Fine Molds A7M1 Reppu

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jeaton01
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Fine Molds A7M1 Reppu

Post by jeaton01 »

Here is the last of Jiro Horikoshi's designs. Only a few prototype A7M1's and one production A7M2 were built, due to the 1944 Nagoya earthquake and some persistent bombing by B-29's. None saw service. Reppu is the Japanese name, Hurricane in English, but the code name was just Sam. What with the J2M Raiden being a Thunderbolt, Seems like the Zero at least could have been called a Thunderstorm! Typhoon?
This is a very nice kit by Fine Molds. I did have some issues with the forward fuselage and cowl as they come in 4 parts with minimal areas to glue in addition to the main fuselage, and the alignment of the cowl is very dependant on how straight the engine is mounted. I'll get it perfect next time if I ever find tha A7M2 kit. THe fit of the upper wings was also a little loose as you move back from the leading edge. A little Epoxysculpt and a wet finger fixed it right up. I painted all the markings and the wing no step lines, and went without the no step text because all I could see of the black text against the dark green was the presence of decal film. I did put decals on the fuel tank caps, the prop, and the gear doors.
Tamiya IJN green on top, Alclad Duralumin under, Mitsubishi interior green inside with details in Nakajima interior green. Gunze propeller color. The kit decal was used on the instrument panel, subdued nicely with Mr. Mark Softer, Eduard seat belts.

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With the Prototype Zero:
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The Zero, Jack, and Reppu:
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And with the P-47N and F4U-4 added. The Reppu would have been one nasty customer with the engine from the F4U-4.
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My modelling website, with build logs.

http://goldeneramodel.com/mymodels/mymodels.html
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LyleW
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Re: Fine Molds A7M1 Reppu

Post by LyleW »

That is quite a collection for comparison. Very nice.
To make each build less crappy than the last one. Or, put another way, "Better than the last one, not as good as the next one!"..
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BlackSheep214
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Re: Fine Molds A7M1 Reppu

Post by BlackSheep214 »

Very nice! :shoutout: :shoutout: :shoutout:
“Who controls the skies, controls the fate of this Earth”

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Stikpusher
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Re: Fine Molds A7M1 Reppu

Post by Stikpusher »

That’s a very sharp looking build! And thanks for the backstory on the aircraft type. Now that you mention it, the Zero not having a name beyond “Zero” from the Japanese is unusual. Most of the other Japanese fighters did have some sort of name.
"Surely I have made my meaning plain? I intend to avenge myself upon you, Admiral. I have deprived your ship of power, and when I swing 'round, I intend to deprive you of your life."

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Stuart
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Re: Fine Molds A7M1 Reppu

Post by Stuart »

That's a great looking build John and a fantastic looking collection!
Stuart Templeton 'I may not be good but I'm slow...'
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jeaton01
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Re: Fine Molds A7M1 Reppu

Post by jeaton01 »

Thanks, guys. Just got a Fine Molds A5M4 in today and will start it soon. A Planet resin kit in 1/48 of the Fairchild PT-19 is on the bench.
My modelling website, with build logs.

http://goldeneramodel.com/mymodels/mymodels.html
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BorgR3mc0
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Re: Fine Molds A7M1 Reppu

Post by BorgR3mc0 »

That is a great build! I love the group shot. The size comparison very interesting.
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Medicman71
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Re: Fine Molds A7M1 Reppu

Post by Medicman71 »

Very nice group of builds!! :shoutout: :shoutout:
Mike

Sponsored by Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Saab, BAE, and Dassault
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Duke Maddog
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Re: Fine Molds A7M1 Reppu

Post by Duke Maddog »

Beautiful work Jeaton!
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jkim
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Re: Fine Molds A7M1 Reppu

Post by jkim »

Sweet! The Reppu looks like a very big bird... check it out compared to the P-47! Thanks for sharing this build with us!
John aka JKim
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