Markie Smizzle

Hello Gents, Sorry for the lack of updates, I have had a mix of being busy settling into self employment, and masking this massive model. I have finally moved forward a step or two with this build, mainly having painted the first few decks and placing the rear windows into their frames. I didn't realise they should have been tinted when fitting, I'll probably correct that later when I get onto the balconies and bridge windows. Trying to colour in the window frames were a right pain. I'm also going to fill in the swimming pools with either resin or PVA glue.

Hi B.M, thanks for checking by with your kind comments. Progress has been a little slow lately, but that is because airbrushing this ship takes FOREVER, and the amount of masking required is also like pulling my teeth out. On a more positive positive, the decks are all now painted, and I'm currently on painting the white parts of the super structure. I've been on the hunt for OHP plastic sheets to use as windows which I'm going to slightly tint black, as to create an illusion of a darker room behind. I'm also about to start the painting of the balconies of said super structure, and as I only get a limited amount of time per week/fortnight to do that, it will be another while before she finally takes shape. I will post pictures when it starts to resemble QM2, and not as it currently is, as an empty hull painted black, white and red. I noticed that they were online for about £80? Good luck with your titanic, I have one in 1/400 which I want to light up and have figured on it in water, I haven't a Scooby doo about anything like that so it will be a superbuild for me.

What a cracking build that is

Sorry for the VERY late reply guys, I've literally just seen these comments for the first time. Thank you Mark, she is sitting in a sealed case alongside a 1/72 Sea Harrier FA.2, still looking great nearly a year on. Thank you very much, Kris. I scanned and enlarged the instruction manual to A3, and then cut the masking tape to match each stripe perfectly in size. I had to compensate for the dimensions of the air frame where it curves and bends however.

Thanks Steve, she took me long enough to sand and mask in preparation! It feels good to know that I can finally move forward with it now

Sorry for the long absence. Work, life, and trying to get my head into painting this have got in the way of actually building it. I've made some good progress on her in the last few days though, the hull has been fully painted, including the scarlett red paint along the waterline, but that was only because the decal sheet has been creased and may be risky when applying them. She isn't going to be the best QM2 out there, but she's already a thousand times better than the condition I got her in. I can finally look forward to building the superstructure now and get her looking like a ship

Thanks Baldwin, it certainly helped. Thanks Mark, I sure do hope so.

Thanks Danyel

Thanks MM, I hope so too. I'm currently on with a 1/400 Queen Mary 2, and she's high maintenance Thanks Steve, I was starting to get bored of it, then the first decals went on, then I started to really think it looked awesome

Thanks Seahawk, I would love to be a bit more enthusiastic really. 2015 was my most productive year, with 10 builds in total. I only managed 4 last year, and so far this year I've completed 2. Both for friends.

Thanks Steve, I'm really not good at weathering anyway. My skill only really stretches to panel washes at the moment, but even with those I think less is more.

I built this kit for a friend, and after the disastrous year for my mojo last year, the beginning of this year so far hasn't fared any better. It was built completely out of the box, and he wanted it as RAF, but my budget and lack of spares didn't allow for it, so I made it as a Joint Harrier Force pool air frame. It was a cracking kit to build from start to finish, but again, due to my low mood and lack of time, I left off the weaponry and weathering.

Oh yes, that's the one! I forgot I took a photo of it. My memory is like a sieve

It's hard to explain, but on the curvature of the stern, there are long oval shaped gaps. There is a link missing. It can be scratch built, but it's still an inconvenience. Ha, I would but my imagination isn't great this time of year

Mine would have been a pleasure to build so far, but for it being neglected for so long. Parts have snapped off, some re-attached, some lost to eternity. If not for a lack of time and money at the moment, she would be quite far ahead of where she is now. I've been contemplating the progress of a 1/72 Airfix Harrier GR9 as I have everything I need for that kit, just got put aside as my friend who owns this kit wanted to build it during our friend time lol

Incredible build! I'll be following closely

Hi Simon, Unfortunately, the build has stalled at the moment, due to lack of funds for new paint, and lack of time commitments. I'm hoping to get started again in the next week or two. The only difference between what I last posted and up to now, is that I have primed her with white primer.

Thanks for the heads up. I will probably get it on payday, I LOVE the QE2 also, so I'm interested in those literatures. I have downloaded the instructions already, but I don't have access to printer without the local library helping. So Cunard Federal Grey...I'm guessing that is equivalent to a very very dark charcoal grey? I have seen Vallejo 71056 Black Grey Thanks for that, I'm guessing it came to about £60 posted? I'll look into it on payday also

Ah you legend! I don't think I've been up there since 2005. The living room is our display area, which you're also privy to. I have sanded the ship seams down and I have the bridge tower to do, as I snapped it back off this afternoon. I need to try and reinforce it if you know how to? I was thinking of using some sprue behind it

Ha I don't blame you. Gregg told me that you managed to persuade him away from it on one of your last visits. He also said he'll drop off the instruction manual at your house for me or Chris to collect, so I will be able to catch you face to face for a change.

Hi Steve, it is indeed.

Yeah thanks for the heads up, it was my friend who wanted them open, as it's his model, but I get to build and keep it. I'm not complaining at all

I would love it if I could get some for real cheap. I'm quite lazy like that though.

I have spent a little time tonight filling cracks in the plastic, re-attached parts, and seam lines. As you can see, she's had a rough time as a very neglected kit. That's changing now of course!

It seems very hard to get hold of! pretty much everywhere is out of stock. I think I'll just go with paint and wash. It's more work, but isn't that why we love our hobby so much?