Nakajima B5N2 Kate in 1/56

[johnnytodd]

Well, I managed to make some progress on my Nakajima Kate torpedo bomber in 1/56 scale.  Not sure I'll make my deadline of 8/31 as I still need to hollow out the cockpit for three crewmen, create the crew, construct the landing gear, prop and torpedo...and paint!

[lastvautour]

You capture the lines of the Kate. Look f0rward to how you do your cockpits. Please post photos and details.

Lou

[johnnytodd]

Chipping away at the cockpit with a jewelers saw:

[johnnytodd]

A bit more work done on the cockpits.  I use a flex-shaft high speed drill with a reamer? bit to open up the compartments.

[johnnytodd]

Tonight I cut the tailwheel out of 2mm mild steel. Brass would have been easier to cut but I have plenty of steel

[lastvautour]

Wonderful approach. Unfortunately for me I have no metals other than tin cans. However your ideal would be great on smaller 1/144 scale tail wheels. So the next 1/144 project may contain such parts. Blade antennae come to mind in any scale. Thanks for the tip.

Lou

[johnnytodd]

A while back I bought a set of cheap Chinese leather punches from ebay - turns out they work well for scoring wheel lines into basswood:

[lastvautour]

Looks great

Lou

[lastvautour]

I sent you a copy of the Profile Publication Nakajima B5N2 Kate

Lou

[johnnytodd]

Well I finally finished the Kate!  Here are some photos:

[lastvautour]

Fantastic workmanship. One to be proud of.

Lou

[Boomerang]

 
Well Done John! Looks great.

Looking forward to the Buffalo.

Gordon

[Model Maker]

Very impressive John!!

The camo looks great. Needless to say the open cockpit with figures certainly adds to the model. - ken