Building Airfix B5N2 Kate - Model Aircraft

Building Airfix's 1/72 scale Nakajima B5N2 Kate kit, the Japanese World War Two torpedo bomber. B5N2's took part in the attack on Pearl Harbour, and were also responsible for the sinking of the Lexington and Hornet (US aircraft carriers).
Although this set is from the Dogfight Doubles set, the parts are exactly the same as the other Airfix B5N kits.
Airfix provided me with the kit for free, but they have not paid me or told me what to do or to say. My opinions are my own, honest opinions.
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VIDEOS:
- Brush Painting: • How to Brush Paint Sca...
- Wet Palette: • How to Build a Wet Pal...
- Applying Decals: • How to Apply Decals to...
- Chalk Washes: • Making Chalk Washes fo...
- Spray Painting: • Tips for Spray Painting
- Gun smoke/Exhausts: • How to: Realistic Exha...
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SUPPORT: / quick_kits
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SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: @QKscalemodels / qkscalemodels
Instagram: @quick_kits / quick_kits
Twitter: @quick_kits / quick_kits
Email: [e-mail]
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MUSIC:
'Far the Days Come' - Letter Box
#airfix #scalemodel #modelkit #scalemodelling

[@redfernno.75squadronraaf75]

Great video! My grandfather flew P-40's in the war (i'm using his squadron number and name lol) and he said the Japanese aircraft were exceptionally manoeuvrable in the air. Keep it up mate, the quality of this video was fantastic!

[@basicmodelling8871]

No,i am

[@midnightmiday2129]

You grand father was a bloody great man then

[@danieljustin9686]

He was astralian

[@West_Coast_Gang]

They were light and very maneuverable, but not that armored, so these things got downed easily if they were shot Also RAAF, that’s cool

[@Lennoneditz2012]

Oh he was a good man 👍❤️

[@nikolaosstavrou5327]

Its nice to see that the art of brush painting is not lost. Well done.

[@quickkits]

I feel like this is my most accomplished video in terms of the production quality. Also the model turned out pretty good too! Humbrol Maskol is definitely the way to go for brush painters (and airbrushers, although other products are available) wanting to create a chipped paint effect. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the video!

[@MrMaffy96]

Nice job! Don't worry for the underside wash, in my opinion it's perfect, I suggest you to try enamel washes, the results will be even better!

[@SzczepanZZ]

Awesome video! This kit looks good, really good. Can't wait for more quick kit videos like this ^^

[@quickkits]

+Alcatraz252 I'm glad you liked the video and model! :)

[@quickkits]

+MrMaffy96 I don't think I can be bothered messing around with thinners for enamel washes, also I use enamel varnish but I guess I could get some acrylic :) Anyway, I'm glad you liked it!!

[@Hallelujah1979]

Nicely done. At least you feel more relaxed

[@jzhbamboo]

Good job! One thing is that based on the history, the painting of the Japanese red sun insignia would not peel off, since the maintenance guys would repaint the insignia as long as there were scratches. Otherwise, this was a serious mistake for them.

[@quickkits]

Interesting, thank you for that information I'll remember it for next time! :)

[@fpedroza]

It is called Hinomaru ("circle of the sun").

[@MrBioniclefan1]

makes sense

[@peterlewerin4213]

@@quickkits my guess would be that they wouldn't allow a large blank area behind the gunner either, as it would cause him to be dazzled by reflected sunlight. Minor quibble: it was a really great-looking build.

[@AreeyaKKC]

Correct there was a regulation put out requiring the Hinomaru to be in perfect condition at all times since it represented the emperor.

[@simonwaite5815]

Hi Owen, great to see a vid for those with only brushes, and production of a good result. Well done !

[@swing.wing_singh]

Brilliant. Love the chipping effects to make it look old

[@quickkits]

Thanks :)

[@roman.g_1641]

Not me, I like mine to look like it just came out of the manufacturing plant.

[@JoeSmith-rw1ex]

@@roman.g_1641 lmao😂 same

[@michaelabraham9233]

Looks a bit too old to me expecially on the top of the fuselage where he’s removed most of the paint

[@Krzynchuu]

I'm impressed how perfect that plane looks like. In the past, I didn't prefer painting by brush but when I saw this video, I have to try it. Absolutly amazing job :)

[@FalkeEins]

..neat work! Your approach using simple techniques and tools is something that I personally could well go back to in my own builds

[@markvittorini5163]

Nice work, love to see how others approach making a nice finished kit!

[@KEM451]

Your brush work is always impressive. Beautiful Kate!

