Roster:

Armor_Aficionado: Tamiya 1/35th Type 97 Chi-Ha

BrandonK: Hawegawa 1/48th Aichi D3A1 Type 99

Bsyamato: IBG 1/72nd 917t Truck

                  Italeri 1/72nd MH-53E Sea Dragon

DantheMan85:  Tamiya 1/48 Mitsubishi A6M3/3a Zero

Falconmod: Hobbyboss 1/72nd A5M2 Claude

                  LS 1/72nd Mitsubishi Ki-67 Peggy

GAF: Hasegawa 1/48th Mitsubishi A6M2b Type 21 Zero

         Hasegawa 1/48th Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero Type 52

Gamera: Hasegawa 1/48th A6M Zero

Glamdring Tamiya 1/72nd Aichi M6A1 Seiran

Greysnake: Tamiya 1/35th Type 61 MBT

GoldHammer:  Hasegawa 1/48th "Myrt"

                        Tamiya 1/48th Mitsubishi G4M 'Betty'

Jeaton: Tamiya 1/48th Betty

         Hasegawa 1/48th J2M6 Raiden 

          FineMolds 1/48th A5M4 Claude

          Finemolds 1/48th Ka-14

Linus: Zoukei Maru 1/32nd Ki-45 Toryu  

LostAgain: Tamiya /48 Komatsu G40 Tractor

ModelCrazy: Revell 1/72nd Ki-45 (Captured)

                     Hasegawa 1/350th Akagi

PlasticJunkie: Hasegawa 1/32nd Ki-43 Oscar

Real G: Doyusha 1/72nd T-6G Texan

Sigep Ziggy: Airfix 1/72nd Mitsubishi A6M2b Zero

Tempestjohny: Hasegawa 1/48th F-2B

Waikong: Tamiya 1/48th Hyakushiki Shitei III (Dinah)

WrinkledM: Bandai 1/72nd Space Battleship Yamato Cosmo Zero Type 0 Model 52 Fighter

Zvezda: Tamiya 1/48th Hasegawa B5N1/2 (Kate)

BADGES

Steve: I went ahead and put you down with the Ki-45. You didn't tell me the scale or company though.

Probably going with a 1/48th Zero here. We do a little show at the National D-Day Memorial in Beford, Va and I've gotten some questions on why I have a bunch of Japanese aircraft but no Zero. Just need to decide on which kit though - got about a dozen Zeros at this point...

Put me down for a Hawe Aichi D3A1 Type 99, 1/48. Its time to get that one going. Been wanting to build it for some time now.

BK

Brandon: Got ya! Nice choice!

Gamera, I'll carry over the Tamiya 1/48 Betty from the 2019 GB.

Sure John, you got it.

Gamera

Steve: I went ahead and put you down with the Ki-45. You didn't tell me the scale or company though.

Thanks for doing that Gam,

1/72 Revell. The decals are off the same sheet I did the Ataiu-Sea Zero with a couple years ago. That build made the FSM mag reader gallery about 9 months back. This one probably won't though. 

I'm in, with a 1/35 scale Type 97 Chi-ha tank, from Tamiya.

Hey Steve, TJ, AA got you guys all down. And nice choices! 

It's nice to see in less than 24 hours we've got enough members to move on this! 

Gamera

It's nice to see in less than 24 hours we've got enough members to move on this! 

Waaa? You mean you have a threshold?

modelcrazy

 

 

Gamera

It's nice to see in less than 24 hours we've got enough members to move on this! 

 

 

Waaa? You mean you have a threshold?

 

Lol, well no but still it's a nice vote of confidence! 

Hey Linus welcome!!! 

And is that the Zoukei-Maru 1/32nd scale kit? Super cool!!! 

Hey Gamera,

I'd also like to play, since I was already going to start this on New Year's eve:

For those who prefer to stay home on 12/31 instead of going out and getting smashed, I highly recommend the New Year's Eve Build.  My friend started doing it and I thought it sounded fun and have followed suit.  I even finished some within the same year!  

Gamera

Hey Linus welcome!!! 

And is that the Zoukei-Maru 1/32nd scale kit? Super cool!!! 

 

Thanks Gamera,

Yes it is.  I am pondering wasy of building and displaying it.

Linus: Super cool! If you've seen Snapdragon's build over on the aircraft forum of this same aircraft I'm so tempted to buy myself one as a Christmas present. But I keep telling myself I need to finish up my 1/32nd Tamiya Zero first. I'm going to enjoy watching you build yours though! 

G: Very cool too. Doyusha is one of those companies I've never bought any of their models. And thanks for the invite but I can't get a friggin' model built in a year...  

mawright20

BK, I just did this one for the weekend GB. It was a pretty good kit. Had a little issue with the underwing ordanance.

 

I can't build anything in a weekend anymore. The last one I did left me with brain cancer from stressing out over the work in a short period of time. I'll take a tad more than 48 hrs to do this one. I have my health to consider.

BK

Here's the details on the Tamiya Betty I'm building:  Kit No. 61049.  I think that is the only number it has been issued under, and always as a G4M1.  I wish they would release it as a G4M2 also.  Often I make my own masks but for this one since there is time before the start I have some Eduard masks coming from Sprue Bros.

Nice John, I'd like to get that kit.

That is the same one I did as a surrender bird on your GB III.  The masks are really needed for it.  The fit is good on the pieces,  typical Tamiya.

Once you get the glass masked, you might want to scuff the exposed framing with a scotchbrite pad.....mine wanted to peel paint when I pulled the masking.  That is where it still sits, waiting for me to brush paint all the frames.

Big bird when done.

Yeah, I'd almost consider a set of canopy masks a must for a kit like this. I HATE masking those gawd-awful greenhouse canopies. One of the reasons I don't build more bombers. 

GH: That's a good idea, next time I do build a bomber I'll try to keep that in mind. 

Well, I couldn't help myself... I broke down and ordered Zoukei-Maru's 1/32nd Ki-45. The same one Linus just entered. God help me it's an addiction...  

Gamera

Well, I couldn't help myself... I broke down and ordered Zoukei-Maru's 1/32nd Ki-45. The same one Linus just entered. God help me it's an addiction...  

Ya know, the longer I'm in the hobby the more I think it really is 

goldhammer

mine wanted to peel paint when I pulled the masking.

I've often had this exact issue on my canopies. I found that running my knife around the frame before I pull the mask prevents this from happening and give a much sharper edge on the frame. I haven't had an issue since I started doing this.

BK

Yeah, well, at some level breathing is an addiction too, and I'm NOT giving that up either!

BrandonK

goldhammer

mine wanted to peel paint when I pulled the masking.

 I've often had this exact issue on my canopies. I found that running my knife around the frame before I pull the mask prevents this from happening and give a much sharper edge on the frame. I haven't had an issue since I started doing this.

