Hot on the heels of his 'Val', Alex Rodionov has also very kindly shared these images of his stunning build of the Airfix 1/72 Nakajima B5N1 'Kate' attacker in classic and colourful red-tailed configuration.
In lieu of conclusive information about the colour scheme Alex elected to represent a painted aluminium finish. The markings are from Rising Decals set RD72059 'Japanese Naval Carrier Bombers Pt.II' and represent an aircraft of a maintenance practicing unit with tail code SeiRen-377 (for Seibi Renshuu) at Yokosuka in 1941. The red fuselage stripe was promulgated in November 1940 to distinguish the aircraft of the 3rd Carrier Division. The stripes on the tail, although often described as aim-off assistance for the rear gunner, are for drift measurement, usually set 5 degrees apart from the centre line and used in conjunction with smoke floats or dye markers and a drift sight and plotter to assist in lining up a bearing from the drift sight to the indicator in order to calculate deviation in heading.
The final image shows Alex's Airfix B5N1 lined up with an example of the B5N2 built from the earlier Mania/Hasegawa kit.
With very special thanks to Alex for sharing these images and more great models to come from him.
Image credit: All photos © 2021 Alex Rodionov
13 comments:
What a gorgeous build! I've struggled with the decision of whether to try and sell of my Hasegawa Kates to fund the purchase of the Airfix kit(s), and seeing his results has about made up my mind.
WD
Another winner from the hose of Rodionov!
Indeed, the Airfix kit is a gem and Alex has created a stunningly attractive and realistic representation of "Miss Kate"
Thanks, Nick, for the explanation of the real reason for tail stripes and their application..fascinating as usual!
Absolutely superb! The early Kates look great in the silver/red decoration so expertly executed by Alex. A pleasure to look at.
As aptly described by Mr. Ronconi a true gem of a kit and a gem of a build. Thank you Alex for letting us see this superb Kate, thank you Airfix for making this fine kit and thank you Nick for your blog and the history you share with us. The fine models you post are always enhanced by your commentary. So many outstanding models!!
A very fine example of a B5N1 from the Airfix kit. I have built plenty of the Hasegawa version but this certainly make me want to pickup the Airfix. Keep the quality content coming Nick
I am pleased with your kind words, Gentelmen, thank you!
And I would like to thank again Nick for sharing and unique information about marking of the 3rd Carrier Division and the tail stripes.
I can't say worsts words for Hasegawa-Mania Kate, but after Arifix kit... It's iust wonderful kit.
That looks wonderful! Congratulations to Mr Rodionov on such a fantastic result. Can you ask him how he achieved that pale aluminium colour for the airframe? It looks excellent to me. Thank you very much for sharing!
Thank you for the comment, William.
Main color- not polished Gunze Mr. Metal Color 218. Pale aluminium color was achieved by Mr. Color 182 warnish and weathering by oil paint and watersoluable metallic pencils.
That's brilliant. I've just placed an order for some Mr Metal Color and a range of metallic oils. Thank you for sharing your expertise. Your work is fantastic! :)
Another superb model, Alex, and good photography to show it off. Thanks for the chance to see it, Alex and Nick.
Beautiful Kate, i love the subtle weathering you done.
Another great job, Alex. Thanks for sharing, Alex & Nick.
Alex, stunning Kate. Airfix's cockpit is surprisingly good. You have me interested in this kit.
Thanks,
Fred
Post a Comment