Model Builder International Pilot Issue Model Builder International Pilot Issue | Page 40

Fig 4

Fig 7

Fig 5

to remove the excess, and the liquefied decal just
vaporized into a smudge. So I allowed them to dry,
burnished clear packing tape over the markings,
and pulled them up. The Alclad/Tamiya Flat Black
method worked, even with the aggressive packing
tape, the Alclad never lifted.
The model sat for a while as I decided on the
markings. Fortunately, around this time, I was
working with a fellow modeler on developing a
line of vinyl paint masks, so after a quick phone
call, the first set we developed was for the Ki-61!
The masks arrived a few days later and I quickly
got back to work on the project. I removed the
masks from the backing paper, applied them
to the model, and sprayed the markings in the
same color as I sprayed the tail. I was going
to spray the white stripes on the tail,
but I decided to use the decals.
Vallejo, despite excellent cover
qualities, is extremely fragile,
and I figured that any attempt
to mask the tail would be a disaster in the making.
So I applied the decals, which settled down nicely,
unlike the hinomaru. I masked and sprayed the
yellow I.D. bands on the wings with Gunze Chrome
yellow. For some reason, it simply refused to dry.
Of course, handling the model resulted in several
thumbprints embedded in the paint. I sanded the
areas and re-sprayed, only to apply more
thumbprints.
With frustration setting in,
I decided to sand the areas,

Fig 6

Fig 4
Each of the stringers on the flap is a multi-fold photoetched part. The main lateral stringer was replaced
with styrene stock

Fig 5
The kit was modified to accept the photo-etched flap
bays

Fig 6
The photo-etched flap and bay certainly add to the
detail level of the model.

Fig 7
The fuselage and wings were sprayed with Alclad
over polished Tamiya flat black, and the tail was
painted with a mix of Vallejo Vermillon and Red.

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