Mitsubishi L3M1 Nippon Go - part 3

Here is the completed kit - serving as a military transport.  As well as the usual 'in flight' photos, I couldn't resist one with the G3M1 bomber.

Mitsubishi L3M1 Nippon Go - part 2

It's built and - rather predictably - painted silver. Markings and varnish still to come.

Mitsubishi L3M1 Nippon Go - part 1

I actually completed this models and took the photos back in May so here at last it is! Bought at the same time as my G3M1 bomber, I picked up this version as it was both different  - but similarly cheap!

Both civil and military markings are provided on the enormous decal sheet.

The build was very similar to the bomber.

Mitsubishi Ki-15-II Type 97 Mk2 - part 3

Here is the completed Ki-15-II basking in the sunshine.  Following such a simple build and finish I find it strangely pleasing to look at.

Mitsubishi Ki-15-II Type 97 Mk2 - part 2

The dark green over off-white was applied at the same time as I was slapping far more of the same colours on my G3M.  I'll tidy it up and apply markings soon.

Mitsubishi Ki-15-II Type 97 Mk2 - part 1

When I was ordering my first Ki-15 kit (see earlier posts part 1,  part 2,  part3) I noticed other variants.  They were sufficiently cheap that I ordered two.  Actually I have a suspicion that there may be a third lurking somewhere but that's another story.
As it's basically the same kit I wasn't surprised that the build progressed smoothly.

Paintwork coming soon.

Mitsubishi G3M1 - part 3

The massive Mitsubishi is finally complete and is seen here aloft on a wobbly stand over the usual proving ground. Decals were selected from the sheet provided with the kit and a coat of Ronseal satin varnish completed the ensemble.

Mitsubishi G3M1 - part 2

My G3M is a step closer to darkening the skies over Nomonhan. I’ve gone for a simple dark green over off-white scheme but I’m sure the glazing and markings will bring it to life.

Mitsubishi G3M1 - part 1

The build-up for Nomonhan continues. This time we’re back in the air with a nice big Japanese bomber. And yes, I do know that the G3M is a Navy machine and so wouldn’t have appeared at Nomonhan. But the kit was rather cheap....Like my recent Ki-15, this is an ARII kit and shared the generally crisp moulding and minimal flash. I built it as an early version - the original G3M had no defensive armament as it’s high speed would ensure that ‘the bomber will always get through’. Despite this hope, the later ones were (relatively) bristling with guns.
Paintwork will follow shortly.

Ki-15-I. Part 3

My 1/72 Mitsubishi Ki-15 is now complete - and rather striking it looks in overall pale grey.  What do you think?

Ki-15-I. Part 2

The build is complete and paintwork underway. While it dries I’ll look at the decal options.

Ki-15-I. Part 1

Not one of the higher profile Japanese aircraft, the Mitsubishi Ki-15 was nonetheless an important and quite successful recce machine for the Army in the late 1930s.

 I suspect that this Arii kit is quite an old tooling but parts finish is very crisp and fit very good. The poor alignment and gaps are all my own work...

 It’s a fairly basic kit - especially if you don’t bother with the internal details, so the build was pretty quick. Parts are included for various versions - different engine cowlings, propellers and cockpit canopies. I’ll be keeping it simple and going with an early version.