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Frank Cronin
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Mitsubishi F1M2 “Pete

December 31, 2013 · in Aviation · · 8 · 2K

This is another right out of the box build even using the kit decals. It is of a "Pete" that was in the Solomon Islands about January 1943. I have no information on the specific Senti but the kit lists the crewmen. They were NAP 4/C Ryoji Asanuma and NAP 1/C Michiho Takarada. I will take them at their word. I built this because I like the airplane and it looked like it would be fun to build. It was an absolute pleasure to put together. The fit was excellent and it is very precisely engineered. I would highly recommend this to anyone that likes Japanese airplanes.
I put the last picture in just to see if it comes out. It is of the Hasagawa "Rufe" I built this for a gentleman and this is the only photo I have of it.

A very Happy New Year to all and a well earned "shout out" to Martin for all the work he is doing to bring like minded modelers from all over the World together. This is one fabulous site. Thank you.

Reader reactions:
5  Awesome

6 additional images. Click to enlarge.


8 responses

  1. Well what can I say Frank. Yet another great build.
    The more I see of Japanese aircraft the more I think I shall get a few in the coming year.

  2. said on January 1, 2014

    Your 'Pete' looks great Frank. Love this particular aircraft. I built one many years ago (Fujimi in 1/50th scale?) but I have a Hasegawa one in the cupboard, nearing the top of the pile. Have you noticed that Hasegawa make their best tooling for kits of Japanese aircraft? Their Frank & Zero kits are superb.
    Your Rufe is pretty nice too!.
    Cheers,
    Tony

  3. Really nice and an interesting looking airplane as well. I am of no help with information on Japanese pilots or aircraft. My bookshelves have a big hole on those topics. I do like the look of Japanese WWII aircraft. Have you modelled many of them? I have a Tamiya 1/48 A6M2 that I hacked away at years ago and left unfinished. I think I will post on Aircraft WIP and ask for your advice.

  4. I agree with Simon, I think the Japanese WWII aircraft do have something about them. Was this the Tamiya kit, Frank?

    • George,
      This is the Hasagawa kit. In is hands down better than the old Tamiya kit. Don't get wrong, their kit was good but it is dated and it is 1/50 not 1/48

  5. that's really nice ...and the rufe as well

  6. Show me a float plane and I'll show you a winner, great build! And the "Rufe" is a beauty too.

  7. That's one Hot Seaplane! The Rufe is nice too!

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