Summary
Tamiya have done it again – another superb kit. It’s a nice compromise between detail and ease of build. The construction process has been well thought out in what has been a complicated and problematic build in its previous manufacturer’s incarnations. This may not be the variant everyone really wants as the later bare metal aircraft have a far better range of subjects to model but these early olive drab aircraft definitely give you more weathering opportunities if that is your preference.
From the box the kit is impressive but some small aftermarket additions can make quite an improvement to the finished model (that said I would give the superchargers as miss !!).
Overall, I’ve really enjoyed this build and can highly recommend it to all levels of modeller.
Dave C.
SMN Quick summary Star rating out of 5
| FEATURE | STAR RATING |
|---|---|
| Quality of moulding | ***** |
| Accuracy | ***** |
| Instructions | **** |
| Decals | *** |
| Subject choice | **** |
| Build enjoyment | **** |
| Overall | **** |
Gallery
Below are a series of images of the completed model. Click on a thumbnail to see the enlarged image.
Rick says
That’s another awesome model Dave. I’m going to have to give the Maskol chipping a go, it’s a very realistic effect. Regards Rick
Bill Michaels says
Beautiful build! I love the maskol effect with the aluminum paint underneath- that is an idea I am definitely going to use!
One thing I noticed- using the decals for the red warnings near the cockpit afterwards makes them look like they were reapplied freshly on top of the weathered aircraft. (Did they do that? I have no idea.). If not, I wonder if there is a way to make them look equally weathered? Would dabbing little bits of aluminum on them work?
Bill Michaels says
Please understand that my above comment is not meant as a criticism of the build. I’m totally impressed with the results, and will use this article ( with the wonderfully explicit descriptions of the techniques used) on my own effort, and will be pleased with a result that is half as nice. I am asking the above question because I am unsure of what the usual practice was, and also wondering if my idea is a. Not historical; and b. Bound to fail…
davecoward says
Hi Bill,
No issues with your remarks. My thinking was the “NO STEP” on the sliding windows would have been less worn as the whole idea was not to step on them, the ones below would have been a lot more prone to “chipping” with boot toes as they were lower down.
That said in hindsight I would have applied the lower “NO STEP” decals and over wing fuel tank marking before removing the Maskol. This would have given them more consistent wear with the background as the decals over the Maskol would come off when the Maskol was removed giving a consistent wear pattern with the camouflage.
chipping.
Hope this explains my thinking Dave