1/700 IJN Aircraft

[Rob Weilacher]

All,

What are the current IJN (Zero, Val, Kate) aircraft sets available and what is the opinion of their quality ?

I am aware of the Lion Roar set and I think Fujimi has a set, perhaps even with markings specific to the carrier, but unclear as to how many planes per kit.

What are the opinions ?

Rob

[ch hoeltge]

Hello,

the best planes are from the Lion Roar Set. I used them with the Flyhawk PE set.
But as comparison here is the Fujimi Zeke:


You see the way to thick wings.

And here is the Lion Roar Zeke:


The Val:


and a painted Kate :



So even without the pe set, the Lion Roar planes are superior. You will get each six Zeke, Kate and Vals in a set.
Which is a good value for the money.

Greetings Christian

[Dan K]

Thx for the very helpful comparison, Christian. I wonder how these more modern sets compare against those from the Waterline Consortium.

[ch hoeltge]

The planes from Aoshimas Chitose wheren't that bad either. Of course they are later planes.



It was from Tree I with the sprue number 09-0346. Not sure if this is an older sprue.
The planes where included as complete ones like that sprueand like I build. And they where in the set with separate wings.
With pe propeller and landing gears they do there thing.

Greetings Christian

[Dan K]

Thx, Christian. Lionroar makes both early and late war aircraft.

[Rob Weilacher]

OK - follow up questions:

1. Can someone point me to the appropriate colors for IJN early war (12/41 - 6/42) aircraft for the A6M, B5N, and Val ? Prefer Tamiya spray color as a base (easy !). Any input welcome.

2. Deck vehicle or equipment - were there any ? I see Five Star make bombs, torpedoes, and carts for them in 1/700. Would they have been on the flight deck or down in the hangar ?

Possibly starting a Fujimi 1/700 Hiryu soon, if there are any wise words....

Thanks,
Rob

[Dan K]

I'll try to generalize for you.

Most IJN aircraft experts now agree that early war Zeros appeared in what is referred to as Ameiro coloring, a sort of light grey-green, with a hint of caramel. First pic posted below is a modern example. There's a lot of competing explanations as to what/why this color, but that's moot for here. Truthfully, in 1/700 and factoring in scale effect, a very light gray would probably be fine. Tamiya has a couple of grey-greens that might work as well.

Vals seem to be in a light gray as well. I'm not aware if they also wore Ameiro - I've never seen anybody discuss that. Kates generally were green on top, some might have had mottled brown mixed in as well.

Most important, all Hiryu aircraft have two blue vertical stripes marking the aft fuselage.

This link can help, though the blue striping is more like posted below: http://japanese-aviation.forumotion.com ... r-profiles

[Dan K]

About deck equipment: it was the practice to arm and fuel aircraft on the hangar decks, but I would have to think there were occasions when those same activities took place on the flight deck. FWIW.

[Rob Weilacher]

Dan - thank you for all the advice. We are lucky to have such a knowledgeable person we can ask.

Another question for anyone:

Has anyone used the Fujimi "dry transfer" deck markings ? Tell me your experience. It is a little unclear if they are dry transfers or decals. Example for Hiryu:
https://hlj.com/product/FUJ11425

Thanks,
Rob

[Dan K]

I'm also interested in the application of the dry transfer markings. Somebody, do tell........

Rob, just to keep things interesting for you: if you are going for Hiryu at Midway, there is yet another debate about her aircraft wearing one vs. two blue stripes. She was the second unit in CarDiv2, hence the two stripes. However, with Admiral Yamaguchi (CarDiv 2 commander) aboard for the Midway Op, she theoretically became the #1 unit and her aircraft were supposed to change over to one stripe. It has been debated without resolution as to whether or not the change in striping actually transpired.

[ch hoeltge]

I used the dry declas on my Hosho from Fujimi



They are on a big flat surface a good alternative to masking and spraying them.
But you have to double check as there are no corrections possible. So using decals and a good softener is the easier way.

Greetings Christian

[Dan K]

Thx, Christian.

[Mike C]

Hey Rob,

You're welcome to use my library any time you're in the neighborhood.

Mike

[Rob Weilacher]

Mike,

Thank you, as always. I believe I need to return a few I borrowed right now

Rob

[Mike C]

That's okay. I know where you live. I need to come visit your house to save you the trip, but it's easier for you to come her for references because I don't know exactly what you need. I'm glad to see you've found an interest in IJN ships, though. You can compare your 1/700 kits to my 1/350 versions.

[Pagodaphile]

I used the dry declas on my Hosho from Fujimi

Interesting markings on the forward elevator, is that part of the Fujimi transfers ?

[ch hoeltge]

Yes, they where included as decal and are alos on the dry transfers.

Greetings Christian

[Pagodaphile]

Thank you Christian

[Rob Weilacher]

That is a beautiful Hosho ! What version (1939, 1942, etc) ?