I started Fine Molds 1/48 D4Y1 “Judy” on Friday, and here’s where I am this afternoon. And yes, the wings are attached to the fuselage halves. Dryfitting showed I could apply pressure from the inside while attaching the wings, and any gaps were eliminated.
I had posted pics of the sprues when I first got the kit, and the only reply I got was someone (can’t remember who) saying the fit is bad. Nothing could be further from the truth. The fit is beautiful. I used a tiny bit of white glue on the leading edge between the wing and fuselage. There is also a tiny gap in front of the windscreen. This is one of the BEST fitting kits I’ve ever built. I had built the radial-engined version about eight years ago, and I couldn’t remember any problems.
There are a lot of white metal parts in the cockpit. The seats, rudder pedals, control stick, gunsights, bombsight, rear gun & supports, and ammo cans. The main gear & tailwheel are also metal. I also got a vac canopy, as the kit’s injected canopy is molded closed.
Thanks for letting me share the start of another build with you ! [8)]
Great job on the cockpit interior [tup][tup]. I’ve always felt the Fine Molds kits are a little overpriced, but they do build up into very nice models. For a 1/48 Judy, I think they are the only injection molded kits available.
Rick - this is the only injected kit in 1/48, and I got it on sale at Squadron for $30 ! The usual retail is more than twice that.
Manny - it’s possible to post more now.
I still have some sanding to do on the upper cowl piece, but this will be easy.
There was a rather large gap on the bottom of the fuselage. The bottom part of the rear fuselage is a separate part, and is a little short. I added a piece of sheet styrene here. Besides the little gaps I mentioned before, this is it for filler on this kit.
As you can see in this pic, attaching the wings & tailplanes to the fuselage halves didn’t affect their alignment. I’m REALLY liking this kit !
Consistently excellent work. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Fine Molds kits, and you’re taking it to the next level (as usual!) Looks great, Pixilater.
Paul
The Fine Molds kits are nice (IMHO), but I’ll only buy them when they’re on sale. The instructions are in Japanese only, and colors are listed for Mr. Color enamels (not available in U.S.). Matching the characters & decyphering the colors are the toughest part, but if you build Japanese aircraft, you can figure it out.
After tomorrow, when she gets painted, this “Power Building” will come to and end. Need more time for the paints & clear coats to cure. I’ll post pics after the painting. (but their kits look nice even without paint !)
