10 replies to this topic

[Michael Scarborough]

..or any of the other XS kits? It's a new company name to me.

Thanks.

Cheers from NYC,
Michael

[LSP_Kevin]

I have their short-wing Hughes Racer in the stash, but haven't built it yet.

Kev

[Tnarg]

I have taken the parts of the Curtiss out of the box, but it is too far down my list. I really like the wing radiator detail. I was considering using Bare Metal foil brass and aluminum strips for the radiator parts which should show well through to the detail underneath.

The cockpit is not anything special (in the tradition of Tamiya or Barracuda's P-51 stuff), but it does have an instrument panel, but no seat other than the fuselage. I was thinking of covering the cockpit with a canvas cover represented with paper or something similar. It looks like a nice kit with very sharp exterior detail. I haven't compared it with plans yet, but it seems to look like the photos as far as I have investigated it. Put Kings Road Miniatures Jimmy Doolittle figure next to it and it would look really fine. I think his outfit matches the photo of him next to the Curtiss.

I like this kit better than XS' Hughes racer. The engine and wheel wells are a bit soft on that one, but it is a Hughes racer and you can get long and short wings. The latest Curtiss kits had retooled wings and they are quite nice.

Tnarg

[Out2gtcha]

I have their F2G conversion...................some stuff in it is good...............some is pretty freakin rough. Some of the stuff they make however is the only game in town.

[Michael Scarborough]

OK, thanks guys.....I appreciate the feedback. The kit is available and I do love the plane...seems like a no brainer.

Cheers from NYC,
Michael

[LSP_Typhoonattack]

OK, thanks guys.....I appreciate the feedback. The kit is available and I do love the plane...seems like a no brainer.

Cheers from NYC,
Michael

Oh, then it's for me?

[fmitche]

Here is one I did http://www.hyperscal...racer32fm_1.htm
Few problems, but turned out very interesting---
Frank

[Michael Scarborough]

@ Kev.....why, of course it's for you! I'm having it shipped in time for your B'day and will be delivered by a retired Palyboy Bunny.....I'm not saying how long she'd been retired!

@Frank.....I remember this article very well. Bravo! Thanks for the thoughts on the XS kits, and, even more, for the inpspiration generated by the article on the DB-LK. I have been taking a long look at these Schneider Cup racers and wondering how hard it would be to scratch build some of them. Detail parts are certainly available and the basic airframes seem to lend themselves to carving. I work with wood for a living, lots of turning and carving, so perhaps your article is the jolt I've needed to give it a shot. www.michaelscarboroughdesign.com. Now all I need is time.

Cheers from NYC,
Michael

[radial]

Judging from the beautiful woodwork you've displayed on your site,you definitely have the talent to fab a/c molds. Making wood molds for vac form and resin casting can't be taught. I'm on my fifth 30's era scratch a/c now thinking at the start much the same as you;basic air frame, other existing kit parts. How hard can it be? What I learned is there are no simple airframes. If there is a kit out there of the a/c you want source it and pay any price. My current scratch a/c is nearing the $800 mark for materials alone. If there is no kit; go for it. There is no reason with your skills that you could achieve a very good model.

[Michael Scarborough]

Hello, Radial,

Well, thank you for your kind words re: my work, and, thank you for the encouragement. Both are much appreciated, as are your words of warning re: the fallacy of saving money. I would only be interested in making models of planes that were not available, and, more particularly, bringing into three-dimensions some designs of my own.

As soon as I typed in "simple airframes", I knew I was making a blunder. I think what I meant was that the particular 30's racers that so attract me all have extremely smooth lines and gentle curves....kind of like my teapot spouts.

I will chew on all of this and hope that I will have a first scratch building project under way once winter sets in.

Many thanks.

Cheers from NYC,
Michael

[Out2gtcha]

I have that XS Pond racer kit as well.............forgot about that one. I went down and looked it over after seeing that article again................truly amazing how small it was even in 32nd.

Decent little kit though. Wish I could bring myself to do it in something other than white though........