[@michaeltruhett4170]

I never get tired of watching you build stuff. And canopy frames drive me bonkers. That’s the one part I just truly hate doing. Masking it off, cutting the masks for each pane... I’m going to try your method now. On an old messed up kit, not anything I’m going to build in the future. Not until I learn this this method and it works for me. Thank you again for another great video!

[@tenparab]

Im going to do a couple of these Owen, you've inspired and given me some good tips.

[@deanoscards313]

this is by far the best model you have made! the chipping effects were amazing and everyone needs to use the effect

[@quickkits]

Thank you very much! It's great to hear that

[@juanrios9522]

I totally enjoy your builds, you make it look very easy. Happy to see your channel growing and congrads on becoming a celebrity!!!!!

[@quickkits]

I'm very glad you enjoy my builds, and am I a celebrity?! Haha! :')

[@danboon9831]

This is a great channel. Glad I found it! Already learned a few nice tips! Thanks!

[@nikolashorianopoulos4460]

This video summarizes all modelling techniques. Absolutely incedible and definately educational.

[@quickkits]

Thank you very much!!! I have achieved my aim then :D

[@azureskies7808]

I love your work....And thank you for some tips.

[@josecesar5952]

Very good work!

[@johnkelley9877]

Excellent review and video! Even with some of the issues you encountered it looks like a very good kit and worth purchasing. Airfix is doing a great job on their new releases and I am glad to see there are quite a few options in the kit. Thanks for sharing this and when time permits I look forward to you next review.

[@quickkits]

Yeah the kit has even more options on the sprue (but not stated in the instructions) including bombs and drop tanks. I presume they're for other variants. Thank John!! :)

[@jasperb9233]

Great build and even better result, good luck with the new Quick Kits!

[@quickkits]

Thanks Jasper, I appreciate that!! :D

[@johnbrown7858]

Owen, I will also use your option for the rear facing gunner. I actually used it for the Val dive bomber, and it worked fine. Thanks for the tip!

[@adamluscombe9305]

Awesome work and video!

[@quickkits]

Thank you very much!

[@nanba25]

Very well done (the video and the model) ! Clear explanations, a lot of tricks… Who could ask for more ?

[@johnovandupper3810]

very detailed!

[@FineKits]

You are the only person I know who can paint models like they are airbrushed. The chipping looks great btw.

[@quickkits]

Thank you very much!! :D

[@peterhuynh3619]

I really like the chipped metal effect Nice Job!

[@cyber3408]

I just love this one the chipping effect is so Well done you have outdone yourself ones more owen!!!! Loved the video!

[@quickkits]

Thank you very much I'm glad you like the chipping effect!

[@MrBruni005]

This is an amazing kit by Airfix, probably one of the best models you have made on this channel and also the Typhoon. Very well done Owen keep up your amazing talent!

[@quickkits]

Thanks Izaak, I still don't know if it beats the Typhoon yknow... it's a tough call in my opinion :D

[@MrBruni005]

You're welcome, and yeah it really tough to decide! 🤔

[@Jwend392]

Nice to see the official Airfix Facebook page giving your video some love!

[@punkrockpub]

Another BRILLIANT BUILD!!! The "KATE"s absolutely PERFECT!!!! OUTSTANDING, to say the least!!!

[@quickkits]

Thank you very much haha!! :D

[@MathewRiordan]

Trick with Maskol is very clever and useful. Everytime I learn something new. Thx Owen!

[@quickkits]

I'm glad you keep learning new things from these videos! You're welcome Mathew

[@cortomaltese9101]

A pleasure to watch!

[@quickkits]

Ahh thank you very much! :D

[@BennyCFD]

Thanks. I learned a lot from this video. Another great build.

[@quickkits]

I'm glad to hear that, thanks!

[@ModelAndMake]

Very nice build! My favorite so far on your channel

[@quickkits]

Thanks! :D

[@baldyman1965]

great video Owen. really nice effect with the chipping. I was also impressed with your method of canopy painting, all that framing would put me off but you made it look easy. Great model.

[@quickkits]

Thank you very much, I'm glad you liked the video and model! :D

[@toequantumspace]

Nice build. Maskol chipping - great idea!! I admire your brush paint job. Subbed.

[@colonalkuntstinke]

looking great Owen! I especially like the silver undercoat idea

[@quickkits]

Thank you!

[@janv3566]

brushpainting at its finest! Love to see a Fellow brusher everytime i see your vids. this video + model is again beautifull!! Keep up the good work! Hope to get models like this on the shelf some Time in the future, Keep learning allot from you!!! cheerz

[@quickkits]

Thank you very much, I'm glad the videos keep teaching you new things :)

[@ryangarritty9761]

Great work. The panel lines look fine to me.

