John1

Riveting is completed.   I've got nothing but good things to say about those Archer decals.   I applied them to unpainted plastic, flat painted surfaces, whatever.   They stuck perfectly and after a quick dab of Micro Sol, the carrier film disappeared.    Very resistant to handling as well.   These things are great.   I added a few solder balls to areas that were impractical for decals.   In retrospect though, I should have done the entire fuselage in decals.  would have been much quicker.   Oh well, maybe on the next kit (NOT!). 
 
Note also that I modified the aft trailing edge to represent the later style shape with the Common Missile Warning System (CMWS) sensors added.   These were introduced in the 2006-2007 time frame after Blackhawks began taking losses to MANPADS in Iraq. 

 
After that, a quick paint job on the vertical stab.   I also very lightly hit the "United States Army" markings with a dusting of green OD to tone down the starkness of the black.   I really wish decal manufactures would go with a very dark grey color for these markings, straight black just doesn't look realistic.   After that, I applied the tail markings.    Werner's Wings got the serial number wrong.   On the real thing, it's Gunship Grey, not white.   Not much I can do about it.   They also left off the subdued 101st Airborne division patch on the nose.   Thankfully a kind ex-Blackhawk crew chief over on FB send me the marking, which was contained on the Academy UH-60L decal sheet.    I'm really impressed by the support I'm getting over on FB.  
 

 

 

 
Note the overpainted United States Army marking isn't quite as stark compared to the picture above and the newly applied markins on the tail.   I'll get the tail markings overpainted next.   

 
Next up will be to add some last details to the cockpit and get the windshield and crew chief's windows installed.   

Riveting is completed.   I've got nothing but good things to say about those Archer decals.   I applied them to unpainted plastic, flat painted surfaces, whatever.   They stuck perfectly and after a quick dab of Micro Sol, the carrier film disappeared.    Very resistant to handling as well.   These things are great.   I added a few solder balls to areas that were impractical for decals.   In retrospect though, I should have done the entire fuselage in decals.  would have been much quicker.   Oh well, maybe on the next kit (NOT!). 
 
Note also that I modified the aft trailing edge to represent the later style shape with the Common Missile Warning System (CMWS) sensors added.   These were introduced in the 2006-2007 time frame after Blackhawks began taking losses to MANPADS in Iraq. 

 
After that, a quick paint job on the vertical stab.   I also very lightly hit the "United States Army" markings with a dusting of green OD to tone down the starkness of the black.   I really wish decal manufactures would go with a very dark grey color for these markings, straight black just doesn't look realistic.   After that, I applied the tail markings.    Werner's Wings got the serial number wrong.   On the real thing, it's Gunship Grey, not white.   Not much I can do about it.   They also left off the subdued 101st Airborne division patch on the nose.   Thankfully a kind ex-Blackhawk crew chief over on FB send me the marking, which was contained on the Academy UH-60L decal sheet.    I'm really impressed by the support I'm getting over on FB.  
 

 

 

 
Note the overpainted United States Army marking isn't quite as stark compared to the picture above and the newly applied markins on the tail.   I'll get the tail markings overpainted next.   

 
Next up will be to add some last details to the cockpit and get the windshield and crew chief's windows installed.   

Fun trivia- the reddish brown rings were just scuff marks from the wooden packaging rings attached to the bombs during shipment.  

No idea Kevin.  I did some research on colors of US bombs for my old F4U-1D build and remember a few folks (maybe over on BritModler?) telling me those rings were wood.  Regardless, it's minutia, don't mean to side track your great build! 

So the wait for Werner's Wings decals continues into 2024.   In the meantime, I figured I'd pick away at some of the 3d printed parts that just arrived.    First up is the bizarre looking MUMT-X antenna housing.   I think I mentioned it previously, but this is housing is a brand-new addition to the Apache.   It allows the Apache crew to remotely control large UAV's from extended distances (upwards of 50KM or more from what I've read).   Supposed to be a game changer, as in addition to controlling the flight path and sensors, Apache crews can now employ the UAV's weapons as well.   It's definitely an interesting looking rig. 
 

