The Blossom

[silveroxide]

Thanks to Tekzo, who did the hard part, I will build the Atomic Blossom, which I will refer to as the Cherry Blossom. This based on a concept by Keith Thompson. You can find the download here http://myhobbycraft.blogspot.com

This will be a semi build thread and there are no templates for my additions. I just built it as I went along. Here are a few tease pics to peak your interest.

 

[silveroxide]

Cherry Blossom

And so the beginning is here again. For the cockpit, I did not cut it on the edge but left some of the white on and made them into and inside tab for the cockpit tub later on.

I got rid of the pesky tabs and made my own out of a strip of paper. The front also has three bulkheads of laminated poster board.

I made/scratch built the instrument panel and for the bottom bulge piece, I again eliminated the pesky tabs and made two thick bulkheads. I painted the nose to simulated the Japanese rising sun symbol (meatball).

This thread is not going to be too detailed since the build thread has already been done. Once the fuselage is done, there will be a lot of ad lib add on.

 

[ekuth]

Good build thread for a unique model! Thanks for sharing this!

 

[silveroxide]

Cherry Blossom

Thanks Ekuth.

On with the build. I rolled a piece of paper and made the front cables and when I put the scoops on the nose, I left the front open.

I scratch built a couple of guns out of card stock and a paper dowel from a Q-tip. and a ammo belt. painted the items gun metal and the belt copper tone with a black stripe. Scratched a rear cover for the guns and placed them on both sides but a little higher than on the plans. Made a generic seat and put some belts in it.

I also placed a cover over the instrument cluster and covered the front cockpit gap with it, and painted it black.

 

[silveroxide]

Cherry Blossom

A few more details scratched built on the frame.

Here are the twin cannons in place. I used the cellophane tape technique for the canopy. I placed the tape on both sides and with a dull instrument or a toothpick, I went around the edges to take out as much of the air in between the tape. I used the outline of the canopy and then I went over it again with my sticky paper method. That is the use of avery address labels painted OD green and cut into small strips and going around the edges of the frame, inside and outside of the template. The strips are peeled, stuck on and The excess was trimmed off. This method allows for the paper to adhere to the fuselage and the curved frame will retain its shape and does not need for additional metal shape formers.

My version will be with the canopy open and it will be displayed on the ground/tarmac prior to it being deployed. I am planning on making a wheeled sled to go under the Blossom with a tow bar.

 

[Elliott]

The extras you added really bring this model to life. The completed model is gonna really look good!

 

[silveroxide]

Cherry Blossom

Thanks for the comments Elliot;

Here are some more pics of the Blossom with the canopy in the open position. I cut the holes in the sides for the side propulsion units. The cylinders were made by rolling around a round object.

The main jets were also done by rolling long cylinders and the exhaust cover were formed into a bell shape to direct the exhaust.

 

[silveroxide]

Cherry Blossom

More details on the blossom. Rolled cylinder for the side exhausts. Placed a band retainer for the four top exhaust jets and another smaller band for the top. Constructed the conduit pipes, cables and connecting couplings. Placed the lower exhaust pies at an angle to the rear.

 

[silveroxide]

Cherry Blossom

The Blossom itself is almost done. Working on the extras at this time. Now to continue with the build.

Cut strips for the front under fuselage intake. Waited for the glue to set and cut off the extra strips. The I took a strip and cover the edges of the strips with a thin strip/band of scrap paper.

Continued with the rear engine adding extra details.

 

[silveroxide]

Cherry Blossom

More details for the Blossom The blossom for all practical purposes is finished. Now to work on that display.

 

[silveroxide]

Cherry Blossom

Getting near the end of this project. For some reason the second picture keeps getting placed as last. Here is the stand, waiting for the wheels and a mule to pull it.