[@donfoley1590]

Great Job

[@arjunvntrivedi]

Thanks for the informative video Mr Owen, and thank you for the angelic voice, it's the main reason I'm here!

[@quickkits]

You're very welcome Mr Trivedi, you should feel grateful for having your ears graced by it every day (except from when you abandon us for Amsterdam)

[@TomcatModelKits]

Arjun Trivedi Is this the almighty Arjun we saw in the livestream and the university vlog? If it is, I am forever grateful to have been in the presence of such a powerful being.

[@TomcatModelKits]

Arjun Trivedi Is this the almighty Arjun we saw in the livestream and the university vlog? If it is, I am forever grateful to have been in the presence of such a powerful being.

[@sujiGames45]

really awesome man

[@quickkits]

Thank you :D

[@DerKurfuerst]

This is pure gold for my current modelling blues. All that fancy stuff I have (airbrush, weatheringproducts) and the 100+ stash just collecting dust. I just started rebuilding my workbench :)

[@quickkits]

I'm glad my video has given you some new inspiration :) It's nice to go and do things in a more basic way sometimes I think, it's a bit more fun?

[@DerKurfuerst]

It indeed is! Once I started doing advanced stuff with airbrush, weathering and riveting I lost track of the fun in it and it turned partially into work. Trying to get into easier kits now that won't require a ton of research, sanding and scratching to enjoy it more again. Those difficult kits can wait. Keep up your modelling work and all the best in university! Mine started last week again aswell :)

[@quickkits]

Der Kurfürst Best of luck to you starting Uni again :) and also getting back into the hobby! Yeah maybe cut down on the riveting haha! :D

[@DerKurfuerst]

Since there are now some superb kits on the market with rivets already on them, I will :D

[@photographyforenjoyment]

A great production Owen, your skills with the camera match those of your kit building!

[@quickkits]

Thanks Alan :D

[@kiwiboater]

absolutely awesome work! You have gotten me back into the hobby. I have an Airbrush but honestly prefer the brush. The reward is so much better!

[@quickkits]

I'm glad the video has inspired you!! :)

[@spacecadet60]

it seems that most you tubers are stuck in the European theatre, so it is refreshing to see something from the Pacific theatre. and wow ! that is a fantastic job on the B5N2 ! the painting/weathering look awesome ! and I love the chipping technique you used. a big thumbs up ! great job ! :)

[@quickkits]

Thank you, I'm glad you liked it so much! You'll probably enjoy the F4 Wildcat coming up then? :D

[@spacecadet60]

Quick Kits oh yes, I can't wait to see the F4F as well. :) I happen to have a tamiya F4F wildcat in 1/48 that has been begging to be built for quite some time. I seemed to have lost my aircraft mojo, and have been building armour lately ! help ! :)

[@quickkits]

bohngi3 Haha, there's nothing wrong with building armour for a while! I find it makes things more interesting when you mix it up a bit :D Anyway, best of luck with your Wildcat when you get round to it!

[@thespottedviking2197]

Nice Job with the figures!

[@quickkits]

Thank you!

[@UKscalemodeller]

Nice work Owen.

[@quickkits]

Thank you Ian!

[@johnbrown7858]

This is a very nice build. I bought 2 of these kits. One to display the torpedo, and one to display the bomb racks. Don't be fooled, this 1/72 kit is massive, with lot's of parts. My advice is build the Zero fighter first, then the Val dive bomber, before tackling this kit.

[@JulianDG]

You're amazing and your skills are superb! I love every work of you! Great job, my friend ;)

[@quickkits]

Thank you very much!! :D I'm glad you like my work!!

[@TheSuburbanScumbag]

10/10 job man thats impressive

[@quickkits]

Thanks!

[@Gullyrats]

Nice work, thanks for vid

[@quickkits]

Thank you, you're welcome

[@mecallahan1]

Hi Owen, nice job on the Kate. When I build a kit I wind up learning something new. Watching you build the Kate I learned that the torpedo was carried offset from the fuselage centerline. Kind of unusual but nice to know.

[@GetYourModelOn]

Very nice job.

[@quickkits]

Thanks

[@kkpoon4992]

This is a great build. I like your work very much. It is especially exceptional when you do the brush printing. Keep it up. Good modelling and enjoy your university life.

[@quickkits]

Thank you, I appreciate that, I will do!

