This all started with a 1/72 Aoshima Zuiun that was sent to me by a good friend (thanks a million, hamsterman!). This early example of the kit-maker's art is a true classic and comes with some top-flight box art even if some aspects of it are toy-like.
The first thing I did was amputate the nose so I could fit a better looking engine. I decided to save the excellent kit canopy and replaced it with a drop-tank half from a 1/144 B-47. I also cut down the fin & rudder to obscure the Zuiun silhouette a little.
As you can see, there were some yawning gaps, especially around the wing-fold, but Mr Tamiya's miracle putty saved the day! At this point, it seemed a good idea to tackle the painting before attaching the new engine.
Having less model to maneuver around made painting the canopy a bit easier.
The old hairy stick and acrylics were used, Model Masters "Feldgrau" up top and Light Sea Gray underneath.
The canopy was done in some of my dwindling Poly Scale RAAF Sky topped with a coat of gloss medium. The Amiot 143 cowling was painted Model Masters Flat Black. Poly Scale Building Brown was used on the exhausts and the guns were given a custom mix.
Those cool Uruguayan markings came from a Roundels of the World decal sheet and the codes are from an Italeri Fiat CR.42.
I almost forgot to mention that I dressed up the Amiot cowling by adding a spare engine piece behind the facing plate, concerned that without something back there it wouldn't look right. As it turns out, I probably didn't need to worry since this is one of the few shots where you can see the engine detail. The prop is from a Monogram P-36 and was left in all its natural plastic glory.
It took me five days to put this together and while it wasn't the smoothest build, I was pretty happy with how it all turned out. Before I forget, here's a couple of "money shots", U.S. penny for scale.
I'd like to thank Bill for his kindness in sending the kit, Mr Fontaine for parting with that Roundels of the World sheet so many moons ago, Mr Wombat for bravely moderating this GB and the rest of you playing along or just stopping by for a look.
I also wanted to give Mr Robomog a tip o' the pin for suggesting the bit in the back story about not being able to lift a torpedo. I'm always grateful for creative points-of-failure for my also-rans.
This last picture shows the Airfix stand I posed the model on. I'm always pleased whenever I can use it.
Brian da Basher
