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Showing content with the highest reputation on 03/19/2024 in Posts
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Thunderbolt ...
patricksparks and 12 others reacted to MikeMaben for a topic
Got some more markings on, Serial on tail is a stencil, others are Alps printed. Some ugly silvering , waiting for something in the mail. These pix look more green than IRL.. This one has better color ... Thanks for lookin' . p.s. the squadron badge (rooster) and the numeral 5 are from an Eaglecals decal (excellent decals)13 points -
Revell's 1:32 scale Bf-109 G-6/R-6
patricksparks and 7 others reacted to marcopreto for a topic
A bit closer to completion! I still need to add a few details, some general grime (mainly around the engine) and exhaust residues. Cheers8 points -
Personally I think Eduard would be making a mistake to trod the weary path to yet another 109/190/P-51D. With the kits that are out now or coming, those subjects are so well covered in 1/32 that it's going to be difficult to compete. Perhaps a Mk I Spitfire with a full engine done in the style of Tamiya's superkits might find an audience, in lieu of an actual Tamiya kit, and as a foil for Kotare's simpler extant release. But ZM has that base already covered as far as the late Bf 109s are concerned, and a new-tool kit from Kotare is just around the corner as well. We're sorely in need of a quality, modern P-51B, and it's still uncertain whether ZM is really coming out with one - plus, Eduard is obviously unconcerned about that kind of duplication. The Hellcat is in the same boat - nothing to choose from but a legacy kit or a Trumpeter hash, though obviously it wouldn't be as popular as a subject compared to the P-51B. The MiG-21 is a no-brainer, as is the rest of the early MiG family. All that said, if Eduard creates a new kit in 1/32 scale of a subject I'm interested in, irrespective of what's already out there, I will in all likelihood buy it. Kev5 points
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Fiat CR42 CN 1/32 ICM
patricksparks and 4 others reacted to mc65 for a topic
damn how long! the wait for the colors was long, and honestly I don't know how worth it it was: I wanted to try the MRPs, which are very airbrushable and already diluted, but not very opaque, with a thousand thousand shades that are difficult to manage, for me who have the eye denied with colors. furthermore, once given they are absolutely not "revisable" like acrylics... with the latter if you are really not satisfied you arm yourself with Chante Clair and a toothbrush and start from scratch. with these NO. they cling to the styrene of the model (or to the primer, it's the same) with the same obstinacy as the old Humbrols. However, they have a very high fineness of pigments, so even by applying several passes, thickness is not created. okay, enough chatter, let's see what I've done? before seeing the colors in action, a small "technical" parenthesis: to connect the lights to the ground I found this solution. I stripped a wire from a phone charger cable and soldered it to a 1mm brass tube. the tube crosses the wheel from side to side, so that at the bottom I will have a hole in which a powered pin can provide the electrical contact, as well as stopping the aircraft at its base, while at the top I will have the flexible cable and in a position which will allow me - I hope - to be able to play on its length simply by rotating the wheel. the width of the landing gear leg will finally allow me to be able - if necessary - to stow the extra cable that I may not have been able to fit back into the fuselage through the lower wing. a lot of talk for little substance, in short. well, we were talking about the colors: the four samples on the left are MRP, the fifth on the right Lifecolor, while on the model there is a first layer of MRP sand. I think you can see clearly how none of the MRP "giallo mimetico" corresponds to the only Lifecolor proposed in the regia aeronautica's color set. here on the right the Lifecolor and on the left the MRP closest to it... in the end I decided to mix two of the MRPs to obtain a more or less credible base, the one now on the model, but not yet saturated. here it is after at least four (!) glazes. For me, used to the building thicknesses of Lifecolor or the covering capacity of