Mitsubishi Betty G4M1 Type 11
Based on various references I gathered and document I read, I learned that the paint quality in Japan during WWII was really low. As a result, Japanese fighters and bombers looked quickly quite skinned.
That was a perfect chipping exercise, plus for this model, I used only decals for the identification (K-310), the rest was done with patience and masking. So the tricky part here was to be able to match the chipping on the various paint layers and try to avoid inconsistencies of having a top layer none chipped when the bottom layer was (hope my sentence makes sense ;-P).
For the bare aluminum base coat, I used AK-Interactive Extreme Metal followed by a satin varnish. Metallic paints remain quite fragile; it is imperative to protect them with varnish to avoid bad sleep and nightmares.
Then I used the chipping fluid from Ammo Mig followed with a coat of classic Tamiya paints. And I repeated the process for all paint layers.
I also tried to simulate the skin stress, but after all the painting work and chipping the effect has completely disappeared (sic!).
I lot of scratch builds in the cockpit, but quite difficult to see once finally assembled. But I know it is there π
I applied color filters with a mix of Abteilung 502 oil paints. And then used ochre to simulate the typical red soil you can find in many places in the Southern Pacific. (my white pants still remember it :-D)
This is definitely not the most detailed kit from Tamiya, but I really learned a lot about painting the freehand camo and managing chipping effects.
17 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Spiros Pendedekas said on April 3, 2020
Perfect weathering, Alex, but also the rest of the build is excellent. I’ve got a long way to go regarding weathering, but your quality work inspires me to push on!
All the best and stay safe!
Alex said on April 7, 2020
Many thanks, Spiros, for your touching comments.
I never thought I would, one day, inspire someone (blushing!!)
Pedro L. Rocha said on April 3, 2020
Anyone who builds this kit deserves my respect, not because itβs a hard to build kit, au contrarie (hey since when Tamiya has difficult kits right?) but the whole weathering behind the real planes is a daunting task.
I like a lot of things about your Betty (cockpit, the underside weathering and such) though to my taste the chipping looks a bit to much. Congrats Alex!
Alex said on April 7, 2020
Hi Pedro,
Normally Tamiya kits are comfortable to build, super accurate, and crispy sprues. My only reserve would be the lack of details on particular elements for 1/48 kits. Then room for scratch building ;-).
I like to explore with technics, and to go over the top is also a way to learn in order to understand the limits. Since the beginning, I wanted to make this kit super chipped based on various pictures and references I found on the internet. Hehe! agree with you, a bit too much, but it was a lot of fun to do it π
Michel Verschuere said on April 3, 2020
Great weathering, absolutely fabulous!
Alex said on April 7, 2020
Many thanks, Michel π
BTW: I remain amazed by your German Air Ministery :-O
Michel Verschuere said on April 7, 2020
Yes, two years ago that was my main hobby occupation… Tx for your comment!
Bryan W. Bernart said on April 4, 2020
Great looking finish!
I’m completely chicken when it comes to this degree of weathering-
(I’ve been told the the hinomaru, however, were maintained at a higher level as it was a national symbol. I may be wrong).
Alex said on April 7, 2020
Good point about the “hinomaru”. I will definitely dig to know more about it.
Haslam Yeoman said on April 4, 2020
I am not really into weathering due to fear of failure of keeping it realistic and that I am too eager to move onto the next build. I do appreciate the effort you have put into this.
Alex said on April 7, 2020
Yes! It could be quite intimidating. That is why you have to start it where you feel the most comfortable and where it would be the less visible. Then gaining in confidence, you can continue layer by layer.
It is also good to have a “guinea pig” where you can try effects. I have a cheap model from Eduard dedicated to it.
Robert Royes said on April 4, 2020
Amazing work, looks great!
Alex said on April 7, 2020
Many thanks π
Colin Gomez said on April 6, 2020
That is one battered-looking Betty – true to the photographic evidence I have seen of paint wear on Japanese types. I also like the work you have done on the cockpit interior. Nice instrument panel and throttle quadrant. The Betty has a very large greenhouse so detailing stands out. I am working on a G4M myself. Good to have your fine version as a reference.
Alex said on April 7, 2020
I am glad my model will serve as a reference.
Please feel free to ask me some additional pics if it would help.
Cannot wait to see your version π
Greg Kittinger said on April 6, 2020
Looks great! I haven’t gotten bold enough to go that far yet – but soon…!
Alex said on April 7, 2020
Many thanks π