Wednesday 10 July 2019

Japanese Aircraft Online Model Contest 012 - JAKUB BRATKOWSKI

I would like to present you my Nakajima B5N2 "Kate" torpedo-bomber model. This model was built completely out of paper. As a matter of fact, we have in Poland a long tradition of building paper models of different kinds of machines, aircraft, ships, tanks, buildings etc. This particular aircraft was built from a series called “Mały Modelarz” in 1/33 scale (example:
It is one of not so many, but rather popular publishers of paper models in our polish market. The difference is that although the basic material is the same (paper, cardboard), I create my models in a different way, which allows me to lose this characteristic look of a paper model. It is more like a plastic one, but of course it is not. Cutting a long story short, I put several layers of varnish on the model and then I polish it with different gradation of sandpapers – this cycle is repeated many, many times. The process converts sharp edged and flat paper parts and its surface into a nice and smooth where it is needed. After that it is possible to put all panel lines and rivets with sharp tools – almost just like in plastic kits. The whole model was painted. It represents a fiction aircraft but based on a real photo showing captured “Kate” in Okinawa in 1945. I just reduced a tactical number on a tail and tried to made the camouflage correct according to the times. If you would like to see the building process you may visit this thread (http://www.zabawa.kartonwork.pl/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=17707 ) on “Kartonwork”, the site entirely dedicated to paper modelling.
 
- Jakub Bratkowski, Poland -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

10 comments:

Arawasi said...

Here's another great model! I love it, especially because it's made of paper. Very realistic. The weathering is a bit excessive but not unusual for a "Kate". GREAT JOB! 10

Michael Thurow said...

Very lovely and excellent photography. A full 10!

Anonymous said...

Outstanding!
10

Mike Ageenko

George Bryant said...

It's hard to believe this is a paper model. Great work. A 10 for me as well.

Baronvonrob said...

A very impressive achievement indeed and in such a difficult and unusual format ...
10 please :)

D. Chouinard said...

I must say, it doesn't look like a paper model at all, very impressive!
Plenty of detail, riveting, and even the deformations caused by rivets and screws. I do agree that there is slightly too much weathering but that's a matter of personal taste. A solid 10 here.

Michael Furry said...

If the write up did not say it was a paper model in 1/33 scale, I would have thought it was either entirely scratch built or was a heavily modified Hasegawa or Nichimo kit. The stressed skin and riveting is off the hook amazing. I have seen a couple of paper models at recent model shows, but nothing like this. Say what you want about the weathering effects, it adds to the complexity and keeps the viewer engaged. 10+

Eric Vogel said...

Most impressive !
The pictures are a treat to watch.

10

Brendan McGovern said...

I am amazed! I've been looking at these photos for a while and still cannot see anything where I could point and say, "That's a paper model". It looks so much like plastic. I do like the effect that the texture of the paper lends to the fabric-covered control surfaces.

Best wishes,
Brendan

Honza78 said...

There's nothing to add. 10