PLANES
Unfortunately this kit does not provide the 1944 versions of the planes (only Zero, Val & Kate), nevertheless I decided to make them and put them on the deck. I simply cannot able to find 1:500 scale planes of the Yokosuka D4Y & Nakajima B6N, which was supposed to be used in 1944. As we know it is hard to get aftermarket products for old Nichimoco kit and in this scale...
All planes are heavily modified together with extra details added. All details such as undercarriages (landing gears & wheels) are scratch-built. See-through cockpit by using photo-etch mesh and drilled out the cockpit etc.
STEP 1 � Cut away existing canopy and drilled out a cockpit, this is necessary because canopy does not necessary cover gunner�s position, it is exposed. I also added machine gun at those position.
STEP 2 � Cut off existing landing gear from mould. Note original mould at top showing thick chunky gears.
STEP 3 - Scratch-built landing gear strut & wheels by plastic styrene rod & strips. Step 2 is to create doors for the gears. Step 3-4 is extra steps for the Kate only to match the actual cover shape.
Continues in next post