BK

That's why it's best to remove the masks as soon as the paint has skimmed over and it is still pliable.  Much less chance of the paint coming with the tape if you do it that way.  I find that keeping the paint buildup as thin as I can is also good.

I actually pulled it off the shelf of doom today and finished pulling the masks off after 4+ years.....  Pulled very little paint.

As a body/paint guy for 40+ years, I know about unmasking asap, but didn't with this one.

Have to repaint nose and tail canopies and a little toothpick scraping on the rest.

Thanks for the incentive to get it back on the table.  May finish it up now.

I agree with getting that tape off asap. But, my building method is done with the canopy on till its totally weathered and sealed. So ripping it off right away won't work. I may start painting it seperate in the furture, but with some camos that makes things tricky.

BK

Since I'm waiting for paint to dry on the C-123 I thought I would work on what scheme to paint the Betty.  I had read that G4M's were part of the attack on the Prince of Wales and  the Repulse, I researched that for awhile, and found that the first paint scheme in the Tamiya instructions was for an airplane from the Kanoya Air Group that was part of the attack, flown by Lt. Haruki Iki.  Iki survived the war and I found an interview with him about the attack.  Another account is in a book by Jeffrey Cox, "Rising Sun, Falling Skies", which I liked well enough to buy. 

Still another resource about the attack is from an interrogation transcript of Captain Kameo Sonokawa, commander of the Genzan Air Group, also part of the attack.  The interrogation was in November 1945 during the US Occupation of Japan.

I have made a pdf of an excerpt from the Cox book, listed first, and of the interrogation transcript listed second.  Details of the Cox book are included, it is available as an eBook from Google Books for $10.00.

http://goldeneramodel.com/mymodels/g4m/1g4m/IkiAttackonRepulse.pdf

http://goldeneramodel.com/mymodels/g4m/1g4m/InterviewJavaSea.pdf

I found the book's detailed account of the attack on the Repulse (as well of that of the Prince of Wales) to be riveting reading.

Here's the paint scheme for K-310, Iki's Betty:

Haruki Iki:

G4M1's of the Kanoya Air Group.  I find it hard to see camouflage demarcations in the black and white photo.  It might be from a later date, or the colors are lost in the shadows.  The Air Group was based near Saigon at the time of the attack and had undergone extensive torpedo attack training in the time leading up to the attack.

Goldhammer, git 'er done and post pictures! 

Painting strategies are endlessly entertaining, aren't they.  I always attach my canopies first and seal the edges before any painting.  Rain gets throught any crack and my eye goes right to those spots for some reason. 

If the scheme needs a lot of work post canopy painting I try especially hard to keep the paint layers thin and weathering away from the canopy, which seems a normal state to me.  I find my enamels build up less than my acrylics.  That's one advantage of a natural metal finish I guess, you get to rip the masking off very soon.

John: That's very interesting. I swear the research is often as much fun as building the kit!! 

Personally I tend to leave my masking on for awhile, probably longer than I should. Thankfully I haven't had much in the way of peeling issues though. I do get raised lines sometimes on colour demarcation lines- if I took the masks off earlier I wouldn't have that problem. 

Hey Robert, glad to have you! Btw is that the 1/48th Tamiya kit? 

 deleted

Oh and I talked to Rock Baker the other day. He's started work on the badge. I told him I'd like it done by the end of January if he can pull it off. 

No, the 1/72 iteration.

Glamdring

No, the 1/72 iteration.

 

Thanks, gotcha! 

Going Sci-Fi this year with the Space Battleship Yamato Cosmo Zero.   Type 0 Model 52 Fighter.  I'm also (not with this build) starting on the pilot bust in 1/7 scale resin. With luck next December I'll get them finished and posted here.   

Wrinkledm

Going Sci-Fi this year with the Space Battleship Yamato Cosmo Zero.   Type 0 Model 52 Fighter.  I'm also (not with this build) starting on the pilot bust in 1/7 scale resin. With luck next December I'll get them finished and posted here.   

 

Ohhhhhhhhhhh that's awesome!!!

Just put you down!

Happy New Year guys!!!

I started on the Zero. And got some work done on Mech-G rocket backpack. Can't complain it's been a decently productive day modeling wise.

I think I've signed up for building the Betty for about 3 of these GB's now, and if what's on my workbench now is any indication, it might well happen this time!  Finally.  It's going well, I'm really enjoying the build.  I didn't think I could make a good job of painting the electrical panel below the cockpit so I made a decal for it, with no color where the dials and switches are.  I painted the dials and switches and of course the surrounding area, then applied the decals which are black.  I like the result.  I used the Tamiya instrument panel decal, which worked out pretty well, using the regimen of the heat gun and then Walthers.  I guess that's pretty much the nuclear option but since the panel is a separate piece it wasn't too risky.  Failure of course would entail an order to Sprue Brothers for the Eduard Panel.  I painted all the interior with Gunze 126 Mitsubishi cockpit color, my best guess based on all the raging arguments I found among modelers on the net.

I used the Eduard masks which fit pretty well although there were two or three that I had to redo with the Silhouette Cameo so far.  Close but it's easy enough to make little adjustments when you can see what you need to do.  I plan to build more of these so I'll use my corrections then as well.  In any event, I had to make masks for the inside of the fuselage so I could install those windows before painting.  Very nice clear parts so far.

Here is where it's at:

I have 2 roll overs I'd like to add to this GB

LS 1/72 Mitsubishi Ki-67 Peggy

Hobby Boss 1/72 A5M2 Claude

Thanks

John

Guys, I might be better off calling you by your callsigns- I'm going to get my Johns mixed up! 

Falcon: Sounds good, just moved you over. 

Jeaton: That looks good. I entered an AFV Club M40 SPG in about three GBs and still haven't finished the darn thing. He's hoping better luck for you! 

Jeaton> Nice start on the Betty.  I really need to find one of those, or a B5N.

This is a roll-over from JGBVIII.  I almost had it finished, but there was just too much for me to tackle in a sitting on New Years.  I find I cannot sit at a desk as long as I used to.

Here's where she stood at the end of the year:

Since then, I've finished up the canopy framing, added the wing lights, did some minor weathering and staining.  At the moment, the aerial wire is drying.  When that is done, I'll trim it and touch up the antenna.  Then all I need to do is minor work on the engine exhaust stains and give a green sage wash on the framing.  Won't be done tomorrow as I'll be away from the desk.

That's it for now.

Gamera>  Go ahead and put me down for another Zero, this time a Hasegawa 1/48 A6M5 Type 52.  It's essentially the same model as the above, with some minor differences.  I guess I just want one that's green! 

Gary

Gamera.. I'll join in with the 1/48 Hasegawa "Myrt" that is also in the Secret Santa GB.  Was my gift from the big guy.

