insignia on fuselage. Although the caption shows '934-116' this is a different aircraft to subject # 12 and the profile and decals are correctly shown and printed as '934-06'.</li></ul><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_R6AJxxaFeE4aNc3Ja73l1EED8N6XGUf7mNNwMUbDrnguSeH-lVrDvWJBcQph7R03urXYHvnHzKZp1_YouaD6rpjQxr-M-NFz4O_CG2vwWvJYmouCGUtM6Ltl0f4j43G6PO3_0y0oJvOO1OL1g6a4mEJ19qZySXG2BEdlSvdc6SAn4hnwRguk5HSoPCAP/s1017/48-062%20Decals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="509" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_R6AJxxaFeE4aNc3Ja73l1EED8N6XGUf7mNNwMUbDrnguSeH-lVrDvWJBcQph7R03urXYHvnHzKZp1_YouaD6rpjQxr-M-NFz4O_CG2vwWvJYmouCGUtM6Ltl0f4j43G6PO3_0y0oJvOO1OL1g6a4mEJ19qZySXG2BEdlSvdc6SAn4hnwRguk5HSoPCAP/s320/48-062%20Decals.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Again the chosen subjects in the 48-062 set are excellent, presenting a variety of colourful schemes and markings with the usual Lifelike attention to detail. The comprehensive notes included are an added bonus. The decals, printed for Lifelike by <b>Microscale Industries</b> in the USA, are sharply printed to a gloss finish with bright colours and strong saturation. It should be mentioned that both sets 48-061 and 48-062 include stencils and positional schematics for them (as shown below). Recommended kits are <b>Eduard</b>, <b>Hasegawa</b> or <b>Tamiya</b> for the A6M2 and A6M2-N, Eduard or Tamiya for the A6M3 Type 22, and Hasegawa for the A6M2-K, so this is an excellent set for finishing any older kits in the stash. What a pity that the A6M2-K trainer is not better represented in available 1/48 and 1/72 kits! Again this set is highly recommended.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBEUkZxQh1PghzC77sGC2yYKYvzJKS6LusA5nN4DoAsfGq27VE08tg4TNNMNiWTeHTIKXr7CTVsxp9xg2BJ55NSEUQpen-fNgUQ0pHmWaiGcwzbeeH2xGm6ol-VAUEAYt2BPvvYKWx_PWdAlDuyswg0Umfvh2VKNyRlidYwoy2CGjCzUzG0ieRpAe4Yii/s974/48-062%20Stencils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="974" data-original-width="694" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBEUkZxQh1PghzC77sGC2yYKYvzJKS6LusA5nN4DoAsfGq27VE08tg4TNNMNiWTeHTIKXr7CTVsxp9xg2BJ55NSEUQpen-fNgUQ0pHmWaiGcwzbeeH2xGm6ol-VAUEAYt2BPvvYKWx_PWdAlDuyswg0Umfvh2VKNyRlidYwoy2CGjCzUzG0ieRpAe4Yii/s320/48-062%20Stencils.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">With special thanks to <b>Keishiro Nagao</b> of Lifelike Decals for the review samples and the work put into presenting this set.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image credit: All © 2023 Lifelike Decals</span></p>Straggler 脱走兵http://www.blogger.com/profile/10129611267271999294noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748156690521830936.post-53823463108964448482024-01-31T08:16:00.000+00:002024-01-31T08:16:08.831+00:00Lifelike Decals 48-061 Mitsubishi A6M Zero Fighters Part 1<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CtBpgLIyq2aojVQ2Y7pIwoUOsrasmQOA6bSePvbI2LGYPkZ76hIzHSTf8Nf31YL4Ss0xofK2ycH93rFUrZfOnkMJVGKG8hBFBKnlwNUX7LNbLuXLKNg0PmX9rJuynJlrjuV5asQkfqaAwg4gU5a-hyP_wlGAbwFfiFupqnNLv_oJDD3hnxDRvU6eaXKd/s958/48-061%20Cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="684" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CtBpgLIyq2aojVQ2Y7pIwoUOsrasmQOA6bSePvbI2LGYPkZ76hIzHSTf8Nf31YL4Ss0xofK2ycH93rFUrZfOnkMJVGKG8hBFBKnlwNUX7LNbLuXLKNg0PmX9rJuynJlrjuV5asQkfqaAwg4gU5a-hyP_wlGAbwFfiFupqnNLv_oJDD3hnxDRvU6eaXKd/s320/48-061%20Cover.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="http://www.lifelikedecals.sakura.ne.jp" target="_blank">Lifelike Decals</a> </b>Set 48-061 Part 1 is the first of two recently released sets of beautifully printed decals for Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighters in 1/48 scale. This set contains markings for no less than 14 subjects of different fighter variants, including an A6M2-N 'Rufe'. But the package is not just limited to decals as included is a thick wad of seven A4 sized pages of comprehensive data which, in addition to the usual detailed descriptions and discussions for each subject with biographies and anecdotes of the notable pilots, also includes detailed notes on Zero camouflage colours, with Lifelike's own take on the still contentious subject of the early Zero colour, various markings data, an explanation of Hinomaru sizes and of IJN pilot ranks (which have been variously translated and compared in the past). The amount of data incorporated into this set makes it a reference source in its own right in addition to providing the decals. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8TNrW__e3TAQkZcOoCO-OdAHVtwLZEzYU1gkexfhQAraGqewyg2lHgd_GlIxV7T5JBNr7xgvj4R6usi0xxXzOZHWdK9enYVPAtaTjoOMkb-VF-NG0jS_mVPYcEEcW8EPRRPQPCxbx2Vn4fH38-BGxR26_DGxMbqpXQDc9EI6Sdj3beyMcTxdvsx2YH6q/s1192/48-061%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1192" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8TNrW__e3TAQkZcOoCO-OdAHVtwLZEzYU1gkexfhQAraGqewyg2lHgd_GlIxV7T5JBNr7xgvj4R6usi0xxXzOZHWdK9enYVPAtaTjoOMkb-VF-NG0jS_mVPYcEEcW8EPRRPQPCxbx2Vn4fH38-BGxR26_DGxMbqpXQDc9EI6Sdj3beyMcTxdvsx2YH6q/s320/48-061%201.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUN_qsUvYw0MGdUZvUTRsCiVlzXsvZgZTkC34DHqiEYJL4Epwz3Bo9tSGpJNOol4Aa7hrVHYRI82tE4-gzMuihqcaT9YtXC8Katyxx-0gCa1yg4dyN56r2R8MOZOaGBX15pW2rnN4GqK0AABHETdJxYEGLUOf0x9NL8I2610Rda2QQmmN5Sli_8F-NTDA/s1200/48-061%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1200" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUN_qsUvYw0MGdUZvUTRsCiVlzXsvZgZTkC34DHqiEYJL4Epwz3Bo9tSGpJNOol4Aa7hrVHYRI82tE4-gzMuihqcaT9YtXC8Katyxx-0gCa1yg4dyN56r2R8MOZOaGBX15pW2rnN4GqK0AABHETdJxYEGLUOf0x9NL8I2610Rda2QQmmN5Sli_8F-NTDA/s320/48-061%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The subjects in this first set, shown above, are as follows:-</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">A6M2 Type 21 'AI-159' as flown by Lt Cdr Shigeru Itaya of the Akagi Fighter Group on 7 December 1941 during the attack on Pearl Harbor; in overall grey-green with red fuselage band and yellow stripes above and below tail code in red.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">A6M5 Type 52 Hei '03-09' as flown by CPO Takeo Tanimizu of 203 Ku's 303 Hikotai from Kagoshima in June 1945; in dark green over grey. This is a well known Zero due to widely circulated photographs of its rear fuselage.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">A6M3 Type 22 '53-102' as flown by WO Tetsuzo Iwamoto of 253 Ku from Tobera, Rabaul at the end of January 1944; in dark green over grey with 60 cherry blossom kill marks. There are no known photographs of this aircraft and the depiction is based on Iwamoto's diary with an interesting discussion of the kill marks on the rear fuselage.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">A6M3 Type 32 '2181'/Houkoku-877 of 582 Ku flown from Lae in the Spring of 1943; in overall grey-green.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">A6M2 Type 21 'K-108'/Houkoku-556 of Kanoya/751 Ku flown from Kavieng in November, 1942; in overall grey-green. An interesting subject offering a change from some of the more well-known Zero units with presentation legend and a red diagonal band on tail fin and rudder.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">A6M2 Type 21 'オタ-1182 of Oita Ku flown from Oita, Japan in April 1943. A fighter trainer depicted in overall dark green with white tipped spinner, cowling face and tailplanes. In addition. there are broad white bands above and below the tail code, depicted in yellow. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">A6M3 Type 32 'V-190'/Houkoku-874 as flown by Lt Kikuichi Inano of Tainan Ku from Buna in January 1943; in overall grey-green, depicted with a blue fuselage chevron and white tail stripes above and below tail code. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">A6M3 Type 32 'Q-102'/Houkoku-872 as flown by WO Kazuo Tsunoda of 2 Ku from Buna on 26 August 1942; in overall grey-green. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">A6M5 Type 52 early '53-104' as flown by WO Tetsuzo Iwamoto of 253Ku from Tobera, Rabaul at the end of February, 1944; in dark green over grey. Another Zero flown by Iwamoto for which no photographs exist and the early Type 52 variant is deduced rather than confirmed. This one is depicted with 70 cheery blossom kill marks on the rear fuselage. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">A6M3 Type 32 タイ-180 as flown by CPO Takeo Tanimizu of Tainan Ku (2nd generation training group) from Tainan on 3 September 1943; in dark green over grey with yellow inscription on rear fuselage. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">A6M2 Type 21 'BI-151' as flown by Lt Fusata Iida of the Soryu Fighter Group on 7 December 1941 during the attack on Pearl Harbor; in overall grey-green with blue fuselage and tail bands above and below tail code in red. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">A6M3 Type 22 '6-171' of 201 Ku flown from Rabaul East in August1943; weathered dark green over grey. This aircraft with its unusual patchy appearance has been interpreted in model form at AoJ twice, by <b>Mark Smith</b> in September 2021 <a href="http://www.aviationofjapan.com/2021/09/hasegawa-and-tamiya-up-ante-by-mark.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and by <b>Artur Domanski</b> in April 2018 <a href="http://www.aviationofjapan.com/2018/04/artur-domanskis-132-a6m3-model-22-zero.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">A6M2 Type 21 'EII-102' as flown by PO 1/c Tetsuzo Iwamoto of the Zuikaku Fighter Group on 7 December 1941 during the attack on Pearl Harbor; in overall grey-green with two white fuselage bands and a single white tail stripe above the tail code in red. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">A6M2-N 'NI-118' as flown by Lt jg Keizo Yamasaki of 802 Ku from Shortland Island on 11 February 1943; in overall grey-green. The single 'Rufe' on this sheet, featuring two blue fuselage bands and red tail stripe with 'battleaxe' kill markings. </li></ul><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi466MYDAbxbvwiztOulyC5BhoYDac9K_ThoOs9F1arG87XsjJ5X2elaDpsB8eaZk6XDAWEzTBwZoswPX1EuY7IgKJH6lMcCPSqF-DpGe3PcuaqhedBZqeSNONn2cnFfFnG4wrP46q29rEM_QKNTQ-eTlz6N96G1WfgrEwXjEDcnaXqKjkx0p7spIXT5mAc/s1302/48-061%20Decals.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1302" data-original-width="608" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi466MYDAbxbvwiztOulyC5BhoYDac9K_ThoOs9F1arG87XsjJ5X2elaDpsB8eaZk6XDAWEzTBwZoswPX1EuY7IgKJH6lMcCPSqF-DpGe3PcuaqhedBZqeSNONn2cnFfFnG4wrP46q29rEM_QKNTQ-eTlz6N96G1WfgrEwXjEDcnaXqKjkx0p7spIXT5mAc/s320/48-061%20Decals.jpg" width="149" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">This decal set 48-061 (and set 48-062) also includes a sheet of Hinomaru as 48-SP-01 (shown below). During the preparation of the 48-061/062 sheets, Lifelike noticed that many Zero kits and aftermarket decals do not always include the correct sized Hinomaru, so they decided to also release 48-SP-01 as a separate set. Unfortunately Hinomaru I and K were missed from this sheet and a corrected replacement sheet should be available around late March this year. This set is also a useful reference source with detailed notes on positions and dimensions of the Hinomaru on Zero fighters. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7023rUyFFRAZPJNHnXob2CePwdli7IcKURE4Eunn46YGLOvoPfbzV7-c4YZrVp0eafmBmqVyxRqfb5gB-5ACbJcHxkDyHCEJMoq9Y0rmIGq_BRGC-QAJtGLiEmPJMrLn78u4WXTjvJNGZJENGQFBS5Hiy-N5YkmwHyRwHE3Z1y0frJYNwMK7HOV1hyLn/s976/48-SP-01%20Decals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="691" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7023rUyFFRAZPJNHnXob2CePwdli7IcKURE4Eunn46YGLOvoPfbzV7-c4YZrVp0eafmBmqVyxRqfb5gB-5ACbJcHxkDyHCEJMoq9Y0rmIGq_BRGC-QAJtGLiEmPJMrLn78u4WXTjvJNGZJENGQFBS5Hiy-N5YkmwHyRwHE3Z1y0frJYNwMK7HOV1hyLn/s320/48-SP-01%20Decals.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">A correction sheet for the kill marks on the second subject of the 48-061 sheet, Tanimizu's A6M5, will also be available at that time as the two different blue colours on the US insignia on the original sheet were not as discernable as planned. When the replacement and correction sheets are available Lifelike will send them to all parties who purchased the 48-061, 48-062 or 48-SP-01 sheets. But as they cannot guarantee that retailers will retain these sheets for customers they will also announce on their website when the replacement and correction sets are available, advising modellers to contact their retailers first. However if the retailer does not retain them then modellers can contact Lifelike to request them directly.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The chosen subjects in the 48-061 set are excellent, presenting a variety of colourful schemes and markings with the usual Lifelike attention to detail. The comprehensive notes included are an added bonus. The decals, printed for Lifelike by <b>Microscale Industries </b>in the USA, are sharply printed to a gloss finish with bright colours and strong saturation. Recommended kits are <b>Eduard</b>, <b>Hasegawa</b> or <b>Tamiya</b> for the A6M2 and A6M2-N, Eduard or Tamiya for the A6M3 Type 22 and 32, and Hasegawa or Tamiya for the Type 52, so this is an excellent set for finishing any older kits in the stash. Highly recommended.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">With special thanks to <b>Keishiro Nagao</b> of Lifelike Decals for the review samples and the work put into presenting this set.