* N1K2-J Shiden-Kai ( George ) Japanese Fighter * 1/48 Scale Hasegawa

[73north]

Vector Resin Aftermarket ENGINE - replaces Hasegawa Kit Part !

This is my completed latest build

343 Kokutai , Naval Air Group -

Aircraft featured was Lt Takashi Oshibuchi ( six kills )

His Aircraft was wrongly featured as having 2 diagonal RED Stripes

on the Fuselage tail area , and is wrongly shown in the Kit Artwork

and also in the Kit Instructions by hasegawa

( always re-check your sources )

in fact the aircraft had White Stripes !

it is notable for the Montex masks which are used instead of

the Kit decals - plus you can then weather over these areas -

try doing that to a decal -

The National insignia and Unit Markings are the main benefits -

it used the Eduard etch , and a new item -

FUKUYA Brass Barrels for the 20mm Cannon and Pitot Tube

Another Notable addition is the VECTOR Resin Engine

( made in Russia ) - order from ' Parade Figures ' shop in UK

which is build as a kit in its own right , which replaces the single kit part

( which is just a sinlge part and looks like a Blob )

This Engine is so , so much more detailed and realistic -

it also has individual push rods made from Brass .

The Guns ( if you can see from my pics ) have a hollow end

plus so does the Pitot tube ,

another benefit is that everything is very strong as its all brass

anyway

hope you like - any comments ?

regards

 

[jspitza]

VERY good! Makes me want to get off my Luftwaffe kick and try the empire! Tahnks for sharing, Jeff

 

[Sky Raider]

You have done a fantastic job there mate, i love the wear and tear effect too, forgive me but my only comment would be that she needs a little bit if a wash... she looks too shiney. A bit more weathering would make a massive effect.

Sorry

Andy

 

[73north]

Dear andy

The fact is that the Japanese Aircraft based in Japan often

were in better shape than many people realise -

the paint shading you refer to , was most prevalent in the tropics

- then the wash you refer to - would be relevant -

This Unit was the Prized Defence Force for the Japanese Navy

so they were well maintained , till the surrender

I often refer people to the fact that the Surrender Photos are when

the aircraf had been left out in the elements , with no hangar protection

, and were clearly distressed -

I take no offence to your comments , merely state the different opinion

I hold , I don't go for the " Aircraft Dump 1946 " view ..........

the many photos I have studied of the Japanese Fighters during the war

and not after the war - I think hold true

however this is an opinion , I would need to have be around in July 1945

to know for sure , which of us is correct !

" Build what you like , the way you like - and above all , have fun "

Very best wishes David

Thanks for the Kind comments both of you !

 

[Sky Raider]

Hi David,

If your studies are correct and im sure they are, then i stand to be corrected, Im used to seeing some fantastic weathered planes on here and this one seems to be very clean. Forgive me if i am wrong. Still a fantastic job mate.

Cheers

Andy

 

[jspitza]

I've seen many Japanese AC that have effects to simulate the seasalt errosion. Is this the effect of the white or silver chipping on your model? I've always wondered how this effect was done. Thanks, Jeff

 

[73north]

I've seen many Japanese AC that have effects to simulate the seasalt errosion. Is this the effect of the white or silver chipping on your model? I've always wondered how this effect was done. Thanks, Jeff

I always use the Fine tip Artists Silver Pencil

and if covering a bigger area , a very fine paintbrush

You will find the real masters use that technique

 

[73north]

Hi David,If your studies are correct and im sure they are, then i stand to be corrected, Im used to seeing some fantastic weathered planes on here and this one seems to be very clean. Forgive me if i am wrong. Still a fantastic job mate.

Cheers

Andy

Dear Andy -

absolutely no offence taken - I could be wrong myself

trouble is that there is an ongoing controversy on J-aircraft.com

( great website )

that states that unless the aircraft were badly maintained in the field

and were in the tropics , then they were much less weathered

than is thought , especially in Japan .

If it is based in Burma or New Guinea , then any model of mine - really would be weathered and post-shaded , I can assure you

I also took the trouble to buy Genda's Blade ( Henry Sakaida ) Book

on History of the 343rd kokutai and the Issue of MARU MECHANIC -

covering the N1K2-J -

and both these showed the 343rd Kokutai to have its planes during the Summer of 1945 in pretty good health

I built the famous Ki-61 ( Tony ) of the red tail 244th sentai aircraft

of Lt Kobayashi - and accessed an actual Japanese website of a book

which has scores of aircraft from that unit photographed from that period

by the Japanese themselves -

I saw that his aircraft , pictured during the war had no grime for the

exhausts , and that the paint was in perfect order

I was told ' this is not weathered enough ' -

I think if you can show using original photos what the aircraft was like , you are on very firm ground .

These aircraft were not always in action every day , so maintenance was carried out .

however , thanks for your interest

your opinion does matter - to me - so I take your opinion seriously

I love not to be confrontational

this is supposed to be a Hobby

have a good week , sir

regards

David

PS MY Ki-43 III based in Burma in 1945

will not be shiny !!! :angel:

I will make sure of it .................

 

[yak face]

fantastic job! well done mate!

 

[Centurion3RTR]

WOW!! Looks awesome.

 

[jspitza]

I always use the Fine tip Artists Silver Pencil and if covering a bigger area , a very fine paintbrush

You will find the real masters use that technique

Thank you sir! I've gt a few in the stash so maybe one day.................