Japanese Solid Model Builds by modan — From the Japanese Solid Model Forum

[K_mars]

[14] Lockheed 5B Vega "Amelia Earhart" — Build Log (2023)



This time I would like to introduce modan's Lockheed 5B Vega, the Amelia Earhart version, originally posted in 2023.

In the original Japanese article, modan wrote that he chose the Lockheed Vega 5B after finding good drawings online. According to those drawings, there seem to have been both wooden monocoque and metal versions, and the Amelia Earhart version was a wooden monocoque aircraft with several modifications for long-distance flying.

At first glance, the Vega has a very simple and clean form. But as modan noted, the small details were likely to be difficult, and the build log shows exactly that.

The fuselage was made in left and right halves, using bulkheads as guides. Modan wrote that the material was again built up in a patchwork-like way, with added pieces where needed. The cockpit area was enclosed and shaped with 1.5 mm basswood plywood, although he also noted that the interior became rather dark and difficult to see in the photographs.

The wing and cowling work followed. Modan felt that the wing looked unusually large, and the model at this stage clearly shows the distinctive proportions of the Vega: a compact fuselage with a broad, high wing and a large radial-engine nose.

The landing gear is one of the most interesting parts of this build. Modan made the framework from square brass tube and rod, clamped it with thin cypress wood, and then shaped it. The main struts were covered with aluminum, while the wheel covers and fairing parts were formed from aluminum over wooden molds. This gives the landing gear area a very convincing structure.

After a pause of about a month due to moving house, modan resumed work and made the engine. He cast the parts, fitted the cylinder heads inside the cowling, and later made the muffler area, although he wrote that the exact shape was not very clear. This kind of uncertain but practical interpretation is one of the interesting parts of the record.

The final finish is also worth noting. Modan used gold-painted decal sheet for the gold lines and very narrow strips of black-painted masking tape for the black lines. He wrote that the gold decal sheet tended to break into small pieces when applied, which made the work difficult. The lettering was finished with dry transfers. For the final gloss clear coat, he tried spraying it without polishing, but felt that it did not become perfectly even.

The completed model has a beautiful red finish and a strong presence as Amelia Earhart's Vega. But what I find especially valuable is the process behind it: the patchwork wood construction, the metal landing gear work, the engine interpretation, the line markings, and the difficulty of achieving an even gloss finish.

This is only a short introduction, not a full translation of the Japanese article.

Full article:
https://forum.fine-scale.net/index.php?topic=168.0

Model and original article by modan.

[lastvautour]

I  love the Vega\

Louis

[K_mars]

Thanks, Louis.

I agree — the Vega is a beautiful aircraft, and modan's red Amelia Earhart version really captures its character.

Kenji

[K_mars]

[15] Wedell-Williams — 1/24 Scale Build Log (2023–2024)



This time I would like to introduce modan's 1/24 scale Wedell-Williams, originally posted between 2023 and 2024.

In the original Japanese article, modan wrote that this was one of the larger oval-course racing aircraft he had built. Because of its size, he expected the work to take some time. He also mentioned that there were several possible color schemes, and later decided on the red and black No. 44 scheme.

The early construction began with the fuselage and cockpit. For the fuselage ribbing, modan used his usual method of applying rods, noting that the fuselage was not as thick as the Gee Bee R-1. Later, he tried covering the front fuselage area with 0.2 mm aluminum sheet. He wrote that this was not easy, but since the area would be painted, dents could be filled with putty.

The canopy frame was another point of trial and correction. At first, modan made the frame from copper sheet, but later he felt the frame was too wide and remade it in brass. He also noted that the front shape of the canopy seems to differ between the original aircraft and restored examples.

The engine and cowling area were also difficult. Modan was not fully satisfied with the engine, feeling that the cylinder fins did not have enough density. Because the cowling area was covered with aluminum, it could be made quite thin, but even so the engine interfered with the inside, so he had to reduce the cylinder head area slightly to make it fit.

