Andrew's 1/48 Tamiya Raiden

[406 Silverado]

Ok I see now Andrew! Looks like that'll tidy up nicely when you get it all together.

[stikpusher]

Jul 7, 2023 17:41:55 GMT -5 adt70hk said:

You think Airfix would have updated the British pilot by now as I think he's well over 50 years old....so I feel a bit bad cutting his feet off without a second thought! 


ATB

Andrew

Just think of him as Douglas Bader… 😏

[adt70hk]

Jul 7, 2023 20:27:19 GMT -5 stikpusher said:

Jul 7, 2023 17:41:55 GMT -5 adt70hk said:

You think Airfix would have updated the British pilot by now as I think he's well over 50 years old....so I feel a bit bad cutting his feet off without a second thought! 


ATB

Andrew

Just think of him as Douglas Bader… 😏

Harsh but true!

[adt70hk]

Good evening all

So I have finally managed to get the pilot done.  I wanted to get him finished before got the AB and spray booth out for the plane.

He's been painted using what is affectionately known as the 'Marlow Method' on the other forum I am on.  It is named after one of its members.

In short, figure painting scared me to death but this person did a small scale figure painting SBS and so I have now got that particular monkey off my back; it's impossible to overstate how much this person helped me!!

His technique works on 1/35 and below, so is ideal for 1/48.  You can see a 1/72 example here LINK.  I do still have a long way to go though so what follows is far from perfect.

In attempting to do a skin tone that is appropriate for a Japanese pilot, I have consulted this very helpful post on the CoolMiniOrNot forum here LINK.

As you will see all the paints are water-based acrylics, almost all Vallejo and so as they dry quickly.  I was therfore able to get this done in less than three hours and I could probably have done it a bit quicker.

So here is a very quick overview of the 'Marlow Method'.

ACW as usual

Andrew

--------------------------


Having primed the figure you splash it all over with a wash that is made from a 50:50 mix of Vallejo’s Glaze Medium (70.596 & 73.596) and Game Color Black Wash (73.201).  This make the figure easier to 'read' and helps to create some preshading.















Next up is the face using the CoolMinisOrNot suggested colour palette.

For 'white' western figures you then splash Vallejo’s Game Color Flesh Wash (73.204) all over.  It settles into the recesses giving shade and definition to the features and hands.  I added a couple of drops of Sepia Shade Game Wash (73.200), given the skin tone I was after, not entirely successfully.

You can also see the initial black wash effect much better in this shot.









In terms of the rest of the kit for the major areas i.e. uniform, you simply take your chosen base colour plus dark grey and off-white.

You then mix a bit of dark grey and your chosen colour and apply that as a dark base coat

You then apply a thin coat of your chosen colour as it is out of the bottle, making sure you leave some of the darker base coat in recessed areas to create some shadow.

You then mix a bit of the off white and your chosen colour and highlight raised areas like creases or shoulders that will catch more of the light! Job done!







The rest of the kit was then painted to my taste....not easy when there are so many variations of Japanese wartime pilot colour schemes to choose from.

This was my chosen palette, along with my DIY wet palette.










As I said above, the pilot is far from perfect plus the light in a very dark grey and rainy UK is not good, so this does not show the pilot off at his best.

I'll try to get better shots tomorrow.

Also, he looks rather 'western' to my eye - a feeling my daughter confirmed.

[keavdog]

Sadaaki looks good. I really like pilots in the models.

[adt70hk]

Jul 22, 2023 16:49:50 GMT -5 keavdog said:

Sadaaki looks good. I really like pilots in the models.

Thanks John.  I like them too.  A plane without a pilot/crew looks kind of empty somehow, although they obviously get in the way seeing the cockpit detail.

[keavdog]

Jul 23, 2023 15:57:16 GMT -5 adt70hk said:

Jul 22, 2023 16:49:50 GMT -5 keavdog said:

Sadaaki looks good. I really like pilots in the models.

Thanks John.  I like them too.  A plane without a pilot/crew looks kind of empty somehow, although they obviously get in the way seeing the cockpit detail.