Tamiya, Gunze or AK, it was brutal, having to apply so many coats just to get a decent base. given that, in addition to being poor with colors, I am also incapable of managing camouflage like this freehand, so I traced the spots in pencil at least on the upper wing. even the spots turned out to be a PITA a notable source of caltrops: both colors are a mix, and this is the third edition after several retouches, always with the remote help of my helpful friend, the color master. paradoxically I am more satisfied with the stains on the lower wing, done in a haphazard manner without much study. It's true that here the surfaces are tiny and therefore easier to manage. the spots on the fuselage are at least simpler, having a completely different pattern and documented by the photos. here the problem lies in the fineness of these colors: each splash must be passed over at least three times to give it a minimum of consistency, which requires skills that I obviously don't have, unfortunately. the nose is a completely separate matter, in period photos you can see a pattern of more or less horizontal lines, apparently darker than the blotches on the fuselage, which thickly and roughly cover the lower part of the engine cowl. in the upper area there is a color that could be black or dark blue grey, the two colors used by the regia for night fighters. now it's drying well, then white for the band on the fuselage and the cross on the tail, and the transparent gloss in view of the decals, either from the box and custom created ad hoc for this little project. see you soon, I hope! cheers, Paolo5 points -
Silver Spitfire 'The Longest Flight'
TankBuster and 4 others reacted to kkarlsen for a topic
First tests with foil... I did some initial testing with chrome paint, but decided to go for the aluminum foil. It's a lot of work, but I think it's going to pay off in the end. The shininess isn't too much, it has scratches and ripples, the rivets are barely visible as on the original aircraft. Overall the Foil adds to the 'illusion' of the aluminum surfaces. There will be some imperfections, but overall I'm satisfied with the result. Cheers: Kent5 points -
Why Keep Threads On Topic?
blackbetty and 3 others reacted to Iain for a topic
Good grief - please take a step back from the keyboard and read the room. You are not going to change how we moderate the forums here. And, actually, we’re just a little sick of the pointless sniping. Bottom line: as Kev has said, if this place doesn’t suit your needs then other fora are available. Iain4 points -
MASTERS is here!
Oldbaldguy and 3 others reacted to tomprobert for a topic
The RAF did indeed have it tough - and in some instances tougher. On the notorious Nuremberg raid of March 30/31 1944, 96 aircraft were lost in one night and the total of men MIA was more than the total British pilots lost in the Battle of Britain. Two really good reads/watches are ‘Night Bombers’ (available on You Tube) and Jack Currie’s ‘Lancaster Target’ which is a superb read and chronicles the terrors of night bombing vividly.4 points -
Revell 1/24 N-1 Starfighter
patricksparks and 3 others reacted to The Madhatter for a topic
They are so simple to use yet really handy. I should've bought more of them! I just love the colour of the base layer. I'm not a pink fan by any stretch but this actually looks really good Maybe Revell will make a full panel version and it can be the new Barbie Mobile?4 points -
Looks like Eduard is reassessing 1/32
Gazzas and 3 others reacted to CRAZY IVAN5 for a topic
That's a very interesting take on the demographics[age wise]. My club has a bunch of "grey beards' but we also have an increasing number of teens and 20 somethings too which is a good thing. When I went to Japan in 2014 , I got to attend a contest there, a real eye opener. There were just guessing about 4,000 entries [ across all categories] and a huge percentage[~45%] of the participants were in their early 20s with a sizable group of females to boot, there were a lot in their teens [and younger ],and they do/did very nice work. A lot of military type entries in the mix. I got to talk to a lot of people there [ thankfully their English was very good] The hobby is booming there in Japan at least. Oh and this was a "local contest" I might add, not a regional or national.4 points -
HK Models Bristol Beaufighter?