[@lol_scrubs3650]

Very Well done

[@quickkits]

Thanks!

[@seegurke93]

I love the way you take unusual and not "typical" mechanics and materials to SUPER your models e.g. the screwdriver and the filler that looks nothing like the stuff I use to buy for much money in the store. Also the part when you use a pencil on other models... thats so unusual and genius! wow! btw. nice to see some more planes! I just flew some traffic circuits today to stay in shape. Just beore T/O our local JU52 departed in front of me. I did a video out of the cockpit. Maybe I will upload it. I am in flight school and since the PPL there is only classes until december for the ATPL... school.. :D Greetings from Germany Max

[@quickkits]

Thank you very much Max, I'm glad you like what I do! The JU52 must have been great to watch! Greetings from England

[@josefalfarokreiner4549]

Wow wow really really cool Mate u do some outstanding incredible models

[@quickkits]

Thank you so much! :D

[@josefalfarokreiner4549]

i forgot to write: Good luck in the Uni have fun !!

[@quickkits]

josef alfaro kreiner haha thanks Josef, I appreciate that :)

[@abiliobragado6029]

Good job

[@SprueSurgeon]

third video I've watched this morning, very impressive, have subbed now, well done.

[@quickkits]

Thank you very much, I'm glad you're enjoying the videos that much! :)

[@SprueSurgeon]

Quick Kits do you not use Tamiya cement, I notice you use the poly-cement? Do you hairbrush all the time, you have a very different style which is refreshing to watch, you get great results too. I'm currently building a 1/72 B-17G Flying Fortress.

[@quickkits]

Sprue Surgeon Yes I am a brush painting only channel, and I always use polycement - never bothered to get anything else

[@ronan1241]

best one so far!

[@spikesnathan9234]

Great vid m8

[@quickkits]

Thanks

[@Aussie6490_gaming]

Jolly good show lad

[@TomGrigat]

cool ;-) I like how you handle the pilots ...

[@quickkits]

Thanks Tom

[@jjab99]

Well done Owen, a very nice job indeed. Your skills shine through as always and make short work of the Kate. Great job and I hope your University work is going well for you. have fun and keep up the great work, Joe

[@quickkits]

Thank you very much Joe, I'm having a brilliant time here don't worry :D

[@jjab99]

Quick Kits Glad to hear it mate.

[@theragingpotato]

Awesome work as ever Owen 👍 I like the idea to use Maskol to produce chipping effects, will have to give it a go myself!

[@quickkits]

Thank you!! I hope it works well for you

[@gregwatters1754]

learned a lot in this build. awesome. a little too weathered but overall outstanding build

[@DomiDomi00LOVE00TeK]

You did a great job once again mate ! You are very good at brush painting. Are you planning to airbrush one day ?

[@fernandobattelli5066]

Mais um belo trabalho, parabéns, continue postando vídeos sobre o assunto!

[@quickkits]

Obrigado!

[@vegasspaceprogram6623]

I do love the plastic airfix uses compared to other model brands

[@willyum6397]

thanks it makes me want to do airfix!

[@benmarchessault7289]

Amazing! I would assume next month will be the wildcat, looking forward to it!

[@quickkits]

Thank you! Yes the Wildcat will be next

[@Cabilis66]

Fantastic work m8 !!! The Emperor would be proud..... BANZAI !!!

[@colinsmith6480]

excellent video as usual, with great commentary, Looking forward to more ! I was worried the decals wouldn't look as weathered as the rest of the plane, as i think yours "silver wear" is really effective

[@quickkits]

Thank you Colin, I'm glad to hear that!

[@user-ue9wm2cw8g]

Airfix models are not easy to fix, but the shapes are very atractive.

[@Fabio765]

Very nice work. Greetings from Poland !

[@quickkits]

Thank you! Greetings from England :)

[@Fabio765]

Thank you!

[@71stMastiff]

Nice I would love to buy this one also.

[@modart6339]

Quite an awesome project Owen. Sadly even when it was built the B5N2 was already outdated, with one 7.7mm machine gun and weak armour - it was a sitting duck. I love the crew figures and how you modified them, painted was awesome too. I have to apologise as Ive only just got round to watching your vid. Even though I prefer the 1/48 version of this - I have to try this kit sometime. I hope Uni is going well for you mate. Regards Michael :)

[@quickkits]

Thanks Micheal, I'm glad you like it! Uni is going great, I'm really enjoying myself! :D

[@Looney2ing]

Good build again. I noticed you had the same fit issues I have.