With your approval I'd like to roll over the surrender Betty that was in the GB before clocks became household items.  Will post up pics of new and old early next week.

Betty has only front and rear canopies to paint and attach along with the props.

Yeah, G, you can call me anything but late for dinner!  Nice to see lots of activity here.

Two more pictures tonight.  I think I've used up 8 fighters worth of Mitsubishi interior green on this bird.   I've put some Epoxysculpt on the leading edge of the flaps, and cut the rudder free from the vertical fin and added some epoxy there as well.  The flaps have that annoying step on the leading edge so they can be put on in the up or down positions.  No good, too much drag!  Not enough lift!

Guys, I think I got everything down!

Gary: That looks great! Looking forward to you getting the remaining work done.

GH: The Myrt sounds cool and looking forward to seeing the finished Betty.

Jeaton: That looks great! You're making some real progress there!

Thanks Gamera.  Will be starting the Myrt next week when the paint gets here.

Gam, started the Nick yesterday, painted the interior, masked the canopy and assembled the fuse, wing and stabs. Going together very quickly. I just need work on the seams and assemble the engines.

Steve> Nice work on the Nick.  Some people are just assembling machines! 

I'll call the A6M2b finished.  I managed to get the aerial wire on and some minor touch-up done, including removing a blob of glue that somehow got on the left tire.   In addition to breaking off the pitot tube.

The paint scheme represents an aircraft of 2nd section from the aircraft carrier Zuikaku, flown by Tetsuzo Iwamoto in the Pearl Harbor attack.  Nothing unusual about the build.  It was done with spray cans and brushes, so cannot be said to be anything but mediocre.

The build was straight forward, although I did have to guess at how some of the parts went on.  The instructions are not exactly clear when the part is supposed to be oriented in a certain way.  You have to reference outside images to determine that.  No real difficulty in fitting.  The decals were not easy to work with and the fuselage stripes came apart so I had to mask and paint those.  Chalk it up to Hasegawa decals or their age.

The only unusual technique I used was on the canopy.  I painted some decal paper the fuselage color, cut out strips of varying widths and used these to"frame" the canopy.  Worked fairly well, though the curves were more difficult than the straight pieces.

This took awhile, but it was an enjoyable build.  Thanks for looking, and thanks to Gamera for hosting these GBs!

I guess the first photo would be suitable for the front page.

Gary

Next up is another Zero, the 1/48th scale Hasegawa A6M5 Type 52.  Since I'm already familiar with this type of model, I'll go ahead and do another.  The only difference is this one will be green! 

The wingspan on the A6M5 is supposed to be a meter shorter than the A6M2b.  We'll see if that's true.  Also, I'll probably be adding the pilot figure that came with the A6M2b to this one.  It's too nice not to use. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Unfortunately, the kit came without any decals.  It appeared sealed, but when I opened it I found the decal sheet had vanished.  Not sure if Hasegawa merely goofed, or if someone had opened the kit, removed them and then rewrapped the box.  Bummer!

I have enough decals left from the A6M2b and a Tamiya A6M kit to make up most of what I need, but I need tail codes for an A6M5 type.  IF anyone has a spare set of tail codes they're not using, I would appreciate a donation (rather than having to buy a complete set somewhere).  Thanks!

Take care!

Gary

Nice Zuikaku Zeek. I love the Zero.

I might be able to help you on those decals. I just finished a 1/48 Hasegawa A6M5 for Gam's Japanese GB VIII and I never toss spare decals.

When I get home I'll take a look.

Thanks, Steve!  I wanted a Pearl Harbor Zero to go along with the P-40, so mission accomplished!

Thank you for the offer for the tail code.  I will note that your last Zero is an A6M5c, while mine is either an "a" or "b" model, so I'm not sure about what air group used what type.  I can always use one of the left over tail codes from the A6M2s, but would not be sure they are the correct air group or color.  I'll do some more research.

Gary

Gary, nice work on the A6M2.  Looks real good.  If Steve can't help you I probably can.

Gary, here they are.

Let me know if they'll help.

Steve and John,

Thank you!  That's what I need.  I wish Hasegawa had supplied a series of numbers for the A6M2b like they did for yours!

However, after doing a bit of research on A6M5s and digging through my own decal sheets, I think I can cobble together some to do the tail code.  I would consider just printing them out on decal paper, but yellow is a hard color to print dense enough, so professional decals are a must.

Long time to go before I need anything, but right now I'll give you a rain check on those.

Thanks again!

Gary

You sure? No problem just to stick the in an envelop and put them in our mailbox before tomorrow's mail. 

Steve: That looks good, you're making fantastic progress! 

Gary: Super nice work there, she looks fine to me! Going to put her down now. Hopefully I'll have a badge before much longer- again I wasn't expecting anyone to be finished this early. 

And cool looking A6M5. I've got a bunch of extra decals too but looks like Steve and Jeaton have you covered. 

Been making a good bit of progress here- I've got a Hasegawa 1/48th A6M3 Type 22. I'll post a photo of the box ASAP. I've ordered a new set of stencils and am using replacement hinomaru because I simply cannot ever get Hasegawa decals to work well for me.  

Steve> Thanks!  If what I've got doesn't work out, I may hit you up for those.  I think I can make what I've got work after some research on Japanese tail codes.  Still got almost a full year. 

Gamera> Thanks, sir!  I'm not worried about a badge as most of this model was done for JGB VIII!  Doesn't seem fitting to get one for an almost completed build.  Maybe after the A6M5 is done. 

Gary

Here's progress on the Tamiya G4M1.  Paintwork.  Seems like a lot of Tamiya's paint call outs in this kit are in dispute.  I went with Alclad ALC101 Aluminum on the bottom, instead of grey.  The upper colors are Tamiya XF-64 Red Brown and XF-13 Japanese Army Green.   Made some paper masks by scaling up the kit diagram and combined the two sides and the top to make wraparounds for the fuselage.  It was possible to do all the masking and painting without permanently attaching the wings, looks llike they are going to fit extremely well to the fuselage.  I haven't attached the nose and tail gun perspex yet because I'm waiting for the Gunze interior green which is supposed to get here on Friday.

Jeaton> That's looking very nice.  Almost British.  Interesting call on the lower color.  Look forward to more!  

Gary

Hi Cliff,

Congratulations on making it to the 9th episode. I feel that I should join you. I'll get back to you shortly with a subject.

Cheers

Tony

John, looks good.

I never cared for the Japanese brown/green scheme while painting it, but it always looks good when done.

Jeaton: Looks good! Nice work masking, I've tried that with the photocopier like that- it seems the best way to get the masks right. 

Tony: Thanks! And thanks for reminding me- nine years- has it really been that long!?!?

