1/72 Hasegawa Kawanishi Type 94-1 (Alf)

by Phillip Steele

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 Another one for my biplane commitment: I saw it on a collector's shelf and couldn't resist.  This one and four more.  I tried to give it its due, adding extra detail and keeping the weathering on the light side.  Very little reference info. was available.  I found one small b & w of the radial engined version.  I decided not to detail the nav. lights, not knowing their proper location.  I also did not rig the double cable on the starboard wings since I couldn't determine the inboard attachment point.  Hopefully a few photos will turn up.  

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I used two different shades of aluminum paint to enhance the slightly weathered effect I wanted, sealing them with a semi gloss acrylic.  For the darker stains I used powered pencil lead, washing and sealing it again with the acrylic.  Boot and scuff marks were put on at the same time in appropriate areas.  Getting into this plane must have been a treat!  I was leery about the decals due to their age, so only the four number strips are from the sheet.  I made the prop warning stripes for the floats and the four suns.  This also allowed easy color match to the red tail.  The decals that were used only broke in a couple of places. The only part needing any work was the prop.  The spinner was a bit off set and flash where the blades attach was heavy.  The aileron tie rods were too short so I replaced them with brass rod.  I was able to reposition the ailerons and rudder, giving this grand old kit a little more lively look. 

Phillip

Photos and text © by Phillip Steele