Neil

Thanks for the replies. The objective was to have an enjoyable build, and not to get too wrapped up in details and modifications, and that is pretty much how it turned out. (Even though I put it aside and almost forgot about it for approx 18 months!). It made a nice change just to do a few improvements here and there, and not go down the ultra-detailed or overly accurate route. Just a few tweaks can make a difference, such as the rebuilt flaps and small changes to the nacelles. Also noticed that the triangular look to the undercarriage doors was too broad, so rubbed down the edges of those to make them a little more 'pointed' in appearance. What I really think sets the model off though is the colour scheme, when I saw pics of this B-52, I really wanted to build it, such a striking looking aircraft. Quite chuffed with how it turned out. There are a few issues with the overall accuracy of the kit, but they do not necessarily have to be corrected to enjoy building it, and end up with an attractive model. Regarding the real aircraft, 60-0006 was to become the 86th B-52 to be lost, while serving with the 17th BW at Wright-Patterson AFB on 30th May 1974, it crashed on approach because of apparent rudder and elevator failure. Thanks again for the comments.

Almost finished, still one or two little things need doing before it is totally done. Did some very light weathering on some panel lines, too much would of looked very out of place I think. Very satisfied how the faded Orange has turned out, better than I expected to be honest. Made a simple display base with some thin board, Black card and sheet perspex, with a few small pics and brief description under the perspex. Got a Club Night in a week or so, got something to display the model on now.

An oldie but a goodie, Nichimo 1/10 RZ 350 (have to admit I prefer to call it RD 350 LC). Fond memories of when I had mine years ago ...... Can you just smell that Castrol R ......

Have to admit that 'dehowie' over on ARC suggested the technique to me, I really cannot take credit for it! The Orange was carefully rubbed down with Alclad polishing cloths, so that the Yellow undercoat slowly starts appearing, really enhances the faded look.

A bit more progress, the forward fuselage has been coated Orange and most of the fading effect has been done to it, just needs more refining in some areas. Very pleased with it so far.

Very neat, that's looking good.

Thanks for the comments and replies. Most of the Fluorescent Orange is now on (doesn't look too Fluorescent in the pic though) and as stated earlier the fin, upper tailplane surfaces, upper drop-tank surfaces have been given a lighter, more patchy coat of the Orange to try and give a more faded look to those areas. Wing leading edges and engine nacelles have a more intense 'fresher' look to the coat of Orange. All areas which have Orange on them were first given a coat of Lemon Yellow undercoat, the forward fuselage will receive the Fluorescent Orange next (only reason that has not yet been sprayed is that it was such a convenient place to hold the model while spraying the rest of it). The forward fuselage will also be given a faded, patchy coat too.

Great to see one of these being built. Picked one up and built it about 12 yrs ago, in the green and brown scheme. Had to do a little scratch building because it was fitted with those clear 'bubble' side doors. I chose one from the kit decal sheet, XJ385, because (unknown to me at the time I bought the kit) it was one that my Dad had worked on when he was based at RAF Nicosia in Cyprus during the 50's. He served out there during Suez. In his log book it states that he helped assemble XJ385, from new, on 04/12/56 after it had been flown out to Cyprus in a Beverley. (It also states in his book that he assembled at least one more helicopter, from new, on 15/12/56, which was XJ896). Look forward to seeing this model finished.

Alclad has been sprayed on; firstly a coat of Humbrol Gloss Black 21 was applied to the relevant areas, then light coats of two of the Alclad silvers were applied. I used ALC-101 Aluminium for the dullest shade, and ALC-119 Airframe Aluminium for the shiniest tone. Wheels, undercarriage have been given coats of Humbrol White and Black also, and the drop tanks were initially sprayed very lightly in Matt White, then a coat of Humbrol 99 Lemon Yellow, and finally a coat of Fluorescent Orange, although the undersides of the drop tanks received a heavier coat of Orange than the tops, so that the tops have a slightly faded effect.

Been such a long time, I almost forgot where the bench is ......

I even managed to stock up on a few bits and pieces at Hannants yesterday, for the first time in ages, wonders will never cease ......

Been a long time I know ...... got a bit sidetracked with other things!! Actually managed to put some Alclad on a few bits and pieces of this puppy this afternoon, not able to take pics of it yet, unfortunately.

Latest pic so far:

Ordered from HLJ: Fujimi 1/12 GSX-R750 , along with the Top Studio detail set for it Fujimi 1/24 Mercedes 190E 'EVO II' with the Hobby Design etch to go with it

Just clicked on your link for HLJ and noticed that Fujimi do a GSXR-750 from the 80's. Brilliant!! Never realised any GSXR model had been produced. I can feel a credit card moment coming on ......

Nope, you are all wrong, it must be the mid 80's blue/white GSXR's. Seeing them was the one thing that made me switch from Yamaha (namely the 350 LC's, a classic if ever there was one ....) to Suzuki as a brand. I bought one of the very early 'G' model GSXR 750's, when they came out, the ones with the short swingarm and 'Plasteciene' wheels ...... they had a reputation for 'interesting' handling. Had one or two GSXR's over the years, and actually started scratch building my later 750 WN in 1/12 model form (the first water cooled ones) but for one reason and another I never got around to finishing the model. Actually sold the bike and never completed it sadly.

Really interesting stuff, thanks for posting. Fascinating clips. Noticed at the beginning of the first clip, there appears to be quite noticeable overspray of the spinner colour onto the prop blade roots, one for the detailers out there! Not sure that the musical soundtrack fits the images though. Just a personal nit-picky thing I guess from my perspective (seems to be quite a common trait on alot of Youtube image clips, it seems). Just does not quite go with the filmed images, for some reason.

A slight correction to that comment, Paragon Designs did not go 'belly up'.

Well, I was in Limassol last week and decided to pay Nicks Models a visit and I can confirm that they are definately still open and trading. Had a nice little chat with Anna who now helps her Son run the shop. What was a little surprising was that the large front window, which I noticed was broken earlier this year, still has not yet been repaired or replaced!

I hear what you are saying ....

I guess that could be a 'NO' then? Anybody ...... ? Just asking, have tried a few avenues but no info as yet unfortunately. I have wanted to build the Led Zeppelin aircraft for a while now, I originally posted some questions around six years ago, and I guess now is my opportunity to actually have a go at it. Original link is below: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/7784-boeing-720/ Ta for any suggestions or help.

Good oh, i'm pleased about that. Will have to pay them another visit.

Any suggestions for available drawings or dimensions? Anybody? Thanks for the link to the decals etc, much appreciated!

Are there any readilly available drawings for the 720? Engines in particular I guess. I dont really move in the Airliner modelling circles, so I do not really know a huge amount about them, but for obvious reasons I will happily build the Led Zeppelin aircraft, so I will make some new engines for it, if they are that noticeably different to what they should be. Does anyone have any pics of the decal sheet for the 'Zep aircraft, by the way?