HASEGAWA D3A1 VAL (OOB)...WIP

I love the Model Masters Metalizers.I`ve used some of the other metalic paints but never get the finish I do with MMM. I know about sealing...a cool technique for weathering a late war Japanese plane( I found out by not sealing accidentally) is to paint over unsealed MMM and dab at the paint with some blue masking tape. The tape will randomly pull up some of the top coat exposing the Aluminum metalizer. If you`re really careful you can get your bird to look like a late war Navy bird with most of the paint knocked off like in those pics you see on the Military Channel. I built an Eduard Tsurugi and used that technique along with salt and it came out perfect. Alas..the wifey shot that one down on a cleaning binge. Thanks for looking Carlos....Len

I just did the same with the Jack I am working on...using MM Alumin plate too....make sure you seal it before adding the green and grey...even then its a bit delicate....good luck!!

Carlos

UPDATE....Got the fuselage, wings and gear spats together and primed with Model Master Aluminum Plate buffing metalizer.Two reasons for that...check my seams and in case I decide to weather, I have a realistic base under the IJN green that the kit calls for. Not sure if I`m gonna make this a pristine bird or a well war worn aircraft. Going to let the metalizer cure overnight and start on the IJN gray tomorrow. Thanks for looking....Len

Manstein's revenge

"Looking good---what markings you gonna use?"

Looking good---what markings you gonna use?

Great looking IP and interior.....Keep up the good work!!!

I built the same one a couple of years ago...I wish my IP had come out that crisp and clear!!!! Overall it is a great kit. I had fun with it too...

here's mine same markings....just a little more wear and tear....

Carlos

Looks good so far.

Hi Len,

She's looking real good so far - I'm particularly impressed with the instrument panel, machine gun and cockpit weathering.  Nice detail work indeed.

Keep up the good work and keep the WIP pic's coming!  

That looks just like the boxtop!! AND..that`s the ship I`m building too. I`ll keep the canopy stacking in mind, thanks for the heads-up. I hope mine turns out as nice as yours! Take care...Len

Great start.  I built the Val a few years ago.  I have to say it was one of the best kits I have ever built.  Other then mistakes of my own doing it is practically fall together kit.  The only tricky part was when you stack the rear canopy sections in the open position.

Here's mine.

Very nice work on the Pit.  Keep us posted as you progress.

Regards,  Rick

My usual photo studio...the kitchen counter...was more cluttered last night than work bench....the wife was baking..lol!

The model is looking very good.  I would recommend that you take your photos against a plain background without all the clutter of your work bench.

Darwin, O.F. 

Looking good so far. Like the instruments.