Progress on a couple CA kits

[BillL]

I got a bit of work done this weekend.

The decals on the Polikarpov I-153 were touched up with a #000 brush and Insignia Red. These were translucent when I applied them.

Mitsubishi A5M Claude

When I went to remove the resin aileron actuators from the pour stub, I heard a ZING, and there was no more actuator (insert choice words here). I made replacements from wedges of scrap resin, wire, and tube. I actually like the looks of these better than the resin ones.

The tail was painted with Model Master Insignia Red. The entire airframe was sprayed with Future as a primer for the Alcad Aluminum. A couple places were oversprayed with Dark Aluminum. I then mixed Gunze Clear Yellow with Future and Isopropyl Alcohol, and oversprayed the Aluminum.

There were reports of pilots seeing "gold-colored" Claudes. It is believed that the aluminum was coated with a varnish which yellowed. Some say it never existed at all. I don't care. I like the way it looks !

These are a couple of FUN kits !

[Marcin_S]

[Old72s]

Very nice! The Claude is certainly the most pimped out of the WW2 aircraft. Now if you could put 22" wheels with spinners on it, you'll be getting all the chicks.

[BillL]

Thanks Marcin and Old72s !

Old72s - I could even see a pair of fuzzy dice dangling from the windscreen !

The decals for the Claude have been started, and they REALLY add to the visual impact of this aircraft. I almost can't wait to finish it.

Thanks again !

[Ken Middleton]

Bill, that I-153 is very impressive with the paint scheme! Wow - have never seen one before, and you sure a hecko of a job on it.

Cheers

Ken