Something Unusual From Japan
Something Unusual From Japan
About 18 years ago I was just beginning my involvement in this hobby when I ran across a brochure put out by a company called Imperial Enterprises featuring an array of 1:72nd WW2 Japanese fighter models. As it happened, these turned out to be extremely high priced and were made of pewter and could not be found in any of the American stores. Here's a picture from the brochure. I think you can see why I was intrigued:
Re: Something Unusual From Japan
From time to time I have run across these models, invariably in the hands of collectors who had no intention of parting with them. But recently, I found a seller and obtained----for a pretty penny ( don't ask how much )-----five of the Imperial models. These are the Oscar, Tony, Nate, Frank and Shinden. What's amazing, to me at least, is the fact that the molds, them selves are quite detailed and the models are certainly solid. But their cockpits are only slightly indented and are painted the same color as the upper surfaces, while the same treatment is afforded to the pilots, who are molded chest up. Also, the landing gear isn't painted, nor are the exhausts, nor are the navigation lights, or walk lines and they've left off the yellow wing flashes on the mid-late war planes. Amazing!. Did they really save that much by going 95% of the way but stopping there?
In any event, I'm now, slowly and carefully, making those corrections that are possible, starting with the Nate. Here's a picture of the work in progress. I've pried open the central portion of the canopy and painted the pilot and created the illusion of depth by darkening the area in front of the pilot. A lot of other changes are also made--wheels painted, navigation lights painted, staining, etc. Here's a picture:
In any event, I'm now, slowly and carefully, making those corrections that are possible, starting with the Nate. Here's a picture of the work in progress. I've pried open the central portion of the canopy and painted the pilot and created the illusion of depth by darkening the area in front of the pilot. A lot of other changes are also made--wheels painted, navigation lights painted, staining, etc. Here's a picture:
-
snake
- Officer - Brigadier General
- Posts: 3657
- Joined: Mon Mar 23, 2009 12:28 am
- Location: Victoria,B.C. Canada
Re: Something Unusual From Japan
Those are certainly unusual, being quite old, and made of pewter.
You do have some very interesting models, Ed.
I know a few collectors are really into the Marushin 1/48 line. Have a few of those myself, but just can't get that excited about them, given the price. But they are unique, and heavy. And wouldn't think about selling them.
You do have some very interesting models, Ed.
I know a few collectors are really into the Marushin 1/48 line. Have a few of those myself, but just can't get that excited about them, given the price. But they are unique, and heavy. And wouldn't think about selling them.