1/48 Mitsubishi A5M4 Claude – Empire of Japan Group Build.
This is the 2016 Fine Molds kit. I can’t speak highly enough about its quality. It’s an outstanding kit in every way. Feel free to check out my build log in the EoJ group build section and you’ll see how nice it is.
The Claude was the predecessor to the famous Zero. As the IJN’s first monoplane fighter, it was basically transitional in nature. It retained fixed landing gear and the original enclosed canopy was soon abandoned for the traditional open cockpit that its pilots preferred. Mine is finished as an example assigned to the carrier “Hosho” in early 1942. The only thing I added were seatbelts modified from a British set. I chose this late in life Claude primarily because the markings are a bit different then the usual red tailed examples we see. The finish is Tamiya Silver Leaf sealed with Future over the decals and a final coat of semi-gloss mixed 1:3 from Testors Dull coat/Gloss coat. All of the other paints used are Humbrol Enamels. The final photo shows all four of the models that I’ve built for this Group Build. Thanks again to Louis and all of the other enthusiastic participants. This is the most modeling fun that I’ve had since the RAF group build in 2018.
14 additional images. Click to enlarge.
dale travis said on January 8, 2021
Great work John, I really like this. I've one of these in the to do pile for this year.
John Healy said on January 8, 2021
Thanks, Dale. It’s the closest thing to a perfect kit that I’ve seen. Enjoy yours.
Andrew Alexander said on January 8, 2021
Gorgeous! What an elegant little plane.
John Healy said on January 8, 2021
Thanks, Andrew. Elegant it is.
Pedro L. Rocha said on January 8, 2021
Beautifully built and that collection sure looks magnificent too
John Healy said on January 8, 2021
Thanks, Pedro.
Bill Koppos said on January 8, 2021
VERY pretty bird, nicely executed. And a fine shelfful too!
John Healy said on January 8, 2021
Thanks, Bill!
George Williams said on January 8, 2021
There's definitely something about these Japanese planes that has, no doubt, helped to make this group build such a success, and this one's a great addition. Definitely liked.
John Healy said on January 8, 2021
Thanks, George!
John vd Biggelaar said on January 8, 2021
Thatś a very nice looking build, John.
Your collection is also very nice to look at.
And absolute 'like'.
John Healy said on January 8, 2021
Thanks, John!
DE4EVER said on January 8, 2021
🙂 ... Greetings ... 🙂 :
A very sharp and pristine finish to this model John.
The clean and smooth lines in this aircraft can very much be appreciated in every angle, thank you for sharing these images.
John Healy said on January 8, 2021
Thank you, Sir!
Walt B said on January 8, 2021
Very nice build. It does look like a high quality kit, or is it just your skills making it look so damn good? Either way great job!
John Healy said on January 8, 2021
Thanks, Walt! It’s really a top notch kit.
Spiros Pendedekas said on January 8, 2021
Congratulations, John, on your wonderful build!
You took a nice kit and your skills resulted in an excellent Claude.
I liked the markings choice, an alternative to the ones we usually on Claudes.
Excellent cockpit, too!
I had the pleasure to follow your build thread: I liked iot a lot!
The EoJ is such an amazing group, still going on!
John Healy said on January 8, 2021
Thanks, Spiros!
Haslam Yeoman said on January 8, 2021
That is a beautiful build. The paintwork sets off the lines of the airframe so well.
John Healy said on January 8, 2021
Thanks, Haslam!
Erik Gjørup said on January 8, 2021
John (@j-healy), what can I say? - Beautifully build and a very nice base kit. It has been a joy to follow your build, Thank you for sharing the journey.
John Healy said on January 8, 2021
Thanks, Erik!
gary sausmikat said on January 8, 2021
Sweet looking build, John. Nice job.
John Healy said on January 8, 2021
Thanks, Gary!
Bob Bailey said on January 8, 2021
Just off the production line and looking fantastic. All good.
John Healy said on January 8, 2021
Thanks, Bob!
Greg Kittinger said on January 8, 2021
That's a gorgeous Claude, and great scheme choice. The shelf lineup is a fantastic collection!
John Healy said on January 8, 2021
Thanks, Greg!
Tom Cleaver said on January 8, 2021
"A neat modeling shelf is the sign of a sick mind." 🙂
Super-nice build, @j-healy, and a very nicely-displayed collection.
John Healy said on January 8, 2021
Thanks, Tom! Can’t beat IKEA Billy cases.
Mike Carter said on January 8, 2021
Superb. Been mulling this kit over and now I may have to add it to the stash.
John Healy said on January 9, 2021
Thanks, Mike!