Mike Wodka
Ann Arbor, Michigan
By far the largest submarines of World War II, the Japanese I-400 class was designed to carry, launch, and recover three Aichi M6A Seiran airplanes. Based on Tamiya’s 1/350 scale I-400 kit, and set in an ocean of Vallejo Water Effects, Mike’s scene portrays the planes being recovered after a mission. He says, “One plane has been folded up and is being pushed into the circular hanger. A second plane has just been raised out of the water and is ready to be swung onto the support carrier mounted on the launch railing. The third plane is taxiing up for recovery.” The only surviving Seiran was restored by the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum, which advised Mike on what was known about a lifting harness for the aircraft. He scratchbuilt the lift, and says, “The Smithsonian folks who have seen my photos feel it is a good try based on what is known.”