Nichimo 1/48 B5N2 Kate

[Stikpusher]

I’m in with this kit for the GB here



I plan on building this in the markings of the mount of Lt. Hashimoto during the torpedo strike on USS Yorktown on the afternoon of June 4,1942 during the Battle of Midway. I will be modifying the Pearl Harbor Eagle Strike decals for the appropriate look for Midway.

Today I started construction building the engine and part of the cockpit.



Nichimo did pretty nice work on this kit back in the mid 70’s. The external detail is all recessed, and as you can see it has a pretty comprehensive engine, including the motor mount, as well as a fairly well detailed cockpit….

[keavdog]

Great project. I really liked those Nichimo kits.

[Stikpusher]

Great project. I really liked those Nichimo kits.

Thanks John! I built this one as a kid 50+ years ago. I can now have a proper go at it with adult skills, tools, and appreciation for what Nichimo was doing in the modeling world at that time. The detail is way better than anyone else of the mid 70’s.,

[Stuart]

I have to say I've never heard of Nichimo. Looks like a good kit though - I'll be watching with interest. It's just tbe sort of thing John would have built.

[Medicman71]

Can't wait to see the build.

[KSaarni]

I have to say I've never heard of Nichimo. Looks like a good kit though - I'll be watching with interest. It's just tbe sort of thing John would have built.

Same here, totally new brand for me. I took a look at Scalemates, with search word Nichimo for kits only, it returned 975 hits! Of course including, re-boxed, variants etc. But still, rather significant brand!

Looking forward to more details of the kit!

- Kari

[Stikpusher]

I’d put Nichimo, back in the day, as one of the best brands from Japan then available. They tended to specialize is Japanese subjects, but also did some western stuff as well. They were the first company that I know of to make 1/200 ships, from destroyers to battleships. They also made some half decent 1/35 armor, although Tamiya was better at the same time. They made some very nice 1/48 Japanese aircraft, that were probably the best game in town at the time. Recessed surface detail, well detailed cockpits, engines and wheel wells, and very nice shape accuracy. Between them and Fujimi, they made some top notch kits that were the best until Hasegawa and Tamiya stepped up their game 15-20 years later.

[speedgraflex]

Wonderful kit, Carlos. I’ll follow along!

[Stikpusher]

Happy to have you along Bruce! Hope that you enjoy the ride

[speedgraflex]

I’ll be there no matter what happens, Carlos!



Look at Uhura! Nichelle makes falling down into a dance move!