The landing gear was another interesting part of the build. The wheel-cover area was carved so that the tires could fit inside, then copied in resin. Modan wrote that the result was quite solid.

After completing the painting before the rainy season, he wrote that the assembled model looked large and powerful. At the same time, he also honestly mentioned that the limited references made some areas feel uncertain, and that there were still details he wished he could improve.

The completed model has a very strong racing-aircraft presence, with its red and black finish, No. 44 markings, aluminum cowling area, large fuselage, and powerful landing gear. But what I find especially valuable is the build record behind it: the ribbed fuselage, aluminum covering, canopy correction, engine fitting, resin work, and the many decisions needed to complete such a large racing aircraft in solid model form.

This is only a short introduction, not a full translation of the Japanese article.

Full article:
https://forum.fine-scale.net/index.php?topic=169.0

Model and original article by modan.

[lastvautour]

Very talented modeller.

Louis

[K_mars]

Thanks, Louis.

I agree. Modan's skill really shows in this build. The Wedell-Williams is a large and difficult subject, but he gave it a very strong presence.

Kenji

[K_mars]

[16] Sopwith Tabloid — Schneider Trophy Racer Build Log (2024)



This time I would like to introduce modan's Sopwith Tabloid, originally posted in 2024.

In the original Japanese article, modan introduced the Tabloid as the aircraft that won the 1914 Schneider Trophy race at Monaco. He also noted that this was the era of rotary engines, and that the idea of rotating the entire engine itself still feels quite bold.

As usual with rare early aircraft, the build began with limited references. Modan wrote that he had to think through many things from the beginning. The drawings came from his own materials, together with several additional references found online. The early work focused on the fuselage and cockpit.

The construction is especially interesting because the materials and methods are clearly visible. The rear fuselage was made from magnolia wood, while the front section used 1 mm basswood plywood. The struts were made from 1 mm brass rod, soldered together. This combination of wood, plywood, brass, and soldering gives the build a very practical early-aircraft character.

There is also a nice example of exchange during the build. Additional Sopwith Tabloid references were shared in the forum, and modan later wrote that some previously unclear areas had become clearer, allowing him to continue the work with less hesitation. This is one of the valuable aspects of a build log in a forum: the model is not only recorded, but also supported by discussion.

The float struts and engine work were difficult. Modan temporarily assembled the model in order to work out the float struts. He originally wanted to make the engine earlier, but the summer heat caused problems with resin casting. The resin began to harden before the injection was complete, and the high temperature also affected painting, making the surface turn rough. He even wrote that the timing of model making may be changing because of climate change.

The rotary engine was eventually remade. The first version was slightly too large, and when placed in the engine room, part of the cylinder heads interfered and the engine could not rotate. Since he could not simply shave down the heads this time, he had to make the engine again.

In the final stage, modan wrote that the model was completed after repeated corrections and rework. He also added turnbuckle-like details to the rigging. Although he felt that some small details were still rough and that some areas differed from the drawings, the finished model has a very attractive atmosphere as an early Schneider Trophy seaplane.

What I find especially valuable in this build log is that it shows the real difficulty of making an early aircraft in solid model form: limited references, delicate struts, float alignment, rotary engine fitting, resin problems, weather conditions, rigging, and repeated correction. The completed Sopwith Tabloid is charming, but the process behind it is just as interesting.

This is only a short introduction, not a full translation of the Japanese article.

Full article:
https://forum.fine-scale.net/index.php?topic=179.0

Model and original article by modan.

[lastvautour]

Excellent.

Louis

[K_mars]

Thanks, Louis.

I agree. The Sopwith Tabloid is a delicate and difficult subject, and modan's patience and skill really show in this build.

Kenji

[K_mars]

[17] Morane-Saulnier WR — Schneider Trophy Racer Build Log (2024–2025)



This time I would like to introduce modan's Morane-Saulnier WR, originally posted between 2024 and 2025.

