AntoineG

Hi guys, No progress since last post. This is a bit frustrating but "c'est la vie". Thanks Vultures1 for your comments. Only three steps remaining before I can close the fuselage: cockpit, NLG bay and exhaust section. Looking forward to it. @corsaircorp, definitely not the same Antoine Cheers, Antoine

Hi, Thanks all for your nice comments. We're getting somewhere now with the intake.... Probably some putty work to plan, but , hey, not to bad for a first. Thanks. Most of it will be hidden by the canopy though. Italeri proposes indeed the same main sprues in a previous box for a D (ref 1237) . The sprue with the IFR (if we are talking about In-Flilght Refueling) is not in the box for the E version though. Note that the NLG is different too and is specific to each box like other details. I can provide you with a picture of the sprues description form the instruction sheet if you like. Maybe you'll have more luck with the Hobbyboss kit for the D. If someone can confirm? @stevehnz, @heloman1 and @corsaircorp, thanks for your comments and welcome on board! @corsaircorp is this Antoine G you know coming from Paris area, working in the aerospace industry? Cheers, Antoine

Hi, Hope you guys had a good weekend. Mine was really busy with only a few spare times for modelling. Progresses are made at a very slow pace. The gluing of both parts of the tube is very delicate. This morning, just by un-careful handling, all the gluing point that dried overnight broke. So here is it again, drying… To relax a bit, I worked on the cockpit and built the rear area. This is a simple but rewarding job. @Corsairfoxfouruncle thanks to your comments I feel more confortable, going into the right direction. As it is, the inlet tube provides a deep well for the NLG. And when you compare with one NLG wheel, it looks alright. @Vultures1Thanks... and that make sense... to me anyway Cheers, Antoine

I have a few of that kit in my stash. Seeing yours confirms that one could get a lovely result. Great job !

Beautiful !!! The assembly is fault-free, the paint job lovely, the choice of the scheme great (I like the big crosses on the wings). The light weathering makes it just perfect.

Hi Guys, After reviewing Vultures1 pictures and some references, it looks like my initial approach was not the right one. Indeed, as dry-tested, the angle of the tube was too small and the duct was going straight into the MLG gear bay. This could have been corrected but there was a second issue: the top of the edges of the inlet “mouth” are to be sharp. Mine were not and with the method I used, there was no way to get it. So it was not too bad, but it was far from good. Hence, a change of approach was required. As the only fix point in the fuselage was the cockpit, I decided to use it as a reference and to start with the top of the inlet. This part is the continuation of the random which has a round section. Unfortunately, I don’t have any tube with the right diameter. So I used the larger one, I opened it and using the heat of a candle flame, I enlarged it up to the right diameter. After that, it was just a question of cutting it to the right size. The next step was to work of the lower part of the inlet. For this, the tube shape was a bit rework to give it a more “round” profile. And then a catastrophe stroke: the shape broke. Anyway, the plan was to place it on a block of modelling clay in order to have space to press the plastic down enough. Once the plastic shaped, it was cut at hopefully the right length. The following dry fit showed that it should not have been shorter… The top and bottom sections of the duct were glued together, but only at the front, in order to enable some adjustments. So here I am tonight, with the parts gluing quietly. Cheers, Antoine

I like what you've done with this kit. Hope I'll be able to propose something as nice as yours. Thank you

Sure, And Italeri provides a nice one. But where the fun would be? And I definitly prefer to see the "insides" of my kits. That also probably why I'm trying to have the canopy opened on my models whenever possible. Cheers, Antoine

Hi, With the end of the Christmas break, the A-7 progress is slower but I try to keep it steady. I'll be interested to know how Fujimi managed the duct. I've got Heller's offering in my stash. As far as I remember, they do propose a full duct with the NLG bay attached to it. In fact, after checking on Scalemates, the duct includes everything (duct, cockpit, NLG bay) in a -very- simplified way. But at least you've got a nice duct Thanks Vultures1 Considering the A-7 architecture, the adaptation of an inlet duct evolved into a full sub-assembly (as proposed by Heller) including the duct, the nose landing gear bay and the cockpit: the duct as to be inserted between the two other elements, keeping in mind that: · the cockpit tube position as proposed by Italeri is considered as correct · according to my interpretation of the pictures, the roof of the NLG bay is the bottom of the duct · there must be enough space in the NLG bay to accommodate the NLG wheels (we may have some compromise here…) I’ll finish the duct (in particular by removing the seam) duct once I’m happy with its positioning. Thanks to the picture, one can also see that the curvature of the bottom of the duct is wrong (it should have been more concave).... to be honest, I think I can turn a blind eyes to that... As you can also see on the picture, I’ve started the work on the cockpit, cutting the back wall just above the cockpit opening. The plasticard squares will be used to provide support to the flat area behind the seat. I've also remove the attachment of the NLG and some plastic behind the seat. More on this later. Cheers, Antoine