Anyway a couple of shots of my Zero. Boxtop: 

I finshed up the cockpit last weekend. Going to try to get it inside the plane tonight. Lawdog isn't going to lose any sleep to any challenge from me but it's good enough considering how little can be seen from the cockpit hole. 

Yep, that's a Zero

The pit looks great Gam, I just love those belts.

Nice work on the Zero cockpit, Gamera.

Got the markings on the Betty, except for the white command stripe on the aft fuselage.  I thought I would need white under the hinomarous and all it did was put me through a lot of work to end up with a red that is brighter than I would have liked.  I guess the crew just touched them up.  I understand the the rising sun was a mark of pride and no matter the rest of the paint, the hinomarus were kept in good condition.  I made a stencil for the tail marking.  I'm betting that those who say that Haruki Ito's number was K-331 instead of K-310 as the kit decals depict are correct.  Going to let it set for a day or two, until the paints arrive for the nose and tail glasswork.

Thanks guys. The cockpit is a little sloppy, but again it's not all that visible. 

Steve: Just plain Eduard coloured PE seatbelts. I've got some more for the F-51 for the Korean GB. Love these things, so much easier to work with than the masking tape seatbelts. 

Jeaton: Not sure if I've ever seen a photo of an aircraft with badly chipped or beaten up hinomaru. I think as you said that the ground crews kept them freshly painted and in good repair. The camo looks really good, looking forward to some more work on her! 

Well, Sprue Bros. came through again, the paint I needed came a day early and it was off to the races.  I even did some weathering on this one, some oils and a silver Prismacolor pencil, along with rubbed in aluminum powder in places.  The whole thing got rubbed down with a Q-tip followed by damp paper towels, all in the direction of airflow  That subdued the white some because the rubbings from the dark green and red brown carried across them.  I like that.  There are no clear coats on this model, as there are no decals. 

I had on hand some of the Uschi thread and I used the super fine on the antenna above the cockpit.  It's probably just about scale thickness, and therefore its also almost invisible.  I can only see it against the blue background in the photos, and I don't think anyone will be able to see it in the display case.

I think I will build a stand or a trolley for the torpedo, as no one will see it tucked up in the bomb bay.  Anyone know what that should look like?   Needs a Kurogane and some figures, too, I think.  Shudder, figures do not come easy in my workshop.

Wow, John!  That's impressive!  You're already finished and I haven't even started removing parts from the sprues yet!

Gary

There are nothing but nice builds in here so far, and you guys are screaming through them too. I hope to open my kit in the next few days. I don't think I'll get mine done quite this fast. Well done, gents.

BK

Got the AK IJN paint set...only thing missing is what hasegawa only calls out as "propeller color".  Got a bottle of MM dunkel braun, in the neighborhood I think.  Unless someone has a thought.  Planning on starting the Myrt this week depending on workload at the shop.

Got the canopy frames done on the Betty, just some cleanup, attach them and install the props.

Jeaton: That looks fantastic! I'm not sure about the torpedo trolly? Maybe you could put her on a base like Lawdog does and leave the torpedo on the ground there? And I love Sprue Brothers, I ordered some stuff last Sat. and it was in hands Wed. Three business days- that's crazy fast- at least for me!

Brandon: Sounds cool. And no worries you've only got eleven and a half months to go...

GH: Love the AK paint line. The propeller colour is a kinda rust red-brown. I wouldn't worry much beyond using something close to that.

Also grabbed a bottle of Tamiya lino brown.  I'll see what both look like when dry.  Plenty of time to play with it.

I've heard the prop color described as Mahogany.  I use Gunze Mr Color 131.

Mahogany sounds about right. Thanks Jeaton and looking forward to how it comes out GH.

Hi,

My buddy didn't quite make it to the class of 2019.

Anyone who needs a Wingman in an A6M5 type 52 in 2020? 

With regards

Svenne

Svenne Duva

Hi,

My buddy didn't quite make it to the class of 2019.

Anyone who needs a Wingman in an A6M5 type 52 in 2020? 

With regards

Svenne

 

Looks like the poor guy has been 'dis-armed'... 

Sorry... 

Svenne: Would love to have you join us!

Well he ain't no "Wingman" until I get his "Hayabusa" up  and armed again... 

Thanks Gamera!

With regards
Svenne

jeaton01

I've heard the prop color described as Mahogany.  I use Gunze Mr Color 131.

 

BK

Hey John/Jeaton just put your Betty up. If you want to add a trolly for the torpeto or anything yell at me and I'll change out the photo. 

Gamera

Hey John/Jeaton just put your Betty up. If you want to add a trolly for the torpeto or anything yell at me and I'll change out the photo. 

 

Thanks Tony! 

Jeaton: And a beauty that F-84 is. 

I got the Zero sealed up. The joint line on the bottom where the wing joins the fuselage as usual is being a butt though... 

Gamera,

The Zero's coming along fine.  I too had trouble with that seam, though the wings fit snuggly everywhere else.  I will try to watch that on this one and do a better job.  I've finally got the cockpit parts separated and have begun construction on that.  No different from the A6M2b, so should go together pretty quickly.

I also went by Lowes and picked up some IJN Green.  Well... it's actually Rust-Oleum "Dark Hunter Green" spray paint (since I cannot find any rattle can IJN Green), but I used my phone to bring up an image of IJN Green and this was so close as to be unnoticeable. We'll see what it looks like after I apply it over a light grey coat.

Gary

Gary: I have a lot of issues with those seams. They don't seem to fit well on a lot of kits. Oh well, I've been sanding and puttying all weekend. It's got to fit in the end.

Looking forward to seeing how your Zero looks. Hunter Green sounds close enough.

It's been a little while but I completed the initial construction on the captured Nick. Filled, masked and applied the black base. Next is the silver.

Steve: Looks good, perfect base for the NM. 

Initial construction begun on the Chi-ha Type 97:

AA: Ohhhhhh cool! Nice work! 

I've built both the Hasegawa and Tamiya Zero kits and they both had a little work to do at the lower wing to fuselage.  The irritating part is that the real airplane came apart there for ground transport because the wing was one piece tip to tip.  So you do need a clean panel line there.

AA> Good start on the Chi-ha.  Should be a nice one.

Not much to report here.  The temperature and weather have prevented painting, so all I've been able to do is test fit and glue a few pieces together.  Here's a test fit of the main body and wings.

The lower wing seam as discussed above seems okay, but the upper wings seems to have a slight gap.  I think I can correct this with some tape to pull them in closer to the fuselage.  I look forward to some nicer weather for painting.

I really need to get a basic airbrush so I can apply just base coats!  Oh, well.

