Star Blazers 1/500 Space Ship YAMATO

Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Star Blazers 1/500 Space Ship YAMATO

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 2:30 AM

Well, I decided to give this fella a thread of his own.. You know when you start a project, you get that feeling of "this is gonna be a fun build?"... Well thats how I feel about this guy...

Well, I actually get that feeling with most my builds, but sometimes, like my refit, I put so much time into it. I burn out a little, and need something to clear the mind for a while..

But with this guy, the more I study it, the more I want to get into it, and do a job on it! So far, I have the main body parts, hull and deck together, and I am in the process of filling the gaps for the wings to come out.. I decided to build my Yamato with no wings and normal hull...

So here is a picture trail of where I am at!

First pic, is for those of you that havnt seen this kit before. Its the 1/500 verson of the Yamato from here in Japan..

Getting started...

She's together, lets get her smooth...

One side done!

Now for the gaps for the wings.. Puttied, and waiting to set

More putty and sanding needed....

As you can see the seam undernieth still needs to be done, and all the panels will be re-scribed by hand... I have really fallen in love with this ship, so I guess I have alot of work cut out for me!

For those of you, who are probably getting sick of me posting everything I do.. My appologies.. I just enjoy sharing my builds with everyone.. Opinions, critisisms always helpfull!

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Cpt.Sponder

Member since
June 2006

Posted by Cpt.Sponder on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 4:51 AM

Chris_in_Japan wrote:

For those of you, who are probably getting sick of me posting everything I do.. My appologies.. I just enjoy sharing my builds with everyone.. Opinions, critisisms always helpfull!

Chris

nu-uh!! please keep posting! it's usefull, informative, and even better: it's fun to keep track!!

REVELL F-15 strike eagle

AMT USS Excelsior:

AMT Deep Space Nine

Reply

Dubau

Member since
March 2006
From: Boyertown, PA, USA

Posted by Dubau on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 9:25 AM

I have a Star Blazers kit like that. Have not started it but please keep posting.

Bud

" You've experienced a set back, and without set backs and learning how to fix them you'll never make the leap from kit builder to modeler "

Reply

Fish-Head Aric

Member since
September 2005
From: Chehalis, WA

Posted by Fish-Head Aric on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 3:53 PM

I have seen this kit online a few times and thought about grabbing it because it looks like fun.

There's a version that has a cutaway side showing the interior, looks really kewl!

Looking forward to the final product, Chris! I personally like to see all the pics of everyone's work!

Just hoping I will be able to get good photos of my end products somehow.

~Aric Fisher aric_001@hotmail.com

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 4:49 PM

Thanks Aric.. I struggled for the longest with my video camera to take pics.. And then decided to spend the money and get a decent camera.. Best thing I ever did..

I am the same.. No matter what the subject or skill level, I can sit for hours just going through threads and looking and reading about what people have done!

Bud: Certainly will my friend.. It is a fun kit, you should dust her off yourself! ALthough with just 2 of us doing it.. Could that class as a group build? Blush [:I]

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Fish-Head Aric

Member since
September 2005
From: Chehalis, WA

Posted by Fish-Head Aric on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 4:59 PM

I saw the kit... but never landed it. Sorry, but if I do land it I will make sure it flies again, here first! Still, thanks for sharing your work!

~Aric Fisher aric_001@hotmail.com

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Thursday, July 13, 2006 1:47 AM

Slowly as she goes.....

All seams are gone, and have begun the main structure.. they are just sitting freely at the momment as I plan to put a tan wooden deck on this bad boy.. And then will secure and paint the main structure last...

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Cpt.Sponder

Member since
June 2006

Posted by Cpt.Sponder on Thursday, July 13, 2006 2:29 AM

looking good chris!

getting more jalous by every pic you post! :P

would you mind shipping one out to the netherlands? ;D (if only i had enough money for my hobbies..sight..)

REVELL F-15 strike eagle

AMT USS Excelsior:

AMT Deep Space Nine

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Thursday, July 13, 2006 3:02 AM

Well here's another pic for you Capt. he he he

Just hand painted the decking on the top.. I will then mask it off and then spray the black undeer coat, and then do the grey over the top.. Weathering after that.. Then I will mask the undernieth and begin with that!

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Cpt.Sponder

Member since
June 2006

Posted by Cpt.Sponder on Thursday, July 13, 2006 3:12 AM

what do i see now chris? superman on youre desktop? shame on you!! ;-P go and update ure wallpaper with a pic of one of youre own models! that would be much better! just kiddin'...

the ship is commin together nicely chris! GJ!!!

