Battle of the Coral Sea Group Build 4 May, 2017 - 8 May, 2018

Nice-looking kit, Scott.  Quite an advance beyond the Fujimi Lex.  I look forward to seeing more.

I also got a good start on my Lex this weekend.  There are a lot of little parts to pre-assemble.

My paint just arrived today as well.  

Should make an attractive display, GM.  Nice work!

Hey, gotta start somewhere...

Put together a working base, set the hull bottom up on it on stanchions that may or may not be final, and glued in the nuts.

Looking forward to it Check.

High praise deserved, Steve.

Finished photos updated with the Kate!

Thanks again for being part of the GB.  See you at in the RAF and at Midway.

Thanks Check, that's high praise.

How about picture 1 or 3

That is a real gem, Steve.  Outstanding work both assembling and painting.  It is exceptionally appealing!

Thanks for being part of the build.  And I look forward very much to your Midway project. It'll be hard to top this one.

Any preference for the front page-finished photo?  They all look good.

Thanks Scott, I think you would like it.

Wow Steve, the cowl came out great, in fact, the whole model came out great.  That kit is now on my list to build someday.

Thanks Check, see what I do with the Akagi Kate when June 4th anf the Midway GB arives.

That is outstanding, Steve.  I love what you've done with the camouflage!  Exceptional!

That is still my most common technique as well. I just lately started cutting masks and airbrushing the frames if I am using enamels.  The fine brush and toothpick method is much faster.

scottrc

I am liking your progress Steve.  How are you masking the canopy?  A sharp knife and a steady hand?

No, by hand. Since its acrylic, I go back over with a toothpick and clean the frame edges.

I am liking your progress Steve.  How are you masking the canopy?  A sharp knife and a steady hand?

Now it's time for a wash then a dull coat. The open canopy is molded together so is somewhat interesting to paint. I'll install the wings after the canopy is attached.

Good to know, Scott.  I have some of Testors US Navy colors, including 5-N, but I haven't opened them or used them yet.  I'm a little wary of them since they've discontinued some paints and got rid of Floquil altogether.

I only bought them in the interim when Colourcoats was transitioning from WEM to Sovereign.  I've been more than satisfied with Colourcoats.

modelcrazy

 

 

checkmateking02

Val?  Kate?  I'm going to have to put in some study time.  

 

 

Actually, notwithstanding the fixed gear, they do look somewhat similar.

 

Yup, they do have some of the same features, they are both Japanese, green, and have red meatballs.  I think I flunked spotter recgonition school.

Checkmate, I did have bottle of Testors 5N acrylic, but it was almost Blue Angle Blue.  I seemed to like the White Ensign brand a little better.  

checkmateking02

Val?  Kate?  I'm going to have to put in some study time.  

scottrc

Steve, I am following along with how you paint your Val, oops, I mean Kate

Check, thanks for the link for the Colorcoat paint.  My tin of 5n was empty and dry, now I can order more.  

 

Val?  Kate?  I'm going to have to put in some study time.  

modelcrazy

That's awsome Check. Ship colors are so hard to find or mix.

Val? Kate man, Kate. 

I do want a Val though.

 PS did you know they make a Steve?

 

Showing my ignorance of Japanese planes, again:  

Steve, I am following along with how you paint your Val, oops, I mean Kate

Check, thanks for the link for the Colorcoat paint.  My tin of 5n was empty and dry, now I can order more.  

That's awsome Check. Ship colors are so hard to find or mix.

Val? Kate man, Kate. 

I do want a Val though.

PS did you know they make a Steve?

You can check here, Scott:

http://freetimehobbies.com/searchresults/?search_query=IPP&Search=

It looks like a new brand of paint.  I haven't bought or used any of it, so I don't have any experience how it works.  Model ship forum says they are lacquers from Korea.

Otherwise, H & B seems to have Colourcoats 5-N in stock at the moment.

https://www.hbhobbies.com/collections/us-navy

Great progress with the Val, Steve.  Good looking color!

scottrc

I checked my paint stock and I am out of 5N so will need to get some.  Or maybe do a "what if" senerio in that Pearl only had red oxide and white primer to mix up and paint the Lexington

 

Operation Lexington Petticoat?

I checked my paint stock and I am out of 5N so will need to get some.  Or maybe do a "what if" senerio in that Pearl only had red oxide and white primer to mix up and paint the Lexington

Nice-looking figures, Tonka!  Detail is very crisp.  Looking forward to watching your progress.