***** DONE -Nakajima A6M2-N "Rufe" of the Yokohama Kokutai Group Build

[ccheese]

The is a 1/24th scale rubber powered flying model. Construction is light balsa covered with tissue called
silkspan.

Entering this as a level 2,
user name "ccheese"
Name: Charles
The kit is a Gullows flying scale [rubber powered] model in 1/24th scale. This will be built right out
of the box. I intend to scratch build a dolly for the plane to sit on.

Details of the "Rufe's" actions in combat are very sketchy. The Yokohama Kokutai was the
first unit to use them, and was transferred to Tulagi, in the Solomons. During the Battle of the Coral Sea,
F4F's from the USS Wasp just about destroyed their base, on 7 August 1942.

Better success attended the "Rufes" which fought in the later Aleutian Campaign.

During the final year of the war, when American heavy bombers and naval aircraft opened their great
attacks on the Japanese homeland, 'Rufes' of the Otsu Kokutai, based on Lake Biwa, were thrown into the
battle as interceptors in defence of Central Honshu but suffered very heavy losses. Total production
of 'Rufe' amounted to 327 before being halted in September 1943.

Charles

 

[Micdrow]

Very cool Charles,

Should be a very interesting build to watch!!!!

 

[Wurger]

I'm with Paul. An interesting build can be.... go,go Charles.

 

[Thorlifter]

If you don't mind me asking, how much does a kit like that cost?

 

[ccheese]

TL: This kit cost me $11.50 [usd]. You get everything you need to build it except glue paint.

Charles

 

[Airframes]

I've been waiting for this one! I'm really looking forward to watching the progress here Charles.
Just a couple of questions; I realise it's going to be 'Out of the Box', but will you be adding a 'scale' prop, or any other detai?
Just personal interest on that one.
The other question; not knowing that much about Japanese aircraft, I'm trying to figure out the size in 1/24th scale. I'm guessing about a 20 to 24 inch wingspan?l

 

[ccheese]

Wingspan is 16.5 inches. I just started it tonight, and I see some things I do not like. The two bladed prop, and the
way the main float is attached to the fuselage. These will be modified. Can you believe two 3/16" spars hold the
main float to the fuselage ?? This will get changed to a solid piece of balsa, and the prop to a three bladed one.
Maybe some other things, along the way, too.

Charles

 

[Sweb]

Flying model? Don't mean to be a Doubting Thomas but you already pointed out the frailty of this kit. I've built many of the Guillows, Sterling and Comet tissue covered rubber powered kits and the usual "flying" part of the offer is a one-way, one-time Kamikaze stunt into terra very-firma. This particular kit offers some very interesting anticipation in that regard. I suspect you are thinking static display?

 

[Airframes]

That sounds like a very frail support for the float Charles, even for a static model. I'm not surprised you're going to change it!

 

[Shinpachi]

.....I intend to scratch build a dolly for the plane to sit on.

Hi ccheese! To hear this plan for the dolly only, I believe that is a great project.
I do look forward to it.

 

[109ROAMING]

Sweet choice! always had a thing for the "Rufe"

 

[rochie]

Great to see you aboard charles, nice choice of kit to build, good to see some thing different being done

these pics are from Aero Detail No 7 A6m zero fighter hope they are of some use during your build

 

[Wildcat]

Great subject choice Charles! Looking forward to this one mate.

 

[Lucky13]

Great to see that you've joined us Mr C....

 

[ccheese]

If anyone has any good pic's of the "dolly" I'd appreciate seeing them. I have seen both two and four wheel dollys
somewhere on the internet, but dont remember where. Also would like to see color photos, if anyone has them.
Thanks....

Charles

 

[Wayne Little]

Excellent Charles, good to see you in the GB mate!

....and don't forget we have some unfinished business to attend to!

 

[ccheese]

Havn't forgotten, Wayne. Maybe after this get's further along.

Here's where we stand at the end of the first day. Decided to build the fuselage and the main float at the same time.
Also, switched to normal cement from the Testor's "extra fast drying" type. Normal stuff holds better.

Charles

 

[rochie]

here you go Charles a better shot of the dolly, found some colour profiles but no colour pictures, ill post the profile if you want me to !

 

[Njaco]

Alright Mr. C!!!!! From a 1/24th stick tissue to a 1/144 Avenger! This is turning into a great GB! I was gonna send ya the Guillows Hellcat that I have but I see you are set!

 

[Airframes]

Great isn't it? What we need now are more 'Rufes', in 1/32, 1/48, 1/72 and1/144 ! That would be something to see all lined up together!