Archimedes and 3 others reacted to Kaeone57 for a topic
Mmmmmm, Beaufighter, mmmmmm! Alfonso4 points -
Zvezda 767-300 (KLM)
patricksparks and 3 others reacted to LSP_K2 for a topic
Getting closer. The bottom seams, which I had thought to be near flawless, are really not, as the primer reveals. I'm guessing that one or possibly two more treatments will get me where I need to be though.4 points -
seems that Bv-138 is almost ready Mirek posted some updates over on modelforum.cz and states that first pieces should be available for the Moson Model Show (20th of April)4 points
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Why Keep Threads On Topic?
blackbetty and 3 others reacted to Iain for a topic
Without the very light moderation we do here - things *would* go down hill - and potentially rapidly, as we've seen at times in the past. We're damned if we do, damned if we don't: but we have seen things get nasty before now so, sometimes a little pre-emptive action is required. Moderation is *never* an exact science - but we're all volunteers and try our best to keep things on an even and friendly keel. And we're human... It does get a little tiring having to deal with what, at times, seems like endless, and petty, sniping - some of us would rather go and build something. Iain4 points -
1/18 Supermarine S6B - S1595
Starfighter and 3 others reacted to airscale for a topic
thank you all, very kind So, the painting stage is looming.... I needed to get some new etch primer as it only has a 12 month shelf life and frustratingly it is still not here yet.. I have worked out the colour (I think) - some of the original paint is still on S1595 in the Science Museum (it was repainted ages ago in the wrong blue, likely roundel blue) so I did some samples and arrived at what i think is a reasonable match given the limitations of eyeballs, digital sampling and light I took all my similar blues and did a tester, photographed in natural and artificial light and ended up mixing a shade from what I had - this is the analysis.. It is what it is, there are no colour pics so sue me if I am wrong... ..while waiting I busied myself and there is absolutely no construction remaining.. Pitot tube done - complex little thing.. ..cockpit canopy done, another complex little thing - i hate doing transparencies as they are just a huuuuuge opportunity to fu#k up.. also all the beaching gear was made of plastic and wood, and the wire wheels finished.. ..again with no colour photos, I painted them what I thought / interpreted - basically battleship grey as it's likely marine paint.. ..added the petrol cans and trolley.. ..and thats it - the next time I post, it will be all painted.. wish me luck ..in other news, I have decided on my next subject - something I have wanted to do for ages but thought it wouldn't fit in my display cabinet - I measured again and I think I can just squeeze it in - any ideas? TTFN Peter4 points -
HK Models Bristol Beaufighter?
Archimedes and 2 others reacted to thierry laurent for a topic
Excellent idea reinforced by the fact the Infinity one is now buried...3 points -
1/18 Supermarine S6B - S1595
airscale and 2 others reacted to Archimedes for a topic
Peter, I ran out of superlatives to describe your work a long time ago. I’d just like to say a heartfelt thank you that you take the time to share your work with us here. You really do show everyone else what is possible. Thank you so much. Kind regards, Paul3 points -
HK Models Bristol Beaufighter?
Archimedes and 2 others reacted to LSP_Ron for a topic
This would be a brilliant choice to release.3 points -
Series 12 Airfix 1/24 Spitfire Mk1 - masks
geedubelyer and 2 others reacted to DavidnotDave for a topic
Found cockpit and camo masks for $30CAD.3 points -
Hasegawa P-40N
patricksparks and 2 others reacted to LSP_K2 for a topic
Adding the kit IP decals to the unmodified IP was probably unwise, but after numerous coats of Solvaset, it actually looks OK. IP on the real deal is rather bland and colorless anyway, so I think I can live with this.3 points -
Something old-school - scratch-built 1:32 Dart Kitten
patricksparks and 2 others reacted to Iain for a topic
Further progress with Fusion 360 - coming on leaps and bounds now! Bear in mind these designs are simplified - they are small in 1:32 so any smaller detail won't print well, or be seen! All now printed and painted - look really good - but haven't had a chance to photograph yet. Engine is printed as 6 separate components. And this took about 10 mins to draw up - basic, but does the job! A few more parts to draw up - but might, actually, finish this shortly! @wunwinglow - you really have created a monster... Blue skies, Iain3 points -
Indeed, let’s just let it rest chaps…..nothing is going to be gained by further “discussion”.3 points
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MASTERS is here!