Gary

Gary: That looks good!!! I had a bit of a gap in the wings too. I ended up adding some Perfect Plastic Putty, let it dry for about five mins or so and then wiped it with a moist cotton swab and it filled perfectly. It should work for about any sort of putty, just use whatever cuts the putty. 

I filled and sanded that blasted seam about a dozen times. I think it finally looks okay now, I went ahead and painted the fighter black today. Hopefully it will be dried enough to take photos soon. I'm going to try to paint the thing NM, and then chip her using the hairspray technique.

Jeaton: Thanks! At least I didn't sand and putty by poor mind away for nothing! 

A little more done on Nick. Bad lighting.

Even with the bad lighting that's a nice finish Steve! 

Gamera,

I would like to join in, please put me down for the Airfix 1/72 Mitsubishi A6M2b Zero.

Yes, I know, I know, another Zero!?!

Hey Ziggy, welcome. I just put you down. 

And there's always room for another Zero... 

BTW: Went to apply a coat of aluminum to the Zero last night with the intention to use the hairspray technique to apply the green/grey camo over it and then chip the camo away to reveal the aluminum underneath. Well the cap of the bottle of Alclad aluminum must not have been tight and most of the solvent had evaporated leaving me with some thick sludge. So I ordered some more Alclad aluminum from Sprue Brothers at about 10:30 last night EST. Got an email this morning at about 9:30 that the order had been filled and shipped. Sorry neither here or there but my complements to Sprue Brothers for fantastic customer service!  

I can now report that the Surrender Betty is finally done.  It was an entry in the GB III or IV, got dragged out behind the hanger, and like most 1:1 aircraft, left to rot.

Prudence (that cold, dark, heartless, expensive woman) and Gamera finally talked me into searching the berry briars and finish it up.  Pics tomorrow, after blowing off the rest of an inch of dust and leaves. 

Taking the Myrt to model club tonight to continue working on the office, hoping to get the interior green painted tomorrow. Pics as well.

GH: I'm looking forward to photos of the Surrender Betty. And the Myrt sounds really cool too! 

BTW: I've got the sketches for the badge and hopefully it'll be done in a week or so. Sorry, wish I'd had them sooner but the guy who does the sketches is finishing up a new comic book and been kinda on the busy side. 

Here is the start on the Myrt.  Still a few pieces to put on the sidewall before gluing it to the fuselage side, and painting the interior.  Will have some brush work for the different color callouts inside.

This is the "Surrender Betty", 1/48 Tamiya.  Started it about 6 years ago, for Gam's GB back then, first build after around 40 years away from modeling. Gave me something to do to pass time after the wife passed.  Has been sitting for 5 years behind the "hanger of doom".

Not the best work, canopy frame painting is rough, and I didn't fill and sand the seams around any of the glassworks. Does have PE belts and IP, though it's a strain to see it.

Paint is MM acrylic, green crosses are masked and painted after the decals went outhouse mouse on me and tore to shreds. Antenna behind the ADF loop went missing while it sat.

Represents one af two that were painted and marked to bring the surrender delegation to meet with the allies.

Although Gamera has it listed as an entry in this GB, I don't consider it a part of it, sat way to long to be considered for a "rollover".

Steve> The finish on the Nick looks fine.  I guess all that's left are the decals?

Goldhammer> The Betty turned out nice.  You deserve a badge for the canopy work alone!

Gamera>  Look forward to seeing how the chipping turns out.  I haven't decided yet on what sort of weathering I will do on the A6M5, so show me how it's done!

I managed to get the interior cockpit painted with a black base this week on a relatively nice day.  I'm currently painting "interior green" over that, so no pictures yet.  I'll post something up of the cockpit work when that and detailing instruments is finished.

On the decal problem I had earlier, I discovered I had forgotten about a Tamiya Shinden model I had in the closet.  I can sacrifice some of the decals from it (as I will probably never build that aircraft), so that problem is solved.

Gary

Thanks Gary.  I left the Eduard masks on for 5 years, so they pulled paint when removed.  Small brush and a toothpick made repairs.  Decided to leave well enough alone and live with it as is.

So much good build already here :)

Cliff, I,'m I'm with this little ibg piece, 917t japanese version truck, also I'll try to continue the italeri sea dragon

GH: She looks pretty darn good to me! Nice work! You're sure you don't want to me to put her down as an entry? Esp nice considering the masks were on the canopy that long, I can imagine they would pull paint up with them.

The Myrt looks good, nice looking kit of the nice looking plane.

GAF: Well, it's still an experiment here. I'll be sure to let you profit from my mistakes.

Bsyamato: Cool, got both of them down. That truck looks like a really interesting kit.

Thanks Gamera, I wouldn't feel right by the other entries to claim it after the time lapse.  If you want to put up the last pic, I'm OK with it.  Not wanting to claim anything.  Not fair to others who finish in the timeframe.  Appreciate the thought though.

wait, Another Japanese GB started already? And some people already finished? Dont you guys sleep? Great looking builds so far by the way. Guess I am in too, will check the stash to see what I got.

GH: You know I may just put the photo up. It's up to you if you want to take the badge or not. 

Waikong: As usual you're welcome to join us with whatever you find! 

I'll wait on a badge and see if I can get the Myrt done on time to claim one.

Art, that Betty is amazing. I would be super proud of it. Well done!!

BK

GH, that antenna didn't make it to the finish line on my Betty either, it got tweezed into spaces unknown.  I replaced it with music wire.  I say put in on the completed roster!

Thanks guys.  May replace it and install antenna wire later on

Heres 917 box'n'sprues:

Bsyamato: That looks cool, and nice work the frame looks good. 

Guys: Put GH's surrender Betty up on the completed roster yesterday! 

Saw that...thank you sir.

Not much of an update on my Zero, but very exciting for me.  Got this from Micro-Mark today!

Heres the truck updates before the primer; the only modify, i drilled the front lights to fill at the end vith something clear to simulate lens

Bsyamato: She's coming along great!

Ziggy: Ohhhh, nice! Tamiya makes some of the best paint!

Latest progress on the Chi-ha.  Got all the wheels on, ready to start hand-painting the camouflage pattern.

Got the rest of the bits together on the office, the wing and engine together.  Hopefully get that painted late in the week and pics to follow that prior to closing the fuselage up.

AA: That looks good! Looking forward to seeing the camo go on.

GH: Sounds good, looking forward to the photos!

I got a good bit done on the Zero over the weekend...

I sprayed the whole aircraft NM but ended up with trash in the finish so I sanded the garbage out. But the wheel wells still looked okay so I went ahead and sprayed some translucent blue-green in there.

I then masked off the wheel wells with Silly Putty and added another coat of gloss black as primer for the NM. I did a F-51 Mustang for John 3:16's Korean War GB at the same time. 

I then sprayed on the Alclad NM finish doing the F-51 at the same time.