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image credit: All © 20243 Lifelike Decals</span></p>Straggler 脱走兵http://www.blogger.com/profile/10129611267271999294noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748156690521830936.post-20209590655329200742024-01-21T22:16:00.003+00:002024-01-21T22:16:54.763+00:00Revell 1/72 Mitsubishi Ki-21 for May 2024<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBS4YCLyZ3i0XZAczWzZOK1Uzo7IcUxqvj4i2ggpJs6aEaGFLMcuYCjw6u4mF8uSYU35o9rBZGhdfoi__5Rq2_Ld_EkNz22l1y9RQpMOKrahNZ6h8n0smJ09AGi9pS2V-9C3lIwn9BWV0HwnHLcfZxSbv-dw_yWYu9woyb8p9iOkHjt4YoqYXLUBAhxmDi/s540/03797_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="540" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBS4YCLyZ3i0XZAczWzZOK1Uzo7IcUxqvj4i2ggpJs6aEaGFLMcuYCjw6u4mF8uSYU35o9rBZGhdfoi__5Rq2_Ld_EkNz22l1y9RQpMOKrahNZ6h8n0smJ09AGi9pS2V-9C3lIwn9BWV0HwnHLcfZxSbv-dw_yWYu9woyb8p9iOkHjt4YoqYXLUBAhxmDi/s320/03797_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A surprise announcement by <b><a href="https://www.revell.de/en/products/modelmaking/aircraft/ki-21-la.html" target="_blank">Revell</a></b> of a 1/72 kit of the Mitsubishi Ki-21-1<i>ko </i>Type 97 bomber 'Sally'<i> </i>to be released in May this year. The general presumption seems to be that it is a re-release of the <b>ICM</b> kit but there seems to be a difference in the number of parts and the Revell website states that the kit will have <i>'an extensive bomb load for individual design'. </i>Intriguing. Has there been a resurrection?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image credit: Heading photo © 2024 Revell GmbH</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p>Straggler 脱走兵http://www.blogger.com/profile/10129611267271999294noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748156690521830936.post-53047036097689263062024-01-20T12:36:00.000+00:002024-01-20T12:36:01.195+00:00Update<p>Added a 1974 <b>Revell</b> advert for <b>Pactra</b> paints in UK to the blog article <b><a href="http://www.aviationofjapan.com/2010/09/pactra-authentics.html" target="_blank">Pactra Authentics and the Japanese Air Force</a></b> published in September 2010. </p>Straggler 脱走兵http://www.blogger.com/profile/10129611267271999294noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748156690521830936.post-64306886870378604712024-01-10T08:34:00.006+00:002024-01-11T07:35:22.126+00:00Rufe Duo in 1/144 by Mark Smith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6bIKJ2S_JXugHwc8jEeGm-hV297C2l15hUsEY_F4z3qC154HrAv6QQoiBAgdtVh59HK2xb8mZ17fc0GBN625XqAaplz24tUU4CelijbIAFjbRqIj3fNDNrmipB5lU-QWTyYP5eJkXG9ejePtELYcuRhpS5qVn3O2TsCe8bKyYe6OzB0t7eFQtJUL9BZd/s951/RufeDuoAbove.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="951" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6bIKJ2S_JXugHwc8jEeGm-hV297C2l15hUsEY_F4z3qC154HrAv6QQoiBAgdtVh59HK2xb8mZ17fc0GBN625XqAaplz24tUU4CelijbIAFjbRqIj3fNDNrmipB5lU-QWTyYP5eJkXG9ejePtELYcuRhpS5qVn3O2TsCe8bKyYe6OzB0t7eFQtJUL9BZd/s320/RufeDuoAbove.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">It is a delight to feature this write up and images of a superlative build of the <b>Sweet</b> Suisen times two in a hard to believe 1/144 scale by AoJ Texas correspondent <b>Mark Smith</b>. Over to Mark then:-</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Suisen Times Two</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">'I have a deep and inexplicable attraction to 1/144 scale aircraft. The eight <b>LS</b> kits of Japanese single-engine taildraggers, along with the <b>Imai</b> 1/144 Japanese twins (reissued for a while by <b>Hasegawa</b> and more recently <b>Doyusha</b>), fueled this many years ago, by offering worthwhile kits that repaid a little extra care and attention with a reasonable replica instead of the toylike appearance from which earlier efforts in the scale suffered.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngEkqp5rEohPymJ6HJdbEOPDQQz2I8RCLxIkPRGwduu5nJwtbAc9gKDVgbQlqsDIgjkc7Eh23NcacH_ci8TExEV5Xw8hjoMHQUqz1ifCkdn7pR5e-rLrPwE4LVWy6O8Wjps179rb2-0x5ZzijzkZ9kTPlppxuspaV3pgkMTTR97RcFLgJWrKqH5EQRreW/s1210/IMG-2668.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1210" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngEkqp5rEohPymJ6HJdbEOPDQQz2I8RCLxIkPRGwduu5nJwtbAc9gKDVgbQlqsDIgjkc7Eh23NcacH_ci8TExEV5Xw8hjoMHQUqz1ifCkdn7pR5e-rLrPwE4LVWy6O8Wjps179rb2-0x5ZzijzkZ9kTPlppxuspaV3pgkMTTR97RcFLgJWrKqH5EQRreW/s320/IMG-2668.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXzcFWO_T9AJAVj9_Z3oce6OmgSWDSUhxdvJte9FluRjAKIAgXh2t7McJydEj0QKvmv8SsML6Sb_faXOmrV_mpu1i9jK8FZ5sb0SegrPhp35G6MwaqcbQzlTsk9ECZkVwi7guHUcUpBORb4AkjbQ-N5Zq6ZAk49zgsFF_u5gZ1WtjkIfk8_z-3_i1f0q7/s1210/IMG-2406.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1210" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXzcFWO_T9AJAVj9_Z3oce6OmgSWDSUhxdvJte9FluRjAKIAgXh2t7McJydEj0QKvmv8SsML6Sb_faXOmrV_mpu1i9jK8FZ5sb0SegrPhp35G6MwaqcbQzlTsk9ECZkVwi7guHUcUpBORb4AkjbQ-N5Zq6ZAk49zgsFF_u5gZ1WtjkIfk8_z-3_i1f0q7/s320/IMG-2406.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">'Then <b>Sweet Models</b> of Japan came along with their Zero family, Hurricanes, Wildcats, Mustangs, and many more single engine jewels. A new standard of excellence had emerged, and even with the nice 1/144 <b>Platz</b> efforts of recent years, for me Sweet still holds serve. But with that standard came a new pattern, a dynamic that can lead to trouble, or so I’ve heard. These kits, made to put together in an evening or a weekend, were so good on the sprues that they also came with an invisible siren song that prompted what might be possible in terms of additions if one were willing. '<i>That way madness lies; let me shun that; no more of that.' </i>Lear was right of course, tragically right. Listen to the man!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFU6L5fM1Qx9hSabxRQNwc125FATwqZhGeIIBM-lCxNfeNG9IY3sDxzX3HvdMP62Y3qIFq8QXGz6Qds8ctOydlK5TAjpzcsI-i1kI0793iwLE7cvpk6xhP-9I-2eHpmN6Y_petNvny-1g-OylLBptxW2j_zYVzggwAlxcEXhrE-NuH7IKmXKC-IMwOkcQ/s1210/IMG-2366.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1210" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFU6L5fM1Qx9hSabxRQNwc125FATwqZhGeIIBM-lCxNfeNG9IY3sDxzX3HvdMP62Y3qIFq8QXGz6Qds8ctOydlK5TAjpzcsI-i1kI0793iwLE7cvpk6xhP-9I-2eHpmN6Y_petNvny-1g-OylLBptxW2j_zYVzggwAlxcEXhrE-NuH7IKmXKC-IMwOkcQ/s320/IMG-2366.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-BRxsDDueRiw_XD-G8nbBeblp6ylRuCz_sAO_O1MLyUXGmmU2U4w4by2TR4HimquyCLN6pg5kIwDHLFW3U7Od99XFpT5fkoRgvsN6niFKQ2VRV63yXyOZcEbXGJ5-01xS68H2dG7yldQg5lgRj3JLmJU9uUvmezKDKA7Kkc-Bv34P1mu2uCxlZrrTwjc/s1210/IMG-2260.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1210" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-BRxsDDueRiw_XD-G8nbBeblp6ylRuCz_sAO_O1MLyUXGmmU2U4w4by2TR4HimquyCLN6pg5kIwDHLFW3U7Od99XFpT5fkoRgvsN6niFKQ2VRV63yXyOZcEbXGJ5-01xS68H2dG7yldQg5lgRj3JLmJU9uUvmezKDKA7Kkc-Bv34P1mu2uCxlZrrTwjc/s320/IMG-2260.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">'While I’m pleased with this pair of Suisen – pleased with anything that ends up in one piece these days – the two reminded me of the old lesson: the imagination, God bless it, is a ‘clean room’ where anything is possible; but the workbench is where reality lives, and it prefers the reasonable. Time after time.</div><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiX7CkM4-XvKib5x9TWLqfKA4J2n0-HmptXS4MpYcMf9k1Hfc4T4IhvhjNMyTVuANZpqfSbEJ95T2EkhV2-mC-k4TO4RRlaz8JdzR9KimOG7CdQpRyyaXON_SEH9Lse6A_ZXRj8-hoKQMakkauKxIAHzOwx_1wS13OBFkTj6ZWMjxR6F0CGmZL2qgBbDJ/s1210/IMG-2651.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1210" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiX7CkM4-XvKib5x9TWLqfKA4J2n0-HmptXS4MpYcMf9k1Hfc4T4IhvhjNMyTVuANZpqfSbEJ95T2EkhV2-mC-k4TO4RRlaz8JdzR9KimOG7CdQpRyyaXON_SEH9Lse6A_ZXRj8-hoKQMakkauKxIAHzOwx_1wS13OBFkTj6ZWMjxR6F0CGmZL2qgBbDJ/s320/IMG-2651.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Ic1-k7dXpxUFPyY5oAPaJgQ5DZYVH6mDEGb0FOxwqeU6O7pscnjMJr4xEGBUC_RYFz_PdRTdN9ymYGGU1JDRUmRavX4aVmUN5da2kxaHNxJkuPiumtP0wXiBK_2JDvLEMtdV9XuS6iTyXaCsd8prq1cK39EXZfZ1q5wA9kLQ5nMAgwrNoo1gXHf2KVVu/s1210/IMG-2643.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1210" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Ic1-k7dXpxUFPyY5oAPaJgQ5DZYVH6mDEGb0FOxwqeU6O7pscnjMJr4xEGBUC_RYFz_PdRTdN9ymYGGU1JDRUmRavX4aVmUN5da2kxaHNxJkuPiumtP0wXiBK_2JDvLEMtdV9XuS6iTyXaCsd8prq1cK39EXZfZ1q5wA9kLQ5nMAgwrNoo1gXHf2KVVu/s320/IMG-2643.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">'I wanted to build one well-known Rufe in overall olive grey assigned to the Kimakawa Maru seaplane tender, and another that would be provisional in its markings, to represent a Takuma Ku veteran that had been through the wars, with overpainted codes and with camo applied and then touched up. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibaZ8392jPhxACcYub1S5dVkKzDnxCsfCJN_gMVCwxhU3pl_gXuvtwVnwXEjjWt-HDrNIhqGV940EN5PYSIcwiKrReiwv-DaIDM6YsT69owb0E0L_YxzlSz5XvzTIjtlEV1METKZe47GdFDMc6CMhC4jyLpV0ZoaSpICAaht6JKEiwFUPrJYVenci0Dhej/s1205/Green%20Rufe%20Side.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="745" data-original-width="1205" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibaZ8392jPhxACcYub1S5dVkKzDnxCsfCJN_gMVCwxhU3pl_gXuvtwVnwXEjjWt-HDrNIhqGV940EN5PYSIcwiKrReiwv-DaIDM6YsT69owb0E0L_YxzlSz5XvzTIjtlEV1METKZe47GdFDMc6CMhC4jyLpV0ZoaSpICAaht6JKEiwFUPrJYVenci0Dhej/s320/Green%20Rufe%20Side.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLkc9ktmkW9FbHIuwtnJH-TkcwHynOQRn7pJGHBM2eVoCF9avmFuOqR106LkPgHLn2eX0Vd9PI_cVU38lb7cM30Hg5GqCuzdme4gwq0ROWtb-FRRRwODIMI1sIETArkRb5aDU_vLVmXXAwTLl4n_FTo0P0o0T_SKgOS119UqTtYQpqpFLSeTVEGlfs0aM/s1210/IMG-2275.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1210" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLkc9ktmkW9FbHIuwtnJH-TkcwHynOQRn7pJGHBM2eVoCF9avmFuOqR106LkPgHLn2eX0Vd9PI_cVU38lb7cM30Hg5GqCuzdme4gwq0ROWtb-FRRRwODIMI1sIETArkRb5aDU_vLVmXXAwTLl4n_FTo0P0o0T_SKgOS119UqTtYQpqpFLSeTVEGlfs0aM/s320/IMG-2275.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">'I enjoyed the freedom that the latter option afforded, and it led to discovering a new way of applying a mottled or worn finish that yielded far better results than any freehand airbrushing I could accomplish, especially in this scale. This involved using a ‘clothes dryer sheet’ (‘anti-static-cling’ - one brand here in the US is <b>Cling Free</b>) which had been through a few clothes cycles, opening up the weave a little. What is perfect about this method is that these dryer sheets have no perceptible pattern to their weave and the random affect imparted is what I wanted. It must be wrapped tightly around the surfaces, and secured on the opposite surface with tape to keep it taut, but it’s a lovely stencil for camouflage. Once tried the many possibilities for any scale can be appreciated. Re-wrapping and spraying again yields a different effect, as does changing the angle of spray, as does using a different sheet that has been through fewer or more drying cycles, or a different brand. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_TXsISCalcHpXo0kxOXsa64xgI44KmBrnXvJFDsuSwjrSqsOzWwq_jIVeDkrChVdbRQpAm_wvVSYLJ1OuuV75ezKAzJnx-GusIZNNjVPhRuRNFxlIAgKfcLnlzb4l5Q7PGy_YuuP_i6fQxC6JgnBD5s-Ztj5wvdkKjcvtXlyFW0LKXgr-4ZDlzKQaR2S/s1210/IMG-2288.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1210" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_TXsISCalcHpXo0kxOXsa64xgI44KmBrnXvJFDsuSwjrSqsOzWwq_jIVeDkrChVdbRQpAm_wvVSYLJ1OuuV75ezKAzJnx-GusIZNNjVPhRuRNFxlIAgKfcLnlzb4l5Q7PGy_YuuP_i6fQxC6JgnBD5s-Ztj5wvdkKjcvtXlyFW0LKXgr-4ZDlzKQaR2S/s320/IMG-2288.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJLbx9KUXsZksoYOPA1uyao15KKkimw1t_mmbWDJ9DRZ2QrGhxSKZe3UOfVZ7nEyxkhmOxxxvps8Uo5sSmowz8waEm1sKZOWOxCfh6EtUeCxK7UbGlwK9hSkMzikBVjcz4B_RNRXpb4XbInhYJUTRjCnSxyjlH4pHsjUPV4eSHMkVH_wC463m-AfO3h5f/s1210/IMG-2673.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1210" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJLbx9KUXsZksoYOPA1uyao15KKkimw1t_mmbWDJ9DRZ2QrGhxSKZe3UOfVZ7nEyxkhmOxxxvps8Uo5sSmowz8waEm1sKZOWOxCfh6EtUeCxK7UbGlwK9hSkMzikBVjcz4B_RNRXpb4XbInhYJUTRjCnSxyjlH4pHsjUPV4eSHMkVH_wC463m-AfO3h5f/s320/IMG-2673.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">'And it’s not a specialized modeling product yet, so it’s free! For multi-color mottles (the kind Luftwaffe types bring to mind, yes, but also not unknown on Hayabusa airframes in more than one theater of war) it has great possibilities. It’s a little labor-intensive to set up, but worth the trouble. When I saw the first results, I thought immediately of 582 Ku in the Solomons with that thick, almost solid, mottling applied to many of their Zeros. I could finally see that happening in a way that I liked in 1/48 or 1/72 scales. My friend <b>Pat Donahue</b> can get similar effects by hand, as this blog has shown; but not all of us can, though, and here’s a way in for me. </div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QV0e2GQVDevFOqg7l7_RjiyvKlPTZCW3QRnJFcl13c_yoIf3jkyXibTevYaEnqUjJnF_YOOTfzg-QzHxjCJE5LDaa6FX3QzceuNO1BF2LfdWx2hO4LRKl26aoWPaGNan2mN6rDA-N-9ETccNg-UbIxRW5yIOvmDrsHMfoAQMOWv7lyvwmjh9LRfZkxk5/s1210/IMG-2417.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1210" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QV0e2GQVDevFOqg7l7_RjiyvKlPTZCW3QRnJFcl13c_yoIf3jkyXibTevYaEnqUjJnF_YOOTfzg-QzHxjCJE5LDaa6FX3QzceuNO1BF2LfdWx2hO4LRKl26aoWPaGNan2mN6rDA-N-9ETccNg-UbIxRW5yIOvmDrsHMfoAQMOWv7lyvwmjh9LRfZkxk5/s320/IMG-2417.