And I get conflicted when I have a really nice cast resin ejection seat with all the belt detail.

[adt70hk]

Hi all

So some hopefully better pictures, although the dreaded digital zoom has done it's usual worst!

The worst of the worst will hopefully be hidden in the cockpit!

Andrew

[adt70hk]

Jul 23, 2023 15:59:54 GMT -5 keavdog said:

Jul 23, 2023 15:57:16 GMT -5 adt70hk said:

Thanks John.  I like them too.  A plane without a pilot/crew looks kind of empty somehow, although they obviously get in the way seeing the cockpit detail.

And I get conflicted when I have a really nice cast resin ejection seat with all the belt detail.

I've not gone that far yet.....but perhaps it's one of those situations when not using the seat is worth it, given it to be hidden.

[406 Silverado]

Thank you for the detailed step by step on the pilot paint-up here Andrew. This is one area of modeling that I haven't ventured into is painting the figures associated with the aircraft. Too scared I guess. Your outcome was far better than anything I've been able to pull off.

[stikpusher]

You sure look to have obtained the best possible results from the kit figure. Are you going to paint the standing pilot figure as well?

[deafpanzer]

Great steps how to do the figure painting… the pilot is looking good! 👍

[Joe Rix]

Given what you had to work with, you did a terrific job painting the pilot Andrew. It really looks good. I am no figure painter, but you've given me some inspiration nonetheless. Thank you for the process it was quite helpful. Karma be to coming your way my friend.

[406 Silverado]

Jul 25, 2023 0:55:21 GMT -5 stikpusher said:

You sure look to have obtained the best possible results from the kit figure. Are you going to paint the standing pilot figure as well?

I was wondering that myself. It would be cool if you did Andrew.

[adt70hk]

Jul 24, 2023 20:33:45 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

Thank you for the detailed step by step on the pilot paint-up here Andrew. This is one area of modeling that I haven't ventured into is painting the figures associated with the aircraft. Too scared I guess. Your outcome was far better than anything I've been able to pull off.

Jul 25, 2023 0:55:21 GMT -5 stikpusher said:

You sure look to have obtained the best possible results from the kit figure. Are you going to paint the standing pilot figure as well?

Jul 27, 2023 12:05:25 GMT -5 deafpanzer said:

Great steps how to do the figure painting… the pilot is looking good! 👍

Jul 27, 2023 19:52:18 GMT -5 Joe Rix said:

Given what you had to work with, you did a terrific job painting the pilot Andrew. It really looks good. I am no figure painter, but you've given me some inspiration nonetheless. Thank you for the process it was quite helpful. Karma be to coming your way my friend.

Jul 27, 2023 20:21:15 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

Jul 25, 2023 0:55:21 GMT -5 stikpusher said:

You sure look to have obtained the best possible results from the kit figure. Are you going to paint the standing pilot figure as well?

I was wondering that myself. It would be cool if you did Andrew.

Thanks gents.  Glad you like it, I was reasonably pleased.

As for the standing pilot.  Wasn't planning him to do him yet, as I don't currently have a space for the diorama/vignette that would require but never say never!

Going back to the figure painting, what I have shared is a very small extract of the SBS my friend did.  With his permission I collated the entire thing into a single 20 page file documenting it from start to finish.

If you want a copy let me know....he is happy for me to share it in a controlled way and as long as he gets the credit - very understandably.

ATB

Andrew

[kyledehart5]

I too love the Raiden and I’m stopping by to see this one come together.

[adt70hk]

Jul 31, 2023 4:52:07 GMT -5 kyledehart5 said:

I too love the Raiden and I’m stopping by to see this one come together.

Thanks Kyle and apologies for the very late reply.

Finally managed to get some paint down on the insides.  Photos to follow soon....hopefull!

[kyledehart5]

Aug 6, 2023 3:03:12 GMT -5 adt70hk said:

Jul 31, 2023 4:52:07 GMT -5 kyledehart5 said:

I too love the Raiden and I’m stopping by to see this one come together.

Thanks Kyle and apologies for the very late reply.

Finally managed to get some paint down on the insides.  Photos to follow soon....hopefull!

