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Fukuda Kazu
Profile
Name: Kazu Fukuda
Date of Birth: 1941-05-21
Date of Passing: 2009-09-08
Place of Birth: Fengtian, former Manchukuo (present-day Shenyang, China)
Prologue
The publication of Mr. Kazu Fukuda’s work on this site stems from our personal exchanges during his lifetime. What began as a plan to showcase only his *completed solid models* gradually evolved, as we both recognized the historical value of documenting his work-in-progress stages as well.
Mr. Fukuda’s methods—his choice of materials, precision in shaping, and meticulous finishing—embody the craftsmanship and analytical mindset that define Japan’s postwar solid modeling culture. This archive aims to preserve not only his techniques but also the spirit of his disciplined creativity.
— Compiled and edited by Hagihara
Modeling History (Self-Introduction)
Around 1954, I purchased my first kit in a vinyl bag and built my first solid model. Since then, I have been captivated by the joy of model making and have continued for over fifty years. In 1965, I joined the Osaka Solid Model Club “Saiun Association,” and from that time on I have devoted myself exclusively to German Luftwaffe aircraft. Every model is built to a consistent 1/50 scale. I was determined to keep producing as many Luftwaffe aircraft as possible—as long as my physical strength, mental focus, and eyesight would allow.
Work
Build and Rebuild Records
The following pages present Mr. Kazu Fukuda’s solid model records. They are not only records of completed models, but also records of process, observation, correction, and judgment.
Each aircraft record has its own structure, because the original records were organized in different ways.
Focke-Wulf Fw 190 D-9
Type of record: Detailed construction process record
Scale: 1:50
This record follows the making of a Focke-Wulf Fw 190 D-9 solid model through materials, shaping, surface preparation, painting, markings, final assembly, and gallery photographs.
It is one of the most important records in this archive because it shows not only the completed model, but also the steps by which the form was gradually established.
Focke-Wulf Fw 200 C-3
Type of record: Parts and process-based construction record
Scale: 1:50
This record is organized mainly by parts and working processes, such as the main mockup, landing gear, nacelles, engines, propellers, armament, painting, assembly, and the completed model.
It is especially useful for understanding how a large multi-engine aircraft was interpreted and constructed as a wooden solid model.
Heinkel He 115 B
Type of record: Rebuild record
Scale: 1:50
This record presents the rebuilding and refinement of a Heinkel He 115 B solid model. Unlike a standard construction record, the original record was organized as a dated rebuild log.
For this reason, the archive preserves the chronological structure of the original record. Its value lies in showing how an existing model was reconsidered, corrected, and brought to completion.