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">'The boarding ladders are from the <b>Brengun</b> p.e. set for this kit, as are the lovely little pilot seats. The paints are Tamiya mixes, with the Dark Green in this case being a 50/50 mix of the two Tamiya shades for this color (XF-11 and XF-70). The rest of the cockpits are from scratch. The ‘wave base’ employed in the photos is from a 1/144 Rufe, a pre-painted model by <b>Takara </b>and it fits nicely. The beaching dolly is from the Sweet kit. The floats have some additional details engraved. Markings are a mix of decals and paint.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AzZPwzdDJjb35lQwrUB9U96O434aH5QnSPmVZTqMLIIsJTvWAVbCSE78zcF_PnC7k7HuMO-j91-VwpXmIbAg9iTyON8VUKFD79hNrQq3PQExNszDkCMm1Bt8l3yIQY50rl62jr3yVeKHfJdYF8HicJ6Nq7DI40XsGaZ2nwHHKXZHK-sOnEZEkwRNlTj6/s1210/IMG-2414.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1210" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AzZPwzdDJjb35lQwrUB9U96O434aH5QnSPmVZTqMLIIsJTvWAVbCSE78zcF_PnC7k7HuMO-j91-VwpXmIbAg9iTyON8VUKFD79hNrQq3PQExNszDkCMm1Bt8l3yIQY50rl62jr3yVeKHfJdYF8HicJ6Nq7DI40XsGaZ2nwHHKXZHK-sOnEZEkwRNlTj6/s320/IMG-2414.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQAC0rQvZoR864m5cXyXbrHaQVDyApDrLWsks9KJ247jUHWchDiQqwXzzFU9w3hK0oBhEN8cq8HfD3KIrJiDGoMfOAPmR41zvi_DF7Ppfv_6WgDsvqtPDKGeYtNEg2HwZ0WqVS4JQ1IqOnlRUy486OoVnN7Czd_WY_ujWQr5h0Du7IoJ48v8APFVh8gwh/s1210/IMG-2281.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1210" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQAC0rQvZoR864m5cXyXbrHaQVDyApDrLWsks9KJ247jUHWchDiQqwXzzFU9w3hK0oBhEN8cq8HfD3KIrJiDGoMfOAPmR41zvi_DF7Ppfv_6WgDsvqtPDKGeYtNEg2HwZ0WqVS4JQ1IqOnlRUy486OoVnN7Czd_WY_ujWQr5h0Du7IoJ48v8APFVh8gwh/s320/IMG-2281.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">'Sweet’s A6M2-N is remarkably accurate in the unique fittings and panel lines the floatplane conversion required. The ‘relofted’ tail, carefully drawn to large scale with exact measurements in a TAIC report filed on a derelict Rufe discovered, is faithfully reflected in the kit as well. As I recall its photos noted a surprise to American analysts, and later to modelers: the folding wing tips remained. There is even a tiny blister provided, a later appearance I believe, which covers the fuel pump that is offset on the main float of applicable airframes. I found particularly helpful notes on Rufe paint and markings in Combat Colours 9: The Mitsubishi Zero by <b>Nick Millman</b>, nicely illustrated by <b>Mark Rolfe</b>. This is hard to find now, at least in America, so grab one if you see it. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-B31IOs1DYZQdO9P0rNIaNHaoANz89PTreStmKrzdhousNSJYZEuI1C3ohvFKsd7QWjE_rC3DKzsvFQySgVjnrHVD6OKu8DE2DNjtOX6J5aCo1UFzbtifhmXN4YTRQ4BbJybtCrk1Bvcz6wrDTgU98D1UNYFuca1gU6SjsRlYvT0qM8hpj9Ue6TJsr99/s1080/Rufe%20144%203-4%20view%20top.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-B31IOs1DYZQdO9P0rNIaNHaoANz89PTreStmKrzdhousNSJYZEuI1C3ohvFKsd7QWjE_rC3DKzsvFQySgVjnrHVD6OKu8DE2DNjtOX6J5aCo1UFzbtifhmXN4YTRQ4BbJybtCrk1Bvcz6wrDTgU98D1UNYFuca1gU6SjsRlYvT0qM8hpj9Ue6TJsr99/s320/Rufe%20144%203-4%20view%20top.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXeCvR-M_pL9FFls84bZhVvtUI1YjAbghLEpZuTvtpxU7GZUqPeHSVrI3uPy0a1j7Swk4-ez3X7TSdWb-mfuNz7BbvEF2fITJB6__8Bkrc9r_5ziD1aqMGlzLny7fHJ3pcbxjQcmvhqa2VOOzWJWIJyTWYyX7YzXIiJGRw6cBDfPjUaYC_Gj_UMXfefX20/s1210/IMG-2413.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1210" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXeCvR-M_pL9FFls84bZhVvtUI1YjAbghLEpZuTvtpxU7GZUqPeHSVrI3uPy0a1j7Swk4-ez3X7TSdWb-mfuNz7BbvEF2fITJB6__8Bkrc9r_5ziD1aqMGlzLny7fHJ3pcbxjQcmvhqa2VOOzWJWIJyTWYyX7YzXIiJGRw6cBDfPjUaYC_Gj_UMXfefX20/s320/IMG-2413.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">'To close, I’ll take this chance to say how much a comfort and connection that <b>Aviation of Japan</b> has been. No one ever asked me to pay for it, and the sole proprietor (who does pay for it) has never been above helping modelers and historians with the kind of info which others might understandably hold tight for a future book or project. It’s been of great practical help as well as that other kind one can’t easily pin down, which involves encouragement. I’ve loved writing for the blog, too. Here I’ve been allowed to offer a tribute to my uncle on the 75th anniversary of The Battle of the Coral Sea (technically off-topic); an extended article about the development and design of Saiun (too long probably, but again humored); and even, under the pen name of Malcolm Hood, a little jibe at our own expense, “A Short Story for Christmas: Rufe Revelations” – definitely off topic, but brought on board nevertheless. I could not have gotten away with this anywhere else, or had as much fun doing it. As my mom would have it, ‘say it along the way - or it might never be said.’ Thanks Nick, and thanks to all of you who have shared your work and thoughts here. '</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVt0gI0pvnAmIvrI-enJmo7ZLN6q0EzcduPEWIhg8L_Nzb0aBhEo9-W84LtvBjui6qw94N65UcN82DskpOIRSFrOVx5-_8WBXRy0mU-K6SB5H-H2VrrecqMMWbj_ByHD8jl0VpITdqumlp4ldL22yrfGCDd4tM8smjbkGnPg5b-1QVVy7Ce2mWCl4yIegi/s1210/IMG-2194.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1210" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVt0gI0pvnAmIvrI-enJmo7ZLN6q0EzcduPEWIhg8L_Nzb0aBhEo9-W84LtvBjui6qw94N65UcN82DskpOIRSFrOVx5-_8WBXRy0mU-K6SB5H-H2VrrecqMMWbj_ByHD8jl0VpITdqumlp4ldL22yrfGCDd4tM8smjbkGnPg5b-1QVVy7Ce2mWCl4yIegi/s320/IMG-2194.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxc9B6SfMdFOpSkaGmvSDSTsM-0AcM6J0tJCi8_zVlkvVblpVv7vfvo1D6kzcuAHtVL6ui6jmP6vL0msdkJZP53ombW53HT6GenCAyyOe87e-I7HHQlTNSl6qHB-vk7Rj5_OCrWHSpYRU-C2HrehJEqAbU9QSkH0Ksy2wxhG4ohtn0MaRbwp_IeRfjy9v/s1210/IMG-2411.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1210" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxc9B6SfMdFOpSkaGmvSDSTsM-0AcM6J0tJCi8_zVlkvVblpVv7vfvo1D6kzcuAHtVL6ui6jmP6vL0msdkJZP53ombW53HT6GenCAyyOe87e-I7HHQlTNSl6qHB-vk7Rj5_OCrWHSpYRU-C2HrehJEqAbU9QSkH0Ksy2wxhG4ohtn0MaRbwp_IeRfjy9v/s320/IMG-2411.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Thank you Mark, for the write up, images and nice words about this blog. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image credit: All photos © 2024 Mark Smith</span></p>Straggler 脱走兵http://www.blogger.com/profile/10129611267271999294noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748156690521830936.post-35686953562649999952024-01-03T10:45:00.001+00:002024-01-03T11:05:17.794+00:00Aichi E7A1 'Alf' in 1/72 by Rob Ronconi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KnmdjBRQ6p5v8u_rNK9d2uiRhRiIx58tnK2yY2a6prXkSQ7lcO6M5vUXclvYtl1rQvaw0CykSYljhOsP-aupoQvcvF39JEAlG3xW8syL6l3UgTJVjjNepyVCgyGh4GyzfBSTMHimRPrEOsLzyh_BhTE27NmtcqodCcIlvVFDJHC0WWtJWGq3mZam1S1u/s1595/image0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1595" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KnmdjBRQ6p5v8u_rNK9d2uiRhRiIx58tnK2yY2a6prXkSQ7lcO6M5vUXclvYtl1rQvaw0CykSYljhOsP-aupoQvcvF39JEAlG3xW8syL6l3UgTJVjjNepyVCgyGh4GyzfBSTMHimRPrEOsLzyh_BhTE27NmtcqodCcIlvVFDJHC0WWtJWGq3mZam1S1u/s320/image0.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">It's back to IJN floatplanes for this first blog of the New Year with a companion piece to the 1/72 scale E7K2 'Alf' modelled from the <b>AVI Models</b> kit by <b>Rob Ronconi</b> and shown here in <a href="http://www.aviationofjapan.com/2023/11/aichi-e71k-alf-in-172-by-rob-ronconi.html" target="_blank"><b>November</b></a>, Rob's E7K1 is another convincing masterpiece from the <a href="http://www.aviationofjapan.com/2022/08/avi-models-172-kawanishi-e7k1-and-e7k2.html" target="_blank"><b>AVI Models kit # 72074</b></a>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABSGyQeifEGc1-vGsBj4sFpA8hRAbkpFjG3BNpNcCKK0PHGFJie1Xib9Wxuj9E3IqzVd3MuWqJ-65BRFXz6z_ZoDwr6z8UxCipYC9a789Lu5gNOuCuyRaCnvvDCTU90pkFhuWqtvzscyiuR1QBZbOXXvn35PQKiyQgrYcvLBbJ_4Lf4azd5I7QPA9sfSd/s2328/image2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1099" data-original-width="2328" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABSGyQeifEGc1-vGsBj4sFpA8hRAbkpFjG3BNpNcCKK0PHGFJie1Xib9Wxuj9E3IqzVd3MuWqJ-65BRFXz6z_ZoDwr6z8UxCipYC9a789Lu5gNOuCuyRaCnvvDCTU90pkFhuWqtvzscyiuR1QBZbOXXvn35PQKiyQgrYcvLBbJ_4Lf4azd5I7QPA9sfSd/s320/image2.jpeg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sUCHloFSz68Vaup0HxI94xTofQncPzBdJ2wKkONr11apcHCfz879KuwlGrDMm7ZiQvnWRQ3CvrUp1UV-pgGkZit07twNskx-UFHTeZZal3uXhmoQp5r-njJaC8_T8w1kQX0tA-lqWndoN3JOoMSZJxwp4yi9SgqYljarCFctk44haFuUOtDD23x2dkCh/s1657/image3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1657" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sUCHloFSz68Vaup0HxI94xTofQncPzBdJ2wKkONr11apcHCfz879KuwlGrDMm7ZiQvnWRQ3CvrUp1UV-pgGkZit07twNskx-UFHTeZZal3uXhmoQp5r-njJaC8_T8w1kQX0tA-lqWndoN3JOoMSZJxwp4yi9SgqYljarCFctk44haFuUOtDD23x2dkCh/s320/image3.jpeg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjICVS0U991P61Ro_fSNVUg5CaANelz4eEoaAVIHoTEasFelf4Oopv07TqRtfMTbDeRk0J8B6r5CvDY30vexqS9uXCmp4emCX5zirMBxSeum_QspbuqUTxfCeqgQQv67qmrrXM862nZ8lftrzmlmeniQl1AOYEwTKfyIiczbMHuI4Flkx3v9hOitYllVT-/s1374/image4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="1374" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjICVS0U991P61Ro_fSNVUg5CaANelz4eEoaAVIHoTEasFelf4Oopv07TqRtfMTbDeRk0J8B6r5CvDY30vexqS9uXCmp4emCX5zirMBxSeum_QspbuqUTxfCeqgQQv67qmrrXM862nZ8lftrzmlmeniQl1AOYEwTKfyIiczbMHuI4Flkx3v9hOitYllVT-/s320/image4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Rob's Hiro-engined Alf bears the kit-provided tail markings of the IJN Minelayer <i>Okinoshima</i> in 1941 and carries a quartet of bombs. In early 1942 Okinoshima was busy supporting the occupation of the Gilbert Islands, the invasion of Rabaul and landing troops at Tulagi. On 4 May 1942 she survived attacks by 13 SBDs and 11 TBDs, managing to evade eight torpedoes launched at her from both sides by frantic manoeuvring at 20 knots. But eight days later she was torpedoed off Buka Island by Lt Cdr Oliver G. Kirk's USS S-42 (SS-153) in a night submerged attack and sank the following day. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5R6SFf98okOHKuxq_J-xA9C3Zr83ZIR5ee8NGOr0tcifQv6cmwr6z1P4FSs2_aRcWQ7p3PPar4woHcexLtqN30uad8cAntTH6tc5pd_TAbUij07s5CDm-zCVbIjoQYwHusicKm9yZ9pCPozIFTxVZ1_Ps0bPSIycU3is6GzbJil7j2Hx4h9XptkzQhlw/s1717/image5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="1717" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5R6SFf98okOHKuxq_J-xA9C3Zr83ZIR5ee8NGOr0tcifQv6cmwr6z1P4FSs2_aRcWQ7p3PPar4woHcexLtqN30uad8cAntTH6tc5pd_TAbUij07s5CDm-zCVbIjoQYwHusicKm9yZ9pCPozIFTxVZ1_Ps0bPSIycU3is6GzbJil7j2Hx4h9XptkzQhlw/s320/image5.jpeg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZgBZ9JDXA8O5PPvAC9oHy1SkIZ__LHecqI93Bgyr0DEP6-8IA6UMx_51T0Xea4K0qa8aN719FFYkn53Qlj62occwvQNOLUxI_aXUpK7Uw40sV4wOkfgWSLa4cqADeanAq_zn3QQU9-Mpa5E8ASDKzOZGbLq0eW3nFvD2-lkRll5Zwy8P61-f5Q9s3stF/s2003/image6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="955" data-original-width="2003" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZgBZ9JDXA8O5PPvAC9oHy1SkIZ__LHecqI93Bgyr0DEP6-8IA6UMx_51T0Xea4K0qa8aN719FFYkn53Qlj62occwvQNOLUxI_aXUpK7Uw40sV4wOkfgWSLa4cqADeanAq_zn3QQU9-Mpa5E8ASDKzOZGbLq0eW3nFvD2-lkRll5Zwy8P61-f5Q9s3stF/s320/image6.jpeg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj51rtBLNpwXbZH5CU3vj8ZOfJgc7OS1q6DsNtjQGyqgBKXGDyU73v-X6_P_TDmcFesvg1lcqIT2MsHmqIObMUn8GPaaX_T-id-C3Akr_grL1nBoNA1eec37TghvAMoa5M2B2vew1GwgLdbBi3m9VP9Toorjeu1Y4kHoHpe5iu58MwwakxZBGYjWQMLWYHO/s2102/image7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1041" data-original-width="2102" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj51rtBLNpwXbZH5CU3vj8ZOfJgc7OS1q6DsNtjQGyqgBKXGDyU73v-X6_P_TDmcFesvg1lcqIT2MsHmqIObMUn8GPaaX_T-id-C3Akr_grL1nBoNA1eec37TghvAMoa5M2B2vew1GwgLdbBi3m9VP9Toorjeu1Y4kHoHpe5iu58MwwakxZBGYjWQMLWYHO/s320/image7.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Rob observes that AVI Models 'Alf' is 'a bit of a tricky fitting kit' but built the kit out of the box with just the addition of a <b>Fine Molds Nano Aviation 72 </b>Type 92 rear machine gun, and <b>Tally Ho</b> photo-etch ring and bead sight. Rob had always wanted to make one of these seabirds, and considers the AVI kit is the best version on the market. The Nano Type 92 (Lewis) machine gun sets are finely moulded plastic single piece guns with separate magazines to represent both IJN and Allied versions, coming as four sprues of two guns and eight magazines each, moderately priced by today's standards, with English language instructions and well worth the investment for those who like to work in 'plastic purity' without having to use CA glue.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiAilqGpfWamq7vLbxfmckBaYpTQOHSwUeitSQ73vosdpR78GJjp3zqBQMCSgNHKBmjJF0lHtfpzRR2W_8v9g3M0VJ94c1qUed0zkF47sK_VksoKRh5Yq9xdDcwHFcx-QPU1804MMy3pWYsHgWx0lix31WlO3gl26uVvW0Gc6B_ZcjiIPH4irEfycTLM_/s1619/image8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="1619" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiAilqGpfWamq7vLbxfmckBaYpTQOHSwUeitSQ73vosdpR78GJjp3zqBQMCSgNHKBmjJF0lHtfpzRR2W_8v9g3M0VJ94c1qUed0zkF47sK_VksoKRh5Yq9xdDcwHFcx-QPU1804MMy3pWYsHgWx0lix31WlO3gl26uVvW0Gc6B_ZcjiIPH4irEfycTLM_/s320/image8.jpeg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9v9389gRbUn9TMvPGVoGAJLfmoobLor60JliayGX7CA3WffMHEEWVtKjWTzEo2Q4R5S84iZ2n1K7IQAnW5WX4tH5WbqlzLX4O5BUhooATtjLmRfIdwCG5SrKKPi5BQWoDufZXGXsqwMpwtEIt_pSTThkWICocYWiL-kGkmnLkvBeBzM7TMWg0XP2Lzv9/s1748/image9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1054" data-original-width="1748" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9v9389gRbUn9TMvPGVoGAJLfmoobLor60JliayGX7CA3WffMHEEWVtKjWTzEo2Q4R5S84iZ2n1K7IQAnW5WX4tH5WbqlzLX4O5BUhooATtjLmRfIdwCG5SrKKPi5BQWoDufZXGXsqwMpwtEIt_pSTThkWICocYWiL-kGkmnLkvBeBzM7TMWg0XP2Lzv9/s320/image9.jpeg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZAezEyw-MH2gb8AkT6_qvyDhOZqb3u9Ij9lqLugcbWspzgZjTR_RMNn4XM_aCFwJX617shT22sfTiun3hjXKS1gd95LBUIWZHyK4ek7d7RUIa1iRDiZQi6-qGiP_gMUmEA7STmTakRN_a-7DL9ljNbDhoABDwze3L06sf2e2aj193pZwXyD_e6P10gXw/s1950/image11.