#150 Yokosuka D4Y2 Suisei
Building the Micro Ace 1:72 boxing of the Yokosuka D4Y2 Suisei Model 12 (彗星一二型)
Notes
The Yokosuka D4Y Suisei (彗星, Suisei; “Comet”; Allied reporting name “Judy”) is a two-seat carrier-based dive bomber developed by the Yokosuka Naval Air Technical Arsenal and operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy from 1942 to 1945 during World War II. Development of the aircraft began in 1938. The first D4Y1 was complete in November 1940 and made its maiden flight at Yokosuka the following month.
The Kit
The Micro Ace No. 53003-800 kit is a 2018 boxing of the 1961 LS tooling. It is a 1:72 model of the D4Y2 Suisei Model 12 (彗星一二型, Suisei 12-Gata).
See also: kit instructions.
Paint Scheme
Two schemes are detailed in the kit:
- 橫須賀海軍航空隊 - Yokosuka Naval Air Corps
- 第523海軍航空隊「鷹部隊』- 523rd Naval Air Squadron “Eagle Force” (selected option)
| Feature | Color | Recommended | Paint Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| primer | Aqueous Surfacer 500 (gray) | ||
| rear nav light | White | H1/C1 | |
| Yokosuka Naval Air Corps: spinner | Silver | H8/C8 | |
| gunsight,guns,stick, instruments | Flat Black | H12/C33 | H12 |
| leading edge | Orange Yellow | H24/C58 | H24 |
| prop | Red Brown | H47/C41 | H47 |
| 523rd Naval Air Squadron: spinner | Red Brown | H47/C41 | H47 |
| upper camo | IJN Green | H59/C15 | H59 |
| lower camo | IJN Gray | H61/C35 | H61 |
| seats, interior | Blue Green | H63/C57 | RCM029 |
| exhausts | Burnt Iron | H76/C61 | H18 |
| tires | Tire Black | H77 | AK RCM001 |
| port nav light | Clear Red | H90/C47 | |
| starboard nav light | Clear Blue | H93/C50 |
Pilot
| Feature | Color | Recommended | Paint Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| face | FLESH | H44/C51 | |
| flight suit | RED BROWN | H47/C41 | |
| harness | KHAKI GREEN | H80/C54 | |
| boots, gloves, cap | MAHOGANY | H84/C42 |
Build Log
The kit is showing its age. Lots of flash, and details are very soft.
Assembled, handmade canopy mask
Primed..
Mask and spray the leading edge
Starting some heavy panel lining and weathering
A quick watercolour background:
And some anti-aircraft fire:
Final Gallery
The big experiment this time was a new technique for props in flight. Just some foam cut and painted appropriately..
Credits and References
- this project on scalemates
- Suisei D4Y2 Mk12 (Judy) Micro Ace No. 53003-800 1:72
- on scalemates
- instructions
- Purchased from Yodobashi Shinjuku for ¥762 (Sep-2023)
Research References
Yokosuka D4Y1/2 Suisei ‘Judy’ - Aviation videos archives part2 1935-1950
Yokosuka D4Y Suisei - Net-Maquettes
Build References
艦上爆撃機 彗星~灰色 - MICRO ACE 1/72 (D4Y2 ‘JUDY’ kit) by モデラーぺろ - miniature scenes
