Every once in a while (usually every three weeks) I decide to build a model kit based on the markings I've recently seen in magazines, etc. Last month, I saw a recent release of the Val in 1/48 by Hasagawa. This specific release featured a Val in an overall dark green upper surface, over light grey underside. Not very exciting except for the bright red aft fuselage.

As it turns out, this specific Val was flown by a flight leader during an attack that some may know as Pearl Harbor. Because of this, it also carried yellow and blue stripes - talk about colorful!

I've always liked the look of the Val, but when I opened the box I was amazed at the size of this plane. It's not that much larger than the Harvard/Texan but the total wing area is almost double, this plane is all wing.

As for the construction, how can I put this? It was built in two evenings and only required the glue to be thrown into the box, followed by rigorous shaking. Open the box and voila - an assembled Val. Well maybe not quite that simple, but the kit did just seem to fall together.

The interior was painted with Polly Scale zinc chromate green, and black, and the seats were left out until the canopy was ready to go on.

In doing a quick bit of research (one hour), I found three paint schemes for this specific Val. Hasagawa called for solid dark green, and there where paintings of a splinter camouflage and spotted upper surface. I chose the last scheme (I liked the look the most). The exterior was finished in Polly Scale IJN dark green over IJN light grey with Testors M.M. Chevy Engine Red.

In conclusion, this kit is quick, easy to build, leaves ample room for super detailing, and finishes into a colorful and powerful presence in the display case. I highly recommend this kit to those interested in World War Two aircraft.