1/48 Hasegawa B5N2 Kate

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

This B5N2 Kate is part of a 3 model kit that Hasegawa released a few years ago. The other two planes are an A6M2 Zero and an D3A1 Val. The 3 planes all took part in the initial attack on Pearl Harbor, and were launched off Imperial Japanese Carriers.

To stay with the theme; I decided to build a 1:48 replica of the IJN carrier Hiryu. I chose to build a 1/4th section of the carrier as it should be ample room (24”x36”) to get some photographs of all 3 planes together once they’re all finished.

This was the first time I utilized photoshops function to replace the background in favor of some real images and really enjoy how the photos turned out. I also just started using a 105mm macro lens.

Overall, I am satisfied with the kit and am excited to start the next two planes.

2

Thats a very sharp looking build! Nice to see a Hiryu aircraft for a change. What colors did you use for the topside and bottomside camouflage?

3

Awesome - well done. I’ve never seen that camo scheme on Japanese aircraft - very cool

Great pics BTW

4

Thank you!

I primarily use Tamiya paints.

The top green is XF-11 JN Green with XF-52 Flat Earth mottles.

Bottom also has the same color scheme as the top on the outer sections of the wings. The bottom middle area as well as down the bottom of the fuselage is a mixture of XF-14 JA Gray and XF-52 Flat Earth. This combo created a cream color.

5

Very nice build! [t$t] [t$t] [t$t]

Great photo work too!

Stay safe.

Jim [cptn]

6

Well done! New scheme to me as well.

7

GreenTerrorz, That is a great looking Kate. I love the camo scheme and you executed it very well![:D[ My hat is off to you for going the extra mile (or three) in building a section of carrier deck!

8

I’m with the others, that’s a beautiful Kate! And your presentation looks great, too, that’s an excellent job with the background! Well done!

9

A few shots with white background and of the bottom for those interested -

10

Absolutely beautiful!

11

Hi, GT - That’s a really well done Kate, the camo finish is exceptional and the photos display the workmanship just great. The carrier deck turned out very nicely, it adds a lot more to the model. Thanks for the post and details.

Patrick

12

Thank you for your kind words!

13

Highly impressed by your work and painting -finish. The carrier section is also terrific. Did you carve it or used wood strips? [:D[

14

And I absolutely fell in love with that torpedo

15

Thank you! I used 6 flat 12"x12" sheets of Balsa wood which was glued to styrofoam. I carved the wood using a meter stick and pencil. After it was all carved, I used various oil paints to stain the wood. On certain planks, I removed some paint with thinner or added more paint to make it darker.

Here is the deck prior to completion of carving and without any oil paint:

and here it is after:



16

I haven’t posted on here in a while but this…this is definitely worthy of a comment. Amazing paint work on the Kate and then again on the photography of it. Just beautiful work in all aspects. WOW!!

17

Very well built kit and the photo work in inspiring. [Y]

BK

18

Very cool builds, can’t wait to see them all together.

19

Thanks everyone!