Hello everyone,

I would like to start a thread introducing selected solid model build articles by Japanese modeler modan.

The original articles are written in Japanese, so I will not post full translations here. Instead, I will share brief English introductions and links to the original pages. The photographs themselves show many details of the construction process and may be of interest to members who enjoy traditional wooden aircraft modeling.

I hope this thread will offer a glimpse of Japanese solid model activity and help introduce modan's work to a wider audience.

Original articles and models by modan.
Introductions by Kenji Hagihara.

1. Chester Goon — 1/24 scale

The first article I would like to introduce is modan's 1/24 scale Chester Goon, originally posted in 2012.



Although the aircraft may look simple at first glance, modan described it as a more demanding subject than it appeared, with many details to be built into the model. One interesting feature of this build is the use of brass for the internal framework and cockpit structure, rather than relying mainly on plastic sheet.

The article shows the process from early mock-up and wooden shaping to brass framework, cockpit details, landing gear, wing details, painting, and the completed cream-colored racer.

Full article:
https://forum.fine-scale.net/index.php?topic=67.0

Model and original article by modan.

[02] Wittman D12 "BONZO" — Build Log (2013)

The second article I would like to introduce is modan's build of the Wittman D12 "BONZO", originally posted in 2013.



This is another unusual racing aircraft subject. In the original Japanese article, modan noted that although the aircraft had a V-type engine, its overall construction had a rather classic appearance. He also mentioned that reference material on the real aircraft was difficult to find, so he used a detailed full-scratch model by an overseas modeler as one of his main references.

This build is especially interesting because it shows modan working through several challenging areas: the engine nacelle, the exposed engine, the cockpit structure, the engine mounting, the spinner and propeller, and finally the red and silver finish. The photographs also show how much of the interior and engine detail becomes partly hidden in the completed model, which is a familiar dilemma for many modelers.

As before, this is not a full translation of the Japanese article, but a brief introduction with a link to the original build log.

Full article:
https://forum.fine-scale.net/index.php?topic=79.0

Model and original article by modan.

Welcome back. The model work is fantastic. Thank you for posting.

Louis

Thank you very much for your kind words and for welcoming me back.

The model work is by modan, a Japanese solid modeler whose build articles I would like to introduce here little by little. Since the original articles are written in Japanese, I am not posting full translations, but brief introductions with links to the original build logs.

I am very happy if these posts can help share a glimpse of Japanese solid model activity with members of Solid Model Memories.

Kenji

Thank you for sharing those, Kenji. That level of modeling skill is absolutely stellar!

I look forward to seeing more when you are able to post them.

Thank you very much, Jordan.

Yes, modan's modeling skill is truly remarkable. I am very happy to introduce his work here, and I will try to post more of his build articles little by little, with short English notes and links to the original Japanese posts.

Kenji

[03] Laird LC-DW-500 "Super Solution" — Build Log (2013–2014)
The third article I would like to introduce is modan's build of the Laird LC-DW-500 "Super Solution", originally posted between 2013 and 2014.



In the original Japanese article, modan wrote that he wanted to build an aircraft with a radial engine, and chose the Super Solution because of its unusual and attractive color scheme. For references, he used Paul Matt's drawings, Jim Nielson's skeleton drawing, and photographs of the replica aircraft.

This build is especially interesting because of the surface treatment and small structural details. The photographs show the fuselage frame lines, metal panel areas, rib detail on the wings, cockpit work, fuel tank, engine detailing, and finally the completed green-and-yellow racer.

As before, this is not a full translation of the Japanese article, but a short introduction with a link to the original build log.

Full article:
https://forum.fine-scale.net/index.php?topic=83.0

Model and original article by modan.

[04] Heath Baby Bullet — Build Log (2014)

The fourth article I would like to introduce is modan's build of the **Heath Baby Bullet**, originally posted in 2014.



In the original Japanese article, modan described it as the smallest aircraft he had built up to that point, less than 19 cm in overall length. He also wrote that, despite the name "Baby Bullet," the aircraft gave him the impression of something more like a "Flying Fish."

This build is especially interesting because of its very small size. The photographs show the early mock-up, landing gear, cockpit area, hatch work, aluminum covering, and final finish. Because everything was so small, modan had to simplify some of the cockpit detail, but the completed model still captures the charm of this tiny racing aircraft very well.

One notable point is his attempt to reproduce a polished aluminum or "mirror finish" effect around the nose area. He wrote that this was difficult and took several attempts, which makes the build log a good example of how each aircraft brings its own particular problems.

As before, this is not a full translation of the Japanese article, but a short introduction with a link to the original build log.

Full article:
https://forum.fine-scale.net/index.php?topic=88.0

Model and original article by modan.

Outstanding modelling skills.

Louis

Thank you very much, Louis.

I agree — modan's modeling skills are outstanding. I am especially impressed by the way he handles each aircraft as a different problem, rather than simply repeating the same method.

I will continue introducing more of his build logs little by little.

Kenji

[05] Folkert's SK-3 — Build Log (2014)

This time I would like to introduce modan's build of the Folkert's SK-3, originally posted in 2014.



In the original Japanese article, modan wrote that he still wanted more reference material, but decided to start the build without waiting indefinitely for additional data. The first stage was a mock-up, followed by work around the cockpit and canopy.

One interesting point in this build is how modan handled areas that were not fully clear from the drawings. He simplified some cockpit details and made the canopy frame as a separate part. The build log also shows the internal cockpit structure, canopy work, surface preparation, and the completed yellow racing aircraft.

In his final comments, modan mentioned some difficulties with decals and clear coating, but the finished model certainly has the strong character of an American racing aircraft.

As usual, this is only a short introduction, not a full translation of the Japanese article.

Full article:
https://forum.fine-scale.net/index.php?topic=89.0

Model and original article by modan.

Thank you for posting.

Louis

Incredible craftsmanship. Thank you for posting!

hank you, Louis and J Luke.

I am very happy to introduce modan's work here. His craftsmanship is excellent, and I also think his build process is very valuable as a record of solid model making.

I will continue sharing his progress with the group.

Kenji