[1/48 F-14D, BuNo 159618, VF-31 'Tomcatters,' OIF, 2003. Finished 04/02.]

Very nice dave, always nice to see another Felix being built.  

 

I haven't seen tat Tow Bob's set before, would have been a nice set to have, I did mine was the Black Tailed  CAG bird using the Super Scale decals.

 

The Taco book is awesome, I didn't have it when I built mine.

 

 

Plus you'll already know this site, some great photos of these birds, especially for getting the weathering right.

 

I hope you get to finish her this time, will be following.

 

 

[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 Foxbat/MiG-31 Foxhound STGB Chat]

ok the poll is up (and still wanting for my coffee....SHMBO better get a move on!!!!!) and will run for 7 days and will close right on the last minute of this year.

 

So please vote before you have too much ale and forget!

 

If I don't get back to this thread before tomorrow then I wish one and all a very happy and safe Christmas    ........and hope you all get lots of awesome models and not lumps of coal or a Kitty Hawk model for being naughty!  🤣

["Go Large or Go Home" - Large Scale GB Chat]

ok the poll is up (and no I haven't had my coffee yet....how's that for dedication!) and will run for 7 days and will close right on the last minute of this year. So So please vote before you have too much ale and forget!

["Go Large or Go Home" - Large Scale GB Chat]

12 hours ago, Erwin said:

Where can I vote in the poll ?

 

It is mentioned in the gallery.

 

.........once I have loaded myself with coffee!!!   

 

I am finally on holidays after a very long and trying year.........but it is over so time to get buried in model building! Plus I finally get the time to go back through everyones builds for a proper detailed look......once I have had some coffee.

 

If I don't get back to this thread before tomorrow then I wish one and all a very happy and safe Christmas    ........and hope you all get lots of awesome models and not lumps of coal for being naughty!  🤣

[1/48th F3H-2 Demon - VF-31 "Tomcatters"]

12 hours ago, 72modeler said:

Incredible trio of  USN classics, but the F3H is the bee's knees! Museum quality in all respects, and the weathering is very realistic and representative of the type. 4.0 job on all three! Now you just need to do a VF-31 F9F and F2H to complete your outstanding collection!  A Felix Fearsome Five! 

Mike

 

Thanks, plus thanks for reminding me about the Panther, it's the only one missing in the stash!!!

 

VF-31 actually operated both Banshee's, I didn't know that until going over photo's of VF-31 birds on Seaforces.org where I found a photo of one, I only thought they operated the "Big Banjo's (F2H-3's). Since found further references in Joe Baugher's Navy Serials list for the earlier F2H-2's.  I have that horrible Kitty Hawk F2H-2 plus the super rare Collect-Aire F2H-3/4. I should have them done by March/April

 

 

10 hours ago, modelling minion said:

Fantastic result on your Demon mate, she looks fantastic. Your VF-31 collection is steadily growing and looking very good too, any idea which of their aircraft will be joining the list next?

 

I have a ZM F-4J near ready to paint, and F6F-5 Hellcat and F8F-1 Bearcat at a similar stage, hope to finish these before the end of the year. Then the Banshee's as mentioned, plus around the same time a F-14A to finish off the Grey/White scheme birds.

 

AS they say "Ideal hands.......end up bidding on stuff you don't really need on evilBay!"  🤣

[1/48th F3H-2 Demon - VF-31 "Tomcatters"]

2 hours ago, corsaircorp said:

Splendid job Rich !!

Congrats !!

I love that family pics...

I'm struggling with the Grand phoenix ones...

Sincerely.

CC

 

thanks, I feel your pain with the Grand Phoenix model, I built one of their FJ-4 Furys a few years back....boy that was an adventure and a half!!!!

 

1 hour ago, basket said:

Very very nice model and collection.

Waiting for for the Bravo Tomcat ! 

 

Thanks, unfortunately VF-31 didn't operate the F-14B, only A's and D's. But I do love to build Tomcats so there is always room for another one.

[Ukraine MiG-25 RBT - Recon Foxbat - Completed]

to tell the truth, it was so hot last weekend I just wanted to see the end of this build, so I really didn't bother with any weathering. That said I will revisit this model and finish off the weathering, even without it I'm pleased with how it eventually turned out.

["Go Large or Go Home" - Large Scale GB Chat]

Unfortunately folks this GB is about to end in not that many hours from now.

 

I do apologise for not being very active here this last month or so, outside stuff has been killing me, including being away from home quite a bit.....it really kills the time I can spend on here.

 

I think it is fair to say this has been a challenging GB in many ways for everyone......and I suspect there will be a big sigh of relief once it is over. There are some incredible builds in the gallery well done to everyone that made it there.

 

But I do know there are even more amazing builds out there that just didn't come together in the end, but please keep at them, it would be a shame to see them become "shelf queens" after all the great work done on them.

 

So thank you to everyone that came along, it was so great you joined in with some truly amazing models.

[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 Foxbat/MiG-31 Foxhound STGB Chat]

well everyone unfortunately the end is nigh, in a few short hours this build will be over.

 

I think it has been a bit of a slog for some, I know it has been for me, too many other things happening!

 

There have been some great builds and some that unfortunately won't make the cutoff. But please keep at them would be great to see them all finished.

 

Thanks to everyone that joined in I hope you had fun.