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1950" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZAezEyw-MH2gb8AkT6_qvyDhOZqb3u9Ij9lqLugcbWspzgZjTR_RMNn4XM_aCFwJX617shT22sfTiun3hjXKS1gd95LBUIWZHyK4ek7d7RUIa1iRDiZQi6-qGiP_gMUmEA7STmTakRN_a-7DL9ljNbDhoABDwze3L06sf2e2aj193pZwXyD_e6P10gXw/s320/image11.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">With special thanks to Rob for sharing these images of his excellently presented and photographed model.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRd8NX5l00AcbjeajRwFUukm_otKdvm1sbKIKWxBj3r8DlUCajppr9aVB9QoTkbjqRWtQx8gMW5vHqs65qQMyH_E3u5Clpo5t74NCPDszChjnSJ4h1bdnt5vLITV4p4ShIlAthXmOyr6Yyhv98NlOcHqQKLbaidJhD9Ul6W5eA0qZUqX37IN6lNOmb1eY/s1280/Fujimi_Okinoshima.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="1280" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRd8NX5l00AcbjeajRwFUukm_otKdvm1sbKIKWxBj3r8DlUCajppr9aVB9QoTkbjqRWtQx8gMW5vHqs65qQMyH_E3u5Clpo5t74NCPDszChjnSJ4h1bdnt5vLITV4p4ShIlAthXmOyr6Yyhv98NlOcHqQKLbaidJhD9Ul6W5eA0qZUqX37IN6lNOmb1eY/s320/Fujimi_Okinoshima.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZI6MJmFAIW6hEasSicqAXTdKu0RcvT7eI-6AQ_tMToZfx6lsJ9l_SJruRYydENCkyIEenwy5t91T_GpOI09gNjYdD7OTogbZAHSgey5kuA5MxA8Qnm7XhBnle5_DtlMPHU4M8goX1JbaLvfGad6vAswg-z-0hwubaeV-78P3TbhDEPFzrPeKhuP3Ou9f/s1000/FMNano72NA11.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="1000" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZI6MJmFAIW6hEasSicqAXTdKu0RcvT7eI-6AQ_tMToZfx6lsJ9l_SJruRYydENCkyIEenwy5t91T_GpOI09gNjYdD7OTogbZAHSgey5kuA5MxA8Qnm7XhBnle5_DtlMPHU4M8goX1JbaLvfGad6vAswg-z-0hwubaeV-78P3TbhDEPFzrPeKhuP3Ou9f/s320/FMNano72NA11.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">PS Have also updated information about the <b>HMA</b> 1/72 Ki-43-III Ko conversion set for the <b>Hasegawa </b>Ki-43-II kit <b><a href="http://www.aviationofjapan.com/2023/12/j7w1-shinden-replica-and-ki-43-iii-ko.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</b></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image credit: All model photos © 2024 Rob Ronconi; Okinoshima box art © 2009 <a href="http://www.fujimimokei.com" target="_blank">Fujimi Mokei Co., Ltd.</a>; Nano Aviatio 72 box art © 2018 <a href="https://www.finemolds.co.jp" target="_blank">Fine Molds Corp.</a></span></p>Straggler 脱走兵http://www.blogger.com/profile/10129611267271999294noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748156690521830936.post-23976746664573251472023-12-29T23:39:00.002+00:002023-12-30T12:33:27.214+00:00RoCAF Vultee V-11 in 1/72 by Rob Ronconi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmKyQTKN4mrViPPHvT-lABLhhNapsJUyPk-xWqjAuP1m-ojHDGMNXO1-a1N09PRrnRbjHbYnHzd2etXjdQz9vOI6VLO_anLCwQMnU6ZSstTjv2YfjOCeWWb5qllH7mDBN1tVkFaRzmwFVjH8CW5msP6blV2kBZ7pvkn81P-R-wcBSJNVQjzRxDgdj6t6i/s1330/IMG_3710.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1330" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmKyQTKN4mrViPPHvT-lABLhhNapsJUyPk-xWqjAuP1m-ojHDGMNXO1-a1N09PRrnRbjHbYnHzd2etXjdQz9vOI6VLO_anLCwQMnU6ZSstTjv2YfjOCeWWb5qllH7mDBN1tVkFaRzmwFVjH8CW5msP6blV2kBZ7pvkn81P-R-wcBSJNVQjzRxDgdj6t6i/s320/IMG_3710.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Another Republic of China Air Force subject in the form of a splendid model of the Vultee V-11 made and photographed by <b>Rob Ronconi </b>using the <b>Azur</b> kit in 1/72 scale which was released in 2004. This unusual aircraft was designated as an 'attack bomber' by Vultee and exported to several foreign air arms including China, Turkey and Brazil. Two or possibly three examples were even exported to the USSR which manufactured a further 36, five from imported parts and 31 under licence as the BSh-1 (Bronirovannyy Shturmovik - armoured attack aircraft), but proving unsuitable for that role most were modified as PS-43 mail transports for use by Aeroflot. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVmkR2U3fnxs8KnUKh1gnqfYRhG1TLkDofrym-FlpEnogJ2Lu2JFOE8_uz4nl73ERVxgJmkizGmqUhr6gHZb0930nTP5ZXrl1gXr6sX6HEoOBsVcvUZlkjJ9AwHr5sAHSS4Ag_SLGgQY-K9VbXjOs8BdbrVRKyl26mLwN8cPsLlulEWPRBK36ney_17Wf/s1872/image1-4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1872" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVmkR2U3fnxs8KnUKh1gnqfYRhG1TLkDofrym-FlpEnogJ2Lu2JFOE8_uz4nl73ERVxgJmkizGmqUhr6gHZb0930nTP5ZXrl1gXr6sX6HEoOBsVcvUZlkjJ9AwHr5sAHSS4Ag_SLGgQY-K9VbXjOs8BdbrVRKyl26mLwN8cPsLlulEWPRBK36ney_17Wf/s320/image1-4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">With a three man crew similar to the Fairey Battle the all-metal V-11 was equipped with a more offensive armament of two fixed, forward firing Browning 0.30 machine guns in each wing. Bomb load was 20 x 30lb bombs carried internally, or a single 1,125 lb, two 625 lb, three 285 lb or ten 120 lb bombs carried on external racks. The bomb aimer/navigator aimed the bomb load from a prone position and also operated a flexible rear firing ventral 0.30 machine gun from a lowered hatch. The observer/rear gunner operated another flexible, rear firing 0.30 machine gun from an open dorsal position at the rear of the long canopy and was also provided with duplicate emergency flying controls. The V-11G was powered by an 850-hp Wright Cyclone GR-1820-G2 nine cylinder radial engine giving a maximum speed of 232 mph at 16,200 ft, a climb of 1285 feet per minute to a service ceiling of 20,500 ft. Maximum range was 1,220 miles.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgro_6Mzn4qYZpmAJdFcKyVZE1Xv9wVkIGmtGpcZZ1Kdipk657OJvElP-2NlTMnEJGvgi60Azv9hHm03VIpvWpOipKYVkdslduKLA9bH4rIbyvvgQwB-scBWnhCScDBpFroVLf-rUVMAkM8usXXcuOmi1WOepYKgZsrotoD419rnWHLT_sk_ho33E9gbd5S/s1793/image5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="1793" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgro_6Mzn4qYZpmAJdFcKyVZE1Xv9wVkIGmtGpcZZ1Kdipk657OJvElP-2NlTMnEJGvgi60Azv9hHm03VIpvWpOipKYVkdslduKLA9bH4rIbyvvgQwB-scBWnhCScDBpFroVLf-rUVMAkM8usXXcuOmi1WOepYKgZsrotoD419rnWHLT_sk_ho33E9gbd5S/s320/image5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">30 V-11G models were delivered to China between July 1937 and April 1938, originally ordered by the Canton government but later taken over by the Nanking Central government. The first, Vultee serial number 30, was fitted with a SR-1820-F53 engine from the wrecked prototype NX14999, and the subsequent 29 bearing Vultee serial numbers 36 to 64. Plans were to build in China a further 26 V-12C with 1,100 hp engines from sets of assembly parts ordered in March 1939 and 51 V-12D with 1,600 hp engines in 1940. Two prototypes and four pattern aircraft were shipped as well as 51 sets of parts for assembly of the V-12D in India but it seems very few were ever built or delivered, although 25 V-12C are recorded as built under licence in China. The record of the aircraft in China was not impressive, despite its potential and the presence of Vultee representatives to advise on operating it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPVCSBiL6plqAbwibpId5qH2iq9DmXvz_rOCJy9mGwJnjnDv49E6SCyd2pSfu-G_lFPFmGBZN2LgFH3eahi425qQe_21tY-pUjTRFejq5Quoa-jC8FGhqoaziaJnMAiFlE9xE3S1reGCTUzDxGofZ9rPMiBV2D_EU8batWQNDBLyTmI4Xhsas2AzNhScR/s1561/image6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="830" data-original-width="1561" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPVCSBiL6plqAbwibpId5qH2iq9DmXvz_rOCJy9mGwJnjnDv49E6SCyd2pSfu-G_lFPFmGBZN2LgFH3eahi425qQe_21tY-pUjTRFejq5Quoa-jC8FGhqoaziaJnMAiFlE9xE3S1reGCTUzDxGofZ9rPMiBV2D_EU8batWQNDBLyTmI4Xhsas2AzNhScR/s320/image6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Japanese were attributed by various wartime aviation magazines as operating an identical copy of the Vultee as the <i>'Showa Army SB-99', </i>claiming the Japanese identified it as the Showa Type 98. As late as 1943 the The Aeroplane magazine were still publishing these details in their Aircraft Identification series of booklets. It is possible that this belief arose from misidentification of the IJN Type 97 B5N or B5M carrier bombers. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXqp270ELT9LZeAje3u4XYH2gcUl9haCZLsBFlDNwxUOa0RaOZm_W-zxsyMPsqMGgNB1LsdmYOLxswAz0dIfJhBawlUi4tQj2gZFdWSN2epbspBQhL_mudVsjixIUkaSMYFynRLeo_l-xJkmlcnX6lN1NM91wpjEjvDoIoRVcKIlNRnqonS3qOddw35Wr/s2031/image7-2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="2031" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXqp270ELT9LZeAje3u4XYH2gcUl9haCZLsBFlDNwxUOa0RaOZm_W-zxsyMPsqMGgNB1LsdmYOLxswAz0dIfJhBawlUi4tQj2gZFdWSN2epbspBQhL_mudVsjixIUkaSMYFynRLeo_l-xJkmlcnX6lN1NM91wpjEjvDoIoRVcKIlNRnqonS3qOddw35Wr/s320/image7-2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">In China the Vultees notably equipped the 14th Volunteer Bombardment Squadron. also known as the 14th International Volunteer Squadron, a forerunner of the Flying Tigers - American Volunteer Group - but consisting of European as well as American and Chinese American volunteers and Chinese aircrew. The unit, based at Hankow, also operated three Martin 139 and two Northrop 2E bombers. Some of the pilots had combat experience in Spain but some were commercial pilots without any combat training or experience. Chennault appointed Vincent Schmidt, a WW1 veteran who had flown in Spain, as squadron commander and Sebie Smith as liaison officer in charge of maintenance, with Rolfe Watson as armourer. The Vultee aircraft were first assembled by CAMCO at Hangchow and subsequently at Hankow where they were tested by Ernest Allison. He had arrived there on 24 January 1938 and also flight checked the volunteer pilots who had been arriving since November 1937 and of whom he held a very poor opinion, noting many accidents. One of the volunteers Tommy Allen confessed during his flight check that he had never flown an aeroplane before and was re-assigned as a gunner. One of the French volunteers was killed on his first flight, stalling and spinning in during an attempt to go around after overshooting the field. The first mission sortied on 7 February with six Vultees each loaded with 20 x 30 lb and two 110 lb bombs flown by three American and three French pilots with 12 Chinese aircrew to bomb a Japanese troop concentration north of Nanking. The only casualty during this mission was a gunner hit in the leg by a rifle bullet.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKh13MM7b286GEMizY-nsJBUeyZ9p0HxTkw2-oWK8ePKyqpVRrhKw4u5RHIvYg0BGLCfbLSnqcg2Dkd7Zb3Lx004cgiZ2MNNh4pXj00MfVdou1oDffZFujdq3QPHDyg4kM8ove0E4wWp9HzGLagnELkjrouew57Zgf54gFggXkVRae3Ze-YiAU1rV0jFDu/s1874/image4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1874" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKh13MM7b286GEMizY-nsJBUeyZ9p0HxTkw2-oWK8ePKyqpVRrhKw4u5RHIvYg0BGLCfbLSnqcg2Dkd7Zb3Lx004cgiZ2MNNh4pXj00MfVdou1oDffZFujdq3QPHDyg4kM8ove0E4wWp9HzGLagnELkjrouew57Zgf54gFggXkVRae3Ze-YiAU1rV0jFDu/s320/image4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">A mission flown on 27 February 1938 with six aircraft in two elements was to attack another Japanese troop concentration in a village across the Yellow River east of Loyang. After bombing the Vultees strafed vessels being used by the Japanese to cross the river, using both their forward fixed and flexible guns to destroy or damage 15 boats. The first element was two Vultees 14-29 and 14-32 with a single Northrop 14-11, whilst the second element was three Vultees 14-21, 14-26 and 14-30. Participating in this mission was Elwyn Gibbon, an ex-USAAC pilot rated as excellent and valuable, who racked up 250 hours flying time in the Vultee, as well as French pilots A Boulingre and William La Bussiere. Another USAAC trained pilot was George H Weigle, rated by Chennault as a very good pilot, who had accompanied Gibbon to China from the Philippines. Following a Japanese night bombing raid on 15 March which destroyed many aircraft the unit was de-activated on 22 March and its personnel re-assigned. Weigle later flew the <a href="http://www.aviationofjapan.com/2013/04/curtiss-hawk-monoplanes-for-china-pt-2.html" target="_blank"><b>cannon-armed Hawk 75</b> </a>fighter against Japanese bombers over Chungking but was killed on 5 May 1939 when the Hawk crashed shortly after take-off, believed to have stalled in a too steep climb out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3nqUAlHva-CXYjYkRfY1JzWSXTU1KJBWa5H0s-yhyBmyNBd3bRq3Qe_9oRg_78T8ipSZxcNRjr_d69LrmTM-eqsnKH-WKVEANshMBoAYxlBSCAisgJ32Xo8q9VbVQTug9mknc5nVDvjS8foGSJJh9XXjnUzsHaiEgTqquyhEh9vVxDbeSHwane72z4ww/s1280/image0-3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3nqUAlHva-CXYjYkRfY1JzWSXTU1KJBWa5H0s-yhyBmyNBd3bRq3Qe_9oRg_78T8ipSZxcNRjr_d69LrmTM-eqsnKH-WKVEANshMBoAYxlBSCAisgJ32Xo8q9VbVQTug9mknc5nVDvjS8foGSJJh9XXjnUzsHaiEgTqquyhEh9vVxDbeSHwane72z4ww/s320/image0-3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Rob's model represents aircraft # 35 of the 14th Squadron, photographed as set up level for boresighting at Hankow in a worn paint scheme. Rob has modelled the dorsal and ventral gun positions deployed for action with a bomb mounted externally on a central rack. The aircraft number is a mystery as it does not relate to the Vultee serial number range and exceeds the total delivered to the Chinese. Another Vultee photographed at Hankow bears the single white number '2' on the fuselage and a small white number '129' beneath the Vultee logo on the fin. It appears to be in a very dark camouflage finish and Lennart Andersson's book suggests it is of the 9th Squadron probably due to the appearance of a Northrop Gamma in the background with fuselage number '901'. According to Andersson the V11 was also operated by the 9th, 10th and 32nd Squadrons as well as the 14th. Andersson also notes eight North American and Vultee aircraft operated by a gunnery school 35 miles south-west of Chengtu from an American visit in June 1939. Another dark camouflaged Vultee V-11 photograph in the Andersson book shows an aircraft with the single white fuselage number '4' and a small white number '157' on the tail fin which does not bear a Vultee logo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_fh3u7Q3w6TQ-HwodDIhCg1MhGBx_IkD5Au4q6qhGIauBJxzsMikCgZfUEBY4IsFFRekqCopcmr7az2XacviFVTyJ-J_MG-h4wuHFfOEj93C1XMlRi5SmJ9JPkodCpkVag8tfmJPPka7hef7lJXzkYBliw7BqbhJWcLaYwjH6yZYbBxE7uAHPj1E6AxF/s1090/Azur%20Vultee%20V-11%20Box%20Art.