Hi, Good progress on the A-7 this weekend. First, thanks Robert for the tip on then fins. Correction done. And I also took the occasion to add some lines on the tanks as well as a full port. To be honest, it was quite a bit weird to have fuel tanks without at least one fuel port. Second, the P/E reached home. Fast service as always. Before starting gluing, I checked on internet for references on the cockpit… just to discover that everything behind the seat is wrong if you want to present the canopy open. I’ll come back later on this. Third, I’ve reach a level of detail in the MLG bays that I find satisfactory. As you mentioned it, Vulture1, there was a lot of pipes to add. I’ve probably missed some… Fourth, the mould for the duct was dry enough to start shaping it. So I gave it a go and had a something that looks a duct. Not finished yet. Cheers, Antoine

Hi Vultures1, please take a seat! With the moulding of the duct still drying and the PE order on its way, here comes a dangerous time for a “quick built with as few additions as possible” . I don’t know for you guys, but this is the time, when: (1) one starts gluing whatever sub-assembly can be glued . In this case, the external fuel tanks and the wings. Those required a bit of filling/sanding for the joints and also some thinning down of the tanks' winglets. (2) one starts looking more closely at the kit and wonders what “little additions” would improve the end results… and with this kit, there are plenty. The first to me was the main landing gear bays. Italeri/ESCI proposed some fine details in the bays with what looks like an actuator. Unfortunately, when looking at some walkarounds on the net (for instance: http://nabe3saviation.web.fc2.com/waA7.html), nothing matches. In the reality, the bays are VERY crowded. So I’ve started adding a few bits of platicards, stretched sprue bits and copper wires of different gauges. Still working on it . Hopefully, I’ll have something to show tomorrow. Cheers, Antoine

Hi Dennis, Welcome on board. I should say the Fist of the fleet was also among Santa's favourites... There is still time to change one's mind Antoine

well... I'll try... it will be a first...

Hi, The first step, waiting for the Eduard PE, is to create that inlet ducting. In my previous A-7, I used some rolled paper. It looked ok but not very close to the real stuff. Alt, how did you managed yours? This time I decided to create a shape in air-hardening DAS paste over which I will mould plastic sheets. Eventually it would end-up into two half ducts…. So, I placed in the fuselage a sausage of DAS paste. The cockpit tube and the nose landing gear bay are also placed to help defining the shape. After a couple of hours, I carefully removed it from the fuselage and let it dry… probably for a few days… Now is time to get some references over the net. I think I’ll go for the Greek option (it is the one Santa Claus prefers….). The idea is not to have a 100% accurate replica of the aircraft. It would be more a quick built with as few additions as possible and, most of all, a lot of fun that I’ll ty to share with you. Antoine

Hello, I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and wish you all the best for 2020 with a good health, happiness, success and loads of models. Father Christmas has been kind to me this year as the lasted 1/72 release from Italeri of the LTV A-7E Corsair II was waiting for me under the tree. Despite the fact that this is in fact an old ESCI kit dating from the 80s’, it has very nice surface details and can be built from the box into a nice looking reproduction of the Corsair II. Well, I'm far from an expert in A-7 (maybe if there is one in this forum, he/she could provide his/her opinion on the kit) but I built it back in 2004 and still keep nice memories of it (I'll post some pictures if I can). From my humble point of view, the main issue of the kit comes from the massive air duct that is block by a plastic wall just a few millimetres from the inlet. Italeri proposes to hide this behind a nicely moulded cover but I prefer to see the A-7 big mouth open. So this means cutting through the wall and building a brand new duct. For the cockpit, only the minimum is provided with some decals for the instrument and sides panels. Whereas it can be sufficient (I used that option previously), I have ordered Eduard P/E to add a bit of details as I would like to finish the model with an open canopy. So this all looks like a nice little project that I hope will be finished shortly (as one wrongly says too often… ). Cheers, Antoine

I do find it has more "character" compare to its competitor. Looking forward to see tours.

Hi, Now that I have managed to free some space on my workbench, I have decided it was time to start clearing the shelf of doom too. First on the list was this funny B-17 on which I never really stopped working. It was just a very slow process… So, what happened since July 2018 ? I’ve tried to summarise some of the job done on the following picture. First thing was to finish to paint the bomb and to close the bomb-bay. Once completed, it was possible to work on the flight deck: dashboard, central console, seats with their belts, control levers and throttles. Further back in the aircraft, a floor was installed for the side gunners. Finally, a seat was created for the rear gunner. A layer of interior green (Gunze H58) was applied (before adding the details), except for the dash board that received a layer of flat black (Tamiya). And everything was sealed with a coat of matt varnish (Gunze H20) that in fact gives a nice satin effect. I’ll explain what other mods I’ve done later this week. Cheers, Antoine