 
The picture above shows the basic MUMT-X housing.   These Apaches are also receiving yet another piece of kit as well.  It's a radio receiver set that mounts to the front and rear of the basic cylindrical housing.   This rig allows high quality direction finding of threat radar / radio signals.   The Apache can now precisely locate a threat emitter and either engage it, send the location to another Apache (or an Army HIMARS system or an AF jet) via data link or employee a nearby UAV to target the threat.    This system is also mounted on Longbow radar equipped Apaches.   The latest version is called the AN/APR-48B. 

 
Anyway, enough of the background info.   The MUMT-X antenna I received is wonderfully detailed.   It comes with complete with the exterior cables.    Pretty basic assembly, I painted the main antenna in Helo Drab and the two AN/APR boxes in NATO Green.  Most of the pics I've seen of the real thing show them to be a lighter greenish shade.  To that, I added a placard from my scrap decal stash, picked out some nuts and bolts in a darkish metal color and called it a day.   
 

 

 

 
So that's it for today.  Hope everyone has a safe, happy and productive 2024! 
 
John

No idea Kevin.  I did some research on colors of US bombs for my old F4U-1D build and remember a few folks (maybe over on BritModler?) telling me those rings were wood.  Regardless, it's minutia, don't mean to side track your great build! 

This is a picture of a D (block 2) without CMWS box

No problem at all. I find the subject fascinating, and still seek more answers. I may well start a thread in GD.
 
Regards,

So the wait for Werner's Wings decals continues into 2024.   In the meantime, I figured I'd pick away at some of the 3d printed parts that just arrived.    First up is the bizarre looking MUMT-X antenna housing.   I think I mentioned it previously, but this is housing is a brand-new addition to the Apache.   It allows the Apache crew to remotely control large UAV's from extended distances (upwards of 50KM or more from what I've read).   Supposed to be a game changer, as in addition to controlling the flight path and sensors, Apache crews can now employ the UAV's weapons as well.   It's definitely an interesting looking rig. 
 

 
The picture above shows the basic MUMT-X housing.   These Apaches are also receiving yet another piece of kit as well.  It's a radio receiver set that mounts to the front and rear of the basic cylindrical housing.   This rig allows high quality direction finding of threat radar / radio signals.   The Apache can now precisely locate a threat emitter and either engage it, send the location to another Apache (or an Army HIMARS system or an AF jet) via data link or employee a nearby UAV to target the threat.    This system is also mounted on Longbow radar equipped Apaches.   The latest version is called the AN/APR-48B. 

 
Anyway, enough of the background info.   The MUMT-X antenna I received is wonderfully detailed.   It comes with complete with the exterior cables.    Pretty basic assembly, I painted the main antenna in Helo Drab and the two AN/APR boxes in NATO Green.  Most of the pics I've seen of the real thing show them to be a lighter greenish shade.  To that, I added a placard from my scrap decal stash, picked out some nuts and bolts in a darkish metal color and called it a day.   
 

 

 

 
So that's it for today.  Hope everyone has a safe, happy and productive 2024! 
 
John

metal clamps

Making some progress on the decals.   The Werner Wings decals are a mixed bag.  Highly detailed, some of the larger ones are a bit difficult to get to settle down on surfaces with raised detailes, even with multiple applications of Micro Sol.   That said, they eventually get there.   All in all, I'm still very pleased with them (props to Werner's Wings for offering them in the first place, no one else seems to have any interested in decals for US Army Blackhawks). 
 
Got a kind gent from FB sending me the 101st Airborne logo for the nose (was included on the ancient Academy decal sheet), got the port side pretty much done.    My standard gloss coat is Tamiya X-22 (love this stuff, I'll never go back to Future).   The gloss tends to darken the fuselage a bit but once I've got some Dullcoat sprayed on and hit it with pastels, I think it's going to look just fine. 
 

 

 
You may notice some missing bits in the cabin (part of the tie down strap is gone, along with a few other items).  They were dislodged when I was struggling trying to seal up the fuselage halves.   Not to worry, all those parts will be replaced shortly.   
 
 
 
 
 

HTH... 