TAG and 2 others reacted to R Palimaka for a topic
I agree with Richard and Tom above. For me it was a satisfying enough overview although it fell short in places as others have pointed out. No, I don't think it met the level of Band of Brothers but gave a sense of the bombing campaign and how it affected the young men involved. The CGI was not as good as I hoped, but there were brilliant little moments like the 78th Fighter Group Mustangs cruising through the formations of B-17s in the final episode. It was interesting to watch it with my partner Ruth, who bless her heart, has been seriously making an effort to understand the air war, the people involved and the aircraft as well. In six years we've been together she's made huge strides in understanding, and asks probing and interesting questions. As a vehicle for learning, Masters of the Air provided a chance for me to explain the issues involved in the American bombing effort, and she quite enjoyed the character development, the atmosphere created on the base. She said it gave her a sense of the intensity of the battles in the air. She actually cheered when the Mustangs intervened during the mission to Berlin! The series introduced her to the POW experience, the forced marches during the winter of 1945, and she had no idea about the food drops during Operation Manna. As members of the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, she's familiar with the RCAF contribution and was quite shocked at her reaction to the virtual reality night time bombing raid experience that was presented at the Museum. Masters of the Air provided a chance to see the struggles to make the daylight American effort succeed. It was funny, during the raid in Southern France by the "Red Tails" she also commented on some of the engine sounds..."That's not what a Mustang sounds like!" I guess all the airshows I've taken her to have had an effect. If the series provoked some of the audience to ask questions, to do some research and read more deeply then it succeeded. We found it moving, and Ruth's comment at the very end showed me it worked. She turned to me and said, " After all they saw and endured, and the friends they lost, how did they manage when they got home?" The biographies of the main personalities gave her a bit of an answer. Maybe watching it through someone else's eyes helped, but I took it for what it was and thoroughly enjoyed it. Richard3 points -
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Minicraft 1/144 Iron Maiden 757
patricksparks and one other reacted to LSP_Kevin for a topic
A quick update, as this build finally makes it to the painting stage! SMS Light Grey on the wings and tailplanes: The strong studio lights make it look basically white, but it should have enough contrast with the white on the fuselage when it goes down - which will happen after the silver bits! Kev2 points -
TAKOM 1/35 AH-64D Royal Netherlands Air Force
Loach Driver and one other reacted to O.W for a topic
Takom 1/35 AFH-64D Royal Netherlands Air Force. For a long time, in order to keep the variety, I have been urging to make a helicopter. For the most part it is an OOB build with the exception of the cockpit, I used Eduard's update set for that. The FLIR lenses were made from an old DVD. As paint I used US HELO drab from AK real color. I have recently started using AK Real color and I really enjoy airbrushing with it. For the weathering process I mix the main color slightly lighter with the different tones, then I used the wethering sets from AK. The model is quite detailed. apart from the few challenges it was a pleasure to build and I didn't encounter any major issues I used LSP and You Tube for inspiration. the last four photos I used for the weathering process cheers Otto2 points -
The rims, covers and the tank was painted aluminium. Then the covers was turned over and painted zinc-chromate yellow. I almost forgot to put a small decal on the engine, but now it's done! The tires was painted with a mix of tire black and black. I kinda more or less copied what Dugy had done! After trying a few OD colours on the bombs, I found one that I liked. Now they only need a bit of touching up and decals, unless I paint the yellow bands. The prop tips and spinner got some yellow paint. I first glues the cowlings and then the bottom cover with the engine. After that the other covers was glued in place, one by one. A few bits and pieces to sort, like masking the canopy, before I can start priming and painting. Håkan2 points
