writes:The final stage was to attach the flags and banners, add a spinning propeller disc and a name plate.
The plain Japanese flag (red disc on white background) was added first, a simple white paper flag with the red circle painted on. The propeller disc is clear plastic cut from miniature blister packaging and superglued to the back of the tail. The last items were the banner and main flag. The banners are just strips of coloured paper painted with blue and white acrylic paint, and superglued to the masts. I reinforced the joins with uPVA white glue before painting over the top of the banners and the masts. (For more competent modellers, there is the option of producing these banners on the computer. I felt that painted banners were more in keeping with the scratchbuilt model.) The small blue flag is plain paper, glued around the top of the mast and then cut to size, painted blue and finally matt-varnished. The name plate is produced on the computer, stuck to thicker card, and then cut to size. I apply thick uPVA glue to attach it to the base.
Notes
During the modelling, I used the Brigade Models 1/1200th scale Mikasa Patrol Aeronef, code VAN 601, see here and the painted example by Rabbitz, see here. Both of these examples show the hull windows glazed. I choose to paint my Mikasa Aeronef with these windows painted as hatches. I also modelled a set of stairs to the rear of the wheelhouse, and moved the rear flagpole (featured on Rabbitz' scratchbuilt Mikasa) further forward. Other than these slight variations, I believe that the Moni is a reasonable representation of the Brigade model.
The Imperial Japanese Aeronef Fleet on Mars
The Japanese were slow to see the possibilities of a colony on the newly discovered Mars. However, the Emperor did eventually set up a Trading Mission at two sites, with a small marine force to protect his interests. There are just a dozen Aeronef and about twice that number of Digs flying the Japanese flag, with mercenary Martian forces supplementing this force when needed.
The Moni is a Mikasa-class patrol Aeronef, 135 feet long, with a hull width of 35 feet. The engine is a simple single-action steam engine working 12 x 14 inch pistons and powering a 20-foot, multi-bladed propeller. Moni is estimated to weigh 790 tons and has a crew of 30. The armament is six light 6-pounder rifles, four in turrets and two fixed to fire to the front. Given its size, this is a relatively poorly armed and armoured Nef, but has performed well in the service of the Imperial Japanese Aeronef (Mars) Force.
The finished Moni - named after my Mother, whose nickname has been "Moni" since I was a very, very young boy.