IJN Mitsubishi G4M1 Model 11 Betty Tamiya 1/48th
Built before the start of the Japanese Empire GB, so really can’t put it under that label. Completed in late 2019. Tams Betty which seems like a couple of year ago is over 20 years old now since being released in 1996.
60 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Louis Gardner said on April 17, 2021
Hello Chuck, @uscusn
I remember this build of yours very well. I have used your build journal as a reference when I started two of these kits as part of the log on the Yamamoto mission. (I really do need to finish them up)………..
Your Betty looks very good !!! Thanks for posting it up here for all of us to enjoy. Hard to believe how quickly the 20 years has flown by.
“liked”
Chuck A. Villanueva said on April 17, 2021
Thanks Louis, you know finally realized I have not posted this one when going over some of the builds which I am a bit behind on that are completed. Will finish up on the write up, I learned to get the images posted first with a bit of a summary. Otherwise with a large image load I have received an error message and won’t post.
John vd Biggelaar said on April 17, 2021
Very nice result, Chuck. @uscusn
The paintwork, weathering and chipping looks great.
She does have quiet a large wingspan.
Chuck A. Villanueva said on April 17, 2021
Thanks John, this was one of those fun builds. Even in 1996 some of the engineering which appears in the P-38 today is in this kit as well. Well thought out in assembly.
George Henderson said on April 17, 2021
Very nice looking machine Chuck
Chuck A. Villanueva said on April 17, 2021
Thanks George
gary sausmikat said on April 17, 2021
Nice job, Chuck. I like the subtle weathering and the comparison shots.
Chuck A. Villanueva said on April 17, 2021
Thanks Gary didn’t want to get too heavy handed though some did get pretty rough out on the field in that harsh Pacific sun and environment.
George Schembri said on April 17, 2021
Looks amazing Chuck, looks great all around – all the builds look amazing!
Chuck A. Villanueva said on April 17, 2021
Thanks George, stable mates, the P-38 as one of the nemesis hunting Japanese aircraft in general. The Lancaster to show how large the Betty actually is.
Haslam Yeoman said on April 17, 2021
Great build. I think the subtle weathering works well.
Chuck A. Villanueva said on April 18, 2021
Thank you Haslam.
Spiros Pendedekas said on April 18, 2021
This is an amazing build, Chuck @uscusn! I strongly echo all above Gents’ comments. Your painting and just right weathering makes the Betty look utterly realistic. I love your choice of brown/green top camo. The pics taken together with other aircraft types are stunning.
Thanks for sharing your fantastic job with us, my friend!
Chuck A. Villanueva said on April 18, 2021
Thanks Spiros, definitely wanted to something a bit different, though in hindsight the lower color should or may be a bare metal finish.
George Williams said on April 18, 2021
Really nice finish on this Betty, Chuck, definitely liked.
Chuck A. Villanueva said on April 19, 2021
Thanks George, I used Tamiya and Gunze acrylics for the upper scheme.
Colin Gomez said on April 18, 2021
Fine job on your Betty, Chuck. The feathering and colors of the camo look just right – great airbrush work. I also like your relatively restrained approach to chipping and weathering; it is so easy go to town on the paint loss but I personally think Japanese subjects look more attractive with less damage (as I did with my own Betty). Did you paint on the hinomarus? They look very nice. I think of the Betty as a large aircraft, particularly for the way it dominates my cabinet, but it is interesting to see how much larger the Lanc is. On the other hand, it dwarfs the Dinah and the Zero.
Chuck A. Villanueva said on April 19, 2021
Thanks for that Colin, I use a Paasche “H” single action airbrush to free hand the camo scheme. I try not to over due which you can easily on Japanese aircraft. These Betty’s were heavily used and survived many sorties so lived long enough to really get weathered in the South Pacific sun. The Hinomarus are decals, from a Techmod sheet.
Robert Royes said on April 18, 2021
Nicely done, Chuck!
Chuck A. Villanueva said on April 19, 2021
Thanks Robert