mynameismatt

Ok guys an update: Change of plans, but here we go! 32-001 will be an 8.5x11 sheet of goodness including 3x 1/32 Growler CAGS. I'm hoping this will make my first sheet more marketable and sellable instead of each sheet having one jet option. In the final steps of talking with microscale to print 500 sheets. Microscale's lead time is about 8 weeks so I'll update this thread once they are in my hands. Next up is working printing instructions! Do me a solid a buy a sheet when available, otherwise this will be a one and done swing and miss for me 🤣 It's getting real though! I even have the blessing of the misses to go for it!

In the process of talking with a printer, but since this is my first time in the rodeo I'm a bit cautious at this all. I don't want to spend $$ printing sheets that wont sell. The plan is to print the VAQ-209 Vader sheet first. I feel this has a decent chance of selling well. I'll be printing 50 sheets initially. Depending how this sells, the next sheet will be the low vis Zappers Houhti jets with kill markings. Can you all do me a favor and like my Facebook page? Invite others who may be interested as well! I intend to post regular updates. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18iXVZZYwT/

Here's a low viz sheet I'm working on with some interesting jets. Zapper 501 had drone kill and harm markings from it's last deployment in 2024. Sadly this jet was lost along with it's crew this past October near Mt. Rainier. Zapper 502 had a Hind kill marking while on the 2024 cruise. This was removed before the cruise ended, and replaced with harm markings.

Can you Help? I'm looking for reference photos of VAQ-131's CAG bird. Specifically the right front fuselage, and the full blue centerline fuel tank sometimes loaded on the CAG jet. Images need to be clear enough to read stenciling. This squadron uses the new jamming pods. Here's a very early WIP.

Vader 500 is getting closer...

That stinks. Mine is in the process of being shipped to me. I'll see how they look.

They periodically come back in stock. Keep your eye open. Also MPV.lumpsnbumps makes a very nice growler update set. https://www.facebook.com/share/1A7yrX2BBN/

Affinity Designer 2 I initially started using Adobe Illustrator, but refuse to live into monthly/yearly subscription models if at all possible.

Starting artwork in 1/32 on this jet.

I do have walk arounds of Vader500 from 2024...

1/32 E/A-18G growler decals are few and far between. So, I took matters in my own hand and have learned how to draw with vectors. There is definitely a learning curve, but it's not terribly hard. I'm working with Uprise decals, so hopefully these will become available if others are interested. I'm also working on a 1/32 VAQ-130 Zappers Jet with Houthi drone kill markings. Further down the pipeline is the possibly of a VAQ-137 Rooks or VAQ-134 Garudas CAG bird, depending on references I can find. And in the pipeline...

Awesome work JP! You're really taking your skills to the next level!!

Just a small update. Back at it after a backpacking in Colorado for a week. Glued engine into the cowling and glued the cowling onto the fuselage. I don't have any good pictures at the moment but this was defiantly more difficult than expected. The fit just wasn't there and there does seem to be a gap I'm going to have to deal with now. I've also assembled the flaps in the down position. Some putty was needed to hide the seams.

And now on too my favorite part of modelling. Seam work and putty work. Air ductwork on the engine nacelle. Top of the Fuselage. Overall not bad. Pretty sloppy putty work on my behalf! A little work is needed on the tailwheel area. On a positive note - the wing seams look pretty clean, hooray!

Just a small update... started laying some yellow chromate. Gloss coated and then added a wash. Added the seat belts as well.