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="1090" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_fh3u7Q3w6TQ-HwodDIhCg1MhGBx_IkD5Au4q6qhGIauBJxzsMikCgZfUEBY4IsFFRekqCopcmr7az2XacviFVTyJ-J_MG-h4wuHFfOEj93C1XMlRi5SmJ9JPkodCpkVag8tfmJPPka7hef7lJXzkYBliw7BqbhJWcLaYwjH6yZYbBxE7uAHPj1E6AxF/s320/Azur%20Vultee%20V-11%20Box%20Art.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">With special thanks to Rob for these images of an unusual aircraft subject excellently modelled and presented.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">References used for the text:-</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A History of Chinese Aviation - Encyclopedia of Aircraft and Aviation in China until 1949 by Lennart Andersson (AHS of ROC, 2008) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Flight in the China Air Space 1910-1950 by Malcolm Rosholt, (Rosholt House, 1984)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Vultee Aircraft 1932-1947 by Jonathan Thompson, (Narkiewicz/Thompson, 1992)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Preude to Pearl Harbor - The Air War in China 1937-1941 by Ray Wagner, (San Diego Aerospace Museum, 1991)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image credit: All model photos © 2023 Rob Ronconi; Box art © 2004 Azur</span></span></div></div><p></p>Straggler 脱走兵http://www.blogger.com/profile/10129611267271999294noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748156690521830936.post-8150960984074413852023-12-24T14:48:00.002+00:002023-12-30T09:52:01.582+00:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6vDu3QtvjBjMs944bu9T1HOZinB4t5DdVrkD2GEgvkJhOw1ibnYzqzWay51ybF-Dj1zydMdNPlxAQaDfDd8-51V9-aEUUqco2soiOOfUMgeunQwZN_dD__3x1m2dTIgyoVZwmrW5U5PzPbZiQVXoAsyxDdjt9YFz8xR_8-qZEYfFmlZGtxI3nVsFH2ni/s935/SnowAtShibaPark.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="935" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6vDu3QtvjBjMs944bu9T1HOZinB4t5DdVrkD2GEgvkJhOw1ibnYzqzWay51ybF-Dj1zydMdNPlxAQaDfDd8-51V9-aEUUqco2soiOOfUMgeunQwZN_dD__3x1m2dTIgyoVZwmrW5U5PzPbZiQVXoAsyxDdjt9YFz8xR_8-qZEYfFmlZGtxI3nVsFH2ni/s320/SnowAtShibaPark.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #073763; font-size: large; text-align: center;">With Very Best Wishes to All Aviation of Japan Readers for the Christmas Season and the New Year</span></p><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><p style="font-size: 11.880000114440918px;"><i style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #073763;">And with very special thanks to all those who have very kindly shared images and details of their models (and for their patience!), to those who have generously shared the fruits of their research and to those who have taken the time to leave comments.</span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image credit: 'Snow at Shiba Park, Tokyo, Kawase Hasui (1893-1957)</span></span></b></i></p></div>Straggler 脱走兵http://www.blogger.com/profile/10129611267271999294noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748156690521830936.post-86609099377272757732023-12-19T16:55:00.001+00:002023-12-19T16:56:58.273+00:00The Nichimo E13A 'Jake' revisited by Michael Thurow ‒ Part 2<p style="text-align: justify;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjzgRm2DTbjZBYSrZU8w9lfXIEGri1Yivsf1fU_nADPRL2xaBUlxUxWLh2qgClnbS9s0lhHNthi1nMnWF5G1VML_dYOlnKRMbGRxZ3NdpQjt6Jnb5gEdY68H2u0Ebb_2z3Eq-dgaOj4Fl-mWoDt9M15jD8NCk8valnFYtV9ohCskE8dzTYR4Xl9AzIVVl/s720/MarusanJakeVariant.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="720" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjzgRm2DTbjZBYSrZU8w9lfXIEGri1Yivsf1fU_nADPRL2xaBUlxUxWLh2qgClnbS9s0lhHNthi1nMnWF5G1VML_dYOlnKRMbGRxZ3NdpQjt6Jnb5gEdY68H2u0Ebb_2z3Eq-dgaOj4Fl-mWoDt9M15jD8NCk8valnFYtV9ohCskE8dzTYR4Xl9AzIVVl/s320/MarusanJakeVariant.png" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br />Michael Thurow's</b> exacting renewal of his vintage 1/50 scale <b>Nichimo</b> (former <b>Marusan</b>) 'Jake' model with progress pics continues in Part 2. Over to Michael then:-<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <b>The Nichimo E13A 'Jake' revisited ‒ Part 2 </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Michael Thurow</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Part 2 of my Aichi E13A project starts with the fuselage interior. The <b>Marusan/Nichimo</b> kit has nothing to offer in this respect. I was lucky to have purchased the resin 'Jake' cockpit set from <b>Lone Star Models</b> a few years ago. Unfortunately the moulds had worn out when my set was cast which made the parts a bit clumsy and undefined with lots of flash. After some scraping and cleaning, however, they provide a decent portrayal of the cockpit.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I changed and added a few details as shown. In particular, I replaced LSM's inappropriate P-51 style console on the pilot's left with an authentic controls quadrant, and the navigator's seat was moved forward by 3 mm to match the canopy frames.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0BnD5_24Tzduv03Ewc205qZr7Y6881sSKjbuM7BYiYbwgNLFdWhgfpGSLLOOYzTMP8K88YEP526od38cTTrv_EbjKHmPDE8Wbjmrpq74FU3DH9OrgTZH20d9r_Si9NPtk0H_IirjrN7yk8qFE4EA435BNk02uxRclvbMkstkcYgoaBtUD_RNLRjYuFbI/s1920/E13A-08%20Fig6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1920" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0BnD5_24Tzduv03Ewc205qZr7Y6881sSKjbuM7BYiYbwgNLFdWhgfpGSLLOOYzTMP8K88YEP526od38cTTrv_EbjKHmPDE8Wbjmrpq74FU3DH9OrgTZH20d9r_Si9NPtk0H_IirjrN7yk8qFE4EA435BNk02uxRclvbMkstkcYgoaBtUD_RNLRjYuFbI/s320/E13A-08%20Fig6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Despite the widespread use of the E13A during the entire Pacific War photo documentation of its cockpit interiors is very scarce. The most pictures and drawings were published in <b>Maru Mechanic</b> # 12. Even so there is no image of the starboard cockpit wall, and both LSM's representation of the control boxes and my enhancements are largely speculative. The meandering heating pipe is however genuine.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi727pdr2rFAmkACv_zDPgwBihBBeEhjnf4VrJU4NppKTKboZt6qOhCvPoPm-juNIAm4G84jyUYqAhZnHfNO7Xl8A9nOet0TfY2sylZK7xO4TjgG813xmSH4482b7o7fvOXP35rf28j-JLq0qtBFimk0P1IVAr6r9d3Egdx-0H2Tb-Enylko1pwHF7UOqOD/s1920/E13A-09%20Fig7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="1920" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi727pdr2rFAmkACv_zDPgwBihBBeEhjnf4VrJU4NppKTKboZt6qOhCvPoPm-juNIAm4G84jyUYqAhZnHfNO7Xl8A9nOet0TfY2sylZK7xO4TjgG813xmSH4482b7o7fvOXP35rf28j-JLq0qtBFimk0P1IVAr6r9d3Egdx-0H2Tb-Enylko1pwHF7UOqOD/s320/E13A-09%20Fig7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">For a powerplant I cannibalised the Mitsubishi Zuisei from my <b>Tamiya</b> F1M2 'Pete' kit which I had replaced with a <b>Vector</b> aftermarket engine instead. The Zuisei was the smaller brother of the E13A's Mitsubishi Kinsei 43. It is in scale for 1/50 and fits Nichimo's cowling nicely. The prop is an A6M2 unit from a model long gone.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSzResXBDMWQLCgZ3MQaH9idtWnAN9uS3L2Oa7Y3sdLJ8LKy1daDGVVzUs1SAFmTEVwIFxFPWO9Oo1GNv7UIPhFwfFDEN5R-lIkokhYQCV1veEdh4JeSEH-UulcIiwalX2ZZ6k-6Hgjlzjk2O5MKEL7e4jwy6699ZEV2lDf1lTJ4o8Mc3xjG9nEdfnzf2/s1920/E13A-10%20Fig8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="1920" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSzResXBDMWQLCgZ3MQaH9idtWnAN9uS3L2Oa7Y3sdLJ8LKy1daDGVVzUs1SAFmTEVwIFxFPWO9Oo1GNv7UIPhFwfFDEN5R-lIkokhYQCV1veEdh4JeSEH-UulcIiwalX2ZZ6k-6Hgjlzjk2O5MKEL7e4jwy6699ZEV2lDf1lTJ4o8Mc3xjG9nEdfnzf2/s320/E13A-10%20Fig8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">In order to protect my previous work I rigged and finished the floats before completing the cockpit. On the original 'Jake' the wires had different grades (10 to 16 mm). I standardised on two sizes of <b>Griffin </b>Jewelry Wire. My rigging method is structural (vs cosmetic), i.e. the cables are pulled tight to reinforce the airframe, which is of course more relevant for biplanes than in this case. The Griffin material (steel wire coated with nylon) is perfect: It won't yield, bend or rip, reacts easily with CA glue, and the gunmetal shimmer looks like wire and not like thread.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5XOOwIeLFOOf1mPl38TMqxlZApUU5IRypaDRM2hQFVCaUgB8FuWMqcP6BpJ_LJetzmXD7DDT3AE3TJLC6CNAc74zC9FjuRzZ01ptP1kfkphuYEq3DWwvoCA6lPyKwNyX8_z65VwiGTqXo7qoLk0RwIy5QILUHp-vlaEYUNvHYXGIMNUdW09m9RLI-PxM/s1920/E13A-11%20Fig9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5XOOwIeLFOOf1mPl38TMqxlZApUU5IRypaDRM2hQFVCaUgB8FuWMqcP6BpJ_LJetzmXD7DDT3AE3TJLC6CNAc74zC9FjuRzZ01ptP1kfkphuYEq3DWwvoCA6lPyKwNyX8_z65VwiGTqXo7qoLk0RwIy5QILUHp-vlaEYUNvHYXGIMNUdW09m9RLI-PxM/s320/E13A-11%20Fig9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div><div><b>How to make cable fairings</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I use paper strips formed into a cone and cut to the required shape and size. This technique is very flexible, allowing for different sizes and shapes, flat or round, with large or small openings. Covered with several layers of plastic and/or CA glue the tiny pieces can even be sanded.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Back to the cockpit, which is now squeezed in with both sides closed. This was a tough job due to a very tight fit excerbated by outward bulging walls. Some puttying was necessary. I added more detail as per the following figure -</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtb8izx9YE_Hie4XAnOJulZ3egobECQkVbweLtZkYm7R5TomxhI3wXf8J-lLACaJ8iatPt-_lXz2JSh0G0HbA_p6Vj6jBiEwpLytRQGfPWpodE0OT2XHRTn8ArWlGWUvPUmKu6HEsdVHRPGhJrEKyAZSprB210AMwgxOnmU5VeaCHbrGckkuVQ38j419KQ/s1920/E13A-12%20Fig10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="1920" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtb8izx9YE_Hie4XAnOJulZ3egobECQkVbweLtZkYm7R5TomxhI3wXf8J-lLACaJ8iatPt-_lXz2JSh0G0HbA_p6Vj6jBiEwpLytRQGfPWpodE0OT2XHRTn8ArWlGWUvPUmKu6HEsdVHRPGhJrEKyAZSprB210AMwgxOnmU5VeaCHbrGckkuVQ38j419KQ/s320/E13A-12%20Fig10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The canopy presented another of those challenges that slow down progress. LSM's vacu parts had blisters and fit poorly and the transparencies from my original build were not in good condition either. I finally settled with a combination of parts, cleaned up as much as possible - altogether not a sterling piece of work.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIII5jX6UGOt7hW40zFyxhF19SZNDQ0HcF7fcTJdnRhvavLo6gruirqitLxPKZKW5kh_PllyNtjmNSXzD0tWX1WlfIE0idm6CG6DyaeK-797PVTShaGOAUIokaedlBeF6mTHkCWtxHkK6aEB2FgEbW_7eOIyX1Fx120avHKjuGGkc7bh6oZgikbFLXPKr/s1920/E13A-13%20Fig11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="1920" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIII5jX6UGOt7hW40zFyxhF19SZNDQ0HcF7fcTJdnRhvavLo6gruirqitLxPKZKW5kh_PllyNtjmNSXzD0tWX1WlfIE0idm6CG6DyaeK-797PVTShaGOAUIokaedlBeF6mTHkCWtxHkK6aEB2FgEbW_7eOIyX1Fx120avHKjuGGkc7bh6oZgikbFLXPKr/s320/E13A-13%20Fig11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div>The powerplant, lastly, was attached with the help of support strips from plastic card. Some adjustment of the front deck profile was required (paper and putty) to correct the slope toward the windscreen. Carburettor air duct and oil cooler are slightly modified original parts, and for exhaust pipes I used custom-made pieces of electric wire insulation.</div><div><br /></div><div>To be continued...</div><div><br /></div><div>With special thanks to Michael for the details and progress pics of this challenging project. Part 1 may be found <a href="http://www.aviationofjapan.com/2023/11/the-nichimo-e13a-jake-revisited-by.html" target="_blank"><b>here.</b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image credit: Heading box art © 1963 Marusan; All other images © 2023 Michael Thurow</span></div></div>Straggler 脱走兵http://www.blogger.com/profile/10129611267271999294noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748156690521830936.post-33655626921243761952023-12-16T21:30:00.004+00:002023-12-16T21:57:25.823+00:00Sabre Kits 1/72 Morane-Saulnier MS 225<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9a0jhLaqFAFbBONz0rW-Y8vAjT8fqa2vH6W7SVv3ik9dBTCARS1TyJL3CWWuZVjS5C1vYNDaZBF2cC4XwKsz0kBwJeUTJS_rkURkI6rU45KfPYm3pLz9Tl2F9VypcPHyy1w1gb_gpVk6LjGknbeCCfWk8Lnh988SRSDl1fdg5qJ60hHwlO8WGAz_Kj93P/s983/Sabre%20Kits%20Morane.