In the original Japanese article, modan introduced the WR as a 1913 Schneider Trophy racing aircraft. It belongs to the same period as the Sopwith Tabloid, but in this case the reference problem was even more difficult. He could not find clear material for the seaplane version, so he used a three-view drawing of the landplane version and a small number of photographs to draw up his own working plan.

This makes the build especially interesting. From the beginning, modan wrote that there were unclear areas and missing details, and that he would have to continue by imagining some parts from photographs. That kind of uncertainty is a real part of building rare early aircraft.

The fuselage and cockpit were started first. Because the fuselage was box-shaped, modan built it from 2 mm cypress sheet, using it as a substitute because he did not have basswood plywood on hand. The cockpit interior was based on a combination of several references. He also imagined the racing version as a single-seat aircraft, even though some landplane references suggested a very tight two-seat arrangement.

The engine cowling and surrounding area were made from 0.2 mm aluminum sheet, hammered into shape in two sections. Modan wrote that there were gaps at the joints, but since the area would be painted, he filled and corrected them with putty. He also strengthened the inside with cyanoacrylate glue. This aluminum work gives the nose area a very convincing metal character.

The wing construction is another highlight. Because the wing had a strong camber, modan first carved the bottom shape from balsa, then fixed a water-soaked 3 mm agathis sheet over it until it dried. Once the bottom curve was formed, carving the top surface became much easier. This is a very practical and interesting solution for an early-aircraft wing.

Later, modan worked on the wings, tail surfaces, engine, and float struts, and temporarily assembled the model in order to see the whole form. He wrote that many areas were unclear, but that the overall atmosphere had begun to appear. The rigging remained as the major difficult task.

For the rigging, he discussed using piano wire, soft wire for hooks, and turnbuckle-like details. In the end, after a work interruption, the model was finally completed. Modan wrote very honestly that the rigging was exhausting — his eyes and shoulders suffered — and that the result still did not feel entirely as he wanted. But that honesty is exactly what makes the build log valuable.

The completed Morane-Saulnier WR has a delicate and very attractive early seaplane character. The translucent-looking fabric surfaces, the float structure, the exposed framework, the aluminum cowling, and the fine rigging all give the model a strong period atmosphere.

What I find especially valuable in this build log is the way it shows the real process of making an obscure early aircraft: limited references, interpretation from photographs, substitute materials, aluminum forming, cambered wing construction, float alignment, rigging, interruption, and final completion.

This is only a short introduction, not a full translation of the Japanese article.

Full article:
https://forum.fine-scale.net/index.php?topic=180.0

Model and original article by modan.

[K_mars]

[18] Howard GDA-6 "Mr. Mulligan" — 1/32 Scale Build Log (2025)



This time I would like to introduce modan's 1/32 scale Howard GDA-6 "Mr. Mulligan", originally built and completed in 2025.

In the original Japanese article, modan wrote that he had started this model some time earlier, but it had been left unfinished after he moved on to the Lockheed 5B Vega. He later returned to the project and continued the build. The subject is "Mr. Mulligan," an aircraft entered in the 1936 Bendix transcontinental derby.

This build has a different character from many of the smaller racing aircraft introduced earlier. The GDA-6 has a high-wing layout, a white overall finish, a large canopy, and a rather spacious cockpit. Because the canopy is large, much of the cockpit would remain visible, so modan added considerable interior detail.

One particularly interesting part is the cockpit. Modan used veneer sheet to represent the mahogany side panels, and he gave the instrument panel area a busy look because the wiring appears to have been exposed. He also added details such as seats, framing, and an oxygen bottle, while noting that some of the exact arrangement was unclear from the drawings.

The build log also shows the fuselage structure, wing and tail parts, the cockpit front framing, and later the engine work. Modan wrote that the engine required repeated corrections and took a considerable amount of time. He also mentioned that progress slowed during the summer heat, with the final painting likely delayed until autumn.

