Thanks Gam, yeah the new Airfix kits are a really good value.

Continuing on with the Kate. I attached the fuselage to the wings and vert stabilizers to the fuse. The only complaint I have with the kit, which is easily remedied with a little trimming and sanding, is the attachment point of the wings and stabilizers to the parts tree. The attachment points are big and invade on the surfaces. But like I said these are easily remedied.

If you decide to build this kit, be aware of the gauge at the bombardier's position. The panel it is attached to came loose while installing the fuselage because the gauge slips into a slot on the fuse. This was easily fixed bit reinstalling the panel after the fuse was on.

The gaps at the wings and stabilizers are very small and the fit is tremendous IMO.

I really like this kit. Good on ya Airfix!

Thanks for the heads up! 

It does look like a gem of a kit. 

I worked on the seams tonight, painted some grey to check for smoothness and sanded a little more. I then went over the panel lines to remove the Mr Dissolved Putty and I think that should do it.
Tomorrow night I'm spraying silver for a base for some chipping. Japanese aircraft weren't as worn out and chipped as they were at the end of the war but there was some. I also sanded and smoothed the torpedo. I'm not going with the Type 91 modification 2 Torpedo which was used at Pearl (adding the wooden fins) because I'm building this as a May 1942 time frame. The kit is awesome enough to include the wood fins for the Mod 2 torp, but doesn't seem to include instructions to add the modification to the kits torpedo. 

Everything looks nice and smooth. She's coming along fine. 

Hi Gamera,

Looks like I get to join another of your Japanese GBs.  I got this for the Midway GB and this one and plan to start on it early next month.

The kit is bigger than I expected.  

Oh wow, now that's cool! Looking forward to seeing her come together. 

Sure I'll put you down right now. 

After some frustration with PBucket, I'm back with a brief update on the Gekko. Made up some seatbelts with Tamiya tape and fine florist wire and got the seats installed. The photos were taken a couple months ago, but I couldn't get up the resolve to post them - I'm still reluctant to set up a Flickr account. Anyway, here's the pics:

" />

Since then, I"ve been smoothing things in prep for paint and working on the detail parts so they'll be ready to install.

Great builds going on in here!

Mike

Mike I know what you mean, everytime I use PB anymore I feel like someone kicked me in the head but I've got so much stuff on there I hate to switch out for another service.

On a happier note really nice work there! I've tried making seat belts with tape but they never looked as good as yours.

I really appreciate the compliment, Gamera. This was (is) my first attempt at scratching seatbelts. I had a good reference from a detailed blog of the same kit, and it took several attempts. What I value most about the FSM forum is the knowledge and input I gain from other members; it encourages me to go ahead and push my skills forward.

BTW, really enjoyed seeing your work in the Favorite Builds thread!

Mike

Mike: Hey thanks man! 

When I tried using tape I ended up with it sticking to itself, sticking to my fingers, sticking to the seat where I didn't want it... I've had somewhat better success with paper seatbelts but I ended up just buying some the Eduard PE ones that I use most of the time now. They're pretty cheap and pre-painted- and I'm lazy.

Steve: The NM looks good!  

Steve: 

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.

She's lookin' good Steve. Some fine work there with the mottling. And the chipped, dinged-up paint looks great. 

MC that Kate is lookin' real good - hard to believe its 1/72nd!

Cliff, the "secret" for the tape seatbelts is to fold over the tape on itself (learned that from a post here on the forum). Then cut to width and get the drape over the seat to suit, then attach with a dab of your favorite glue.

Miike

Hi Steve, that is exemplar work on the Kate - a fine example of this workhorse of the IJN.

regards,

Jack

Wow Steve, she came out great!!! As I said, love the mottling. 

Will get you posted as soon as I get a chance! 

Mike: Hey thanks! I was trying to use the tapes own stickiness to attach it to the seats. So fold it over and use glue- thanks! 

Jack, thanks, that means a lot.

Gam, thanks pardner, I have started dabbling with the Takao again.

Steve

Steve: The Takao sounds awesome! Been trying to download and then upload your photo to post it and having some goofy issues here. Will get you posted to the front page before too much longer (hopefully!) 

PB??

You should be able to highlight then copy the photo and paste it where you want.

Hey Steve, not sure what was going on. My boss's computer was saving the photo in some weird format that wasn't a picture file. Very strange, I've never seen it do that before.

Well anyway I downloaded the photo on my laptop, uploaded it to PB, and posted it so you are golden. Of course if you'd prefer a different photo just let me know and I'll change it out.

That one is just fine Gam, especially with all the trouble you have been having.

I switch from PB to imageshack around 2 years ago. I just let all the pictures stay on PB and just started loading new ones on IS. Occasionally, I go to PB to get a photo or maybe move a couple over and am so glad I changed. I really don't understand how they stay in business.

Really good result with the Kate there Steve. that all happened in the twinkling of an eye  - in the same timeframe I have anaged to glue on one more piece of PE railing!

What's your method for the squiggles/blotches? i.e. paint type, thinning ratios, pressures? I have not tried anything that fine yet.

Thanks Steve, I've had others refer me to ImageShack too. I'm at the point of being in something like a bad relationship with PH right now. I keep swearing I'm going to leave but then keep coming back. 

Lost, thanks,

I applied Tamiya acrylic for that one. I used high pressure because low pressure will make my AB spit. My thinning ratio was probably 60% lacquer thinner 40% paint. I got within around 1/2 inch and barley pulled the trigger for the paint supply.

Gam,

I understand, I'm just not as patient as you are.

Great looking kate steve!

Thank you,

Hopefull Ican do some justice to the Takao.