Challenger350Pilot

Nice work, John! A beautiful livery on a beautiful DC-8 kit that leads the pack! I really am drawn to your attention to detail on the wings, too. This brings out the fine work that Minicraft does on thee models. Thank for sharing...and the 737 looks great too!

Sini...I realize this is a late question...what did you use for priming the model before you applied the white? I'm in process of changing over to the MRP paints, and so far am very satisfied, but need to learn some more about surface prep...and priming is paramount!

Nice A319, Alistair. I love this livery...one of the retros that really fit the airplane. Glad you saved another one from the bin.

These look great. Coming right along. What did you use to detail the intakes? Specifically, what is the reddish area under the fan blades? Not being familiar with the EE kit, are the louvres on the top of the pylon molded into the plastic, did you use a detail decal, or carve them in? The details mean everything...and you’re knocking this out of the park!!!

LOVE it!!! Making my blood boil up to do one of these. So many builders are writing about its difficulty and challenges, but it seems everyone's processes and final presentations are outstanding and inspiring.

Looking good so far, Alistair. Don't throw anything into the bin....keep it ALL for using as practice.

Everything already said here is GREAT advice, well said and well explained. I do think, however, that good prep is vital to good outcome. For me, decals have been an ongoing learning process...from prep to application to preservation. I would suggest that the surface of the model be smooth and glossy. Next, insure that the water being used for wetting is as pure as possible, and warmed to medium high. I found that a desktop mug warmer is the trick here. Next, drop in and mix a drop or two of good quality liquid dish washing detergent such as Dawn; this will provide a slick surface and time when you apply the decal to the surface for moving around and correct positioning. Don't be hesitant to wet the surface where the decal will be placed, providing a "base" for the decal to "swim" on. Wet the decal, don't soak it...key to pliability is to apply the decal as it becomes soft and the paper adhesive releases...its all in timing. Setting solutions work very well for silk screened, but not for laser prints, and will be helpful in softening and setting...but be patient! For difficult applications such as curves, making tiny slits for overlapping will work well, as long as it isn't too much. Some decal providers supply extra striping for patching up cuts or tears, and this will come in handy in very small pieces when necessary. As for using a hand held hair dryer...YES! This is a great way to get the decal to dry quickly, and set fast..but...technique is important. Remember that some hair dryers blow hurricane force, and you'll need to choose a very low fan setting, as well as a very low heat setting when working with decals. Hold the dryer a distance away so as not to lose too much heat. takes practice to master...but the result is worth the effort. Its all in the prep...and a lot of good patient practice!

Nice baby bus, Alistair! You're cranking out quite a few from your assembly line...its kinda hard to keep up! This one looks just fine. I am still amazed that you are hand brushing your models. Looks really nice for hand brushing. really admire your patience too on mixing the pant to get to the finish that was right for your eye. Looks really good in the photos. I understand that American is no longer using the "lustre" finishes, with the small metallic flakes...just straight gray...which is going to make it easier for those of us that lack the patience you have demonstrated! Nice going!

Perfect! Thanks!!

Would you go into a little more detail about the window stiffeners? I have built the Authentic Airliners MD-11, but not the EE...would really like a tutorial on applying the stiffeners from start to finish. What was used? How did you spray the Mr. Surfacer? Thanks so much....really amazing.

Nice build as usual, Alistair. Really like the Air Canada livery on that airplane.....

Oh. My. Goodness!!!! This is a great thread on your WIP. Love the MD-11, and have had a desire to tackle the EE kit...this is very inspiring....moreso for your techniques and learning from your very real experiences. I am about to spend a fortune on the MRP paint...absolutely brilliant. And the result is gorgeous. Really do appreciate your work. This is going to be a fantastic build when she’s complete. Are you planning to use any PE parts? Metallic Details makes a great MD-11 PE kit that enhances the landing gear, antennae, and even engine fans. Those raised thingies on the nose...are static dischargers. Nicely done!

Hi Dave! Most assuredly a fine build. Really like this one. I have not been inspired much by the Russian airliners, but you’re beginning to convince me sea re treasures. Bang up job on the paint...always fascinated with your use of the appliance white...I would think it too harsh for the plastic, but obviously its not. Great finish. And I really like the livery...fits the airplane so nicely. She looks like a 757 close cousin. Nice work!

