SPA Modeler

I'm starting the Airfix 1/72 B5N2 Kate and decorating it in the Shokaku Carrier Division 5 clan. I will be fitting it out in the stored, but armed configuration as it would have been in the hanger deck prior to an attack.
The kit has a fairly large parts count considering it's a 1/72 scale kit.

There is a picture of EI-311 landing on the Shokaku in April 1942 but can't seem to locate it right now.

The Kate was arguably the best carrier borne level and torpedo bomber at the beginning of the war but soon was easily bested against the Allies due to its lack of speed and armor. It was to be replaced by the B6N Tenzan or "Jill" which was late due to teething issues in development. The Kate would solder on through 1945 without shamefully, a single one surviving to the end. The Kate is one of my favorite planes and because of that I'm astonished I have never built one before.




Beginning on the kit, the steps have me starting with the wings. Cutting the wings along the intended line was very easy. The kit is made from the soft but very workable Airfix plastic. The sight window is also installed and holes are drilled for whichever armament will be used if any. The wing ribs at the folds are way too thick for this scale but make installation easy. I don't believe the thickness will be noticed once the kit is complete.
The cockpit is molded in the lower wing. The seats, controls and such are added to the wing section.



More to come soon.

Looking forward to this one! I've heard good things about Airfix's Kate.

[quote user="modelcrazy"]There is a picture of EI-311 landing on the Shokaku in April 1942 but can't seem to locate it right now.[/quote]

My boo boo, the pictures I was thinking of were of the Kate AI-301 in April 42 on the Akagi....which is my next build. The 1/72 Hase Kit. Looking through that kit, there is a world of difference. I prefer the Airfix kit far more.

Nice looking kit, I'll be watching this one for sure!

A little more on the Kate today. The pit is installed and painted as well as the interior fuse. Next will be mating the fuse and wings then adding the stabilizers and rudder. The kit is fitting very will and the interior detail is quite nice.




Steve

Nice rapid progress. Those new Airfix kits are really sweet. Excellent value for the cost. They are showing how it can and should be done I think.

Absolutely Stick. Really nice kit. Not fantastic like a far higher priced kit but a great value, very acceptable and fun kit.

Cool. I am on deck. Subscribed.



Is popcorn all you fellas eat?????

That cockpit sure looks good.

Nicely done till now Steve, follow
I finished an hasegawa few months ago and two in the stash. This one is really better than the hase but both kits are poor about ip