Hello, Thank you all for your encouraging comments. @veg, can't wait to see yours on the forum @jean, with regards to the svastikas, according to Almark, they were painted out. Even if I wasn't able to verify Almark instructions with a picture of the actual aircraft, I happily decided to believe them. Now, was I right or not? Here is a question for the Experten. Cheers, Antoine

Hello happy folks, Among all my 'serious' builts, I decided to have a bit of fun and do a quick built of a what-if plane. The story is quite staight forward. In the early years of the 21st century, the Canadian Armed Forces were looking for a replacement to their ageing CF-188 Hornet. Due to budget restriction and higher reliability of modern engines, it was decided to select a single engine aircraft. So the Dassault Rafale, Boeing F-18E and Eurofighter Typhon were out of the game. That left Saab with its Super Gripen, Lockheed Martin with its X-35 and Boeing with the X-32. Considering previous experience with Boeing field support, the airframer guarantee that it fighter would enter service before the competition and a good discount (from non-official sources), the CAF opted for the newly named Boeing CF-189. Thanks to the fact that Canada was the sole launch customer, the development process was quite quick and the first squadron was declared operational in 2017. Fifteen years later, the CF-189, nick-named the "blue whale" thanks to its big-open-month-like-inlet is still the main fighter for the CAF and has demonstrated high reliability and operational flexibility. It is not rare to see them in various airshows all around the word under special livery schemes like the one designed for the 2032 International Air Tatoo. The basis is Italeri Boeing X-32 in 1/72. Decals are from Belcher Bits. Colours are 'inspired' by Canadian CF-5 grape scheme. The built is basically OOB with only the ejection seat harness added and some brake pipes. Lot of masking tape was used.... Hope you like the result despite the poor quality of the pictures (it is difficult to get good natural light this period of the year) Cheers, Antoine

Hi, Despite the best efforts from the carpet monster, I managed to finish this model on time for SMW. Actually, the canopy was still drying when I left for Telford on Saturday morning. Just a few last words on that build. Once the gloss varnish was dry (I waited a couple of days, just to be sure), I applied some highly diluted black oil paint on the surfaces. After a few minutes I wiped any excess with some... paper towels. It cheap, works well for this purpose but had a tendency to leave some fibres. So a good clean up with a soft brush is necessary. I shall try with an old shirt next time. Then I applied successive layers of dark grey and white pastel powders to simulate the exhaust marks. Finally, all the tiny parts were glued, including the lovely canons from Master, some touch up applied and a layer of matt varnish sprayed. When dry, it was time to remove all the masks. It is then that I discovered that one of the small triangle masks of the windshield has in fact disappeared long ago during the paint process I managed to salvage it but gently scrubbing it with a tooth pick wetted in pharmaceutical alcohol. The final assembly were the antenna mast that I had managed to glue back into one straight part (using plastic glue and super glue), then the aerial wires, the armour plate in the canopy and finally the canopy itself... and it was time for SMW Sorry, I made no picture of the final stages by I posted the result here: Ready for inspection - Messerschmit Bf109E-4 (Airfix 1/72), but I couldn’t resist to post a couple of pictures of our stand with my tiny 109 sitting on the shelf. Thanks a lot for following this WIP. Your comments and reactions were much appreciated. Cheers, Antoine

Hello, Here is my latest model: a 'classic' Messerschmitt Bf109E-4. The kit is the Airfix one in 1/72. I wanted to finish it with a white nose and found this option on an Almark decal sheet. I added a few details, from scratch or from aftermarket. The WIP can be found here: WIP Messerschmidt Bf109E-4 - Airfix 1/72 Cheers, Antoine

Excellent job. One couldn't tell it's a 60+ year old kit. And your paint job in fantastic. Congrat's

Thanks. Hopefully it will be finished on time for SMW. Btw, the carpet monster nearly got its revenge. As you can see on the last posted picture, the small parts are still a bit crude and while carefully cleaning one of them, it decided to zip away from the tweezers.. After 10 minutes on my knees looking for it, I finally found it lying quietly on the workbench, close to where I've left the tweezers.... So defintely enough for today!!! Cheers, Antoine

Hello, As planned, a layer of gloss varnish was applied to protect the decals from the upcoming weathering. Waiting for the varnish to fully dry (minimum 24h), I prepared the last small details. Using a hit blade to detach the parts from the sprue, the process was quiet successful. Final score for today: part detached - 3, parts broken – 0. And even when removing the remaining of the sprue gates, the carpet monster has to continue its diet (he nearly swallowed the rear wheel as a breakfast today…). The results is not perfect (especially with a macro view) but it is as far as I dare to go from fear of braking the parts. So not a bad day in the end, even if only small progresses were made. Cheers, Antoine

Very nice built of a nice looking aircraft. I like this kind of unusual topic ... say the one who is currently building a 109... I nearly bought this Heinkel when it appeared on Hannants but stopped myself after a look at my stash.... Great job!