Chip is doing an ALF***Finished***

[Molly-new]

NOT this one:



This one:



User Name: Molly-new
First Name: Chip
Manufacture: Hasegawa
Scale: 1/72
Model Type: Japanese Navy Reconnaissance Sea Plane
After Market Items: None

[Dirkpitt289]

Looking forward to seeing this built.

[Molly-new]

The Kawanishi Type 94-1 (ALF) was a three-seat, single engine biplane on twin floats used by the Japanese Navy from 1934 through WW2. The aircraft was constructed of welded copper/steel tubing, covered with fabric. The aircraft was powered by a 12 cyclinder, 600 hp V-12 engine. The floats were of a tough all-metal construction, which allowed it to operate in fairly rough water. The aircraft was used aboard battleships and cruisers, and could also be based on small islands, supported by a seaplane tender.

It was mounted on the Heavy Cruiser HIJMS Tone, which was part of the IJN 8th Cruiser Division, which was involved in the Support Force for Pearl Harbor.

The kit is fairly basic, with sprues for the catapult:



And sprues for the plane:



The instructions I have are only for the catapult, and are in Japanese:





So once again, what I thought would be a nice easy build has turned into a bit of a nightmare

[dknights]

I have the kit and if you need instructions, let me know. I'll scan and send you a copy.

[Molly-new]

I have the kit and if you need instructions, let me know. I'll scan and send you a copy.

PM sent.

[Molly-new]

I have managed to get the Catapult done over a couple of nights:



Although a delicate process it went together smoothly. The only filler needed was to fill a hole on the trolley.

Once the plane is together (awaiting instructions from dknights, much appreciated) I can position it on the trolley and adjust the cable accordingly.

[JohnRatzenberger]

That's really neat !!!!

I have often wished someone would do a book on aircraft catapults (& the like) such that we could scratchbuild from them for display purposes, or better yet some of the aftermarket firms take this on in the form of country-era generic kits that could be tweaked as needed.

[Dirkpitt289]

I have managed to get the Catapult done over a couple of nights:



Although a delicate process it went together smoothly. The only filler needed was to fill a hole on the trolley.

Once the plane is together (awaiting instructions from dknights, much appreciated) I can position it on the trolley and adjust the cable accordingly.

That looks sharp as h[CENSORE]l. I like that a lot

[Dirkpitt289]

Can you make it work? An elastic band, maybe?

Now that would be funny.

[Dazzled]

Can you make it work? An elastic band, maybe?

Have you ever built one?

Really nice kit, but a little fragile!

And, I can just imagine the latest pride and joy hurtling across the lounge, powered by a 1/72nd catapult.

[Molly-new]

And, I can just imagine the latest pride and joy hurtling across the lounge, powered by a 1/72nd catapult.

I don't know about the latest pride and joy but I have come across a few builds that needed launching.

[Molly-new]

Made a start on the ALF;

Filled the ejector marks on the wings, made an IP, assembled the floats, and painted up the interior.

The seats are dry fitted at the moment as I am not 100% sure as to how they fit, but they seem to be right.



Crewmen aren't the best molded but as they will fill up an otherwise empty cockpit they will do.

[JamesPerrin]

It amuses me the kit is "Catapult with Alf" rather than the other way around - "Oh goodie a plane with my catapult model!".

[Molly-new]

"Oh goodie a plane with my catapult model!".

After receiving the instructions (thanks again Dave) I have been able to make a proper start on the ALF.

Taking inspiration from Brews and Dirks builds I have repainted the cockpit, and set about assembly.



The plastic is quite hard so getting the thin wing supports off the sprues is going to be a bit of a challenge.

[dknights]

I was glad to help. Can't wait to see this one. I love the ALF.