Despite the nervousness for being my first bi-plane, this was a fun and relaxing build. Here is my 1/48 Arii K5Y1 Willow. this was for the IJA/IJN Planes That Never Get Built GB…there is some pretty neat stuff over there. Definately worth taking a peek.
Instead of the bright orange “Aka Tombo” (Red Dragonfly) trainer, I went with the nice mesh of silver lacquer with black and red trim. The kit was excellent, especially for an older one. Crisp recessed panel lines, 2 different sized rigging wire was included, the decals were thin…and it was all under $7. Can’t beat that.
The “Silver Lacquer” is actually the Citidel Colours “Mithril Silver”, which is an acrylic.
As always, the pictures reveal some areas that need some finishing up, but here she is as of bed time tonight:
That was deserving of more than just a peek, Charles. Outstanding work, and I love the metal finish. One of the nicest I’ve seen. 2 big [tup] [tup] my friend!
THanks, everyone. I really do appreciate the comments.
Mike: The Citidel Colours “Mithri Silver” really makes a nice lacquered aluminum look. It doesn’t look like NMF in person, which is the look I was after. Being acryilic, it was easy to handle and thinned great with Tamiya thinner.
Mark: You’re not kidding. For the price, this is one of the nicer kits I’ve built. Otaki/Arii kits really have nice price points. Hopefully the experience I learned from this will make my next ni-plane, a vintage Lindberg kit with some goodies (hint, hint), look a little nicer.
Frank: The rarity of the subject was what really caught my eye at the model shop. It was a spur of the moment buy AND build. I was like Fred, in the “I’ll never try a bi-plane” mindset until I saw this kit…well, and all the stunning bi-planes you guys put out here.
Summit: Yes they are a little addicting. Kind of like hot sauce: they sting and make you sweat but you keep going back for more. I have a neat old Lindberg Goshawk in my stash with one of the nicest resin AM kits I’ve seen: ModelNerd’s own self-made kit.
Thanks, Rick.
Fred: I always felt the same way. If you ever feel like giving one a try, I’d highly recommend this kit. It wasn’t that hard and the piano wire supplied for the rigging made it easier than I had anticipated.
Marc: Most people have a lot of kits in their stash, but I probably lead the pack with kits in my “Next to Build” on-deck circle. Those kits do more jockeying for position than an Indy 500 race.
Awesome work there Your Highness, really love the NMF. You did that with Citadel Mithrill silver? Come on…your yanking my chain. I love those citadel paints and use them a lot, but to do an NMF. you are the man [bow]
Cracking subject as well, and for your 1st Rigged biplane. Top marx.