I'm going to let this dry for a couple of days just to make perfectly sure it's good and set and then apply a couple coats of hairspray and then the green/grey finish. Hopefully; it will come off properly to show the NM finish underneath.

AND WE HAVE BADGES!!!

Big thanks to Rock Baker and Jack/Jgeratic!!!! I decided this being number nine to go with a kitsune, the supernatural Japanese fox of legend with nine tails and the ability to take the form of a beautiful woman. Thanks guys for doing such a beautiful job transforming my idea into a reality!

https://rock-baker.blogspot.com/

Sorry they're a little late- I let the date slip up on me and Rock has been busy with a series of comic books. But he did his usual superlative job!

And Jack/Jgeratic did his usual super work on getting the thing coloured up and lettered. I love the fox mask on the side!!! 

Anyway here she is!!!

And part of reason for being late is the first pictures I submitted to Rock had the figure in a dress that looked more like a qipao or cheongsam which is a more Chinese sort of dress. I asked Rock if he could redraw the picture with a kimono and he nicely agreed to make up for my mistake. I'd already sent the picture out to Jack and he'd already whipped it into shape. So just for the heck of it I'm going to throw the other badge up here in case anyone would rather use it instead:

Good updates there 

Lately IBG covered almost all ww2 jap tanks included Chi-ha in 72 scale, i'll get em all asap 

Nice badge!!

More updates on the truck:

After mig primer i made a mix of various colors to get the japanese kaki color, protected after with glossy clear, also painted minor details and some washing

Bsyamato: That looks good. The colour is spot on and nice work on getting all the tiny parts in the suspension together- can't be much left now. 

AA: Lol, I haven't seen that movie in ages. I need to watch it again- it's so quotable!!! 

And gotta say the guys knocked it out of the park with the badges. Buy one of Rock Baker's comics at Amazon and thank Jack/Jgeratic next time you see one of his posts! 

Bsyamato, the truck is looking good!

Gamera, both the F51 and the Zero are coming along, what did you use for the blue-green color?

Clean and waiting for paint.

Ziggy: Looks like you're ready to dig in there! 

The blue-green is just Tamiya clear yellow and blue mixed and sprayed over the NM finish in the landing gear bays. It SHOULD have been more bluish. I sprayed a straight clear blue overcoat over top of this but the colour didn't want to shift so I just left it this way.

The aotake the Japanese used as a protective coating started off blue and gradually turned more greenish due to time and weather. As a new aircraft I wanted it more blue but I guess she's now an older plane... 

Super badge!

Latest progress - got the camouflage scheme cmpleted:

AA: Ohhhhhhhh, looks cool! 

Nice camo AA.

Ordered out canopy masks for the Myrt today, so the interior paint is on hold till it gets here next week.

My lady saw the RoG beetle kit at HL tonight....she had a'68 back in the day so will be starting it at the club tomorrow night.

Gamera- love the badges, give my congrats to your helpers.  Well deserved

Armor_Aficionado

Latest progress - got the camouflage scheme cmpleted:

 

 

 

Well done with the camo 

I broke my speed record :)

Wheels painted drybrushed and washed, also black border to the clear parts 

Thought some might be interested in this Zero tail fairing posted on another forum.   Reveals portions of original paint not exposed to sun, along with good example of Atoke:

More photos/info here:

https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235032785-mitsubishi-zero-type-21-colours/page/2/#comments

regards,

Jack

Bsyamato: That looks good!!! Nice work!! I'll wait till you get the outside photos up to post her, I'm assuming that's the one you want to use?

Jack: Very cool, thanks for posting! It's always helpful to look at the real thing. 

And I assume you read though the comments- we all love your badges! 

Hi Cliff, and yes thanks everyone for the comments concerning this year's badge.

regards,

Jack

Jack> I agree that the badge looks great!  Nice work.

AA> That Chi-ha is looking splendid.

Bsyamato> That's a good looking truck.  You don't see many Japanese WWII vehicle models.

Gamera> The aotake looks fine.  It could vary widely as I understand.

As for me, progress is glacial.  I've finished the pit in a desultory fashion, and installed it in the fuselage. I didn't have instrument decals, so I just hit them with a white prismacolor pencil and some dabs of black, red and yellow paint. I can get the wings on now and start putting on some base coats.

Take care!

Gary

Thanks Gary.

From what I remember reading, the rear 'deck' behind the pilot's seat would be black like the cowl.

regards,

Jack

You're welcome!  Always some good artwork from you. 

As for the rear deck, the instructions call out for Mitsubishi cockpit color, and I think I read that in doing research (which I've forgotten where).  Somewhere along the line they changed.  I do know that the A6M2b I did previously had a black rear deck.  Anyway, that's the reason it's green.

Thanks!

Gary

I have to say...

Great Badges!

A.A., Outstanding Camo on the Chi-ha.

Bsyamato, the truck looks fantastic!

Gary, Your Zero looks Great!  It make me realize how small my Zero really is.

Started using some paint.

And some washes.

Maybe some glue next!

Ziggy, glad you like the badge, thanks!

Gary, it's possible my notes are outdated on Japanese particulars.  There is a 2013 post from  Nick Millman (Aviation of Japan) concerning A6M5 Type 52 colours:

https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234951399-a6m5-type-52-colours-inetrior-and-exterior/

regards,

Jack

It's rather uncertain.

I think it will remain "green" even if it is incorrect.  The color controversy is full of theory and speculation, based on old color photos and suspect remnants of pieces of crashed aircraft.  For example, recently Aviation of Japan posted an article on the supposed "tan" interior colors of the A6M3 cockpit sections.  After a bit of buffing, it was found that they were actually green!  I guess this just goes to show that sometimes eyeballing colors can be misleading.

Gary: Looks good, nice work there in the cockpit!

Ziggy: Nice start!

About the turtle deck, I dunno. I painted mine the cockpit interior colour. Maybe I should repaint it black, I'll have to look around some more...

Gamera> Thanks!  The cockpit's only so-so.  I'm no Lawdog!

After some consideration, I may go ahead and paint the rear-deck a blackish color (since even the black is not exactly black).  Instead, I'll leave it up to the participants here (and anyone who might like to chime in).

"What do you think would look better?  A black rear deck or an interior green rear deck"

Doesn't matter about historical accuracy.  This question is about what you think looks better!  No comments about "Well, it's up to you!"  This is your chance to show off your superior color coordination skills. 

Gary

Gary: Considering how little you can see of the cockpit down inside there it looks good enough! 

Small update on my Zero, I tried drilling the holes in the seat but the plastic was too thick, so I cut the center section out and replaced it with .005 inch thick styrene. I will mark the holes and drill them next.

Also, I started on the engine. The front seven cylinders has been removed from sprue and trimed. Just waiting for the back seven to catch up.

