Z-M Shinden

[pennausamike]

I've been out of the hobby a long time,

and this isn't really a good "starter" kit, but,

the Z-M Shinden is a big part of the reason I want to get back into 32nd scale building again.

 

First, though, I need to clean up the Shinden's future shelf companions,

Might have to make a couple of minor repairs (like that Ki-43 landing gear...)

 

 

Dust and cobwebs are hardly inspiring.

 

 

Then I need to clear my work space.

I don't remember the last time I used my cutting board/ vise board.

 

 

And then I'll start, one step at a time.

 

 

...and we'll see how it goes!

 

Mike

Edited July 4, 2012 by pennausamike

[scvrobeson]

You're going to love the Shinden. I did a complete build of it on here not too long ago, so I can help out if you run into any problems.

 

 

Did you happen to pick up the concept note book for it? It's an indispensable reference for this build.

 

 

One quick tip, don't try and test fit the landing gear legs until you know you're attaching them for good. The fit is extremely tight, and have a tendency to break if you try and test fit then remove then. Don't worry about the metal gear legs unless you break the legs like I broke my left main leg. You probably also won't need much nose weight, but some might be needed for your own mental security, mine always twitches whenever it gets touched.

 

 

 

Can't wait to see how you do with this build.

 

 

Matt

[LSP_Kevin]

Good to have you back Mike. Looks like you have a thing for WW2 Japanese aircraft. The Shinden will make a good companion for them. I look forward to following your build.

 

Kev

[seiran01]

Welcome back Mike! Shinden is one of my favorite planes of all time so I immediately built this kit when it came out. I'll second what's been said about te landing gear! My main suggestion is to make sure you fully remove the mold separation seams from bulkheads and any other parts contacting the fuselage panels- they're designed to fit so precisely that even the mold lines will leave you with a lot more filling and sanding. This is turning in to a great group build indeed :-D

[Derek B]

Really unusual but great subject choice Mike - I look forward to seeing this come together.

 

 

D.

[pennausamike]

Good to have you back Mike.

Looks like you have a thing for WW2 Japanese aircraft.

SNIP

 

Thanks!

And not just Japanese aircraft.

I took the time to clean all my 32nd scale aircraft.

 

 

In addition to the Pacific War in general,

my main interest has always been the Allied Daylight Bomber Offensive.

 

 

I have about a 4 to 1 ratio of unbuilt kits to built ones,

so the display shelves in my basement are just the tip of the iceberg.

It sure does feel good to be able to see all those colors and details.

I bet there was a two or more year build up of dust on all those gray blobs.

 

You're going to love the Shinden.

I did a complete build of it on here not too long ago, so I can help out if you run into any problems.

Did you happen to pick up the concept note book for it? It's an indispensable reference for this build.

One quick tip, don't try and test fit the landing gear legs until you know you're attaching them for good.

SNIP

 

I didn't get the reference guide and likely won't.

I will be checking out your build, though.

Thanks especially for the tip about the landing gear legs and nose weight.

Those kinds of tips go far to ease build problems.

 

Welcome back Mike!

SNIP

My main suggestion is to make sure you fully remove the mold separation seams from bulkheads

SNIP

 

Likewise this tip.

And thanks to all for the encouragement.

I should have something to show over the next few days.

 

 

I'll also be putting up some neat detail shots I took of the Shinden a few years back at Garber.

Most of the shots are dark, but I had them at a time (before the release of this kit)

when little was known about the engine of the Shinden.

Also some decent cockpit and gunbay pics.

 

Mike

[LSP_Ray]

I've got a spare Concept Notes if you want a look.

[Youngtiger1]

That is one nice and detailed kit right out of the box. I has chance to see one build at the local show. It will be interesting to see what you can do beside what is in the box. So, get busy...lol j/k

 

Mike

[pennausamike]

I started building my Shinden and I'm a little dismayed at how bad my vision has gotten in the past decade.

Took the fun quotient down a notch.

 

On the plus side, I kinda "poo-poo-ed" the molded in color aspect of the ZM kit,

but I'm finding that using a wash on the molded cylinder fins really highlights the detail.

So I see my engine will be a combination of painted parts and colored plastic parts.

I'll post a pic when I have something worth looking at, but for now, I found this that I posted long ago:

 

 

 

I'll include some real pics with images from the build.

 

Mike

Edited July 19, 2012 by pennausamike

[A.Wolf Grant]

Cool - love the tool chest by the way.

 

Grant

[pennausamike]

Cool - love the tool chest by the way.

 

Grant

 

Thanks for the positive comments.

The toolbox is an old Gerstner I bought for $50 and refinished.

I've used it for years and never gotten around to glueing in the red felt.

 

Far as the Shinden, I am one step away from finishing the engine.

 

 

I need to paint and mount all the exhaust pipes before moving on to the cockpit.

Not making speedy headway, but I am getting a little done.

 

Mike

[Bill_S]

Thanks for the positive comments.

The toolbox is an old Gerstner I bought for $50 and refinished.

I've used it for years and never gotten around to glueing in the red felt.

 

Far as the Shinden, I am one step away from finishing the engine.

 

 

I need to paint and mount all the exhaust pipes before moving on to the cockpit.

Not making speedy headway, but I am getting a little done.

 

Mike

Mike, I built this kit OOB, and enjoyed every minute of it. If and when ZM issues another kit that really interests me, I won't hesitate to buy their product. My engine assembly was almost 1/4 too long, and I've read elsewhere that others have had the same issue. If you haven't done so already, you should check...Your work thus far looks great!

Edited February 15, 2013 by Bill_S

[Guest Peterpools]

Mike

Welcome back and awesome choice for your "first" Been there, done that and the eye just seem to get a bit worse with the passing years. News glasses and the must have Optivisor are a must these days..

Nice start on the Shinden's engine

Keep 'em coming

[Bill_S]

Here's the modification I made to get the engine assembly to fit...

 

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[Bill_S]

Thanks for the kinds words. I don't mean to hijack this thread, but from what I can tell, the folks at Z-M appear to have started their measurements from two different places. The mounting holes for the struts are in the right place if you start from the rear of the aircraft. I've seen remedies that hack approximately 5 mm from either the engine or the rearmost housing. All I did here was cut a step out and shorten the shaft - appropriate to my meager skills.. Once the skin is on, you can't see it.