X-K427 Firefly

This model, constructed over an intense few weeks leading up to our 2008 trip to Japan, represents the first finished fan-based replica of Kow Yokoyama's famous design from the early days of SF3D. It is not 100% perfect, but without repeated access to referencing the original, how could it be? We came very close, and it could not have been done without the gorgeous kit that Futch mastered. I deviated from the build in a few very minor areas, added unnecessary lights, and got close on the color! For the build diary, click here.

The blue and rust colorings were mixed and checked against the reference photos. I got "close" (you'll see more on this below).

The rust coloration I chose was spot on to the original, so that pleased me!

The decals matched perfectly too, as Dr. TaK had sourced the originals. I scanned them, Futch had recreated them, and JT Graphics printed them.

Weathering was done with powdered pigments, of course.

It's such a funky design - I love it!

There are a few derivations from the original... very minor things.

And it almost seems too clean!

I look forward to making another one, perhaps with a different camoflage pattern.

The leds look the part, as well.

The red beacon light, illuminated.

The navigation lights are proabably a little much, but it was a good exercise. Kow remarked that the ones on the rear pontoons were not necessary, so I will probably relocate them for the second build.

Such a classic design, with wonderful mechanical bits.

Most of the parts that were a mystery at the time of the kit master have been identified as well.

The cockpit light would well-illuminate figures.

I had a base lasercut from acrylic!

Etched labels.

The upright has an etched illustration that Kow made of the Firefly.

Sorry for the fingerprints - these were all taken in those feverish last days before our 2008 Japan trip. No time for proper photos!

Once in Japan, we had a chance to place the recreation next to the original Falke. You can see just how wrong I was in the color - mine is the one on the left It is too vibrant!! However, Kow liked it so much, he kept the build up, and it was written into an official Maschinen Krieger photostory in the pages of Model Graphix Magazine!! Here is a photo of the original, and this build:

Here's a simple video that shows the flash and strobe rate of the lights used:

For the build diary, click here.