Okha model 11 by PModel

**CMDRTED** · #1 01-31-2012, 09:43 AM

This next build is hopefully a quick build of Pmodels Okha man guided bomb. The Okha or cherry blossum was another last ditch attempt to save the Japanese empire. Essentially a huge ramjet loaded with explosive and guided by a "pilot". The usual delivery system was a modified betty bomber that would get into the area and release the okha. I read an article that the only success was either a destroyer or some sort of auxilliary ship that blew up.
The kit was originally designed in 1/24 scale so I sized it down and sorted the parts out. If you arrange them well you can get them all in one sheet. However, some parts look to be a chore in 1/48 so I printed them on typewriter paper to make construction easier. PModels were a rage a few years back, offering downloadeable kits in pdf format of mostly modern jets. They were unique in being very detailed, no actual formers, having wheelwells but no cockpits. Later the retro worked some of the kits with cockpits and a sort of former set. The kits relied on rolling the segments into shape and with most of the offerings this worked well as modern jets have a smooth flowing shape that is usually broken up by formers showing up like ribs. The kits are still availble and are easier to order as you can now use paypal. earlier you had to get bank points from an internation bank etc etc. Here are the parts of the kit cut out and ready to build...

**cMags** · #2 01-31-2012, 10:05 AM

Looking good! I've been eyeing some of the Pmodel modern jet kits, especially the F-22! Nice to see one of the kits come together. Will be watching with interest!

**rmks2000** · #3 01-31-2012, 10:12 AM

Cmdrted

I've noticed on the pmodel.net home page that they often have a selected kit on sale. The sale does not seem to appear on the English version of the site however. As an example, the Drakken is currently on sale for 350 Yen (~$4.50 US), but it is not featured on the English version home page(pmodel.net/en/). Instead it lists for $7 US instead on one of the product list pages. Any thoughts?

**CMDRTED** · #4 01-31-2012, 11:15 AM

I think they want you to use that bank note thing. Follow thru the example on the Japanese language web site, they picture by picture walk you thru it. Write down everything that has a serial number, the ordering process requires those numbers. Once thru the process it actually is easy, I ended up with a huge supply of the kits because I wasn't familiar with the exchange rate!
I've built a few of their kits, the A4 takes the gpm cockpit nicely, the F5/F20 sereies took the maly cockpit then they went and retro made their own. The zero series is fantastic, I built the Rufe version with no hitches. I did a couple others that were given away can't remeber which ones though????

**rmks2000** · #5 01-31-2012, 12:18 PM

Thanks, I'll have to check out the bank note process. I have a number of their kits but never got around to building any. Good to know that the other publishers' cockpits fit these kits.

**CMDRTED** · #6 01-31-2012, 02:23 PM

First up is the cockpit. This was a bit spartan, and O2 hose, a tube for the rudder controls, a stick and a crude instrument panel. I imagine direction, altitude, simple flight horizon and sometype of arming device.

**CMDRTED** · #7 01-31-2012, 10:22 PM

Pmodels are not built in the usual fashion. They are built as successive integrated parts. There are few shortcuts, or oppurtunities to deviate from their instructions. I did build up the segments anyways and a few parts that weren't part of the integrated plan. The start was to place the pre bent formed but not glued together wings into the mid section and glue a few fuselage segments around them. Then you place in the cockpit and start building up around this unit...

**Don Boose** · #8 02-01-2012, 10:57 PM

I missed the takeoff on this thread, Ted. Now catching up. Beautiful build, as always.

Don

**CMDRTED** · #9 02-04-2012, 03:03 PM

Thanks Don. Never fails, what should've been a 1 day build due to circumstances turns out to be more. The next installment is the finish of the fuselage and wings and the small forktail. Everything went well, I wrinkled the bottom of the wing section, but all else kindof just dovetailed together. Now waiting to vac some glass...

**Don Boose** · #10 02-04-2012, 04:22 PM

Excellent, Ted! Looks good.

Don