REVELL F-15 strike eagle

AMT USS Excelsior:

AMT Deep Space Nine

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Thursday, July 13, 2006 6:56 AM

UPDATE:
Well it feels the more I do, the more I cant put this model down.. Its not an overly difficult kit, but I am really enjoying seeing the newer parts being put on.. It is really starting to look like a Battleship.. And as I have modeled the real Yamato from WWII, this is becomming a nice build for me...

Just two more pics to show the extra detal that has gone on.. ALl I need to do is place all the mini guns around the side, and then she will be ready for painting..

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Cpt.Sponder

Member since
June 2006

Posted by Cpt.Sponder on Thursday, July 13, 2006 7:07 AM

very sweet chris! btw: what is that hook under the ship in front of the pod?

REVELL F-15 strike eagle

AMT USS Excelsior:

AMT Deep Space Nine

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Thursday, July 13, 2006 7:45 AM

Im guessing a sensor rod of some sort, or even something that has to do with direction.. Not sure.. I guess its just put there for show?

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Dubau

Member since
March 2006
From: Boyertown, PA, USA

Posted by Dubau on Thursday, July 13, 2006 7:56 AM

I have been looking at getting the old show " Star Blazers " on DVD but WOW all most 200 bucks. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Your build it looking good keep it up Thumbs Up [tup]

Bud

" You've experienced a set back, and without set backs and learning how to fix them you'll never make the leap from kit builder to modeler "

Reply

Cpt.Sponder

Member since
June 2006

Posted by Cpt.Sponder on Thursday, July 13, 2006 8:26 AM

maybe it's there for stability, like the sword under a wind surfing board?!?..

REVELL F-15 strike eagle

AMT USS Excelsior:

AMT Deep Space Nine

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Thursday, July 13, 2006 8:51 AM

Thanks Bud!... Dont worry, all Japanese Anime costs alot,,, Even here in Japan...

14 canons done.. And only 18 to go.. The little ones are always the hardest...

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Friday, July 14, 2006 2:42 AM

All cannons are on.. The decking is masked, and she is now all black.. The flash on the camera makes it look shiny... I will start the greys tomorrow..

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Cpt.Sponder

Member since
June 2006

Posted by Cpt.Sponder on Friday, July 14, 2006 3:50 AM

youre really flying through this one aint ya? youve been working on it everyday! when did you start? last week? bet you finish this baby up before the weekend ends!?!.. i dont mind though, since i cant wait to see her totally finished! nice job chris!

REVELL F-15 strike eagle

AMT USS Excelsior:

AMT Deep Space Nine

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Friday, July 14, 2006 4:10 AM

Thanks mate.. I am in a delema now.. I have done the mat black top to bottom, and I usually like to do ships canon.. But for some reason I am trying to think if I should do it in a more modern battleship grey with black undernieth.. Or should I do it with the red..

The extremist in me says, "like the Superman suit, it needs to be updated"... But the historian in me says that the Original Yamoto from the second world war had a red underbelly.. Really confused on this one???? I understand this isnt the real Yamato, but it is in fact designed to resemble it... Interested in some thoughts...

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Fish-Head Aric

Member since
September 2005
From: Chehalis, WA

Posted by Fish-Head Aric on Friday, July 14, 2006 7:16 AM

If I remember right, the Yamoto of the animated series Starlblazers was the original ship resurrected from its original WWII demise, and converted to be a war spacecraft. (Haven't seen it since its debut to the U.S. back in the late 1970s) Therefore, if that's the case, it would follow that it had the red belly paint.

If you were to be technical in "modern trends," it would be neither black, nor red, nor painted gray at all, but rather white with aztecing as the Star Trek series, or the space shuttle, or other craft we send to space, right?

~Aric Fisher aric_001@hotmail.com

Reply

Dubau

Member since
March 2006
From: Boyertown, PA, USA

Posted by Dubau on Friday, July 14, 2006 7:37 AM

On the box art, it's red and blue, but what I always say " You can always repaint it " hehe I think you should try what you wanted to do and if you don't like it change it Smile [:)]

BUT whatever you do, it's looking GREAT !!!!!!! Makes me want to bring my kit out hehhe

Bud

" You've experienced a set back, and without set backs and learning how to fix them you'll never make the leap from kit builder to modeler "

Reply

Cpt.Sponder

Member since
June 2006

Posted by Cpt.Sponder on Friday, July 14, 2006 9:08 AM

Dubau wrote:

On the box art, it's red and blue, but what I always say " You can always repaint it " hehe I think you should try what you wanted to do and if you don't like it change it

agreed! i would paint it according to your first ideas, hang on with the finishing gloss, eye-ball it a few days...