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P-38L-5-LO, s/n 44-26412, "Shady's Lady", August 1945
spook and one other reacted to Miloslav1956 for a topic
Trumpeter 1/32 model, Kagero decals, Reskin wheels set, Phoenix cockpit, All colors MRP2 points -
It sounds like you might be happier somewhere else. Kev2 points
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Looks like Eduard is reassessing 1/32
Pup7309 and one other reacted to thierry laurent for a topic
Indeed, Japan is an exception as Czechia or Ukraine. However, situation is not the same in most western countries. So, there is a quantitative issue. You can add to that the fact European brands like Eduard miss most of the Chinese market as it is already saturated by they brands that are very cheap locally. Hopefully production of models changed and it is possible to be break even with far lower numbers of production. No manufacturer would have considered a release of 2000 kits twenty years ago!2 points -
PF — I got my bird back home! 1982 Nanchang CJ-6A. 100% made in China!2 points
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Looks like Eduard is reassessing 1/32
Archimedes and one other reacted to Cycling Guy for a topic
If Eduard did the entire early MiG family I’d cry non stop. However, in all seriousness, it’s a bit silly that there aren’t newer copies of MiG-15, 17, 19, 21, etc. with so many real examples and documentation around the world. I really hope to see this.2 points -
1/18 Supermarine S6B - S1595
airscale and one other reacted to europapete for a topic
Fabulous acolades Pete, and all, including mine, are all well deserved. If you enter this model in the Nats and the Model Engineers Contests you WILL win, and so you should. Your skills have ( and continue to do so) shown us lesser mortals how replica's should be made. We all thank you for showing us in detail how to achieve such results. As the model sits right now ( well, as I write this, lol, it may have progressed by now) I feel that the finish you have achieved is superb. To paint it might be, ... well, I don't know, not detrimental, far from, but.......lesser. .... Maybe a diorama with the 'plane in the paint shop about to be painted. But then your paint/artist skills....... Sorry for the ramble, it just looks so suberb in NMF. Regards, Pete in RI2 points -
Looks like Eduard is reassessing 1/32
Pup7309 and one other reacted to CRAZY IVAN5 for a topic
Quite agree, a MiG-21 would be a homerun, as would the -51B/C. I've built both Eduard's and Tamiya's 48 th -109Gs, and to be honest, the Eduard -109 just doesn't look quite right [ I put 'em side by side] and the Eduard looks kind of "toothy" .That's the only way I can describe it. Nice kit, very good fit and detail but the end result is well.... I know a lot of people like 'em, but I won't be getting another.2 points -
HK Models Bristol Beaufighter?
Archimedes and one other reacted to CRAZY IVAN5 for a topic
IF they do a Beau[ and I really hope they do] , hopefully they'll get the exhaust system right. I built both Tamiya beaus and they didn't do it right , I don't know about Revell's kit. The exhaust IS pretty visible through the front of the cowling.2 points -
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Something old-school - scratch-built 1:32 Dart Kitten
Landrotten Highlander and one other reacted to wunwinglow for a topic
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No chance of that. Honestly, have multitude of HpH kits, but yet never actually having finished a single one...... I'm still getting one because I love the 138 so much.2 points
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1/18 Supermarine S6B - S1595
airscale and one other reacted to tomprobert for a topic
Please…. You know you want to… Stunning work on the racer - looking forward to the final push! Tom2 points -
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Why Keep Threads On Topic?