Some seriously good modeling going on here.   Random question - wonder why nearly all models out there of U-boats are of early war versions.   I find the late war ones much more visually interesting with the large "winter garden" filled with flak guns, snorkel, radar, etc.     Just my $0.02. 

So it's been a while but suddenly decided the 188 needed working on again. I decided to ease myself in gently and work on the engines. I'm not using the AIMS supplied resin parts but instead a couple of Revell Fw-190 engines instead as these although not 100% accurate allow a lot more surface detail when painted 
 

 

 
and propellers will be from Eduard
 

 
The Eduard prop set is so good, I've used one before on my F-8 build and is super nice to work with.
 
I've several issues to deal with on the wings but felt getting the engines completed was a good starting point.
 
Regards. Andy 

Thanks guys. 
 
Definitely watched das boot, but nowadays I am a big fan of Greyhound
 
Work started a few weeks ago on the forward torpedo compartment. 
Here are blueprints in side and top view:
 

 
It is made of different section:
- the bulkhead
- the floor 
- the 4 fishes stored under the floor (I should remove the det)
- the 4 launcher tubes 
- the side wall with the 6 bunks.


 
Interesting things might happen in this compartment. 
- It can be packed with sleeping crew, in the bunks and on the floor. 
- The crew can be set loading one of the torpedo tube (which is the option I probably will chose as it goes better with the rest of the scenario I'll show)
- Torpedoes can be loaded from above deck, and slide into the compartment through the pressure hull. One might think that the boat needs to be docked for that but there is one fish stowed in its own pressure tube, just under the deck floor that the crew could get while at sea.
It's a complicated manoeuvre they did on the surface being very vulnerable in calm seas, using the cradle and a winch on top of a pole, placed between the loading hatch and the tower.  The same winch was used to pull the fish out of it's rotated stowage tube and to let it slide into the forward (or aft -as the same mechanism was available aft) torpedo room.
I'm not ruling out the option, but at this time I am considering 88mm gun in action so that rules out torpedo loading above deck.
 
Current compartment painting is made with acrylics:
XF-66 for dark grey, H338 for light grey.
The fishes are aluminium XF-16 and their head bronze X-33; props and fuses are painted gold X-31. The floor is X-32 
Wood is made with oils which I'll detail in the next post.
 

Weathering the floor has started but it's far from being finished 
 

The launching tubes parts are not quite detailed. RC Subs provide the tube doors and I will detail these later on. The forward pressure hull part is provided in resin by RC Subs as well. If you don't have it the pressure hull is flat and that's highly visible. So this part is quite necessary IMHO. I will probably detail the visible side of the tubes a bit more later on. 
 

Then comes the back wall with the frames for the bunks. 
Trumpeter obviously couldn't detail the right side of the room since doing so would prevent us to look inside, but they could have done a bit better nevertheless.
I intent to add at least a few lower bunks which should not impact the view inside and leave enough space to look at the rest of the room.
 

Then I stalled on how to implement the bunks.
Trumpeter only offer a plastic part for the mattresses which really aren't up to par. I initially cut some thin slice of foam which I intended to paint white but I wasn't satisfied with the result.  It took me a while to figure it out.
 
I designed mattresses and pillows and 3D printed them (a bunch of them) 
then designed a decal for the linen (white was too immaculate and I wanted something more military issued) and laser printed them on a blank white decal sheet
And finally I created the blankets with toilet paper soaked with a mixture of PVA glue and water.
 
Result after the basic layer of paint::

Much better although the linen need another coat of decal solution.
Normally the bunks are folded up when loading torpedoes, a process I intend to show. But I'll load one of the right side tube to keep clear from the beds and populate the open side of the room. Lots of details will also required on the back walls
 

The roof has been painted in light grey with the wood framing. The loaded torpedo will hang from there and I intend to add a lot of supplies in the room as well.
4-5 leds will be wired on the roof for compartment lighting as this turns pretty dark once the roof is closed. 
i'll try to manage the electrical side of things at later stage of the built. But I need to plan a bit ahead to make sure I still can add lights where I need them without destroying too much of the prior work. 
 