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="983" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9a0jhLaqFAFbBONz0rW-Y8vAjT8fqa2vH6W7SVv3ik9dBTCARS1TyJL3CWWuZVjS5C1vYNDaZBF2cC4XwKsz0kBwJeUTJS_rkURkI6rU45KfPYm3pLz9Tl2F9VypcPHyy1w1gb_gpVk6LjGknbeCCfWk8Lnh988SRSDl1fdg5qJ60hHwlO8WGAz_Kj93P/s320/Sabre%20Kits%20Morane.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Featuring this <b><a href="https://www.sabrekits.cz" target="_blank">Sabre Kits</a></b> limited edition release of the Morane-Saulnier MS 225 parasol fighter in 1/72 scale might appear off topic for this blog, but the eye was drawn to one of the four decal subjects depicting an aircraft in Nationalist Chinese markings, always a welcome excuse for delving into the eclectic range of aircraft operated by the Republic of China. The injection moulded parts are a re-release of the 1967 <b>Heller</b> kit, probably sourced from <b><a href="http://www.smer.cz/en/" target="_blank">SMĚR</a></b> which issued the kit in 1996 and still shows it in their website products line. It was also released as a Heller Humbrol kit in 1986.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_7Z0cs3zIT4H1-4ox4KElxrvQdv6XlFaNtL_3S_vHlOXtsEObGeVg1tXkYkOrqiF7cSHQmxXSGG-vhWHlDxb2pebNrMHp1KbQ4HP7RachTAAUY9-ObNiTcPNHtjPZEMR4LkWbMxCTjSQTqHBnngtnC2WOdazRVzL0G3RhSLo0N6ETZesRVNjelTf4qxJ/s962/Chinese%20Morane.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="962" data-original-width="573" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_7Z0cs3zIT4H1-4ox4KElxrvQdv6XlFaNtL_3S_vHlOXtsEObGeVg1tXkYkOrqiF7cSHQmxXSGG-vhWHlDxb2pebNrMHp1KbQ4HP7RachTAAUY9-ObNiTcPNHtjPZEMR4LkWbMxCTjSQTqHBnngtnC2WOdazRVzL0G3RhSLo0N6ETZesRVNjelTf4qxJ/s320/Chinese%20Morane.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Chinese version is depicted in an attractive silver and green scheme with Republic of China Air Force white sun markings above and below the wings and a blue and white striped rudder. It is identified as <i>Chung-Hua Min-Kuo-Ch'un</i>, China Air Force, 1934. and the instruction sheet history relates that seven such aircraft were sold to China in 1933. So far so good, but <b>Lennart Andersson's</b> mighty tome <span style="font-size: x-small;">(1) </span>records General Gaston Wang, commander of the Fukien (Fujian) Air Force ordering only <i>six</i> Moranes via a M. Morant of the Société Général Aéronautique in July 1933 in lieu of six Nieuport 121C.1 fighters which could not be delivered in time. The aircraft were ordered via the Aero Trading Company in Hong Kong and the first three were shipped from Marseilles to Haiphong in French Indo-China accompanied by a French pilot. From there they were shipped on to Amoy, China, arriving in early November 1933. The Fukien Air Force was established before the Fukien Rebellion of November 1933 when the Nationalist 19th Route Army sent to the province to quell communist forces and Ch'en Ming-shu together with the province's governor Chiang Kuang-nai and Ts'ai T'ing-k'ai chairman of the Fukien Liberation Committee declared Fukien (Fujian) a socialist republic under the Fukien Peoples Government, officially the People's Revolutionary Government of the Republic of China The new government was ostensibly led by Marshal Li Chai-sum and was set against the Nationalist (Kuomintang) government of Chiang Kai-shek. Not to question Sabre Kits presentation of the markings on this aircraft, the reference source(s) for which are unknown, but the flag adopted by the new Fukien republic was a five-pointed yellow star with soviet-type black lines from the centre to each point on a horizontally divided red over blue background with a narrow black stripe separating the two colours. Online sources omit the black lines on the star and flag as described in Andersson.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPn4Tcx2x02upXWMZ4HnwLdXLqpouqhIAexQD-nzrdqbzXuLe2PvXv-dIgurkAu2FJwD3rJRrAq6dtjpm0dKK1hqL-lJlA3q9R-IYL8EVRwrCSwzKIOd1DwbuR-pZJ3AS-SifSoJIqqN6mqPHiXe5zIeioAOy1QL5YFRDQLdb58dA0s0pd7-4RHdK_urN/s640/Flag%20of%20Fujian%20Peoples%20Government.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPn4Tcx2x02upXWMZ4HnwLdXLqpouqhIAexQD-nzrdqbzXuLe2PvXv-dIgurkAu2FJwD3rJRrAq6dtjpm0dKK1hqL-lJlA3q9R-IYL8EVRwrCSwzKIOd1DwbuR-pZJ3AS-SifSoJIqqN6mqPHiXe5zIeioAOy1QL5YFRDQLdb58dA0s0pd7-4RHdK_urN/s320/Flag%20of%20Fujian%20Peoples%20Government.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Flag of the Fujian Peoples Govt</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">According to Andersson only three Moranes were delivered to Fukien and the remaining three on the order were never delivered. In late November Kuomintang leader Chiang Kai-shek launched an offensive against Fukien with 11 Nationalist divisions and four air force squadrons using hastily prepared airstrips close to Wenchow and Chuchow with light bombers operating from Shien Chiao <span style="font-size: x-small;">(2)</span>. The Fukien airfields at Fuchow and Changchow were attacked and bombed by the Nationalist aircraft, presumably destroying one of the Moranes as the surviving pair were subsequently flown from Fuchow to Changchow where they were burnt.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2R7Xrv_qD6Gt-SPkio2A8Jh_QjxKGc-o6UYAb62Ec3bJUu-pwtRfaZ-J132MKd_tzUzSOmYLhiJ9TF_5S4n6bUcEdmuA2bhG9adN3xNPYmKDtQ1CX7XeJicqajVtV1dc3kfmgqji61ZXNKayUq0BqX8P9zFXz6BLn4o3APeczcXFQuEjL3_iKMber05v/s640/Heller%20Morane%201967.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="640" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2R7Xrv_qD6Gt-SPkio2A8Jh_QjxKGc-o6UYAb62Ec3bJUu-pwtRfaZ-J132MKd_tzUzSOmYLhiJ9TF_5S4n6bUcEdmuA2bhG9adN3xNPYmKDtQ1CX7XeJicqajVtV1dc3kfmgqji61ZXNKayUq0BqX8P9zFXz6BLn4o3APeczcXFQuEjL3_iKMber05v/s320/Heller%20Morane%201967.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Heller kit is of its period, cleanly moulded (in pale grey for the Sabre Kits re-release) but quite simple with rather pronounced stringer and rib effect on the fuselage and wings. The engine is a separate moulding whilst interior detail consists of a cockpit floor, separate pilot's seat, joystick and forward bulkhead incorporating a flat and blank instrument panel, pretty good for 1967. The instrument panel would benefit from a decal unfortunately not included on the crisply printed sheet in the Sabre Kits re-release. The Chinese markings are a nicely saturated blue of the correct hue and not the turquoise or light blue colours seen on some decals. The other three decal options are for French operated aircraft.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(1) A History of Chinese Aviation - Encyclopedia of Aircraft and Aviation in China until 1949 by Lennart Andersson (AHS of ROC, 2008) </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(2) Flight in the China Air Space 1910-1950 by Malcolm Rosholt (Rosholt House 1984)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image credit: Heading box art and colour schematic © 2023 Sabre Kits; Flag via Wiki; Morane 225 box art © 1967 Heller </span></p>Straggler 脱走兵http://www.blogger.com/profile/10129611267271999294noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748156690521830936.post-89107353181935293542023-12-15T12:54:00.004+00:002024-01-03T11:09:57.530+00:00J7W1 Shinden Replica and Ki-43-III Ko Conversion Set<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAue2Pste5YD4Ky1MF_XZ5FakoZU0RAccyvB6acLOsystx18HI-PQKD-D-NwS2uvLqlPWBJdVkEiz6jhUXai5lptxMKnahPcQgIr-x60UG49sKQKOZcSkIXgzHawhHjtPJFWrrcLzeX4OvndKihjPn84VO08xtO3_2FW-7XqOsxNVrgIIvzRw1ohHNoIw7/s750/j7w1_shinden_3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAue2Pste5YD4Ky1MF_XZ5FakoZU0RAccyvB6acLOsystx18HI-PQKD-D-NwS2uvLqlPWBJdVkEiz6jhUXai5lptxMKnahPcQgIr-x60UG49sKQKOZcSkIXgzHawhHjtPJFWrrcLzeX4OvndKihjPn84VO08xtO3_2FW-7XqOsxNVrgIIvzRw1ohHNoIw7/s320/j7w1_shinden_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hat tip to <b>Chad Akins</b> for kindly alerting to this interesting article by <b>David R Krigbaum</b> on the <a href="https://japan.stripes.com/travel/see-godzilla-fighter-j7w1-shinden-tachiarai-peace-memorial-museum-fukuoka" target="_blank"><b>Stars and Stripes Japan website</b></a> about a full-size J7W1 Shinden replica at the Tachiarai Peace Memorial museum reportedly used in a Godzilla movie set in 1947 and as shown in the heading image from the website.</div><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuDH3_XwOueEHfNHsMbaviQ7_JP2B1cYj56KbmdLKtrZDszxyZM5pPIyJkQ1v_cZMHLXDN05BOWyKMvkESTQtVonyb4OMMdrOH-se36q5CM-otv88mhPkCnSC0KMKeYPE0ts1ikPi-KNZCn-T-RAC_io_J_8MtWASqIQT3fnEwkaELYEWxg0KDBzFdSOZ/s800/hma83229_0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuDH3_XwOueEHfNHsMbaviQ7_JP2B1cYj56KbmdLKtrZDszxyZM5pPIyJkQ1v_cZMHLXDN05BOWyKMvkESTQtVonyb4OMMdrOH-se36q5CM-otv88mhPkCnSC0KMKeYPE0ts1ikPi-KNZCn-T-RAC_io_J_8MtWASqIQT3fnEwkaELYEWxg0KDBzFdSOZ/s320/hma83229_0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">In other news an interesting resin conversion set has been released from <b>HMA</b> to transform the <b>Hasegawa </b>1/72 Ki-43-II 'Oscar' into a Ki-43-III Ko. The set contains a Ha115-Il engine, new engine cowling, water methanol filler tube, butterfly flaps, additional tank/bomb racks and fuel cooler. This set being designed for the Hasegawa Oscar is welcome despite its vintage (1982) and raised line panel detail (shock horror!) because it is a still accessible kit at a reasonable price (it can currently be bought from HLJ Hobbylink Japan for an astonishing £4.21) and a quick straightforward build producing a good looking result (even with those 'pesky' raised lines). The HMA set retails for £12.30 from <a href="https://www.hlj.com/1-72-scale-ki43-iii-hayabusa-conversion-kit-hma83229#" target="_blank"><b>HLJ</b></a> but there is only one left in stock at time of writing! </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJpH8t_hZZ5pGJe-IaL4ms0P0xQx6AGYMmRzuzn41D4ewJlLG1DPEBrQC355g3B2PlakomAq7BPmYBiSjjc5zhcR4z4zzWyzx26LANeBFHkl4KpErGp0Vls2WwidH5s4dQdtryWzDVeGaCwvxxUYQoPEQQeCsWoHV4XH3Pl6UJizQDDUBztK0Q1hoDu5a/s800/hma83229_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJpH8t_hZZ5pGJe-IaL4ms0P0xQx6AGYMmRzuzn41D4ewJlLG1DPEBrQC355g3B2PlakomAq7BPmYBiSjjc5zhcR4z4zzWyzx26LANeBFHkl4KpErGp0Vls2WwidH5s4dQdtryWzDVeGaCwvxxUYQoPEQQeCsWoHV4XH3Pl6UJizQDDUBztK0Q1hoDu5a/s320/hma83229_2.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8vGA_2k2LzE8oB0lTnHimjp9igPWajLjh-4vdAP3zX1ABwUiJ1lNh7q8oTLjdEjcg8qaAKdtBtD_Ewn5usjA1g0KaMPsZ-7TD6H2eDhZnMzTKfV_yXLq8_hEKE8VBXE4up_eQnuQE_G33x3gLdVcWr-6x1KA9I6OXrCLvzBEQkjsupW2-RazQm5OXNug/s800/hma83229_3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8vGA_2k2LzE8oB0lTnHimjp9igPWajLjh-4vdAP3zX1ABwUiJ1lNh7q8oTLjdEjcg8qaAKdtBtD_Ewn5usjA1g0KaMPsZ-7TD6H2eDhZnMzTKfV_yXLq8_hEKE8VBXE4up_eQnuQE_G33x3gLdVcWr-6x1KA9I6OXrCLvzBEQkjsupW2-RazQm5OXNug/s320/hma83229_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>Update 03 Jan 2024</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The <b>HMA </b>Ki-43-III Ko set, now examined, is very finely 3D moulded in blue-grey and comes complete in a single sprue 'cage'. It consists of a combined engine and firewall designed to neatly fit into the Hasegawa kit fuselage once superfluous sectiions of the cowling are cut away from the kit parts, with separate sets of thrust exhausts for each side, a beautifully moulded new cowling in one piece, water methanol filling spout, fuel cooler, drop tank racks and flap assemblies. The latter consist of two parts for each flap, the internal flap housing and the separate flap itself. Instructions are schematic, including illustrating how the Hasegawa kit is to be modified by cutting. The set comes in a protective bubble pack, attractively presented with colour backing card and schematics. An excellent product well worth the effort in searching out and hopefully back in stock at HLJ soon. The manufacturer <a href="https://www.finemolds.co.jp" target="_blank"><b>HMA Toys</b></a> is a Japanese company and has a Twitter/X reference @V1models427.</div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image credit: Heading photo © 2023 Stars & Stripes Japan; Ki-43-III Ko conversion set images © 2023 HMA via Hobbylink Japan.</span></p>Straggler 脱走兵http://www.blogger.com/profile/10129611267271999294noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748156690521830936.post-28205718487165584112023-11-30T21:24:00.003+00:002024-01-03T09:38:03.759+00:00Aichi E7K2 'Alf' in 1/72 by Rob Ronconi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_a6ybbFTB_8U9Iq-QjE3BIWV1J7KycEERHn6RfTMi0el4aPX5RXcMozWg7jS3etUG96nfcudKpr98e5Qre48EoLnFaKxkLPsjaVJPgh-ckOE_KRKxuI90TOnboAvq86Lis0la09cndsP_K3Rbp5IkiFvPY527PLPBRIWp7T1VinXv8t7fAo-NTUTB1Pq7/s1925/image13.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="1925" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_a6ybbFTB_8U9Iq-QjE3BIWV1J7KycEERHn6RfTMi0el4aPX5RXcMozWg7jS3etUG96nfcudKpr98e5Qre48EoLnFaKxkLPsjaVJPgh-ckOE_KRKxuI90TOnboAvq86Lis0la09cndsP_K3Rbp5IkiFvPY527PLPBRIWp7T1VinXv8t7fAo-NTUTB1Pq7/s320/image13.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Continuing the IJN floatplanes theme with a splendid and superbly photographed 1/72 model of the Aichi E7K2 'Alf' Type 94 Reconnaissance Seaplane Model 2 made from the <a href="http://www.aviationofjapan.com/2022/08/avi-models-172-kawanishi-e7k1-and-e7k2.html" target="_blank"><b>2022 AVI Models kit</b></a> AV72021 by <b>Rob Ronconi</b>. Rob also built AVI's E7K1 in parallel which will be featured here shortly.