silverburn Posted October 28, 2009 Posted October 28, 2009 (edited) Hi all, Well, here is my first ever "Solo" model - and Hunter 1:32 - ready for inspection. Last time I was "exposed" to modelling was 30 years ago, watching my dad. Now it's my turn. I built this as a test-rig for a "proper" build next; I'm building XE531 for my father-in-law's xmas present. He was the original test pilot for the fly-by-wire, and he *loved* XE531. So I figured I'd build it for him, but I needed a practise one first! Especially since XE531 is a 2 seater, and will be a b****r... I've taken on a lot of the techniques people have kindly contributed to this forum, and try to apply them the best I could - and this is the result. Some things have worked better than others - I've even surprised myself with some of the results. And some are pure newbie! List of obvious mistakes: - I didn't Cammo. I was too scared, frankly - I was getting used to the concept of spraying and simple masking! So I - *cough* used the Swedish colours (not in kit), but RAF decals. - Tail decals wrong way round (thanks for the spot guys!) - Front weight in nose too light (I used 3 steel bolts too!) - had to whack some blue-tak in the front wheel bay - No pre-shading - Puttying and filing could be better (where pit joins the body for example) - Some spraying anomalies around tail-fin and engine intakes. - I made a complete dog's dinner of the undercarriage...you name it, I did it wrong. Glue and broken bits everywhere. - My weathering could be (and will be!) improved. I've used MIG dark wash, but I think this is overkill and too tricky for me to clean up. Have got some promodeller for the next one. - Same for dry brushing - I over-aged my pit. - Seat belts were rubbbish - down to my shaky hand, pure and simple Stuff I liked: - The tanks came out way better than I'd ever have expected, for my first attempt, and given I'm practising all the techniques for the first time. Apart from a little too much "bleed" in the dark wash, they were spot on. - I managed to do the glass without getting paint or glue all over it! - It's a good kit, in the main - though I think the join between the wings, fuselage and pit components could be better. It's a bugger to fill too. - Drybrushing is bloody great as a technique for pit dials etc - Painting the inside of the wing lights worked brilliantly - Spraying and masking for the first time, and seeing the results - Seeing the potential in weathering; mine is either too much (the belly), or not enough (the forward fuselage) Anyway...to the pictures!! Edited October 28, 2009 by silverburn
Pielstick Posted October 28, 2009 Posted October 28, 2009 That's very nice indeed, especially for a first attempt! It seems you're well on the way up the learning curve, I hope you will continue to post pictures of your future work.
David Womby Posted October 28, 2009 Posted October 28, 2009 Very, very nice. Given the quality of the workmanship, I don't think you need have been afraid of applying the full camo scheme! David
silverburn Posted October 28, 2009 Author Posted October 28, 2009 More pics added - tried to get a bit close this time, so you can see more detail.
Paul Posted October 28, 2009 Posted October 28, 2009 Brilliant first go silverburn I was afraid of spraying camo when I first started, but found it easy using blu-tack as a mask (a tip that I picked up on Britmodeller of course!).
Paul A H Posted October 28, 2009 Posted October 28, 2009 Looks like you're well on your way to being an acomplished model maker; that's a very neat build. Looking forward to seeing your next Hunter!
ollieholmes Posted October 28, 2009 Posted October 28, 2009 That is a superb model for your first try. If this is your first try i look forward to seing more. the Ju88 seems to be coming on nicely.
Le Vander Posted October 28, 2009 Posted October 28, 2009 Very nice work. I read your blog before drilling down to the pictures and to be honest going by what you wrote I was expecting a mess...you have done a very nice job sir!!!
Murdo Posted October 28, 2009 Posted October 28, 2009 Looks very nice to me mate. Nothing at all wrong with that model! Very very nice! If you're planning to make more Hunters then can I please mention two things that were pointed out to me when I did my first Hunter. 1) Apparently the Airbrake underneath is never down when the gear is down. It automatically retracts when the wheels are lowered. 2) The canopy doesn't have a metal line at the back of it. It is glass. Not critiscism, I did exactly the same thing. The Revell 1/32 Hunter really is a superb kit isn't it? I love it!
kolja Posted October 29, 2009 Posted October 29, 2009 First time you say? Clearly you're some kind of prodigy
smuts Posted October 29, 2009 Posted October 29, 2009 WOW.. what a great start fantastic first build, can't wait for the next. well done Andy.
keefr22 Posted October 30, 2009 Posted October 30, 2009 That's a great first build, really well done! And it looks great in that scheme, it's a shame the RAF didn't use it really! Keef
Howard of Effingham Posted October 31, 2009 Posted October 31, 2009 That's a great first build, really well done! And it looks great in that scheme, it's a shame the RAF didn't use it really! very plausible scheme i guess and some great detailing too. modelling is all about confidence and it looks like this build has given you plenty of it. trevor
Mike Posted October 31, 2009 Posted October 31, 2009 Start as you mean to go on... that's a brilliant first attempt old son, so keep on trucking! Most of your "obvious mistakes" don't really show up to the untrained observer, so don't fret - it's your first model! My first one was hideous, and is now used as my spray test dummy. It'd still be sat on the shelf if it looked like that One minor thing that I picked up was the canopy framing at the rear of the sliding part. I think (and I'm no expert) there isn't one there - it's just straight perspex right to the edge. Only reason I know is I saw it pointed out on someone else's build
Stephen Posted October 31, 2009 Posted October 31, 2009 Nice build,the Hunter actually looks rather nice in the overall green. Stephen
Toe Posted November 4, 2009 Posted November 4, 2009 Way way too harsh on yourself there, I'd be happy with it if it was my model. Oh, and what a kit to start out on! Pure style! Most would get a crappy small 30 year old Airfix!
bigbadbadge Posted November 4, 2009 Posted November 4, 2009 Wow that's brilliant work especially as a first build. Keep up the good work Chris
SLAVE Posted December 1, 2009 Posted December 1, 2009 Beautiful work!!! You should be proud of the job you did. I've been building for something like 150 years and haven't quite got to that level yet. Onward and upward. The next one will be even more brilliant. Cheers SLAVE
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