Aichi D3A1 Val, 1/72, Airfix

[Stupot]

Aichi D3A1 VAL

Hi everyone,

Here I have 2 builds, each using one of the 2 decal options in the Airfix kit. These kits needed a lot of filler especially on the undersides where I had to deal with a large step between the fuselage halves. I wanted to keep all the rivet detail although inevitably some of it was lost during the filling and sanding sessions.

The transparency was quite thick and lacked clear frame lines but I masked it up as best as I could and although it looks a bit rough I’m fairly happy with how it turned out.

There are a few extra details that I could have added but I decided to concentrate on the build and paint finish. Overall I enjoyed making these 2 kits together and I’m happy with the results.

So here we go with the kits...

Aichi Val, Carrier Division 1, Carrier Kaga, Operation AI, Pearl Harbor, December 7th, 1941
DSC_0716 by Stuart Smith, on Flickr

DSC_0713 by Stuart Smith, on Flickr

DSC_0714 by Stuart Smith, on Flickr

For the grey colour I used xtracolor Japanese Navy Grey and added it drop by drop to Humbrol satin white until I got the shade I wanted. Both models are brush painted and finished with Humbrol Matt cote.

Aichi Val, 1st Squadron, Carrier Soryu, Operation AI, Pearl Harbor, December 7th, 1941
DSC_0717 by Stuart Smith, on Flickr

DSC_0719 by Stuart Smith, on Flickr

DSC_0723 by Stuart Smith, on Flickr

Both kits are from the newer red boxes and had good decals. The red tail decal was the only one I struggled with but I made it all work in the end.

And finally the 2 models together…
DSC_0725 by Stuart Smith, on Flickr

DSC_0726 by Stuart Smith, on Flickr

DSC_0731 by Stuart Smith, on Flickr

Hope you enjoyed and thanks for looking
Stu

[Eric Mc]

Very nice results. I don't build many Japanese aircraft but I have one of these in my stash. I'd be delighted if mine turned out as well as your pair.

[celt]

Well tidy pair of Vals,well tidy indeed.

[iggie]

Excellent builds Stuart and very eye catching indeed

[DavidWomby]

What a stunning pair those are. Well done.

David

[Eric Mc]

What a stunning pair those are. Well done.

David

Last time I said "What a stunning pair", I got slapped in the face. I don't think she was called Val though.

[GeorgeSweety]

These are probably my favorite "Old Airfix" kits and you have done a splendid job with them. Those tail decals on the green version can be rather tricky

[Stamford]

Two very nice builds from a very old mould. Well done.

[Lone Modeller]

Those are really old kits (I remember them being released and building one at the time - won't write how many years ago as it makes me feel old....). To produce two excellent models from them must have taken a lot of patience and filler. The finish on both is first class - the tail markings are truly impressive and nobody would have known that you had had a problem unless you have told us.

[Clashcityrocker]

Two very nice models Stu. Looks like a lot of aircraft to deliver just one bomb.

Nigel

[Zee28]

Two superb jobs on this old CBK, I think you have got the very best out of this aging kit and I applaud you.

This is exactly the sort of stuff I like to see on this forum, CBKs perfected.

I too recently did the Red Box re-release of this kit (it's worth the money just for that incredible decal sheet!), I'll post it up soon. But yours put mine to shame.

Can't believe it is brush painted, it's a cracking finish. Unlike a talentless oaf like me, you don't even need an airbrush!

Top work,

Zee28

[Stupot]

Thanks all, I appreciate all the comments.

I agree the new decal sheets are very good. With regards to the tail decals, I trimmed all the excess which seemed to make it easier to apply although I still had to use a little red paint where the two sides didn't quite meet up at the front of the fin.

Stu

[gbrwn56]

2 really great builds, end result making all the hard work worthwhile. Thanks for sharing.

[Old_Tonto]

Super work Stu. really excellent builds and stunning paint work.

[gnomemeansgnome]

Very nice work. The Airfix Val is fun to knock around, and the new decals look very boss.