I painted the area behind the seat Mitsubishi cockpit green on the A6M1 and the two A6M2's I've built, as I think they were all early enough to be built only by Mitsubishi.

Should post a link when quoting research ...

I find the link below interesting.  Even though almost 20 years old,  but fact is that references are made to physical findings regarding the decking colour :

http://www.j-aircraft.com/faq/A6M_pt4.htm#Mitsubishi%20Zero%20Cockpit%20Deck%20Color

Cool photo here,  supposedly of an A6M3 in 1943.   Although severely chalked and weathered,  the decking and cowl do look to be the same tone of grey.

Another quote from Nick Millman (from 2013), he too gives black decking for both Zero manufacturers:

https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234947758-zero-detail-colours/

"The cockpit decking wasn't black as such but the same anti-glare blue black as the cowling. It was to a standard IJN specification of four parts carbon black to one part ultramarine pigment (similar to RAF 'Night') and most of the differences attributed to MItsubishi and Nakajima cowlings arose from the way the procured paints weathered and degraded.

Whilst the cowlings got regular maintenance the decking rarely, if ever, did so on in service machines it often ended up looking flatter and greyer over time."

regards,  

Jack

Thanks Jack, that's evidence enough for me. I'm going to go back and repaint the back deck of my Zero black. 

Guys, I found out this morning that my dad has passed away. I'm going to be off the forum for a bit till things clear up. Please keep at it as always, I'll try to be back early next week. Any thoughts and prayers are welcome... 

Cliff...  Sorry to hear that, as always, our thoughts are in your corner

Cliff,

That's sad news concerning your father.  My condolences.  Hope you'll be back with us soon.  Prayers for your family and you.

Gary

Jack,

Well, you've almost convinced me, though I feel very uneasy about relying upon one authority (Nick).  I'll take your word that this is not a "colorized" photo. Here's another more recent article upon A6M colors from Imodeler.

https://imodeler.com/2019/04/japanese-a6m-zero-colors-part-1/

Note that the article contains almost the same photo Jack posted, but with a soldier standing beside the wreck.  Someone had a very steady hand, or the camera was on a tripod!

Might want to hold off on the "black" and paint the rear decking "Navy Dark Blue".

Still, there are some photos of wrecked Japanese aircraft at the end of the war that make me go "hmmmm..."

Are these colorized photos?  I don't know.  The rear deck in both photos does appear to be lighter than the cowling.  Could it be oxidation?  Maybe.  That is what makes me go "hmmmm..."

Thanks for your information!

Gary

So sorry to hear that Cliff.  Godspeed.

Dear Cliff,

Sorry about the passing of your father, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

regards,

Jack

My deepest condolences, Cliff. We lost my father-in-law this last september and it just isn't easy. Our hearts go out to you and your family.

BK

Hi Gary, thank you for the Imodeller link, lots of info presented there, and 'all under one roof.'   Have it bookmarked for a future build.

In my last post, I quoted both Nick (Aviation of Japan) as well as linked J-Aircraft.  These are two different entities not affiliated with each other, but both talk about the black decking.

Concerning the last two photos crammed with aircraft, going to assume not colourized.  To be fair though, we are trying to judge a colour through the glass canopy that has the sun glaring off the surface.  The headrest area definitely has a blue hue, so took a reading of the area:

So the above is GIMP software (available free).  What I like about it's eyedropper tool is you can adjust the size for reading a colour, so that it averages the result instead of just reading one pixel.  The white square with pointer indicates the area and size measured.

Over the resulting find, have pasted a screen shot of FS 36164 from the Colorserver.net for ease of comparison.  Not that dissimilar from the Imodeler link, where they describe the weathering of anti-glare black would shift into light blue grey.  Not stating this is conclusive, just interesting.

regards,

Jack

I'm jumping in on this topic late, but I did a ton of research when I built my Zero and I can't find my links for it, but it was determined that the rear deck and engine cowl are painted the same color. There are pics out there of surviving parts that never saw the light of day that prove they are the same black with blue tinge. Gunze Mr Color makes the perfect color for it, Cowling Color, Mr Color 125. I'll see if I can find those references as they sealed the deal when I was given them.

BK

Hi Cliff,

Sorry to hear about your father, my condolences.

Thinking of you, take care of yourself and your loved ones.

Piers

I'm going paint my tiny one 'black'. I makes more sense to me that part of the should be black.

Latest progress on the Chi-Ha:  the tank itself is done, just working on the commander figure now.  The decals for this were a real pain in the a$$!  I don't what it is with Tamiya, if they changed how they mae their decals, or if they went to a new outside supplier or what, but the last two Tamiya kits I have built, both purchased within the last year, have had absolute shite decals.  I'vee always used the same method - gloss clear coat, then apply decals and settle them down using Micro-Set/Micro-Sol, then matt clear coat - and usually have no problem, but the last two Tamiya kits have had the decls silver horribly, to the point they were (on this kit) completely opaque white!  I ended up having to hand paint the markings.

Hello AA, that is great looking camou work on the Chi-Ha.

Is there any date printed on the box or instructions?  Even though you purchased recently, it may have been on the store shelf for a number of years.  This Tamyia subject was first tooled in 1975, with a re-box in 1987 containing an 'improved' turret.

regards,

Jack

Hey thanks guys! Sorry between all the stuff with the funeral and I really didn't feel like posting anything. Guess I'm back now. In any case I could use something to keep my mind occupied. 

AA: Great job there on the Chi-Ha, I agree the camo looks spot on and great job there on the commander. 

And thanks everyone for the discussion on the rear cockpit deck. Still haven't repainted mine yet. 

Hi Gamera! Been wanting to do this Hasegawa 1/32 Oscar for a while so plese sign me up in this GB.

Hey PJ that looks cool, will go put you down now! 

Thanks gamera. Hey sorry for your loss. I read about it over Bish's GB.

Thanks PJ and welcome to the GB! 

Gamera

Thanks PJ and welcome to the GB! 

 

PJ-  The only airworthy Oscar is at the Erickson Collection, about 120 miles from me.  It is US powered though, just barely fits in the cowling .

Will be watching it come together in your capable hands.

Thanks GH. I'm doing some research before starting. Was hoping to get some decals with colorful markings but  there's not a good selection of them for this subject in this scale. The kit decals appear to be in usable condition so I just may go with them.

PJ: Just for kicks I looked on Ebay and there's a couple of sets of decals for your Ki-43. Japanese, Indonesian, Thai, and Chinese Nationalist, Communist, and Manchukuo (Japanese collaborator government). To be anal captured Japanese aircraft aren't within the GB but I'd be more than willing to let things slide just to see you get her built. 

BTW: None of them are cheap though. Twenty-five bucks including shipping for a set of decals is rather on the steep side for me. 