Or, if youre handy in photoshop, do quick color change.. (you have pics enough) roughly paint a pic in photoshop, make a few versions, then decide...

btw: i got some work done last night: glued the cockpit of my f15 together, went better then expected! this weekend: finish up the cockpit (bit of puttying, lotsa sanding..) and glue the main body.. hopefully i can find time to putty the main body as well, sand it, and give it it's first coat of paint.

for the main body, need some advice first, cause while the edges are all fine, the area with the air-intakes need to be squeezed into place a bit, any advice or methods to do this properly?

once i get there i will take some crappy nokia 6600 pics, and keep you guys posted.

REVELL F-15 strike eagle

AMT USS Excelsior:

AMT Deep Space Nine

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Friday, July 14, 2006 9:08 PM

Thanks Bud.. I really cant remember the last time I had a kit that got me thinking so much.. Really has been fun..

As for the colours, I will stay with tradition and paint it with the red belly.. I have done the grey, and am happy with the effect I have created..

So I will give it a few hours, do some actual work around the house and keep the wife happy, and then I will lay down the red..... I also decided to put a decking on it to give it a more realistic look...

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Dubau

Member since
March 2006
From: Boyertown, PA, USA

Posted by Dubau on Friday, July 14, 2006 9:26 PM

Chris, you are killing me. This, so for is a GREAT Build. I wanted to build a F4U Corsair next but now I am thiking........

Can't wait to see more

Thanks and have a GREAT night

Bud

P.S. What are you doing in Japan ?

" You've experienced a set back, and without set backs and learning how to fix them you'll never make the leap from kit builder to modeler "

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Friday, July 14, 2006 11:04 PM

Didn't have to wait long mate.. I masked her off and layed the red down...

ps: my wife is Japanese, and we have a daughter.. We have been here about 5 years.. My life before Japan, I was a business consultant.. But now, I am a (you guessed) english teacher.. Its a job and pays well, so no complaints..

Cheers Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Cpt.Sponder

Member since
June 2006

Posted by Cpt.Sponder on Saturday, July 15, 2006 5:22 AM

wow chris! she turning out even better then i expected! very cool! how did you do that weathering on the grey?

and lol, my dads a teacher too!

REVELL F-15 strike eagle

AMT USS Excelsior:

AMT Deep Space Nine

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Saturday, July 15, 2006 6:54 AM

Thanks Capt.. I still need to do the main canons, and the tail pipe...

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, July 15, 2006 7:43 AM

Great work Chris!I have 2 of these ships in this scale and a few in the smaller scales.I always like to see your post of ships that you are working on because you do such awsome work and very quickly too(also because you seem to build space ships that I really like)!

Other ships that I would love to see you build are:

TOS Battlestar,Enterprise C and E,Buck Rogers Starfighter,Space 1999 Eagle Transporter and a Battle of the Planets G5(Phoenix).These are some of the models that I have,but I just don't have the time and the skills to do as nice work as you do.

Jerry L.

Reply
Edit

Dubau

Member since
March 2006
From: Boyertown, PA, USA

Posted by Dubau on Saturday, July 15, 2006 7:56 AM

Chris, she's looking really good ! Where are you going to put her when you are done ?

And that's cool living there marryed and having a daughter. Always wanted to go here.

Well my friend, it's 8:45am and I have to get some COFFEE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hehhe

Looking good

Bud

" You've experienced a set back, and without set backs and learning how to fix them you'll never make the leap from kit builder to modeler "

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Saturday, July 15, 2006 5:17 PM

Thanks Bud.. Japan is a great place to visit, but after 5 years, even I need to get back to reality after a while...

Viperstar, thank you for your kind comments.. Its always nice when someone enjoy's your work.. As I do with many of the modelers on this site.. I can sit for hours and just look at what other people are doing!

As for your idea's of what you would like to see me do.. I have already built the TOS Galactica, but I sold it. But in saying that, I picked up another one to do for my own collection.. (So watch this space)...

I actually have recently built the Buck Rogers Starfighter.. I posted it over at this thread, with a few other ships in there as well..
http://www.finescale.com/FSM/CS/forums/638264/ShowPost.aspx

I have also already built the Enterprise C as part of my 1/2500 Enterprise set.. I will show pictures one day... And an Eagle transporter has always been one that I have wanted to do. But I simple know zero about them.. I remember my brother did one when I was a kid..

The Battle of the Planets Pheonix?.. I didnt know they made a kit for that? Interested in knowing more!.. That show is still very popular here in Japan.. I see alot of guys riding thier motorbikes, with the same helmets as in the show.. The clear front is even the same.. Very cool..

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

THE MAGAZINE

CONTACT US

RECENT ARTICLES

POPULAR TOPICS

RECENT REVIEWS

POPULAR TOPICS

RECENT REVIEWS

POPULAR TOPICS

RECENT VIDEOS

POPULAR TOPICS

RECENT THREADS

CATEGORIES

NEW PRODUCTS

OUR STORE

CURRENT ISSUE

SEARCH FINESCALE.COM