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWLqk2n37i7GNVh36J6Bd33kcToK9vorwq1eMowRG0yTrgqrWXB1c4XvIxtrk7U8fwjalyofAI27AjItLcAViWIhcyPL2mRpvCAi-UBFluQmdcPf1LU4mHBsVMpvFILM0rg4FXQeknyv0JUjR9aBieiHn3C0yz45Mi7McY807C8aITLZGClbtVJqcLyIq/s1280/image0-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWLqk2n37i7GNVh36J6Bd33kcToK9vorwq1eMowRG0yTrgqrWXB1c4XvIxtrk7U8fwjalyofAI27AjItLcAViWIhcyPL2mRpvCAi-UBFluQmdcPf1LU4mHBsVMpvFILM0rg4FXQeknyv0JUjR9aBieiHn3C0yz45Mi7McY807C8aITLZGClbtVJqcLyIq/s320/image0-3.jpeg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEQbmYd5iipUFQYh7tyjWEo8MJ1P9k0mkurutOlhOGhqEto-nhff82d7v_eK3BSiFXsgPSEsP3JxqK1uqFkBpq3-8wUrQ4B0Jw01vFl7VeZDDdeUhiGIu1cHjAL0xqV7MvYhMdhl0VsONiQfk_MMFD3CgFK5O7BtiBZphYFNpwFVZgZlsje0p3xCRZ8ZY/s1280/image1-4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1280" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEQbmYd5iipUFQYh7tyjWEo8MJ1P9k0mkurutOlhOGhqEto-nhff82d7v_eK3BSiFXsgPSEsP3JxqK1uqFkBpq3-8wUrQ4B0Jw01vFl7VeZDDdeUhiGIu1cHjAL0xqV7MvYhMdhl0VsONiQfk_MMFD3CgFK5O7BtiBZphYFNpwFVZgZlsje0p3xCRZ8ZY/s320/image1-4.jpeg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO57TdIcpYw7k9EiGdONbJYaHf9IgeyHsLteLkIm4YtSkpb6QJaPuNO8OUm99T3llLcMp_jJpQDA55YdByGas7PaL1b8wLRwl0KG7ZCZAWCXu5rUOM4iXKrStnaQkj_hOHm7Xp3Qxdlv__lFlsev78LSh9OkJBTb_cASWGK8yTQ33Cy7wGtIdlkYjhT_9D/s1287/image3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="1287" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO57TdIcpYw7k9EiGdONbJYaHf9IgeyHsLteLkIm4YtSkpb6QJaPuNO8OUm99T3llLcMp_jJpQDA55YdByGas7PaL1b8wLRwl0KG7ZCZAWCXu5rUOM4iXKrStnaQkj_hOHm7Xp3Qxdlv__lFlsev78LSh9OkJBTb_cASWGK8yTQ33Cy7wGtIdlkYjhT_9D/s320/image3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Rob made the model pretty much out of the box noting a few fit problems to overcome but appreciating the final result. He added a <b>Fine Molds</b> Type 92 machine gun from their plastic <b>Nano Aviation</b> series with some photo etch ring and bead parts, <b>Uschi Van der Rosten</b> rigging and an <b>Albion Alloys </b>custom pitot tube. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCmw3sESFfeuQkRx_BxF1FOMcw-6y-3J7RNNmCL34BsZtgB4sYi_ReUIdQrDJmRj3gmXSuWcbTSuoaEZVEve0ZDo7tzzfRGXLsFyl6btmdhT41Hxy1bKTFAumZl3wU6yIyIBcJqxdOJQoDnmHgszwTpl_GLz_bgJgev_vVj0udiFsJnl81SOOlpCzuG29/s1280/image4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="1280" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCmw3sESFfeuQkRx_BxF1FOMcw-6y-3J7RNNmCL34BsZtgB4sYi_ReUIdQrDJmRj3gmXSuWcbTSuoaEZVEve0ZDo7tzzfRGXLsFyl6btmdhT41Hxy1bKTFAumZl3wU6yIyIBcJqxdOJQoDnmHgszwTpl_GLz_bgJgev_vVj0udiFsJnl81SOOlpCzuG29/s320/image4.jpeg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLbWnQicrRsqcEIWCHbLjqgOaPZEVrUgMWf9CypTBKEwF8XSQ0jV2fdqiTbjclMeNWj0KkPcmPqa532hejf1xaZwmGb7wnImWGbNyjvF3Ti0gf7Ltpd0GCurZUca2aC3GrBo7C0vro8pzjd0laxLLY29G-__-IFWddCdpxsyRxYbbczdEPQg536XTlp9h/s1280/image5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="1280" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLbWnQicrRsqcEIWCHbLjqgOaPZEVrUgMWf9CypTBKEwF8XSQ0jV2fdqiTbjclMeNWj0KkPcmPqa532hejf1xaZwmGb7wnImWGbNyjvF3Ti0gf7Ltpd0GCurZUca2aC3GrBo7C0vro8pzjd0laxLLY29G-__-IFWddCdpxsyRxYbbczdEPQg536XTlp9h/s320/image5.jpeg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQT84tiTSnGrtTUas_3cHliBvrruJLgTtUzNX4LzppjCqpk6Xr4lK1wvFCMqSfPaghyKeOyCkAuo_pEYjFKf_Gxkg1kJK_MeH_uiaSUHoUFMR6jer3Iai60VjoAXH_pVKUgusRsG9iOWq07XTTV_pcLqwdWUuj3Sa8GqMkXZyQEXNaFQCG9dg7ZniM1Lzx/s1280/image6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="1280" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQT84tiTSnGrtTUas_3cHliBvrruJLgTtUzNX4LzppjCqpk6Xr4lK1wvFCMqSfPaghyKeOyCkAuo_pEYjFKf_Gxkg1kJK_MeH_uiaSUHoUFMR6jer3Iai60VjoAXH_pVKUgusRsG9iOWq07XTTV_pcLqwdWUuj3Sa8GqMkXZyQEXNaFQCG9dg7ZniM1Lzx/s320/image6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The model represents an aircraft カシ-83 (<i>KaShi</i>-83) of the Kashima (not Kashiwa) Ku using the decals of one of the kit's three markings options. An IJN seaplane training base had been established at Lake Kasumigaura in 1938 with the Kashima Kokutai formed there in May 1938. Traces of the seaplane slip still remain and the photo below shows a Kashima Ku 'Jake' <i>KaShi</i>-96 being prepared for launching from the catapult on the slip. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLt0fWj0f4dwHTzUrPSw6m76YM_Awu-oVQ3H_TZrarxYyUyjNZYbY_ftecXSoP_IyvPeZnDa8fHw9auypcuslTUIkUQpMNjceHXYzaf7xSnWQcSyBi768RgzY11isnobvcDLqMrSkCy-GZ1uJZOgiZWFsjZHsV3yT-eWFWbPsNwcxPEwz4OgUBCcMZpSE/s1024/KaShi-96.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="1024" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLt0fWj0f4dwHTzUrPSw6m76YM_Awu-oVQ3H_TZrarxYyUyjNZYbY_ftecXSoP_IyvPeZnDa8fHw9auypcuslTUIkUQpMNjceHXYzaf7xSnWQcSyBi768RgzY11isnobvcDLqMrSkCy-GZ1uJZOgiZWFsjZHsV3yT-eWFWbPsNwcxPEwz4OgUBCcMZpSE/s320/KaShi-96.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtfY9TB9rBBBZwBzhVAuu8UzEqEa-0oFwGon6GsSjXoA5eno9WmMQeoRvw1edVU7y9k0v0yhRO6ExC_rSrNIrB_9b_O2vAjhuTIPZDB4kQLo3SDhzDZiHxewYHNXjtVccVfcjxVst6xYX7Qo0nuSE8l_B_cxxAF8G0zLAbFJmyP_sWrr-GFzWz5IPolc8/s1098/Kashima%20Seaplane%20Base.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="962" data-original-width="1098" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtfY9TB9rBBBZwBzhVAuu8UzEqEa-0oFwGon6GsSjXoA5eno9WmMQeoRvw1edVU7y9k0v0yhRO6ExC_rSrNIrB_9b_O2vAjhuTIPZDB4kQLo3SDhzDZiHxewYHNXjtVccVfcjxVst6xYX7Qo0nuSE8l_B_cxxAF8G0zLAbFJmyP_sWrr-GFzWz5IPolc8/s320/Kashima%20Seaplane%20Base.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Remains of Kashima Seaplane Training Base today</span></div><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpY8-KcTIde2Z9CJqnCOleShO_sh6ZLkLib7kwjv4tsLDyLdeXSVJAsUD_2KgCBrezZuT3gI-m4WBVN3v44ub-sUnMq5nsIAPqK1wibPmAYE551Unk-ylhKUZnTl9o9wQnuq6DhuZZ8bMOyzqS79373HILmAfN24CbPP6B39BmkglCGv0X2qFvR1HJi6NG/s1338/image9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="1338" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpY8-KcTIde2Z9CJqnCOleShO_sh6ZLkLib7kwjv4tsLDyLdeXSVJAsUD_2KgCBrezZuT3gI-m4WBVN3v44ub-sUnMq5nsIAPqK1wibPmAYE551Unk-ylhKUZnTl9o9wQnuq6DhuZZ8bMOyzqS79373HILmAfN24CbPP6B39BmkglCGv0X2qFvR1HJi6NG/s320/image9.jpeg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuw3D2n4T9SNKYuPn7jEj2CKN1xWVmdN7BpfM-80KhYKEHqcUEMLdHhK5oQJZwQ1XcWPq6gFBBc-8jEUIJTHvnKd9BIUpmDIP_5rt6lHiCOJHK0MrUlDd2AU45-TYRLBbVsOPmAWgKxvcz1hrerE5Ww1o_XoZKZ8qtWtJuvQEvOExoGbKQM08oZgdLltW/s1280/image16.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="1280" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuw3D2n4T9SNKYuPn7jEj2CKN1xWVmdN7BpfM-80KhYKEHqcUEMLdHhK5oQJZwQ1XcWPq6gFBBc-8jEUIJTHvnKd9BIUpmDIP_5rt6lHiCOJHK0MrUlDd2AU45-TYRLBbVsOPmAWgKxvcz1hrerE5Ww1o_XoZKZ8qtWtJuvQEvOExoGbKQM08oZgdLltW/s320/image16.jpeg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbmXnmMud2UnsPB8_oA8UZ7Yl0MgO87hUS1y6RAWpyZ4ot_e6F8pqid8TsS9s8IjxNIKcNIYs5ZNLap1czXiLpvIJsZ9k7C2fMYc7ifg5V4gkRU9vXEh3HsM_bs62E7Ji0rlmi5GX893GiKYkAwr4_eqDnZKqergxcdmeoaPUrhIMrMXpWlfUlGtj7nPr/s1280/image7-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="1280" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbmXnmMud2UnsPB8_oA8UZ7Yl0MgO87hUS1y6RAWpyZ4ot_e6F8pqid8TsS9s8IjxNIKcNIYs5ZNLap1czXiLpvIJsZ9k7C2fMYc7ifg5V4gkRU9vXEh3HsM_bs62E7Ji0rlmi5GX893GiKYkAwr4_eqDnZKqergxcdmeoaPUrhIMrMXpWlfUlGtj7nPr/s320/image7-2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">With special thanks to Rob for sharing these images of his excellent model.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image credit:- All model photos © 2023 Rob Ronconi; Jake photo Web; Aerial photo Google Maps </span></div></div></div><p></p>Straggler 脱走兵http://www.blogger.com/profile/10129611267271999294noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748156690521830936.post-25247856476100551982023-11-18T13:41:00.001+00:002023-11-18T16:30:46.269+00:00The Nichimo E13A 'Jake' revisited by Michael Thurow ‒ Part 1<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsVLxQqSZDJALHCMW3q2rHFzLzZp9-qnRMj2kkvrpI7gGj33D4xSQU4zZQdhQ8jFUVcAtAl23YhV9n7BkM0uceMoLn7p5Ht7s2VcnIMePVG58VWMHO0YSQtxQXJEdYNYO95DKAys6N9KRphE-DRNy20KW98LvJ3JrDRSEMrj9gKy5iWVuM6uYCwNvB9ah/s939/E13A-3s.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="939" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsVLxQqSZDJALHCMW3q2rHFzLzZp9-qnRMj2kkvrpI7gGj33D4xSQU4zZQdhQ8jFUVcAtAl23YhV9n7BkM0uceMoLn7p5Ht7s2VcnIMePVG58VWMHO0YSQtxQXJEdYNYO95DKAys6N9KRphE-DRNy20KW98LvJ3JrDRSEMrj9gKy5iWVuM6uYCwNvB9ah/s320/E13A-3s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is a delight to host this first part of an article on re-building and improving a <b>Nichimo </b>Aichi E13A 'Jake' floatplane model by <b>Michael Thurow</b>. It is still a matter of some puzzlement that a 60 year old 1/50 scale kit of such a significant aircraft widely operated throughout the Pacific War has not been superseded by a more recent mainstream or state of the art 1/48 scale kit. And the same goes for the <b>Hasegawa</b> 1/72 scale kit from 1971. There have been kits galore of far more obscure and even projected but never produced Japanese aircraft designs but sadly the IJN workhorse 'Jake' has been ignored, even it seems in vacform or resin media. And even the Nichimo kit may now be gone forever! Over to Michael then:</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>The Nichimo E13A 'Jake' revisited ‒ Part 1</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Michael Thurow</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">When I started my floatplane project earlier this year [1] I retrieved an aged Aichi E13A that I built in November 1991 for my 1/48 Japanese series. As more information about kits and models became available with the rise of internet it dawned on me that this was not the 1/48 scale claimed by Nichimo but Marusan's prehistoric 1/50 kit of 1963.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7GDku2fP_B7gcpOVBeKthuTlYgKZLBKNGe2hSpTIV0AoZT4a40NkSr5hfspp7ER9d9eCI9ZjnAFcn-zvPUIUoEZE2BGli5mX9gFMpyxV0s8rlAU0Opc7KrCiWcJXTRHGhwQ8mgxlm0G65DHnT5Bje95xC7Mh8VP7KY6e0UIsHT9KJU8ft9VttyOwzPew/s783/E13A-01%20Box%20Art.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="227" data-original-width="783" height="93" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7GDku2fP_B7gcpOVBeKthuTlYgKZLBKNGe2hSpTIV0AoZT4a40NkSr5hfspp7ER9d9eCI9ZjnAFcn-zvPUIUoEZE2BGli5mX9gFMpyxV0s8rlAU0Opc7KrCiWcJXTRHGhwQ8mgxlm0G65DHnT5Bje95xC7Mh8VP7KY6e0UIsHT9KJU8ft9VttyOwzPew/s320/E13A-01%20Box%20Art.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Now I wondered how I was to include this oddity in my new collection. One option would be to keep the model as built out of the box<i> 'in the context of its own art form rather than a scale representation of the original aircraft'</i> (Nick in his May post on the Ginga). But wouldn't it be worthy of a refurbishment? After all, there is no proper 'Jake' in this scale range.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFeH3u2F-w8PV44EcOxUQM2FPmQCWWiwzNor8x3hgroLdVtMdruJ3vSpPNfsS-mBYKvxSp6F5olZukAsuHEmSoPxgwPMcXajrmaqc3JhSSbGhMi7RgQJr0VD3XfU5Cqd5RT5QhJhnOqwVdbq7BThgr5VSz29BJ8rDsQHFyn5Vxgyc_BQjr_ShXflFE28B/s1920/E13A-02%20Plan%20View.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1920" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFeH3u2F-w8PV44EcOxUQM2FPmQCWWiwzNor8x3hgroLdVtMdruJ3vSpPNfsS-mBYKvxSp6F5olZukAsuHEmSoPxgwPMcXajrmaqc3JhSSbGhMi7RgQJr0VD3XfU5Cqd5RT5QhJhnOqwVdbq7BThgr5VSz29BJ8rDsQHFyn5Vxgyc_BQjr_ShXflFE28B/s320/E13A-02%20Plan%20View.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Regrettably I missed the opportunity to take a picture of my original creation before I reached for the chain saw, and therefore can only offer a first view of the model in its dismembered state (with some modifications already in place). You can easily perceive why after a very few hours I wished I had never begun this experiment!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The advantage of working on a once finished model, however, lies in the easy perception of the kit's shortcomings. <b>Step 1</b> of my project is focused on airframe shape and surface. Let's see what needs to be done.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBL6ah6HRZsgFrvndmn2yNobGbW5Tq5Cd5d60GA9t0gBzA0yDgsb1dv6X9tnyPzE_-6LAD3whjn3A49ImcWzKFWJ3FLfAcDEdIUKig3kkhtx2gkW3iACjFn5iUlkaAk407nDD3f4GbXvltKLKKRY_1wWaJihktsqHEt0e3l3EnhI3vP4EHRepLl1RIf1u/s1920/E13A-03%20Fig1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1920" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBL6ah6HRZsgFrvndmn2yNobGbW5Tq5Cd5d60GA9t0gBzA0yDgsb1dv6X9tnyPzE_-6LAD3whjn3A49ImcWzKFWJ3FLfAcDEdIUKig3kkhtx2gkW3iACjFn5iUlkaAk407nDD3f4GbXvltKLKKRY_1wWaJihktsqHEt0e3l3EnhI3vP4EHRepLl1RIf1u/s320/E13A-03%20Fig1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Apart from many simplifications and inaccuracies there is a major issue with the actual scale (all measurements against a 1/50 scale drawing [2] in Maru Mechanic 12) -</p><div style="text-align: left;">Overall length: OK<br />Wing span: 5 mm too short<br />Wing chord: 5 mm too narrow<br />Tailplane: 10 mm too short and 5 mm too far forward (should be staggered)<br />Floats: 5 mm too long, a bit too wide and spaced 3 mm too wide (accurate for 1/48!)<br />Flaps: Wrong planform at the wing root and a broad gap at the bottom<br />Ailerons: too long into the wing tips</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6I4L580eEDhJTiypjaviJAwYzNF5R6teSOfsDgqbm_tJDlhHIckVApOs69UgnY5anR5rcEQS7fGAypDcybmJc5WkltOQY1lYL7-82RX7kr1GdKt7rg9bj_44Km7vxCf_503N4MuhB6ISf5MZ7doewrO-LsSiIVWMhv0ikwZ0WAFW9VtWQ23OtaX9M0Ka/s1920/E13A-04%20Fig2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="1920" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6I4L580eEDhJTiypjaviJAwYzNF5R6teSOfsDgqbm_tJDlhHIckVApOs69UgnY5anR5rcEQS7fGAypDcybmJc5WkltOQY1lYL7-82RX7kr1GdKt7rg9bj_44Km7vxCf_503N4MuhB6ISf5MZ7doewrO-LsSiIVWMhv0ikwZ0WAFW9VtWQ23OtaX9M0Ka/s320/E13A-04%20Fig2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;">In retrospect, increasing the wing chord will remain the only flaw I feel unable to address. To avoid an untypical lathy wing aspect I'm planning to conceal it by folding the wings.