Jeff's Zuikaku Val***Finished***

[Dirkpitt289]

Have a good trip Jeff. We'll be here when you get back.

[jssel]

Yes..........Back now and will provide update probably in the morning. The Val was left safely in the paint shop.

[Dirkpitt289]

How did it come out? Inquiring minds want to know.

[jssel]

Ah, Grasshopper.....things progress very well.

[jssel]

Today's update has the Val painted the base color. I chose Tamiya XF-76 as it matches some of the documentation on J-aircraft. I have seen models finished in everything from Very light Gray to Carmel color but stuck with this one.






Next will be some more masking for the nose color of blue-black.

[Dazzled]

This is coming along nicely. Very neat build. I agree about Japanese Navy grey. It seems to be anybody's guess what colour to use!

[Dirkpitt289]

I was unaware of any aircraft at the time of the attack being green. I had thought they were all INJ Gray. See how fun it is to model. Just look at all the information we learn.

[jssel]

Yeah funny

XF76 Gray Green IJN looks very close to RAF Sky. Only my lack of photography skills makes it look that barf green.

[jssel]

This morning's update has the nose painted Tamiya Gloss Black with a touch of blue, some do-dads added like antenna mast, telescopic sight, boarding steps etc. You know, the stuff that breaks off so easily with handling.

Oh............the airframe is gloss coated for decaling now. Trusty ol Future.

One thing of note is that I mounted the entire glass part (2 pieces). The rear piece will be removed and razor sawed to open up the rearmost area to mount the gun. I hope my masking worked.

My 3x5 file card now has a finishing list so the end must be in sight.

[jssel]

Was up at first light today. The household was sleeping in and I hit the bench. Decaling is mostly done at this point.





One feature that was on most, if not all Val's, were drift angle marking on the horizontal stabs.

Since none are provided on the decal sheet I will make my own. One solid red decal sheet and one double bladed cutting do-dad. Careful cutting should work. I will need 8 of these suckers.

[Dirkpitt289]

Looking good but did I miss something? The last photos you posted was of a green aircraft.

[jssel]

It must be my sunlamp that faded it.

I use it for SDD this time of year.

[Dirkpitt289]

Too funny

[jssel]

With time running out I am nearing the finish line now. Here is the drift angle lines applied. Now matter how tight I turned the knob the blades could only go so far. I do wish they were a little finer in width.



The position and formation lights got the treatment also. I normally start by painting them silver. Over that is a coat of Tamiya Transparent Red, Green and Blue cooresponding to the correct light.



So it is time for the final clear coat. I will finish with messing around with the rear clear piece so I can mount the gun.

[Dirkpitt289]

Stunning work.