This is for the Japan group/theme build.
The Raiden has been one of my favorite Japanese aircraft ever since the early 70's when Revell had their classic 1/32 scale kit out. While it had 70's tech it still was loaded with features and details. This Hasegawa one is much more compete in fit and form. Two of my most favorite things to build on a kit are the pit and the engine. I knocked out the engine in about 3 hours with painting and weathering which most likely will not be seen. The decals that were used for the instrument panel just did not really want to behave but after some heavy coats of all of my decal setting solutions they finally succumbed and laid down nicely. I then shot some dull coat over them and completed the remainder of the cockpit assembly.
I had purchased some 32 scale Japanese seat belts that were two piece sets. No threading is required but understandably they did not come with any shoulder belts .The set is actually meant to be used on specific aircraft and replicates either cloth or leather belts.
I told you that he would be posting up. He did not let us down. Wow is it looking good. That cockpit is great. Exterior looks good especially those yellow leading edges. I personally have issues with yellow and whites. You aparrently had no issues. Looking good overall. You will have this one in the bank for the 2020 contest.
OK, how about now...???
Thanks, everybody. Now that things are progressing along quite well I am enjoying this kit even more. The fit is excellent and that being said I did have a couple of self inflicted injuries that I took care of. Decals are still Hasegawa and while they are nicer than earlier years they are still quite thick and takes quite a bit of decal juice to get them to settle in well. I have been able to get the undercarriage done but the wheels are kind of wonky but that's OK for me. The big problem that I had painting was the yellow warning area on the wing leading edges. I just did not have the right shade of yellow but all that aside I think I will have a different plan of attack if I do another one of these kits.I will be putting on the under wing Hinomaru tomorrow and then shooting a clear coat for weathering then a flat coat to bring it all together.
"since the theme has been changed. this project is on hold until further notice"
Not really. Paul is just fooling us and is going to spring one of his masterful creations on us when we least expect it. Mark my words he is going to post up new progress pictures soon.
since the theme has been changed. this project is on hold until further notice
Looking good Paul. I agree that putting some future or comperable product on the instrument faces will add a nice touch to the cockpit. The engine really came out real nice.
I am thinking that I will apply some clear coat to the instrument faces and see how that would improve the pit.