discussion ICM 1/48 Ki-21-lb "Sally"

[Andy T]

I'm going back to the skies after a few ground based vehicles and this poor, unsuspecting kit is my next victim:


A relatively new kit from ICM, it caught my eye because of all the glazing. Whilst the instructions handily include a template for cutting your own masks, I've gone the easy route and ordered an ASK kit.

It'll be quite a size judging by the sprue shots:



And the reason for that masking set:


There are a few suggested paint schemes, most in a dull grey-green, but never one to shy away from a challenge, I'm considering this one:


The bigger challenge was researching the colours. ICM only include references for their own paint (understandably) and nothing at all for the interior. Lots of Googling later, it seems opinions vary (surprise surprise) but I don't think I'd be far wrong with Aotake for the non-crew areas, and a grey-blue for the cockpit etc. That seems to tie in with the Eduard space cockpit decals I've ordered too, since the box supplied ones are terribly basic for a 1/48 kit.

So I'm a bit stuck until the various goodies arrive but at least I can start cleaning up and organising the parts.

 

[Tim Marlow]

Looks interesting Andy. That colour scheme will be a challenge, but you are better set than most of us to pull it off. Going to be an exercise in masking as well….

 

[Steven000]

Great choice Andy, looking forward to your build . Masking all those windows will take some time even with a masking set, have fun! Cheers

 

[HAWKERHUNTER]

Never even heard of this aircraft Andy. Looks quite a challenge. I look forward to your updates.

 

[Andy T]

Thanks gents. I did consider cutting my own masking but just knew it would end up driving me crazy.

Also I'm sharpening up my airbrushes ready for that camo

 

[PaulTRose]

This will be good

Love to see something different

 

[Andy T]

I'm hoping so Paul

I normally like to watch a build before starting a model to see any snags that I might come up against. So far I've only found one video of this kit (apart from the official ICM instructions) and it's almost 2.5 hours long!

 

[Jim R]

I'm sitting comfortably. The camo and the masking may well require a larger swear box.

 

[Valeron]

This looks like a fun build, especially the painting. And good luck with the masking. That looks like a challenge and a half but I'm sure with patience, you'll crack it.

 

[Andy T]

Good to have you along chaps.

I did manage to find a colour call out for the interior after another scan of the instructions. A dark bluey grey, so it looks like I guessed right.

 

[flyjoe180]

That's going to be an eye catching scheme Andy, nice choice

 

[papa 695]

Nice

 

[Andy T]

Thanks guys.

There hasn't been a lot of progress since I'm waiting for parts & paint but I've been nailing a few parts together that would need seam lines sorting. Wings, control surfaces, fuel tanks etc



One thing with the wings - for some reason they've moulded the roof of the landing gear bay as a separate part. The weight of the aircraft is supported by this, and ultimately the glue joint on two little tabs. I guess it has been tested and works okay, but while I was there I added a strip of card for extra strength:



Here we have a bit of typical ICM. Why make the bombs from two pieces when you can use ten! (or 9, since one had already evaporated before I could take the picture )

 

[Jim R]

ICM is like MiniArt and Trumpeter - the more parts the better and the smaller the better. Looks to be going together nicely.

 

[yak face]

Lovely choice of subject andy . Looks like a good kit , the mask for the glazing is a must though ! Excellent idea strengthening the undercarriage bays , cheers tony

 

[PaulTRose]

Ive often thought they like to have as many parts as possible just so they say.......'look! 200 parts for your money....great value'.......but then i think...'great....id rather have 100 and a lot less fannying around with tiddly bits fighting the carpet monster'

 

[Andy T]

the mask for the glazing is a must though !

Thanks Tony. I'm beginning to wish I'd gone for the inside & outside mask set!

When I saw them I wondered why on earth you would need an interior masking set, but I can see why now. There are a few decent sized pieces of fuselage moulded in clear plastic, one with 18 windows , and I'm not sure I'll get away with painting them like I would a regular canopy, ie interior colour on the outside.

Looks like I may be cutting a lot of masks after all

 

[Andy T]

Yep, that's why I'm a big fan of Tamiya. They don't seem to add additional parts just for the sake of it.

 

[papa 695]

Nice work though Andy.

 

[Andy T]

A quick look at the Eduard Space decals I bought for this. I think the IP is a big improvement over the kit offering!




I've been working on the bombs a bit more, having fun with the paint. I started with a coat of white primer, which I deliberately left a bit rough to add some texture. I masked out the first stripe with some 1.5mm fine line tape:




I then applied some yellow, and after it was dry, masked that out too:



Next was a coat of semi gloss black. Then I wasn't sure how to get an even circular red spot on the nose so ended up decanting some paint into a plastic lid and dipping the bombs into it. Seems to have worked out well:



The rest of the interior is coming together and is almost ready for paint. Several parts have had the surface detail removed in readiness for the 3d decals, and there are lots of holes in the fuselage sides waiting for the many spare MG magazines that are dotted all over: