Mitsubishi A5M4 Claude.
This is the 1/48 scale Finemolds Mitsubishi A5M4 Claude. Imperial Japanese Navy, INJ Kaga, 1939.
The kit contained 67 parts, and apart from the seat harness, was built straight out of the box.
It was painted with Alclad II, Aeromaster & Tamiya Acrylics.
The decals are the standard kit markings.
I made this model when it was first released last year (2016).
Thanks for looking, Julian.
11 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Rob Pollock said on July 28, 2017
NIce work, Julian. I think Special Hobby also do this arcraft (?). It always looks simple but the finishes give it that little extra “something” that catches the eye in a table display.
There was one at Telford in 2012 that won best in its Class, so the scope is certainly there for “added value.”
Your metal work is very effective, if I may say.
Julian Shawyer said on July 28, 2017
Thank you Rob. I’ve been looking on imodeler for a few months now and really look forward to your Friday Briefing.
George Williams said on July 28, 2017
It looks simple but you’ve achieved a lovely soft metallic finish that is very convincing , welcome to iModeler, Julian.
Julian Shawyer said on July 28, 2017
Hello George, thank you. Thank you also for your welcome.
david leigh-smith said on July 28, 2017
Like George, I think the metal finish is very authentic and looks beautiful. Just perfect wear on her, too – really lovely build.
Julian Shawyer said on July 28, 2017
Thank you David, I’m pleased you like it
kloster zero said on July 28, 2017
Fantastic ! It looks like a model packed with photo etched details and resin parts but it all comes from the box ! Amainzing. Its also a very interesting bird with a global shape that anounces the zero that was to come after.
Bravo
Julian Shawyer said on July 28, 2017
Thanks kloster. Yes, your correct. It was the forerunner of the Zero.
Ken Hammer said on July 28, 2017
It looks really great!
Julian Shawyer said on July 28, 2017
Thank you Ken.
Pedro L. Rocha said on July 28, 2017
What a gem! Proves that a solid build and painting takes any scheme to a higher level. I like the subtle weathering, very realistic. Well done
Julian Shawyer said on July 28, 2017
Thanks Pedro. It’s a gem of a kit that Finemolds have made making it easy to assemble.
Craig Abrahamson said on July 28, 2017
Outstanding build, my friend….simply stunning. “…straight outta the box except for the seat harness…”, huh? I’ll bet that antenna wire wasn’t in that box, though, was it? 🙂
Julian Shawyer said on July 28, 2017
Thank you Craig, and well spotted. I forgot that. The antenna wire is a length of EZ Line.
Craig Abrahamson said on July 28, 2017
That EZ line is great stuff…..makes easy work of antennas.
Craig Abrahamson said on July 28, 2017
Oh….I just realized this was your inaugural post, Julian. Allow me to add my “welcome aboard” as well. You’ll like it here….nice buncha folks.
Julian Shawyer said on July 29, 2017
Thank you for your warm welcome Craig.
I agree, EZ line is great stuff.
Robert Royes said on July 28, 2017
Excellent work sir, nice touch with parts tag, and welcome
Julian Shawyer said on July 29, 2017
Hello Robert, thank you sir. I see you recognised the parts tag.
Thanks also for your welcome.
Editor said on July 28, 2017
Welcome onboard at iModeler, Julian. You’ve done justice to one of the prettiest inter-war fighters IMHO. How was this kit – as good as it looks finished :)?
Julian Shawyer said on July 29, 2017
Hello Martin, thank you, it’s nice to be here.
I really think the Claude is a think of beauty.
The kit was a little gem to build. It went together so well, that I built it in subassemblies, then glued them together knowing I would not need any filler.
I’ve added another photo to show you what I mean.
I always make my models like this if the fit is good.
Terry Schuler said on July 28, 2017
Julian, Nice work, on this very attractive build. Your metal finish looks great. I like it a lot !
Julian Shawyer said on July 29, 2017
Thank you Terry, that’s much appreciated.
Paul Barber said on July 28, 2017
This is one of those builds that comes along only occasionally and really turns your head – I have been through the photos about a dozen times – beautifully done!
Julian Shawyer said on July 29, 2017
I don’t know what to say Paul, other than thank you very much.
I’m really pleased you like it. Thanks again.
Dirk Derks said on July 29, 2017
Hello Julian.
Well done. Do you have any suggestions for me (us) regarding the use of Alclad. Base coats and so on. Would appreciate some more info.
Regards, Dirk / The Netherlands.
Julian Shawyer said on July 29, 2017
Hello Dirk, thank you.
When I use Alclad, I use Tamiya Fine Grey Primer from a aerosol can for the base coat.
I then spray the Alclad on top of the base coat.
I leave this to harden for a couple of days before applying a Black Flory Wash.
I remove the excess wash with a damp cloth, and polish the surface with fine Micro-Mesh (8000).
I hope this helps. Please just ask if you need anymore information. Regards, Julian. UK
Jeff Bailey said on July 30, 2017
Great build of an interesting aircraft, Julian. As already mentioned; Welcome aboard!
Julian Shawyer said on July 30, 2017
Thank you Jeffry, thank you also for the friend request and your welcome.
Ferry Dierckxsens said on July 30, 2017
Fantastic work Julian. The natural metal finish looks great, specialy with the weathering you have applied. It shows again that building straight form the box can lead to something fantastic.
Julian Shawyer said on July 30, 2017
Thank you Ferry, I always try to build the kit straight out of the box if I can. With modern kits, I find the detail adequate for my builds.
Louis Gardner said on July 30, 2017
Welcome aboard Julian. Your Mitsubishi looks great !!! I really like it. The paint is outstanding.
Julian Shawyer said on July 31, 2017
Hello Louis, and thank you.
I had a quick look at the models you have posted.
I will look at them in more detail when I get the time.
I noticed you put some history behind your builds.
Great idea, I very much like that.
Julian Shawyer said on July 31, 2017
Hello Louis, and thank you.
I had a quick look at the models you have posted.
I will look at them in more detail when I get the time.
I noticed you put some history behind your builds.
Great idea, I very much like that.
Greg Kittinger said on July 31, 2017
Lovely build Julian. I concur that the finish on the metal work is nice and subtle – just right! Welcome to the community…
Julian Shawyer said on July 31, 2017
Many thanks Greg. Alclad gives a good finish. Thanks also for the welcome.
George Henderson said on August 11, 2017
Beautiful looking aircraft.
Julian Shawyer said on August 11, 2017
Thank you George.