Showing posts with label Tamiya Scale models. Show all posts

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Entry 9: From my Stash Vintage Classic 1/48 Nakajima A6M2-N from Tamiya

Today's entry from my stash is the Vintage Classic 1/48 Nakajima A6M2-N from Tamiya. Release in 1973 in 1/48 scale. It represented a scale model of the floatplane variant of the famous Mitsubishi A6M Zero. Tamiya re-release this kit again in 2002 in the propeller action series and again in 2008 with the 4x4 Light Vehicle Type 95 Kurogane & Maintenance Crew which makes it an interest set with huge diorama potential.

Tamiya 1:48 Scale Nakajima A6M2-N Rufe Aircraft Model Kit

The A6M2-N was designed for use in naval operations, particularly as a reconnaissance or escort aircraft in areas where land-based airstrips were not available. This was especially so, in the pacific when Japan have island hopped and occupied their way in the pacific. The model kit was easy to construct and comes with 2 figures, bombs and a stand. Painted in Tamiya Acrylic Aluminum Colour and Weathered with enamels.

3/4 Top View

Close up

Side view

COLOUR SCHEMES

some what interesting in this colour

Standard Japanese Army scheme

Standard Naval scheme

As such, the historical 1/48 Nakajima A6M2-N has been the subject released of many Scale model makers, latest being from Eduard adding this kit with modern improvements to their line up which will tickle the fancy of Japanese aircraft scale modellers with their well know Eduard details.

Tamiya Extra Thin Cement (Quick-Setting) T87182

1/48 Nakajima A6M2-n Ki-seaplane fighter No. 452 Squadron

Friday, February 14, 2025

Entry 8: Tamiya 1:48 Scale F-16CJ Block 50 Fighting Falcon Aircraft Model Kit

The F-16CJ Block 50 Fighting Falcon is a variant of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, a multi-role fighter aircraft developed by General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin). The F-16CJ is part of the Block 50 series, which represents a series of upgrades and improvements over earlier models, particularly in avionics, weaponry, and mission capabilities.

Key Features of the F-16CJ Block 50:

Role: The F-16CJ is primarily a suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) aircraft, designed to target and disable enemy radar and surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems. It is used in tactical operations to help clear the way for other aircraft to operate safely by neutralizing threats from air defense systems.

Engine: The Block 50 variant is powered by the Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engine, providing greater thrust and improved reliability over earlier engines, which contributes to better performance in high-demand operations.

Avionics and Radar: One of the main upgrades in the Block 50 is its AN/APG-68(V)9 radar, which provides enhanced range and resolution compared to older systems. The radar supports air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The Block 50 also includes improved electronic warfare (EW) systems for SEAD missions.

Weapons and Payload: The F-16CJ Block 50 is equipped with a wide variety of precision-guided munitions, including the AGM-88 HARM (High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile), which is a key component in its SEAD role. It also supports air-to-air missiles like the AIM-120 AMRAAM and air-to-ground weapons such as GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs.

Upgraded Cockpit: The cockpit of the Block 50 variant features a glass cockpit with advanced displays, which allow pilots to manage multiple targets and threats simultaneously. This includes a multi-function display (MFD) for better situational awareness and easier integration of sensors and weapons.

Tamiya 1:48 Scale F-16CJ Block 50 Fighting Falcon Aircraft Model Kit

Accessories Options

Hasegawa 1:48 Scale U.S Aircraft Weapons E Model Kit

Brengan HAUBRL48164 1/48 General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon TER-9A Triple Ejector Rack Plastic Model Parts

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Entry 5: Tamiya's (Kit# 35216) Early version German Tiger I Heavy Tank- Uncomplicated and yet satisfying project built.

Tamiya Scale Model - German Tiger I Tank- Early version (Kit# 35216)

Of all scale model kits producers of the world, Tamiya model kits are still in the forefront of innovation and subjects. This is especially so, for WWII german army subjects. I have built most of the motorised models of german tanks during my younger self; such as the Panther, Tiger I and Jadgtiger. Most were either unpainted or brush painted. The most memorable early models made in the 80s was the motorised model released of the Tiger I tank from 1970s with very bad figures by today's standards. These have now gone with the wind and ended as scraps parts.

1970s Tamiya Tiger I in 1/35 scale

1997 release Tamiya Tiger I Early

My Collections of reasonably priced Tamiya Tiger I included, 2 x SturmTiger; 1 x Steel wheel Late version Tiger I and this Early version Tiger I (Kit number 35216). Nostalgia led me to start kit 35216, First, was the construction of the Tiger fearsome 8.8cm KwK36 L/56 turned gun barrel from Aber. The set includes turned aluminium, brass and PE parts. A small counter fishing lead weight was added to bottom of the breech block to balance the weight of the barrel. Other add-ons included some Aluminum foil as canvas covers. these shaped easily and is held in place with super glue. An alternate to using foil is to us roll up and flaten some two-part putty from tamiya and lay over the required area.

Metal barrel and foil in place

The construction of the model kit was pretty much OOB. (Out of the Box) or so i thought. One thing led to the other with the need for more details. Some torsion and frame details were made (photo 1). This was followed by turret details using evergreen plastic. (Photos 2~4).

photo 1

photo 2

photo 3

photo 4

A mix of Tamiya acrylics and Vallejo colours was used to create the three-tone pattern. Raised areas were then painted with lighter tones green, browns, white+ buff+ dark yellow to modulate colours. Detailed parts were individually painted and then chipped with sponge to show some rough use in the field. (Photo 5~7) using Vallejo colours.

Photo 5

Photo 6

Photo 7

Photo 8

This was allow to dried before two coats of clear before working with artist oils on the scale model kit. The top surfaces received dry ground colours along edges and engine areas where mud and dust can collect. (photo 8). The same treatment was done on the turret horizontal surfaces but will less intensity. The spockets, idlers and road wheels received light coat of dust colours and then excess removed by stroking outwardly with a damp round brush damped with thinner. The tracks of this kit was the tradition rubber band type that can be contacted by glue adhesive and not by melting the pins with some heated nail. Details on the tracks are quite good. The tracks were coloured first before gluing them together. A coat of red brown was used before using various brown tones mixed with small amounts of steel colour applied randomly on the tracks. Using Vallejo Model Air in Yellow and Rust. The watery paint was touched randomly on the tracks to further create a rusted characteristic on the track. Finally, enamel steel was drybrushed to highlight bare metal finishes.

Photo 9 shows a mixed of standard and late version steel wheels.

The end result was an easy and uncomplicated built with the emphasis on colour application, modulation, pin washing, weathering effects and stains to produce a satisfying experience building the legendary Tiger I heavy tank of the German Army. Thank you Tamiya!