Antb

Nice kit overall. Panel lines are huge but can be filled to reduce somewhat. I'd build another

Hi Folks, As always i hope we are all keeping well. I wasn't going to do this build as a WIP but what the heck, i haven't done one for a while and it will be nice to get back into the swing of doing one. Now, this build came about as something of an accident- i didn't have this kit in the stash not being a huge fan of the spit (i'm running and ducking for cover) i didn't think i would ever build one again, but here we are. So, how did this build come about and what is he on about you might ask. Well, 2 years ago as part of the Airfix golden years group build i built the 24th Scale Mk V Spitfire in the markings of a Malta bird from 1942. She was Dark grey with Azure undersides and brush painted. She had been (note the use of had) sitting on top of my display cabinet quite happily until the past few weeks when i had a look and thought i could refurb her as my skills had improved somewhat since that time. It started off well, the paint was being stripped, she was being sanded down and i had sorted all the engine covers filled and sanded to get them looking smart. And then the undercarriage snapped and collapsed. Nightmare. Basically, this meant i couldn't display her as she had been and has since been donated to my 6 year old to fly around the house. If you know this kit you will know the undercarriage is ridiculous! This is how she looked in better times: I had purchased the paint to do her up in desert colours and rather than waste them decided what better way to use them than start a new kit. So i duly ordered one (with the wifes permission of course!) and here we are: I may also have ordered a bit of aftermarket... Shes a project. Now i know she might not be a new kit or the best shape and all that, but honestly i wanted to go all in and have a proper crack at producing a decent Spit. The Eduard PE is very thorough and some serious work is needed in removing bits and bobs from the airframe and overall: Ive made a start this evening and this is where i am at- the glue is drying so this isnt its final state as yet, some clean up will be done when everything has dried. This one will be finished as AN-T of 417 Squadron RCAF based around North Africa. I will make my own masks for the markings and will spray them on. Being a bit vain with this build as fell in love with the pic when i was kid and its stuck with me ever since. Probably be a long build as will be taking my time with this one but hopefully i can produce something fairly decent. One things im unsure of as yet, and happy for any pointers on this, is whether to rivet the airframe or not. Spitfires obviously have rivets but they can barely be seen and in a quandry as to whether to leave as is or not. As i say, any pointers gratefully received. Sorry for the ramble, i needed to set the scene 🙂 Cheers folks Ant

Thanks Wulfman. I was a little nervous at first, but its like anything, have a go and see how it goes. Ive since done a few aircraft's rivets and its one of my favourite parts of a build.

Absolutely! If you're happy with it, it's your hobby after all.

Thanks Jeff. I always like to do something a little different keeps things interesting

Nice to see you back at work Iain, looking great. Bit of ankle on show too, you devil you 😜

The eduard kits are decent for the money. I know there are a few tricky areas with the fit in some places, as there was when j built mine, as it's not a new kit. But worth the money and builds up nicely

Thank you

Cheers Fellas Absolutely. Think its going to be a bumper crop when we can get back to it 🙂

Thanks everyone!

Hi Folks, I hope we are all still keeping well. Ive finished the 32nd Scale Revell FW190F-8 and wanted to share the finished article with you all. Ive really enjoyed this kit, I think its been my favourite build for quite some time and im really happy with how the finished model came out. The kit has some nice detail, but there are some fit issues particularly along the front of the wing root and the engine block, and associated panels. However, managed to get everything sorted the best I can. Sadly, the kit lacks any kind of rivet details whatsoever, which is a massive shame, and so it was out with Rosie and rivets were added. These are not 100% accurate but are as close as I could possibly make them and they really make the kit much better Paints used: Tamiya, Gunze Mr Aqueuous and Mr Color lacquer (my first experience and loved them), I also used a touch of model air as found some in the drawer and can see why I moved onto other paints. Weathering- Flory washes, abteilung oils and weathering powders. Aftermarket- A few bits here, all necessary given the size of the kit- Eduard PE cockpit set (just a Zoom set), HGW Fabric belts, Brassin Wheels and ended up with Brassin Brass undercarriage as the kit parts collapsed. If you build this kit, honestly get the brass legs they are worth every penny and make sure the whole thing doesn't collapse!! I also used montex masks and sprayed all markings on. Only decals were for the stencils. On with the pictures.

Hi folks No progress to report in afraid, never got round to starting the kit. Wife's business has gone mental so have been helping with that and home schooling the kids has meant nothing has happened as yet. I'm sure I'll make a start when I get chance though.

VMC can also be thinned with Mr Hobby Self Levelling thinners. It does stink a little so if you have an extractor then all will be good. It levels really nicely but you do still require a touch of flow improver/retarder to stop the tip dry. Others have given good information already but wanted to add my two penneth.

That looks lovely iain. Another cracker!!

Thanks for the comments. Appreciate the input

Hi folks My primer of choice isn't available at the moment due to a UK shortage so looking for an alternative. Came across AK primer and microfiller which looks reasonable for the cost. Question is, is this stuff recommended? I see its already thinned so seems good value for money. I can't see a video online or anything in the way of a review so would welcome so feedback before I look into purchasing. Thanks in advance

Great Pics Chris, thanks for sharing! I was weighing up what colour the framing of the turret should have been and went with the green purely on the basis of the image from the decal sheet and a few other images I came across. It might have been black though.

That would be great 😀

Hi Dave, Thanks for the comments. I found these images and used them as the basis for my build- I don't have any photos whatsoever. This one I came across online- if copyright is an issue ill take it down but used for illustrative purposes only. And from a decal sheet, currently listed on Hannants: If this is wrong then so be it, couldn't find anything to suggest otherwise and im no expert on the type.

Thanks Chaps, @Corsairfoxfouruncle are you doing a WIP? be good to see as I enjoy your builds

Thanks calum

Thanks Jure, they're great

Thanks everyone 🙂 It will be on the table as soon as we are able mate- i've actually got another 2 on order, wanting to do an ASR version and possibly the all metal prototype. Kind of setting myself a challenge though (just don't let the wife know) to model a Defiant for each of the squadrons that used them throughout the war and in as many different guises as I can. There's loads of schemes to go after such as: Night fighter- Red codes and serials- Red and blue roundels only Night fighter- Red codes and grey serial- Yellow, blue, white and red roundels There are loads of different versions with different coloured markings and different roundels, plus those with names and kill markings. Its quite a big subject really That's part of the appeal for me- it is an odd aircraft but the concept was sound, just hampered by the escorts. That's very kind of you to say. I made the base myself. Its just PVA (or white glue) with grass flock chucked on and left to dry. A few different shades and lengths give is a slightly more realistic look. Doesn't take too long to do in all honesty, its messy but good fun The time is really spent in the measuring from the plans, onto the plane, drawing the line and making sure they are sort of level and straight. The easy bit is with the rivet tool as its a quick push along the line and you have rivets. Worth it in the end though and when you get on a roll theyre done quite quickly.

Hi Folks, Im looking to build Revells 32nd FW190F-8 next and am wanting to add some rivet details to the wings and fuselage as this is noticeable missing. I was wondering if there was anything available that I could use as a guide for the rows of rivets at all? Ive had a look online and my google fu didn't turn anything up, hence the question here. If anyone can help id be really grateful. Cheers in advance

Thanks everyone. Your comments are really appreciated.