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0pZYfPDmwO7WeUdUmFvxMLAj8zpfxYLNyxWNGYYSZxJGwtr8XurEt7tNFP1BlOn170SnNLm_bDuPEp8yHRMXDwWrk_AB9l-esf-6z2MqEikdgBfBr7KhQCHw4SHuUIunqASxb7W6PNbZKdMRGGaljMjpRod4ns1XbdRVSxXau_gtkb2TmOXHfsEb1Cem/s1920/E13A-05%20Fig3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="1920" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0pZYfPDmwO7WeUdUmFvxMLAj8zpfxYLNyxWNGYYSZxJGwtr8XurEt7tNFP1BlOn170SnNLm_bDuPEp8yHRMXDwWrk_AB9l-esf-6z2MqEikdgBfBr7KhQCHw4SHuUIunqASxb7W6PNbZKdMRGGaljMjpRod4ns1XbdRVSxXau_gtkb2TmOXHfsEb1Cem/s320/E13A-05%20Fig3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">The bottom centre section demanded a number of detail improvements. Marusan's proposition was a little too artistic [3]. Note the tedious amount of inspection holes on the E13A.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGtAtT8W-LHsT55cFXVmlMmIdXn98DpBChbqU1BG75jxiN1x0HvmSNQBWSfm-RepE9fscIo9-AphsJQkyhNDLrSg_LJ1vu3zauYGO_fogBhnGvwRsh2dOuN7K0k1wk0OutZESFr6P37n_DxNas2EwfjAK4fZHQuHxz1f7gnbFBQLgm5pTLbBc65x2zMkX/s1920/E13A-06%20Fig4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGtAtT8W-LHsT55cFXVmlMmIdXn98DpBChbqU1BG75jxiN1x0HvmSNQBWSfm-RepE9fscIo9-AphsJQkyhNDLrSg_LJ1vu3zauYGO_fogBhnGvwRsh2dOuN7K0k1wk0OutZESFr6P37n_DxNas2EwfjAK4fZHQuHxz1f7gnbFBQLgm5pTLbBc65x2zMkX/s320/E13A-06%20Fig4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At this stage I began debating with myself whether to try and move the horizontal tail back to its proper position. That would add at least another couple of days to an already complex project. Finally my loco ambition took over - what can be changed should be changed!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgm7SJUTFYJ9vRjL-8Q0HNWHFu-06vXBg8ajruedEadsC9-yh7EFUKWw_aDr9G5WTAptPzf41K_2uWNjAQq9_0ZsSF3toCnlHAhsFn-FoUA397nk_z1a-qOTRV1nW4yMZK5MINs5P7WHRuuTHFjHqJAte567EbSOArtG_y4JyZxMpTBSln_Hgs_Dg1PiR/s1920/E13A-07%20Fig5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1920" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgm7SJUTFYJ9vRjL-8Q0HNWHFu-06vXBg8ajruedEadsC9-yh7EFUKWw_aDr9G5WTAptPzf41K_2uWNjAQq9_0ZsSF3toCnlHAhsFn-FoUA397nk_z1a-qOTRV1nW4yMZK5MINs5P7WHRuuTHFjHqJAte567EbSOArtG_y4JyZxMpTBSln_Hgs_Dg1PiR/s320/E13A-07%20Fig5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">To round off this episode I scribed some more panel lines and refreshed the riveting. To be continued . . </div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;">Annotations</span></u></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[1] My first finished model, a Vought Kingfisher, can be viewed <a href="https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235127664-vought-kingfisher-‒-ghost-hunting-in-the-north-pacific/" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[2] Maru Mechanic's dimensions and proportions were verified as accurate by taking ratios from two straight E13A profile photos as follows: Fuselage (from engine gills to vertical stabiliser) vs canopy length = 1.9; vs float length (less rudder) = 0.9; vs. overall height at rudder hinge = 3.5.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[3] An internal layout profile in Maru Mechanic (p.19) shows the bombsight stored on the port side of the observer's cockpit (photo evidence on p.29) and the recce camera on the starboard side. The larger floor window should then be to starboard as in the Model Art No.565 scale drawing.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With special thanks to Michael for sharing this interesting and useful article. A tour of the various Marusan and Nichimo Jake kit releases may be found <b><a href="http://www.aviationofjapan.com/2016/11/jake-tale-of-two-scales-part-2.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image credit: Heading photo via Wiki; Box art © 1970 Nichimo & © 1963 Marusan via Michael Thurow; All other photos © 2023 Michael Thurow </span></div></div>Straggler 脱走兵http://www.blogger.com/profile/10129611267271999294noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748156690521830936.post-4096124051713799732023-11-14T23:18:00.003+00:002023-11-15T11:15:37.624+00:00Navy Type 13 No.3 carrier-based attack aircraft modified seaplane (Mitsubishi 3MT2) by John Haas Pt.3<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WBib-TneaaMWiTXxOmCHeRGHICWerJSx0O5yL31i0T3I1p_z7L4Wb2GIE3x4GKcrN-CLXAbS4rQdwH9Xk1SXZExMYVxlMMrUqsT9yAQUIIZCvQNlH_jYNUp4qtQczf6aRBLXkzoOrXX7l3FmWmL4dZLH1tAoA0gFY9clh-2A7-w5efGUlLM6BJQiRuG3/s1000/0001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WBib-TneaaMWiTXxOmCHeRGHICWerJSx0O5yL31i0T3I1p_z7L4Wb2GIE3x4GKcrN-CLXAbS4rQdwH9Xk1SXZExMYVxlMMrUqsT9yAQUIIZCvQNlH_jYNUp4qtQczf6aRBLXkzoOrXX7l3FmWmL4dZLH1tAoA0gFY9clh-2A7-w5efGUlLM6BJQiRuG3/s320/0001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The third and final part of this magnificent scratch-build project from the skilful <b>John Haas</b>, the first and second parts to be found <a href="http://www.aviationofjapan.com/2023/08/navy-type-13-no3-carrier-based-attack.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.aviationofjapan.com/2023/10/navy-type-13-no3-carrier-based-attack.html">here</a>. A three bay biplane is challenging enough in kit form (think <b>Frog </b>Vimy) but this model had the added complication of strutted floats. The inclusion of figures and another floatplane model in the photos demonstrate how comparatively large this aircraft was. A masterpiece. Over to John then. </div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">'Dear readers, after building the main parts, I could turn my attention to all the tiny bits and pieces and in between, do some painting.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNF_MMPbbj4ujqiKpR_8AT1aBWbFrq5P39sK8_FeKutUvlUqhiE16k6lRrIsO2klWbRrQdQVpo7mB2hxmIKtCmAN-Wh8Og9TkiLWGwf5a3m4UFRqt4tDEv7-FKZgnkv1zj2TQV2o7l5MZPrDJqdhVccYyB4yO3izB3B8YPMuD7nyy2LuOVfl5tcFA9pE5e/s1000/0002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNF_MMPbbj4ujqiKpR_8AT1aBWbFrq5P39sK8_FeKutUvlUqhiE16k6lRrIsO2klWbRrQdQVpo7mB2hxmIKtCmAN-Wh8Og9TkiLWGwf5a3m4UFRqt4tDEv7-FKZgnkv1zj2TQV2o7l5MZPrDJqdhVccYyB4yO3izB3B8YPMuD7nyy2LuOVfl5tcFA9pE5e/s320/0002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">'First I painted all the struts black, thereafter the floats got their silver finish. As usual I left part of the fuselage unpainted so that I could handle the model without damaging the paint.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqI1SVsKVrp3NT8_NM8dQsH2zZOJgSOYLowSqJFjx5dSqNsuL7CxdJGVzdIaCh5I1QeU-X66XWpiUFbt7JQ7bpIBkQzIsn-CqxZrV5fpSGNfujXxFEUNGi45Ll7rj1HGQ8oORZJPj7LRvf0VfK8GBhnq79dSkPznorGHNIJjS0pQ1uZ5z-zz1kavMkWPF/s1000/0003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqI1SVsKVrp3NT8_NM8dQsH2zZOJgSOYLowSqJFjx5dSqNsuL7CxdJGVzdIaCh5I1QeU-X66XWpiUFbt7JQ7bpIBkQzIsn-CqxZrV5fpSGNfujXxFEUNGi45Ll7rj1HGQ8oORZJPj7LRvf0VfK8GBhnq79dSkPznorGHNIJjS0pQ1uZ5z-zz1kavMkWPF/s320/0003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">'Whilst the paint was drying, I kept myself busy with the construction of a beaching trolley and some wooden supports. The trolley is loosely based on several different examples which I found on photographs on the internet.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddkL4XKP_uKZyVJCYUGXi-52Ke8gOhac-U7w4dNMXW_yAG3F0Zb7_kWt6ZsKnkpeaT8V6Aq7ZPMdg31W4379jHA69FaCAxo8bY1DsPEHYjsRguBqugqssnOPDcvsFKq9CBuDmAao86DzmTig5DnIAKQjpci8ju8ZiLtQxlRqAu5uYGUMv1vz-N-KETMPk/s1000/0004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddkL4XKP_uKZyVJCYUGXi-52Ke8gOhac-U7w4dNMXW_yAG3F0Zb7_kWt6ZsKnkpeaT8V6Aq7ZPMdg31W4379jHA69FaCAxo8bY1DsPEHYjsRguBqugqssnOPDcvsFKq9CBuDmAao86DzmTig5DnIAKQjpci8ju8ZiLtQxlRqAu5uYGUMv1vz-N-KETMPk/s320/0004.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTPFHHALiEPJc4XSB0e2Wbo8B2STfUGviNm3WxRZlOWY0DXzri6ud_ImDpknyLVd3mhBKvl6Uim5eBU9UVRJtcgeIg2BTEqBuw1D59DLsYbH4qIr9SAZaWLaXIZ6yuR2yspuNwj21CUuoCcwGgwpq8HsGvKL5sF76ZKVnrJv9dl0X4pOM1sQyICErZgaC/s1000/0005.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTPFHHALiEPJc4XSB0e2Wbo8B2STfUGviNm3WxRZlOWY0DXzri6ud_ImDpknyLVd3mhBKvl6Uim5eBU9UVRJtcgeIg2BTEqBuw1D59DLsYbH4qIr9SAZaWLaXIZ6yuR2yspuNwj21CUuoCcwGgwpq8HsGvKL5sF76ZKVnrJv9dl0X4pOM1sQyICErZgaC/s320/0005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">'I then paid some extra attention to the construction of a scarff-ring and the machine gun, I had some leftover kit parts, but they were rather bulky and not accurate, so with some stretched sprue I made the parts from scratch.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3njnKKR0K8fvW1okBylGc_a0g_Jv7W3CYrhW6GSQE0qpP61hTSvxs6Q339aHji6dbSuaq8aFprcvfeR847jVcC_KoLsOwM2C0gLoNnjidnQv8aojQbuqPkM2uLR-qoD15_NZGFjFzxiLlIO-aPnqWMPdml_a5cftOjzptWPGfwwspE0RYT2VmHqCehoIX/s1000/0006.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3njnKKR0K8fvW1okBylGc_a0g_Jv7W3CYrhW6GSQE0qpP61hTSvxs6Q339aHji6dbSuaq8aFprcvfeR847jVcC_KoLsOwM2C0gLoNnjidnQv8aojQbuqPkM2uLR-qoD15_NZGFjFzxiLlIO-aPnqWMPdml_a5cftOjzptWPGfwwspE0RYT2VmHqCehoIX/s320/0006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">'So I arrived at applying the last details; the control horns and cables. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAERZXmc8hXzDxXO1mAT30N3jNvy86G-G_l4SI07ANB1ZjvnCwJSWOAVZdzznSro4oeVGBLtpanj4bVrLIQp6-FLC8FdE4rpOOCRr5qVQNFYsvjvr6yvmWcVoUd5JrAm-f2H3_a9YMDCZrUwZq1n8Kd5MH2-R5E0nngEFrYyUwauM0f3c51KmWaKGXNTd/s1000/0007.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAERZXmc8hXzDxXO1mAT30N3jNvy86G-G_l4SI07ANB1ZjvnCwJSWOAVZdzznSro4oeVGBLtpanj4bVrLIQp6-FLC8FdE4rpOOCRr5qVQNFYsvjvr6yvmWcVoUd5JrAm-f2H3_a9YMDCZrUwZq1n8Kd5MH2-R5E0nngEFrYyUwauM0f3c51KmWaKGXNTd/s320/0007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">'Finally, what was left were the Hinomaru. They are big and I had no more left in my spare decal clippings box, so I had to print them with my PC printer on white decal paper. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqudcehWRop6QxzZoFdo1DI3utS9U-uy2y6JT3n6PUUnfFVy_a31R9_niGgi7STvzlETNMuUUppqdtDNZyFwyfc7iBOBRY2GuLvK7SM3x5bMWQZvt2btCW8kfaeeKMegSObWWajwlUl5A257oSwbu-tFUfSwxegZ266JHvFQp950odOC8GsIyLumNNTGi5/s1000/0008.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqudcehWRop6QxzZoFdo1DI3utS9U-uy2y6JT3n6PUUnfFVy_a31R9_niGgi7STvzlETNMuUUppqdtDNZyFwyfc7iBOBRY2GuLvK7SM3x5bMWQZvt2btCW8kfaeeKMegSObWWajwlUl5A257oSwbu-tFUfSwxegZ266JHvFQp950odOC8GsIyLumNNTGi5/s320/0008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">'I would have liked, to include the nice Japanese logos and scripts on my model, but I had no luck finding a good example which I could use as a print pattern. And to paint them by hand . . . I only can manage the ' no step ' markings in Kana! :-)</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YbG-yGX0au3mqwRUm-VN0mDPFH9WyJWhB7o7vX7qs4nZRON9fcjAK3UBAhdmtTZTYLVTwKFZNb4W092pvaNuP2a7C6Wkpnz3pGPCATjQ5IdFy2GmCrR0ryihEK2e7RnIdsQyqukeXGL9vcFrHE4KnxqSYweBhM8oICuyv6opWEC7XfiT7w54b_PBAq6F/s1000/0009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YbG-yGX0au3mqwRUm-VN0mDPFH9WyJWhB7o7vX7qs4nZRON9fcjAK3UBAhdmtTZTYLVTwKFZNb4W092pvaNuP2a7C6Wkpnz3pGPCATjQ5IdFy2GmCrR0ryihEK2e7RnIdsQyqukeXGL9vcFrHE4KnxqSYweBhM8oICuyv6opWEC7XfiT7w54b_PBAq6F/s320/0009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">'To conclude the build, I handpainted the red warning strips on the floats. With the large stringers on the floats a decal would not have worked here. Model finished! </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInfbXOPlZ5EZlU879sJz_jHS1etRzwuH0Whjdv4viOYK9lRtZvn_bfdfdiepVHAoaSS5YtJHeieM16l6RXYpx-DRF3CM3Vm1Q9oWRYDl-jbbFI-jwNCN3TpQ1z6-fF25J0hFxrjgVm5sK0tmjnXDPgLxDHK95xFB4vYV7rE46gEDiY9d3LDCxOpItdU-n/s1000/0010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInfbXOPlZ5EZlU879sJz_jHS1etRzwuH0Whjdv4viOYK9lRtZvn_bfdfdiepVHAoaSS5YtJHeieM16l6RXYpx-DRF3CM3Vm1Q9oWRYDl-jbbFI-jwNCN3TpQ1z6-fF25J0hFxrjgVm5sK0tmjnXDPgLxDHK95xFB4vYV7rE46gEDiY9d3LDCxOpItdU-n/s320/0010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">'To summarise I had great fun building this model, although I knew that the floats and struts construction would be tricky - and sure it was! :-) </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBUi9RB3WhUH1wE35v9dr9pg89V3se5c-IQT_OJQzRf3V5B_WpEWpr_B2SotAVbwnJaWna0AKT6t4op9GrGZ_ML09C4oPrtgp0UozZreyqZlFSsJGVpai9WuUn4J936u3EoebsjeHoZZX5qVw1YofynT2jfFcQdlSLoQbQIAnSSkNF6q3VWbTm27zdRRS/s1000/0011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBUi9RB3WhUH1wE35v9dr9pg89V3se5c-IQT_OJQzRf3V5B_WpEWpr_B2SotAVbwnJaWna0AKT6t4op9GrGZ_ML09C4oPrtgp0UozZreyqZlFSsJGVpai9WuUn4J936u3EoebsjeHoZZX5qVw1YofynT2jfFcQdlSLoQbQIAnSSkNF6q3VWbTm27zdRRS/s320/0011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">'And later I discovered the reason for the double wings truts, the outer wings could be folded backwards, so the inner wing needed extra support struts.'</p><div style="text-align: justify;">With very special thanks to John for sharing these images and details of a challenging build - from scratch! - and with a superlative result.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image credit: All photos © 2023 John Haas</span></div>Straggler 脱走兵http://www.blogger.com/profile/10129611267271999294noreply@blogger.com9