1/48 Hasegawa N1K1-Ja Shiden (Finished)

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
21

Nice. I learned something new today.

22

Thanks for stopping by Johnny…

23

I finally got this turkey off my bench. A long time coming. As I said, this one was primarily an exercise in the use of chipping fluid. I tried to concentrate around the areas I thought would see the most wear. Overall, I’m pretty happy with how it turned out. Next time I will use a lighter green because the IJN is so dark I find it hard to weather. I prefer the IJA green much better. For the wash(s) I started with Flory and then finished with some AK oil here and there, although the latter is hard to see.

To recap, it’s the Hasegawa kit built mostly out of the box. I did add PE belts and Quickboost cannons, but only because I already had them. Markings were painted on with Montex masks. I didn’t bother rigging the engine because not much can be seen in there.

The subject represents a Shiden from 402 Hikotai 341 Kokutai in the Phillipines in 1944. Try as I may, I could not find a pilot specific Shiden. Perhaps they flew whatever was available in the Phillipines at that time. These were reportedly very unreliable.

That about sums it up…thanks for following.

Now that I’m back in Pacific mode, perhaps it’s time for a Zero?

24

I don’t know how you do it Joe … so many fine builds in so short a time! This one is no exception.

You don’t work for a living of course, you get up at 5 am, breakfast at 5:45, at the bench by 6:30 and build models until the lids of your eyes get droopy around 11 pm. Right? [:D]

You know I envy both your talent and your work ethic. I’m retired and I can’t seem to motivate myself to put in the time at the bench that many here do … but it’s great to be able to reference such outstanding work. I also learn from you Joe … thank you.

25

Thanks Mike. I appreciate your kind words. Actually my bench time is at a premium. I work nights, 12 hour shifts. On the night before I go back to work, I stay up all night to reaclimate my body to sleeping during the day. This yields me 6 or 7 hours of bench time in once or twice a week. I find it very relaxing…me, my bench, and Net Flix…lol.

26

Another fantastic build! I’m in the same boat you are, I work 3rd shift 10hour days 6days a week they have started giving us every other weekend off since right before Christmas except for this weekend. Anyway you get alot done for such little time.

27

Thanks Clint. Our shifts are from 6p to 6a, so it’t more like afternoons/midnights I suppose. One of my shifts is an 8 hour and we get every other weekend off, which is nice. The only downside is that sometimes I have trouble sleeping like a normal person on my days off. I usually need a sleeping aid. I’ve found that Olly stuff works pretty well. Thanks again for dropping in.

28

Another beauty Joe. Put me down for front row watching the Zero build

29

Bourbon works too :slight_smile:

Good to see this one finished. I like the chipping; not overly done. Fantastic job as usual.

30

Gorgeous as always Joe. What different shades of alclad did you use?

31

Thanks Johnny. It will actually be a tandem build with a buddy who will be building the same kit. We did it years ago with that Monogram A-10 and it was fun.

32

ha! so does NyQui! Thanks for dropping in Ole.

33

Thanks Robert. I used Duraluminum as the base then picked out a few panels with Dark Aluminum. The tank is regular Aluminum.

34

LD, that metallic finish is just superb. I don’t see too many Japanese birds coming off your workbench, hopefully this means will see a few more?!

35

Thanks Chad. I do sometimes but it’s been a while. There will be many, including a zero next. Besides, I want to keep practicing the chipping technique which I’m really starting to like.

36

Hey Joe,

Glad to see you finally finished this turkey! Looks great.

Thanks for sharing!

37

Whadda fine / superb job on my favorite Japanese warbird. These things backed up their beefy looks with one helluva “one-two punch” in firepower and ruggedness. Weathering and paint are at a premium here Joe.[Y]

38

Thanks Max. Thanks for checkin’ this turkey out.

39

Thanks Joe. It’s one of my favorites too. I actually like it better than the N1K2 personally.

40

Nicely done Lawdog! I also like the N1K1 better than the N1K2. The mid wing configuration and gondola cannon look more interesting. The N1K2 looks less edgy and more developed. Kind of why I like the F-102 better than the F-106.