blackbetty and one other reacted to Out2gtcha for a topic
Regardless of your personal feelings or opinion, "any negative comments triggers thread kill " is NOT a factual statement. That is a fact. Im also not really sure why you laugh reacted to every post a mod has made in this thread, after you posted your opinion on it. Nor am I sure what was so laughable about the comments.2 points -
1/32 Trumpeter P-47D-22 "Kansas Tornado"
Isar 30/07 and one other reacted to Tolga ULGUR for a topic
Some panels got different Alclad tones.2 points -
I was asked how the engine was mounted so I went back and reviewed the process. Discovered I'd made a mistake in showing the parts I left out. The ring around the engine that connects to the push rod tubes is NOT left out, it fits unto a recess inside the cowling which is the only attachment needed. So that, the cockpit and the tail end turbine are the only things needed in the interior. Stole this image from Tolga ... hth2 points
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That's where empathy and an ability to understand is important, not to mention respect, which starts with oneself.1 point
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Border Models Lancaster - it will be my last LSP build
TankBuster reacted to Stokey Pete for a topic
Things have changed since my last update here, having decided to liquidate the remains of the stash. This will now be the last of my model builds of any sort. I’ve felt like I’ve been going through the motions, and won’t be starting anything new after this is finished. The next mini model is ready for construction, the port main gear assemblies, and wing construction.1 point -
This series caused me to do a deep dive on the WWII bombing campaign that I might not have done otherwise, I now feel i have a better over all understanding of what really happened, so if learning something counts it is a 10, if just looking at the story I agree very much with Tom above, 7.5. I listened to podcasts from Unnoficial history of hte pacific war, WWII Bomber podcast(name is a tad off, ask if you need correction) and Hardthrasher. I come away from all of this with a much deeper understanding and I think if they spent some time educating the listener in the show or in the intro about the big picture it might have helped a lot. It failed to deliver any context for 1944 and 1945 other than the most superficial coverage of the role of the Mustang and that B-17s would be used as bait. I found it striking to learn that in the end the most significant contribution of the 8th Air Force was to destroy the Luftwaffe in 1944 and that most bombing in WWII Germany was not achieving the strategic result that was envisioned. As such the 1943 period was well covered, but we are left with only a superficial understanding of what is probably the most important period, January 1, 1944 through June 6, 1944. During this time period Germany, if the sources are correct, was forced to shift 80% of their aircraft and a high percentage of their high power AA to defend Germany and also during this time period the Luftwaffe was essentially destroyed and high power guns and ammunition were denied to other fronts reducing the effectiveness of the German army in all other theaters of conflict. I do not take the cynical side that some podcasters take and over dramatize, as there are claims made now that the Nordon Bombsite was useless, the B-17 not so great and so on, the tactics of 1943 and strategies a waste. I look at Human nature and the need to make mistakes and learn from them, also in light of these were all new technologies and ideas at the time which had never been tested by reality. WWII lead to some truly remarkable mechanical computer systems the NOrdon Bombsite among them. Did they all work as claimed, well no, but it was a product of the time and circumstance. So I am pretty forgiving of these things as our standards have evolved so much over time. Precision bombing was not really possible until the lasers guided bomb was perfected in truth. I have been listening a lot to unofficial history of the pacific war and they delve into Mahan and grand strategy a bit which reminds me of my college Courses on U.S. Military HIstory decades ago. When you think of seeking out the climactic battle, perhaps 1944 air war was the climactic battle of the European theater as it layed the ground work for D-Day but also drew resources away from the Eastern front and made it significantly harder for the Germans to defend that front as they had fewer planes and pilots as well as dramatically fewer high power anti tank guns as so much of that was going to AAA.1 point
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Brown B-2 „Miss Los Angeles” 1/32
Paulpk reacted to Marcin_Matejko for a topic
Decals made according to my design at MF Zone, I recommend it :-) Link: Custom decals Varnish and polishing: Engine assembly: To be continued1 point -
1/32 Northrop F-20 Tigershark
Loach Driver reacted to Bekim for a topic
I did only the late Version of the F-20 All the Best Bekim1 point -
1/32 Northrop F-20 Tigershark
Loach Driver reacted to Bekim for a topic