 
 

Armorama too.

Well, if you want to find knowledgeable treadheads and good afv modellers, try Missinglynx or Tracklink forums.

HTH... 

You're right, fixed it ,  thanks.
 
 

I received word today that Hannants had received my back ordered 1/32 HpH Nakajima B5N2 Kate, along with the 3D printed engine, cockpit and bomb sets. So I went ahead and purchased it all— it wasn’t cheap, but I did get 10% off for back-ordering it. The shipping by air across the pond to the USA cost a whole lot less than I was expecting and budgeting for— which was serendipitous.
So, I’m finally getting a long-awaited 1/32 Kate! If someone else hasn’t done so first, I’ll plan on submitting a report of sorts on this kit when I receive it. 
In one sense, I can’t believe it is on its way….!

Making some progress on the decals.   The Werner Wings decals are a mixed bag.  Highly detailed, some of the larger ones are a bit difficult to get to settle down on surfaces with raised detailes, even with multiple applications of Micro Sol.   That said, they eventually get there.   All in all, I'm still very pleased with them (props to Werner's Wings for offering them in the first place, no one else seems to have any interested in decals for US Army Blackhawks). 
 
Got a kind gent from FB sending me the 101st Airborne logo for the nose (was included on the ancient Academy decal sheet), got the port side pretty much done.    My standard gloss coat is Tamiya X-22 (love this stuff, I'll never go back to Future).   The gloss tends to darken the fuselage a bit but once I've got some Dullcoat sprayed on and hit it with pastels, I think it's going to look just fine. 
 

 

 
You may notice some missing bits in the cabin (part of the tie down strap is gone, along with a few other items).  They were dislodged when I was struggling trying to seal up the fuselage halves.   Not to worry, all those parts will be replaced shortly.   
 
 
 
 
 

Glad you're still at it Anothony!  Nice work.  

Thanks guys, really appreciate it!
 
Well I have actually been steady with progress, but with such things I didnt really have much to show until today
A package arrived in the mail from Kerry!
 
Somewhere in here is an FG.1 leg test print!

 
I know that because I have seen this....

 
So I set about trimming and found this inside

 
Now for those who cant remember, the reason for the completely new leg is because it is very different to a std Phantom NLG.  Aside from the double extension with extra scissor link, the actual oleo itself is of a bigger dia and rakes rearward
 
He nailed it.... a perfect fit!

 
An overall shot showing the rearward rake, only done by eye, not actually glued in properly of course.  I have started testing all the dimensions and so far so good!

 
Also an area that needed attention was the aux air doors top and lower.  Both sets needed scratchbuilding. First up are the lower ones, just basically layer upon layer of plasticard and raised rivet decals, followed by a layer of Mr Surfacer
 

 

 

 
Raised rivets and extra details on the other side....

 
And a comparison on the other side with the kit ones.  The kit ones are smaller and further back.

 

 
Apologies for the lack of updates, had a bit going on.  But still not stopped on this...she is still alive!
 
Cheers guys and thanks for stopping by
Anthony
 

thank you @Madmax !
 
 
 

 

 

Making some progress on the decals.   The Werner Wings decals are a mixed bag.  Highly detailed, some of the larger ones are a bit difficult to get to settle down on surfaces with raised detailes, even with multiple applications of Micro Sol.   That said, they eventually get there.   All in all, I'm still very pleased with them (props to Werner's Wings for offering them in the first place, no one else seems to have any interested in decals for US Army Blackhawks). 
 
Got a kind gent from FB sending me the 101st Airborne logo for the nose (was included on the ancient Academy decal sheet), got the port side pretty much done.    My standard gloss coat is Tamiya X-22 (love this stuff, I'll never go back to Future).   The gloss tends to darken the fuselage a bit but once I've got some Dullcoat sprayed on and hit it with pastels, I think it's going to look just fine. 
 

 

 
You may notice some missing bits in the cabin (part of the tie down strap is gone, along with a few other items).  They were dislodged when I was struggling trying to seal up the fuselage halves.   Not to worry, all those parts will be replaced shortly.