BradG 1,170 Posted October 1 Report Share Posted October 1 I'll be using the Tamiya 1/48 kit for this build, along with the Rising Decals Dying Sun Part II. I also have a small etch set that I picked up cheaply which might lend some parts to it. Unfortunately the 1/48 sheet only gives you the tail designation and writing for this machine, so I will have to source a few US markings elsewhere along with painting the fin flash. The aircraft will be the former yellow 343S-23 of the 343rd Kokutai based out of the Philippines in early 1945. Stripped and repainted in American markings it was brougth up to airworthy status. I believe the intent was to ship her home to the US, but after a taxing accident that damaged the undercarriage beyond repair the aircraft was grounded. It was presumably scrapped/destroyed onsite sometime after the war. Pics of decals and plastic to follow shortly. 7 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tolvcat 5,096 Posted October 1 Report Share Posted October 1 Ooh, nice. I'll look forward to seeing this one come together. Andy 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mad Steve 25,049 Posted October 1 Report Share Posted October 1 Nice one Brad 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradG 1,170 Posted October 2 Author Report Share Posted October 2 Here's what I'm working with. Also if I get time, this might be my next build here. I managed to find the low wing N1K2 at a swap meet a week or two ago. I also have Dying Sun Part III. 5 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mad Steve 25,049 Posted October 2 Report Share Posted October 2 Nice one Brad I like Japanese Aircraft 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradG 1,170 Posted October 4 Author Report Share Posted October 4 The PE seat looks much nicer than the kit supplied part. It also comes with seatbelts. I won't bother much with the rest of the interior PE, you won't see it. 5 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradG 1,170 Posted October 6 Author Report Share Posted October 6 Cockpit completed. Sorry its a little dark but you can see the seatbelts which make it look nice. You can pretty much only see the seat through the fuselage so the rest will be virtually hidden. The within about half hour of installing the cockpit, I ended up with this. I did pain the engine before installing but it's nothing special and you can't really see it either. Fit is quite nice. The aircraft was found without the underwing gun blisters and I don't believe there were holes in the wing, so I'm filling them in with some spure. 5 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradG 1,170 Posted October 17 Author Report Share Posted October 17 Ok up on it's legs and I've finished off painting the interior. Also might have some liquid refreshments tonight. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradG 1,170 Posted November 7 Author Report Share Posted November 7 Lots more smaller parts added along with a little more of the photo etch, just for parts that look much better than the kit supplied bits. Almost ready for some paint, but I will have to wait for some better days weather wise. Airbrushing anything but a small job with an evaporative cooler on is not an option. 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradG 1,170 Posted November 13 Author Report Share Posted November 13 No going back now. SMS Jet Black is on, now I should get some decent weather over the next day or so to hit it with SMS Super Silver......wow, also use in a well ventilated area as they are lacquers. 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradG 1,170 Posted November 16 Author Report Share Posted November 16 Shiney....SMS Super Silver is on and dry. It seems to be a pretty hard wearing silver, however it's a little less forgiving than my usual Humbrol 27002 polished aluminium, but it does look a bit better. Now on to painting the fin flash. 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mad Steve 25,049 Posted November 16 Report Share Posted November 16 Very nice Brad 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradG 1,170 Posted November 19 Author Report Share Posted November 19 It took me 3 attempts to get the masking right for the fin flash. It was done using 2mm Tamiya tape. Not bad. I will let this dry overnight before masking up the blue stripe. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradG 1,170 Posted November 20 Author Report Share Posted November 20 I had some good weather so decided to finish her off. US insignia came from the spares box. Weather kept pretty light on as she was not flown. I was also mucking around with a little base made from tile grout, fine static grass and some individual tufts. I've also got some drums and stuff to add and I've been on the hunt for appropriate figures. Thanks for following along. 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
davidwomby 171 Posted November 20 Report Share Posted November 20 That's a beauty. David 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Blue Noser 4,873 Posted yesterday at 07:48 PM Report Share Posted yesterday at 07:48 PM Very nicely done, that metallic finish is sweet! Bob 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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