coogrfan

I'm really liking what I'm seeing. Surface detail is nicely rendered, as is the interior. As a limited run kit the sprue gates are substantial. Careful clean up will be required, but I have yet to note any real fit issues. The clear parts look good and the kit includes precut masks.

Looked over the stash. The winner of the "Why do I have so many of these?" Award for 2024 turns out to be five Swallow/Tomy/Doyusha A6M2's.

It's my understanding that the same rule of thumb that applies to A6M2/M3's would apply here: Mitsubishi built - underside color; Nakajima built = Aotake. https://www.largescaleplanes.com/articles/article.php?aid=3332

Haven't had a chance to give it more than a cursory glance...but I liked what I saw. I'll let you know.

Freaking gorgeous!

I think I'm going to have to sell one of my Vals to help pay for the Kate.

The mailman delivered this yesterday. At barely 7" long it is far and away the smallest LSP I've ever seen.

That's niiiiiice.

Top Notch Masks is a UK based seller that offers camo mask sets, markings for specific aircraft or generic national marking sets in 1/72 to 1/24. They should have what you're looking for. https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?item=185104057644&rt=nc&_trksid=p4429486.m3561.l170197&_ssn=advsgm https://www.scalemates.com/brands/topnotch--8441 PS: I ordered a set for a Bader Hurricane project I'm working on a month ago, their shipping charges to the US were very reasonable (approx $6.36 US).

Well done, the subtle surface color variations are really impressive.

I for one would love to see an upscaled version of Eduard's 1/48 P-51B/C slated for release later this year.

A couple more 1/48 SM79 insignia decal sheets: http://www.prontomodel.com/DettaglioArticolo.aspx?CodInterno=TM48/518 http://www.prontomodel.com/DettaglioArticolo.aspx?CodInterno=TM48/555 If you prefer to paint the insignia, Montex makes a set for the Trumpeter 1/48 SM.79. https://www.scalemates.com/kits/montex-k48001-savoia-marchetti-sm79--199361

Yeah, I should have guessed. I found a build of a 1/24 Italian Stuka. Dude sourced insignia from a 1/48 SM.79 Sparviero bomber sheet. https://www.stormomagazine.com/ModelArticles/Ju87/Ju87Stuka_DP_1a.html https://modelingmadness.com/scott/decals/sky/sky48018.htm Italian 1/48 Ju 88 decals https://www.ebay.com/itm/233760630891

Scale?

Found some from the same guy in 1/35. https://www.shapeways.com/shops/distefano_3dprint?s=0&section=IJN+Akagi+aircraft+carrier&page[number]=2&page[limit]=48&page[order]=asc

My understanding is that the use of rolled up futons as protection from splinters was a time honored practice in the IJN. There are multiple images of Akagi's island prior to the launch of the second wave that show the futons in place. https://japanese-aviation.forumotion.com/t37-25-pearl-harbor-raid-akagi-s-fighters As to why Border didn't see fit to include them, your guess is as good as mine.

Futons are correct for both PH and Midway. Hopefully the aftermarket folks will come to the rescue.

I would never spend that much money for something without a prop.

Or, you know, you could trade it.

Just an FYI: Contact-Resine made an excellent update set for this kit that corrects a few significant shape issues. Hard to find, but worth the effort. https://www.largescaleplanes.com/reviews/review.php?rid=105 https://www.scalemates.com/kits/contact-resine-ck-32001-dewoitine-d520--1030882

Hasegawa's Stuka kits include decals for both the interior and exterior framing.

Time frame would be 1998, aircraft would be options 2 or 3 below (Iowa ANG based in my parents home town of Sioux City )