Dirk's Nakajima B5N2 - 'Kate'

[Dirkpitt289]

Just one thing (and you might be able to work on this even with the fuselage closed) is that those black semi-circular things in the gunner's cockpit are Lewis drums (or rather, drums for the Japanese Lewis copy), so they should be round. I'd paint them round, even though they're moulded as semi-circles.

Yeah, but I think because of the curvature of the fuselage you won't see them. I'll look again when I get home

[Dirkpitt289]

I'm doing some filling on my Kate and I noticed that the holes for the Torpedo are pre-drilled. Now that's not a big deal but my question is DID Air Strike Leader Lt. Cdr. Mitsuo Fuchida actually carry a torpedo that day or was he strictly overseeing the battle? Should I fill in the holes or add the torp? I'm leaning toward adding the fish but want clarification first.

[Dirkpitt289]

I prefer to load the torp but for accuracy I'll skip it. I do have two of these kits and I could add it to the second one later on. Also seeing as you're doing the bomb I'll skip that also and go for the empty bomb rack. Any photos of what the rack looks like?

[Dazzled]

I'm doing some filling on my Kate and I noticed that the holes for the Torpedo are pre-drilled. Now that's not a big deal but my question is DID Air Strike Leader Lt. Cdr. Mitsuo Fuchida actually carry a torpedo that day or was he strictly overseeing the battle? Should I fill in the holes or add the torp? I'm leaning toward adding the fish but want clarification first.

It's also my understanding, from researching my Akagi model, that Fuchida definately didn't carry a torpedo as his aircraft was equipped as a level bomber and had neither the correct rack or aiming sight for a torpedo. Whether or not the aircraft was actually armed with any bombs was something I was unable to ascertain.

You could always leave the racks empty.

[Dirkpitt289]

You could always leave the racks empty.

I think that's going to be the plan

[bromo]

Looking very nice so far Dirk, and the background info you give is very usefull.Look forward to more.

[Dirkpitt289]

Last we left the Kate I had closed up the fuselage



Wings installed





Nice joint





Tail in place

[Dirkpitt289]

I should have but I filled it with Green Putty instead

[Dirkpitt289]

Engine mounted





Some filler was needed







Primer applied





Masking the canopy, part 1. Just look at those gaps in the canopy

[Dazzled]

Terrific progress Dirk. Looks like an impressive beast.

[Dirkpitt289]

Thanks for the kind words Daz

[Dirkpitt289]

Not a lot to update today. Last night I applied the aluminum to the top of our aircraft.

[bromo]

Looking very good Dirk,great job

[Dirkpitt289]

Thanks Bromo, it means a lot..

[Dirkpitt289]

I purposely left them out and plan to fill with Micro Krystal Klear after the paint is applied