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=1%2F32nd+Ki-43+decal&_sacat=0

Gamera

PJ: Just for kicks I looked on Ebay and there's a couple of sets of decals for your Ki-43. Japanese, Indonesian, Thai, and Chinese Nationalist, Communist, and Manchukuo (Japanese collaborator government). To be anal captured Japanese aircraft aren't within the GB but I'd be more than willing to let things slide just to see you get her built. 

BTW: None of them are cheap though. Twenty-five bucks including shipping for a set of decals is rather on the steep side for me. 

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=1%2F32nd+Ki-43+decal&_sacat=0

 

Thanks for looking. I saw them too but they are not exactly what I was looking for. The kit decals have two versions I'm liking. I can always paint the markings if the decals are bad. 

plasticjunkie

 

 

Gamera

PJ: Just for kicks I looked on Ebay and there's a couple of sets of decals for your Ki-43. Japanese, Indonesian, Thai, and Chinese Nationalist, Communist, and Manchukuo (Japanese collaborator government). To be anal captured Japanese aircraft aren't within the GB but I'd be more than willing to let things slide just to see you get her built. 

BTW: None of them are cheap though. Twenty-five bucks including shipping for a set of decals is rather on the steep side for me. 

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=1%2F32nd+Ki-43+decal&_sacat=0

 

 

 

 

Thanks for looking. I saw them too but they are not exactly what I was looking for. The kit decals have two versions I'm liking. I can always paint the markings if the decals are bad. 

 

Sure! Just thought I'd point it out. Looking forward to seeing how the markings come out. 

Gamera

 

 

plasticjunkie

 

 

Gamera

PJ: Just for kicks I looked on Ebay and there's a couple of sets of decals for your Ki-43. Japanese, Indonesian, Thai, and Chinese Nationalist, Communist, and Manchukuo (Japanese collaborator government). To be anal captured Japanese aircraft aren't within the GB but I'd be more than willing to let things slide just to see you get her built. 

BTW: None of them are cheap though. Twenty-five bucks including shipping for a set of decals is rather on the steep side for me. 

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=1%2F32nd+Ki-43+decal&_sacat=0

 

 

 

 

Thanks for looking. I saw them too but they are not exactly what I was looking for. The kit decals have two versions I'm liking. I can always paint the markings if the decals are bad. 

 

 

 

 

Sure! Just thought I'd point it out. Looking forward to seeing how the markings come out. 

 

Started las night gluing up some parts like the wheels and tanks. The wings came next and here we go.......why in the heck did Hasegawa do this goofy fit??

The upper wing skins don't match the bottom part along the leading egdges, extending just a hair and the trailing bottom wings have an ugly join line running along the bottom of the flaps and all along the ailerons that are fabric textured. This means lots of filling in with stretched sprue sanding and then re scribing all that fabric texteure on the trailing bottom wing and lots of sanding and re scribing along the wing LE.

I like the display plate Hasegawa included and will look cool done in metalizers.

The kit markings I like and hope the decals  are ok and will not fracture in water. I will test one of the ones I won't  be using but if they fracture then some Microsol Superfilm will save them. I can always paint them on but just trying to keep the extra work away. These markings belonged to Sentai Commander Maj. Torashiro Aizawa of the 204th Sentai operating from Akyab air base, Burma. The aircraft is a KI-43 Type II made in 1943 and it had a heavy mottled dark green paint over NMF and undersides were NMF.

The kit color guide call for sollid green upper with chipping but I don't trust the info starting with Hasegawa calling this Hayabusa as a Type 1 which is wrong. This is a type II and can be made into a Type III. The Type I had a different cowl undersides and the VERY prominent long tubular gunsight thru the front windscreen. This kit has the Type II Cowl and windscreen with more modern gunsight.

These Lifelike decals are a great reference source but unfortunately only come in 1/48 scale. The first plane is a Type I, the second one is a Type II and my subject . The differences can be clearly seen.

Upper view showing the heavy mottling and solid black top fuselage stripe.

I will be using my hoarded supply of Floquil Old, Bright and Platinum Silver paints for the NMF of this project. These paints IMO are pretty close to an Alclad finish.

plasticjunkie

Started las night gluing up some parts like the wheels and tanks. The wings came next and here we go.......why in the heck did Hasegawa do this goofy fit??

 

The upper wing skins don't match the bottom part along the leading egdges, extending just a hair and the trailing bottom wings have an ugly join line running along the bottom of the flaps and all along the ailerons that are fabric textured. This means lots of filling in with stretched sprue sanding and then re scribing all that fabric texteure on the trailing bottom wing and lots of sanding and re scribing along the wing LE.

I like the display plate Hasegawa included and will look cool done in metalizers.

 

The kit markings I like and hope the decals  are ok and will not fracture in water. I will test one of the ones I won't  be using but if they fracture then some Microsol Superfilm will save them. I can always paint them on but just trying to keep the extra work away. These markings belonged to Sentai Commander Maj. Torashiro Aizawa of the 204th Sentai operating from Akyab air base, Burma. The aircraft is a KI-43 Type II made in 1943 and it had a heavy mottled dark green paint over NMF and undersides were NMF.

The kit color guide call for sollid green upper with chipping but I don't trust the info starting with Hasegawa calling this Hayabusa as a Type 1 which is wrong. This is a type II and can be made into a Type III. The Type I had a different cowl undersides and the VERY prominent long tubular gunsight thru the front windscreen. This kit has the Type II Cowl and windscreen with more modern gunsight.

These Lifelike decals are a great reference source but unfortunately only come in 1/48 scale. The first plane is a Type I, the second one is a Type II and my subject . The differences can be clearly seen.

 

Upper view showing the heavy mottling and solid black top fuselage stripe.

I will be using my hoarded supply of Floquil Old, Bright and Platinum Silver paints for the NMF of this project. These paints IMO are pretty close to an Alclad finish.

 

Wow, the name Hasegawa means quality today but back then they had some hit or miss kits. Good luck, thankfully it's not that big a plane so even in 1/32nd it makes it a little easier. Looking forward to how you knock her into shape. 

Right TJ, forgot to list the 2 blade prop of the Type I and 3 bladed Type II and III.

Gamera

Wow, the name Hasegawa means quality today but back then they had some hit or miss kits. Good luck, thankfully it's not that big a plane so even in 1/32nd it makes it a little easier. Looking forward to how you knock her into shape. 

 

Yep, very surpised to find this type of misalignment and bad join lines in a Hasegawa kit that for the most part are very well made. Heck not long ago I built a 1/72 Monogram F-105D from the early 70's and it had outstanding fit and details.

Okay, final reveal time, the Chi-Ha is finally done.  Gamera, you can use the first pic in this series as the front page gallery pic:

Just experimenting with my pounce wheel.