[@quickkits]

Thank you! That's interesting to know it wasn't just my kit then

[@donnyip4013]

No matter Airfix paid you or not, model making is great enjoyment.

[@Panzermeister36]

Beautiful job as always, Owen! Hope uni's not being to hard on you :D

[@seegurke93]

Look whos here :D Greetings from Germany

[@quickkits]

Thanks, I'm glad you think that! Don't worry I'm having a great time here!! :D

[@mrbyrne2406]

Wa-hoo - what luck! I have this very kit drying out after a good old soaking in washing up liquid, as I type! Excellent tutorial, as usual, and I'm sure Airfix will be happy with your very fair critique. Is that rather pot-bellied Wildcat next, I wonder?

[@quickkits]

Haha best of luck with yours then, this video has come at the right time! :D Thank you, and yeah the Wildcat is next :)

[@paulevans3600]

hi Owen, just a really quick question "what size brush do you use to paint the wings" thanks in advance and also I really love your videos especially as I exclusively brush paint due to room restrictions

[@MakingPlasticModels]

Lovely

[@quickkits]

Thanks Josh!

[@Mivozlibre]

Si Owen i hope you answer me... What is the dust do you use whit water to fill the gaps in this model? Thanks and great video

[@ingosippel9653]

The Kate is one of my Favorit japanese planes👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@legofiguresreviews4211]

Thanks

[@cameronpickering3039]

Great job Owen! I was wondering will you be doing the F4F Wildcat at some point? I have this kit in my stash and this video inspired me to start on it! (Loving the chipped effect on the kate!)

[@quickkits]

Yeah the Wildcat video will be coming out in a bit, either the 2nd or 16th of November. I'm glad you like the Kate, thank you!

[@abdulellahatl8714]

Quick question , I built a 1/72 scale Messerschmitt with decals , can I add any watercolor paint as a wash ? Do I have to cover the model before I apply a wash ? Can I lighten a dark cockpit with 1/5 ratio of thinner with XF-2 or XF-54 ?

[@GryphonArmorer]

Nice build. Very well done. I agree with your thoughts about the called out interior color. I’ve been researching Imperial Japanese Aircraft of WWII because I’m working on a Zero diorama. From what I can tell, there were two interior colors used. The predominant is a grey-ish olive color throughout. But, toward the end of the war it appears to save time they started leaving it primered, that blue-ish metallic color. Funny, because I’ve seen so many people wrongly use zinc-chromate which was only used by the west (although now the standard for aviation). Even Russia used zinc-chromate but it was darker than the USA, British, German and Italian manufacturers used. The Italians was a little more tan or yellow in color.

[@quickkits]

Thank you very much for all the information! Very helpful :D Best of luck finishing your diorama

[@kelf2715]

I’m will Start air-fix’s kit spitfire. And I never builded model of have to glue or painting it. (Before I build Japanese model the don’t need glue of painthing ) Are there any tips for painting?

[@buttfluff1]

Just out of curiosity, how many models do you have to make to get this good? Amazing

[@MsLaikka]

No airbrush, still nailed it! Great!

[@quickkits]

Haha thank you!! :D

[@ethan5354]

Glad to see Quick Kits is doing perfectly well in your new studio! Will you be doing the F4F in a video? Stunning results as always!

[@quickkits]

Yes, I've recorded the Wildcat and also a Stug. I'll get round to editing and recording the voice over and summary bits while I'm here in the coming months, and they'll get released at some point :) I'm glad you like the Kate! :)

[@ethan5354]

Quick Kits Well now I'm excited!

[@pug5330]

Nice! I like that you can make a great looking plane using only brushes :)

[@quickkits]

Thanks :D

[@johnbrown7858]

Great build as usual. One question Owen. You opted for the gear up. Are you possibly going to make a diorama for a flying plane VS a static plane with gear down. I am now liking the gear up, as it gives the plane much more of a sense of movement. Thanks, bye!

[@legofiguresreviews4211]

Awesome cool model. I have some tanks,mark 1 female and the panther. Can you do a vid on them or some tips pls. Keep up,the good work

[@quickkits]

Unfortunately I can't at the moment sorry. Maybe try watching my tank builds and see if you can pick up some tips from those? Anyway, I'm glad you liked the video :)

[@s.thompson9]

Does anybody know the best way to remove paint from areas that have to be glued?

[@fredvonjupiter6061]

Very nice and eloquent tutorial! Could you elaborate on the filler you use? And how you sand?

[@quickkits]

Thank you! I use Deluxe materials perfect plastic putty, and I sand using 800-1000 grit sandpaper

[@wafflyfox7550]

Cool