No worries at all! Looking forward to the next photo update

[adt70hk]

Me again!

So as the spray booth was out for the Jagdpanthers, the Raiden also saw some primer and paint.

I have seen a whole range of greens used on the insides of Raidens from very dark to fairly light, and so went for my own mix of what was intended to be a rough mid-way point.  Didn't work exactly as planned - it's a bit brighter in real life - but you won't see much when the pilot is seated, so it will do for my purposes.

Unfortunately I some managed to mark the prop before the paint had dried, so will have to do something about that....

Thanks for stopping by and sorry for the quality of the picture, it was taken in a rush.

[Joe Rix]

Very good to see some progress going on on your Raiden Andrew. Looks good. As far as the cockpit green goes, I'm only familiar with Mitsubishi cockpit green for the Raiden cockpits. What matters is if your happy with it then I'm happy with it. Good show.

[Medicman71]

It's looking good!

[406 Silverado]

That does look like a pretty tight space in that pit and one that doesn't appear that too much can be seen in it so I'm very sure your shade of green is gonna work out well Andrew. As for the "prop strike"....I think all of us have been guilty of that at one time or another. Looking forward to seeing more progress of this beastie.

[stikpusher]

It's funny how much work we can put into a cockpit, and then so little of it ends up being visible....

[adt70hk]

Aug 9, 2023 17:43:00 GMT -5 Joe Rix said:

Very good to see some progress going on on your Raiden Andrew. Looks good. As far as the cockpit green goes, I'm only familiar with Mitsubishi cockpit green for the Raiden cockpits. What matters is if your happy with it then I'm happy with it. Good show.

Thanks Joe.....I wouldn't know Mitsubishi cockpit green for the Raiden cockpits if it came along, slapped me in the face and then dropped me in a massive pot of it.  Hopefully it won't offend too many aficionados...
!

Aug 10, 2023 14:50:52 GMT -5 Medicman71 said:

It's looking good!

Merci! 

Aug 11, 2023 5:53:26 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

That does look like a pretty tight space in that pit and one that doesn't appear that too much can be seen in it so I'm very sure your shade of green is gonna work out well Andrew. As for the "prop strike"....I think all of us have been guilty of that at one time or another. Looking forward to seeing more progress of this beastie.

Thanks Joe!  It is tight, although not as tight as I though it might be.....see shot below.  Couldn't believe catching the prop!     Seems a shame to mix the paint again for such minor scratch!

Aug 11, 2023 16:22:37 GMT -5 stikpusher said:

It's funny how much work we can put into a cockpit, and then so little of it ends up being visible....

Indeed Carlos, it does seem bonkers at times, especially as I do like to have a pilot if they're available.  A plane looks somehow naked without one!



Thanks again chaps!



Below is a quick overhead shot of what the 'pit it looks like following a loose dry fit.

[adt70hk]

Good morning all

So the build stalled last week as we were away on holiday but I also have this week off work and so the cockpit has been finished, pilot installed, fuselage halves joined and wings stuck on, although they were not without their challenges:

• Even allowing for the age of the kit, the internals of the Tamiya cockpit differ from every other build or AM cockpit set I could find online and so I was stumped on colours as the Tamiya instructions were somewhat lacking.  Then I found a book online called "IJN INTERCEPTOR J2M RAIDEN and N1K SHIDEN SERIES, PICTORIAL BOOK MARU MECHANIC #43" (link), which did for the most part match the Tamiya cockpit (see below).  If anyone knows why the difference I would be interested.....as know almost nothing about Raidens. 

• I should have installed the pilot after assembling the cockpit as his right knee very slightly stops the IP sitting in place properly.  It's very minor and you won't see it after the canopy is installed....but I know it's out.

• There were some 'minor' challenges with the fuselage alignment, as you can see below from all the filler...and there is much more out of shot!!  I don't think it was me but I may be wrong.

• The worst issues though were the huge steps where the wing root joined the fuselage.  I know this is not my fault as a mate on the other forum I am on has recently built this and I can see his model also has large steps.  I started by putting thin styrene rod down ahead of applying any filler, as the steps were so big.  I figured any filler would just sink without some structural support.  I'm in the process of applying the filler since the below shot was taken.

