Here’s the 1/24 Trumpeter Nakajima A6M2-N “Rufe,” that I raised from the box. [(-D]
Its pretty much straight from the box. I only added seat harnesses, rudder pedal straps, trim wheel chain, and gunsight glass& sights. Its painted with the discontinued Aeromaster acrylic Nakajima Navy Green, Navy Gray, and cowl Blue Black. I used the kit decals (and was a little disappointed with them). I’m going to correct the dolly, and scratch a ladder (these kit items are lacking).
Hope you like it, and thanks for letting me share the build with you.
(This is the sight I wouldn’t want to see in real-life !)
Excellent build, a very nice model. I note you are not a fan of weathering and paint chipping. I also prefer my models in fairly pristine finish, a matter of personal taste. Going from the Olimp 1/72 Jenny to this monster must have been a bit of a schock to your system. BTW how did the rigging on the Jenny turn out? Looking forward to seeing your next build. Thanks very much for sharing this one.
Hey Pix,
What else can I say, the Rufe looks awesome. I may have to go out and get me one!![:p].
Lookin at your build, I still cant believe thats Trumpeters kit. It kinda looks like something that Tamiya or Hasegawa would do. I mean the lines look great, detailing is unbelievable (especially the interior) and the engraved panels are clean as well.
Over all she looks great!! Maybe some weathering this time? I know I know clean builds[:p][;)].
Again a job well done my friend.
Flaps up, Mike
Thank you upnorth, obiwan, therriman, Rick, & Butz !
obiwan - I have three that I’m contemplating (all 1/48):
Trimaster Me 262 in NMF
Hasegawa Ar 234B-2 with Verlinden set
Eduard P-39Q profi-pack (need to get decals)
therriman - the top speed of the A6M2 “Zeke” was 331 mph, while the “Rufe” was capable of 271 mph. The float cost them 60 mph.
Rick - it is a misnomer that Japanese aircraft shed their paint at the rate depicted by so many models. Only the Betty Model 22 was notorious for this. These aircraft shed their paint because of a lack of primer. All floatplanes & carrier aircraft (prone to salt water/air) were primed. Japanese aircraft were no more prone to peeling than U.S. a/c. Some of the “Special Attack Squadrons” (kamikaze) were A6M2 Zekes, in service for two or more years & used by training units. These were extensively weathered.
There is a wash on the Rufe. It just doesn’t photograph well on the dark surfaces. It is more apparent on the undersides.
I gave the Jenny to my brother and his family. They had recently been to Hammondsport (sp), where the Curtiss museum is. My niece liked the picture of the plane that she saw, so its now at their home. Never got around to rigging it.
Butz - if I had the planes displayed on an environmental base, some weathering would be appropriate. To me, they just don’t look like they belong on a shelf that way. And I don’t have the display space to add a base to every model. Its more like my home is a miniature museum. I prefer 'em that way. To each their own, I guess.
Pix, I absolutely agree that the weathering & especially paint chipping seen on many models is way overdone. As you say, in a diorama/environmental setting it is appropriate, but I prefer my “shelf sitters” in a more pristine finish. A good freind and fellow modeler, who weathers the heck out of his AC models, refers to my builds as “Hobby Shop Clean”, but I prefer “Factory Fresh”. Anyway, to each his own, and congratulations again on a great build. Keep em coming.
Frank - this will give you an idea of just HOW big…
(I’m 6’, 200 lbs)
(try not to laugh too long or too heartily at the “Old Geezer” Pix !) [(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D]
pix my friend, you are most humble. that is a fantastic build. but that is no suprise in the little time i have been a member here i have seen nothing but beautiful builds from you. thankyou for the peek. (at both the rufe and you)
Yes, Mr. Pix, a beautiful build (the Rufe, that is[(-D][:-,]) Thanks for showing it. I’m afraid to post my picture on the forum, because most of you probably haven’t downloaded the anti-ugly software yet. Might blow up all your monitors[sigh] I usually weather my a/c models, but my cars and motorcycles remain showroom clean. Like ya’ll said, just personal preference.
Wow Pix that is surely a wonderful model. Very nicely done. Thanks for sharing. It is guys like you that give the rest of us the motivation and the urging to move forward. I stopped modeling for several years, and have just gotten back into to it a year or two ago. I have yet to finish anything but have many started and in various stages of completion. Joining the USMC and starting the NMF group builds has made me more focused then ever. It is nice to see someone like you do so much, when the rest of us are sort of struggleing. At least I am, but thanks for the much needed encouragement and motivational photos. Great work. I would like to add that one to my collection, when I can afford too and when I have the room to.
Always a pleasure seeing your work, Pix. Clean, solid build! That model sure has a lot of details. I could even see the rivets! Great pictures by the way.
Hey Pix,
I was only pulling your chain about the weathering bit[:(] Ok I go sit in box for 5 minutes then I go free[:p][;)].
Seriously your one of a few that can build an a/c clean and still make her look tough!!
Flaps up, Mike