Bravo, Dave! Jam up build! Looks really really nice. I really like the livery too...proves that art on an airplane can be eye catching, and not comply with the modern day "white whale" schemes we see all to often. Always enjoy your attention to detail; I amazed that your eyesight is good enough for the details, but is lacking in PE parts?? Completely understand...the PE parts are definitely hard sometimes because of size. But you do such a great job with so many other things, no one notices PE parts that may or may not be there. Not so sure that they would add anything to this outstanding build anyway......very very nice build, indeed. Aren't those life like windows beautiful? The cockpit looks absolutely real......

Quite a nice build, Chris. Such a fondness for the old 727-100, and you have done a fine job with a challenging kit. Good that you sanded off the fuselage details; seems the rivets and gaps would be GIANT if they were to a 1:1 scale. Scribing some of the details back on was wise, and paid off nicely. I really like the old twin globe TWA livery...its just plain "classy!"

Great build of a great old kit!

Wow this is amazing. Really beautiful airplane, and superior build indeed! Nice polishing work, too...that takes patience and persistence, and they’ve paid off!

Hi John! What a classic beauty the old 727-100 is (was). And the American Airlines old lightening bolt livery is a favorite, making her look even better! Nice work here, mate. She’s stunning. Love the small classic stand she’s on, too...perfect and not distracting. Great job!

I really have no idea yet in which livery to dress my A321. Whatever it will be, I’d like some variety, color, and originality...not the typical “white whale” look so common among modern airliners. Maybe a classic one.....

Wow, Alistair...once again a fine job on a beautiful build. The Egypt Air livery is one of the nicest and still artistic liveries in modern times, breaking up the white whale look on such a beautiful airplane. You painted the fuselage white by hand? Seriously? Can’t tell...I’m really amazed that you’ve done such a great job with the brush...something only the courageous would attempt. Really a nice job on the weathering, too. Everything about this one is top notch. Just got a Zvezda A321 last week, and your excellent build is inspiring to get It opened and on the workbench. Thanks for sharing.

Wow, Norbert...she is beautiful. Like Dave, this is the first time I’ve seen an AA A330 built up, and you’ve done a smashing build indeed! Really like the detail you’ve included, and the color is eye-catching. Love this airplane...very sleek and quite stately. Thanks for sharing! Inspiring...looks like I’ll be spending my allowance this week on an AA A330!

Really beautiful. What a fantastic work to finish the 777 for someone to have great continuing memories of a great flight. Both the 777 and the 380 look quite stunning. Nice work indeed. I would assume the wings/engines off is for shipping? Did you devise a method for them to be placed back on by the customer, so they'll stay on?

This absolutely warms my heart! What an amazing dad you are to see and know the creativity in your precious son...its how we love our children well! Testing or not, exceptional IQ or average, Winston is a delight! All he needs is to be challenged in becoming what's already in his heart to be! One of those things has to be a master modeler! And with you supervising and encouraging, he's already a great one! Love the little model..."Spirit of Winston..." wheels straight, wings perfectly even, and a very striking livery! Maybe it should go under glass...saved and preserved for showing off. He's 4 now...his first engineering project under his little belt...when he's 34 and a senior designer at Boeing, or Airbus, and having perfected the design of fire fighting airplanes, you and he will be able to look back, laugh in awe, and remember. Congratulations, Winston! You really really really did good!!!! (So did you, dad!!)

The beautiful DC-3....just beautiful in whatever form. Real or model. Very nice build.

Wow, Dave! I suppose I couldn't say anything more than a dancing purple elephant, a thumbs up, and a spinning star couldn't say already. She's absolutely beautiful. Love this Caravelle. What I like most is your attention to details that matter, and a livery that accentuates her already gorgeous lines. Love this particular Alitalia livery too...makes an airplane look fast even when she's sitting still. You mentioned the AA windows being too far apart?? Would it have been feasible, though tedious, to cut each of them from the sheet then place them individually? Regardless, the windows you did use look amazing...and the corrective minor surgery on the nose looks undetectable. Really really nice job!