Introduction
The kit is the Hasegawa 1/48 Aichi D3A1 Type 99, Model 11, ''Val'. I
chose to represent the aircraft flown by LCDR Kakuichi Takahashi and
LT Seizo Kotzumi from the Japanese carrier Shokaku for the first
wave Pearl Harbor attack.
There has been a lot of discussion about this paint scheme, as well
as some other colorful ones used that day by the Japanese. It is
believed that some of the 'Vals' were painted up loudly for rallying
purposes. Thanks to Pearl Harbor historian David Aiken, as well as
countless others at J-Aircraft.com for the information, evidence,
and debate concerning this topic.
Construction
The kit was pretty much a straight build, with some additions such
as seat belts, and wiring in the cockpit.
I added wiring to the engine as well. Since none of the Pearl Harbor
'Vals' used wing ordnance, I cut the racks to only keep the wing
'hard points'. A nose fuse was added to the 250kg land bomb at the
centerline.
Painting and Markings
Markings were painted except for data plate, and numbers/letters
with Model Master enamals. The orange was a combination of orange
and yellow to get that 'bright' look. It was applied after all other
markings were, just as it had to have been on the boat prior to the
attack.
The base coat is a mix of SAC Bomber Tan and White, and anti-glare
shield and cowling are a mix of Black and Blue (I couldn't give a
mix ratio, I do it by what seems to look right). I finished the
aircraft with a semi-gloss lacquer.
