1/72 Hasegawa He51B-2

Gallery Article by Phillip Steele on Aug 22 2012

 

 

I only have a few float planes, so I picked up this older Hasegawa kit and to give it a go. Despite some fit problems, it built up quite well. You can also build the wheeled version, with several choices of markings. If I come across another one, there'll be another build. Once again, a complex rigging project, using 2lb fishing line (.005") and brass rod for the float bracing. There are a few pieces of E string used for the rear mooring bar, foot pegs on the float struts, etc.

 

Click on images below to see larger images

I highlighted the office with an instrument panel (decal supplied but no part) joystick, and what I hope is a properly positioned replacement pilot. Rudder and elevator were repositioned. I left the ailerons and flaps in neutral, not wanting to risk breakage. I scribed in the trim tabs, and added the actuator rods. The antenna wire is 2lb line as well, with ca glue insulators. Each float has 60 skeet shot pellets in the front end. 

I didn't do much weathering on this build. Most of the reference photos I could find showed a fairly clean machine, so I just varied the dull coating here and there. The amount of handling required to do the bracing and rigging probably did enough weathering anyway, so I'll leave as is. 

Phillip Steele

Click on images below to see larger images

      

Photos and text © by Phillip Steele