I think , its the most beautiful Version of the F-5.....1 point -
1/18 Supermarine S6B - S1595
Archimedes reacted to airscale for a topic
thank you chaps, you are all so very kind Well Jay, having just done the wings I do have pains from RSI - it will pass, but yes sometimes I just have to push through the pain Exactly Chuck, it is an adjustable trimming tab, but only on the ground - suits me, as it makes it easier to build So, lots has gone on the last few weeks... ..the propeller was made as a 3D print which I found very hard to do as it's a complex shape which has oblong roots and quite a twist.. - the spinner cap is machined from solid aluminium so it can be polished like the original.. ..I started the wings by filling the plastic frame with foam & filler - this was then refined many times and note they are complete with the ailerons in place so they can be cut out later... ..after a lot of finishing, the ailerons were removed... ..and so to the skinning... I drew out the plans that copied the layout of all the fastners that cover the entire surface.. by the time I finished I selected all objects in the drawing and for the four wing surfaces there were 8,962 rivets... that is bordering on the ridiculous and likely as many as I have done on entire airframes before.. ,,nothing to do but get started, so here is a typical panel - the small dots are one rivet depression, the big dots two, which was even more demoralising.. ..also seen is a template to score out a hatch with a pin in a pin vise.. ..after 3 days and a very sore set of muscles they were done... ..no time to rest though, and the ailerons were completed.. ..the wings were added using JB weld and given a day to set, then I could start the fillets - I have not done the front ones as they need to also cover the forward strut mount.. ..with the wings on, I could add the belly oil cooler assembly - as with the fuselage sides this was a 3D printed buck over which the metal sheet was fomed.. ..in two parts, it stretches all along the lower fuselage.. ..with so much skinning going on, I fancied a change and so started on the beaching trolley - well at least the wire wheels of the trolley.. I 3D printed a hub, a rim and a jig.. ..and then bent a lot of piano wire spokes and started to populate them ..and the finished wheels, along with some Pratts petrol cans I have seen in pictures with the airframe.. ..and so before the painting starts next week, some final shots in all her nakedness... ..time to start thinking about the finish... until next time TTFN Peter1 point -
Thanks Guys! March 3/24 Well, I’m back already, mostly because I didn’t really go anywhere. To make a very long and painful story short, I experienced an intestinal blockage almost a month ago and spent 4 days in the hospital. When we left for our big trip I was feeling OK, but on the first leg of our flight all of the symptoms of a blockage came back, so we had to cancel the 16 hour flight to New Zealand and the 6 week cruise we had planned for 2 years to celebrate my new retirement. Huge bummer, but there are much worse things that could have happened I know, so my wife and I have re-booked a similar trip in a year and we soldier on. After a week of feeling sorry for myself and moping around, I finally picked up this model and got after the Aires main landing gear bay. Modeling is great therapy when you want to forget about things and I soon became totally engrossed in painting all the tiny details. This was fairly difficult to do, because I suck at brush painting and with all the tiny details hard to get at, it took a long time with lots of mistakes. After fixing most of them, here is where I am today. With the gear bay already cemented into the lower fuselage, I found it easier to handle than it might be otherwise. I tried to replicate many reference pics I found on the ‘net, and some great detailed pics in Jake’s Modern Viper Guide. The Aires resin is super detailed already, but I did add a few hoses and pipes here and there into holes I had pre-drilled earlier before paint. The 3 holes on either side at the top will be used for the hydraulic lines that will go into the gear doors when they are attached. The battery frame isn’t accurate for modern Vipers, but it looks so nicely detailed I retained it, partly because the kit has the perfect yellow decals that fit perfectly around the frame. I also added some decals to that silver Halon bottle to match a few pics, although the red band should be a bit darker. The central wall looks a bit rough because I had to sand it down, but it will eventually be covered by Part C27. Some of the hoses are only dry fit for now, because they will be in the way when I install the main landing gear. I can’t vouch for the accuracy of some of my plumbing, but I think it looks pretty close and makes the gear bay look a bit more busy. As always with these close-up pics, you can see a lot more mistakes than you can with your bare eyes! With the Aires cockpit and main gear bay now painted and detailed, the most difficult part of this build is now complete. Next steps will be to detail the front gear bay and landing gear. Thanks for looking in. Cheers, Chuck1 point