In the final stage, the aircraft was painted and completed. Modan wrote that, as usual, several points still bothered him, including an instrument panel that shifted during the work and could no longer be corrected after the canopy had been attached. I find this kind of comment very valuable, because it shows the real process behind the finished model: progress, interruption, correction, small regrets, and completion.

The finished model has a very attractive presence: a clean white aircraft with large wings, a visible cockpit, a prominent radial engine, and the distinctive markings of "Mr. Mulligan." But, as with many of modan's records, the build log is just as interesting as the completed model. It shows not only the final appearance, but also the decisions and adjustments needed to bring the aircraft into solid model form.

This is only a short introduction, not a full translation of the Japanese article.

Full article:
https://forum.fine-scale.net/index.php?topic=185.0

Model and original article by modan.

[K_mars]

[19] Beechcraft Staggerwing C-17R — 1/32 Scale Build Log (2025–2026)



This time I would like to introduce modan's 1/32 scale Beechcraft Staggerwing C-17R, built between 2025 and 2026.

In the original Japanese article, modan wrote that he had become interested in whether there was a racing version of the Beechcraft Staggerwing, and found the C-17R, an aircraft entered in the 1936 Bendix Trophy Race by two women pilots. He also noted that he did not have drawings specifically for the C-17R, so he had to rely on a C-17 side view, drawings of other variants, and photographs.

This build has a very distinctive character. The Staggerwing is made up of many curves and curved surfaces, and modan described the fuselage as very artistic. The unusual wing arrangement, the relationship between the upper wing and canopy, and the compact cowling all make this a difficult subject to interpret in solid model form.

One especially interesting part of the build is the way modan planned the wing attachment. From his previous DGA build, he had found that working with the wings attached made the model difficult to handle, especially when fitting the canopy. This time, he prepared grooves and tenon-like inserts so that the wings could be fitted more cleanly later. This shows how experience from an earlier model directly influenced the construction method of the next one.

The cockpit was also an important part of the build. Modan wrote that it took a lot of work, and because the exact information was limited, he made careful decisions while interpreting the available references. He added a rather large auxiliary fuel tank, although much of the cockpit would become hard to see after the upper wing was attached.

The landing gear was another difficult area. Modan wrote that, as often happens, there were many corrections and the work did not progress easily. Later, when the model was finished, he was not fully satisfied with the result. He mentioned that repeated partial repairs and re-surfacing made the finish softer than he wanted, that the rib lines had lost some sharpness, and that the canopy had become scratched.

I find this honesty very valuable. The completed Staggerwing is a beautiful blue aircraft with a strong presence, but the build log is not only about the finished model. It shows the real process behind it: incomplete references, difficult shapes, decisions based on earlier experience, repeated corrections, dissatisfaction, and completion.

This post concludes my introductions of modan's past solid model build articles. For the next post, I plan to introduce his current ongoing project, the **Lockheed-Orion 9C**.

This is only a short introduction, not a full translation of the Japanese article.

Full article:
https://forum.fine-scale.net/index.php?topic=201.0
Model and original article by modan.

[lastvautour]

I love your posts.

Louis

[J Luke]

The staggerwing is a beautiful aircraft, and modan's model is a spot on. Thank you for sharing these.

[K_mars]

Thank you very much, Louis and Jordan.

I am very glad that you enjoyed these posts. The Staggerwing is indeed a beautiful aircraft, and modan's model captures its character very well.

With this post, my introductions of modan's past build articles have reached one stopping point. His next article, the Lockheed-Orion 9C, is an ongoing project, so I would like to introduce it in a slightly different way.

It is not always easy for modelers to post work-in-progress records online. Many solid modelers usually share the making process within local clubs or among close friends. That is why I feel that a place like Solid Model Memories is very important for preserving this model-making culture.

Many Japanese modelers are not comfortable using languages other than Japanese, but online tools have made the barrier much lower than before. I hope I can continue to share Japanese solid model records here, little by little.

Thank you again for your kind comments.

Kenji