As this is my first 1/48 wingy build I have not added any extra detail to the cockpit and besides the curve of the fuselage and the pilot being in place mean it would mostly be hidden in any case.

I will though be scratching a rudimentary radio, as the Tamiya blob....and I mean blob....that was meant to be the radio was simply awful.

Next time you see this, hopefully, the canopy will be on and it will be primed.

ACW as usual.

Andrew

-----------------------------------------------


The cockpit picture from the book:







Cockpit and fuselage ready for assembly.



















Styrene support ahead of filling the wing root steps.
Oh and yes I did drop some glue on the port wing.....I have managed to clean it up fine though.

[stikpusher]

Andrew, it looks like you have the basic airframe completed now. The rest of the construction should go quickly after seam clean up, and then on to the painting & finishing stage!

[handiabled]

Looks like your winning the battle!

[Joe Rix]

You are making solid progress Andrew. You did well to spruce up the rather spartan cockpit. Appears that you are steadily meeting the challenges presented in these older Tamiya molds. It will all turn out sharp when you are done with it.

When I started this kit a way long time ago I recall the lack of clarity on the call out for the cockpit color. For some reason I don't fully recall, I initially painted the interior with Aotake Blue, which is the Japanese anti-corrosion primer used on their airframes. That of course was way wrong. I still have the kit and I had got as far as panting the cockpit. As such, should I return to this kit I will be stripping the cockpit and repainting it the proper cockpit green. Quite a while after Tamiya issued this kit they came out with their own correct paint which is XF-71 cockpit green. It is similar to the RAF green you see used in British WWII aircraft. This is just some of the stuff I have found along my IJN modeling way.

I am really enjoying your Raiden build.

[deafpanzer]

Cockpit dashboard looks way too cool and colorful! It just keep getting better and better every time you post an update... keep it coming!

[adt70hk]

Aug 25, 2023 10:12:40 GMT -5 stikpusher said:

Andrew, it looks like you have the basic airframe completed now. The rest of the construction should go quickly after seam clean up, and then on to the painting & finishing stage!

Aug 25, 2023 10:23:51 GMT -5 handiabled said:

Looks like your winning the battle!

Aug 26, 2023 7:22:35 GMT -5 Joe Rix said:

You are making solid progress Andrew. You did well to spruce up the rather spartan cockpit. Appears that you are steadily meeting the challenges presented in these older Tamiya molds. It will all turn out sharp when you are done with it.

When I started this kit a way long time ago I recall the lack of clarity on the call out for the cockpit color. For some reason I don't fully recall, I initially painted the interior with Aotake Blue, which is the Japanese anti-corrosion primer used on their airframes. That of course was way wrong. I still have the kit and I had got as far as panting the cockpit. As such, should I return to this kit I will be stripping the cockpit and repainting it the proper cockpit green. Quite a while after Tamiya issued this kit they came out with their own correct paint which is XF-71 cockpit green. It is similar to the RAF green you see used in British WWII aircraft. This is just some of the stuff I have found along my IJN modeling way.

I am really enjoying your Raiden build.

Aug 26, 2023 18:21:43 GMT -5 deafpanzer said:

Cockpit dashboard looks way too cool and colorful! It just keep getting better and better every time you post an update... keep it coming!

Thank guys for the support!  Not sure how the wing root will look under primer but I think I am going to call it a day and accept that this kit is showing its age!  And lets face it, it only cost me £14 and so it's not like I should have expected much

That said, last night I thought of a different way of attacking the wing root gap but that would mean purchasing another kit to have a second go at it!!


Joe  - thanks for the insight on the cockpit colour.  I have seen a lot in that colour but then the odd one in a darker colour.  I don't use Tamiya due to the smell as I spray in the kitchen but I have Vallejo RAF equivalent and I see from one of those colour comparison apps that the Tamiya version is a touch green, so I'll mix my own home brew version next time.


Thanks again chaps....oh and I hope you enjoy the below update!

ATB

Andrew