[1/32nd IDF A-4N “Ayit”]

22 minutes ago, exdraken said:

Turned out nice!!

The bombs are not from the kit, no?

thanks, I think most of them are, one for sure was acquired from another model

[1/48th Ukraine MiG-25 RBT]

6 minutes ago, Pajarito said:

Noice! What a deadly Ukranian trio. 

Rich, was your Su-24 kit Komplekt-Zipped in any aspect?

Cheers,

 

Igna

 

Hi Igna, yes she had all the Komplekt-Zipped bits thrown at her, complete new nose, intakes, rear exhaust assembly, QuickBoost cockpit & wheel wells plus a mass of other AM bits.

 

I really wish I had bought another set of the Komplekt sets as would have liked to have built a second one.......even if this one took over 5 years to complete....mainly due to all that masking on her scared me! The masking of this and the Su-27 as Foxbot masks, I highly recommend them!!

[1/32nd IDF A-4N “Ayit”]

Model: Trumpeter 1/32nd A-4M Skyhawk

Scheme: IDF A-4N “Ayit”

Paint:  AK Interactive Real Color, and MRP, Tamiya Acrylics, Model Master Metalizer Lacquer 

Extras: 

Dead Design – A-4M Canopy Masks

Reskit – A-4 Skyhawk late Wheels set

Sky Decals – Israeli Air Force A-4 “Ayit” decal set

Wolfpack – A-4H/N IDF Conversion set

 

This model was built as part of the “Go Large or Go Home” GB.

 

The base model is Trumpeter’s A-4M with the Wolfpack conversion kit. Unfortunately, this conversion kit is actually more suited to do a IDF A-4H version as I is missing extra bits found on the A-4N. These missing bits needed to be scratched built.

 

Generally, the model isn’t too bad to build, though the leading edges slats are a right pain, to me, Trumpeter seemed to have gotten arms on the slats the wrong way around. Assembling them per the instruction they just wouldn’t sit correctly, so I had to break them off and swap over the inner and outer arms. Then they fitted a bit more like they should.

 

The scheme is for a near factory new A-4N of which the Golden Eagle squadron was one of the first to receive them in 1973, plus here he is in “Bomb truck” configuration with 10x Mk.82 bombs loaded ready to do some landscaping!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[1/48th Ukraine MiG-25 RBT]

Model: ICM MiG-25 RBF

Scheme: Ukraine MiG-25 RBT

Paint:  AK Interactive Real Color and Extreme Metal, Tamiya and Mr Color Acrylics, Model Master Metalizer Lacquer 

Extras: 

Barracuda Resin – MiG-25 Wheel set

Foxbot – Ukrainian Foxbats MiG-25 RB 

Foxbot – Foxbat Stencils 

Master Model – MiG-25 Pitot Probe

Reskit – MiG-25 3D Landing Gear

Reskit – MiG-25 RB Masks

Reskit – MiG-25 RB/RBT Exhaust Nozzles

 

This build was part of the MiG-25 Foxbat / MiG-31 Foxhound STGB.

 

She is part of an ever expanding Ukraine air force SIG I am doing, which will cover all aircraft operated since their independence in 1991. Barring the Tu-22’s they will all be in 1/48th.

 

The base model is ICM’s lovely MiG-25RBF, with a few extra AM bits thrown in. The model to build is really nice but it has a few trick bits to catch the unweary out! Joining the 2 fuselage sections and side panels being the trick bits. Lots of test fitting and being really careful when glues bits together is the way to solving some of these issues.

 

I tried Reskits new 3D printed Undercarriage, looks awesome....right pain I found to fit, as with this model the main gear needs to be fitted quite early on.....and yes I manages to break one of them!!

 

The decals are form Foxbot, their decal sets are amazing...just be warned their stencil set for the MiG-25’s!!! The decal number count is well over a 1000 tiny decals and their numbering system makes the “Where’s Wally” games seem like child’s play!!!

 

On the end I’m really happy with how she turned out, what a beast of an aircraft!

 

Thank you for looking and please enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plus here are a couple of her siblings.

 

 

[1/48th F3H-2 Demon - VF-31 "Tomcatters"]

Model: Hobby Boss F3H-2 Demon

Scheme: VF-31 F3H-2 Demon

Paint:  AK Interactive Real Color, and MRP, Tamiya Acrylics, Model Master Metalizer Lacquer 

Extras: 

CAT4 - Ejection seat

CAT4 – F3H2/2N/2M Wheels Type 1

Eduard – AIM-9B Sidewinder

Phase Hanger Resin – Aero 1A/4B Sidewinder/Sparrow Rails

Reskit – AIM-7E Sparrow III 

 

This model is aa continuation of my VF-31 Tomcatters anthology, this time this time an F3H-2 Demon. I used Hobby Boss’s model for the as the base for this build as they include a VF-31 scheme in the boxing I used. Unfortunately they sort of got things a wee bit confused their F3H-2 and F3H-2M boxings, namely with regards to the tail fairing. 

 

The F3H-2 model is meant to represent the later “Short Tailed” version but it only comes with the early long tail, and the early version F3H-2M only comes with the short tail. All the other bits in both models are the same. They could have made life nice and easy and release a boxing with both tails!

 

So I had to scratch build the correct tail fairing for the model I wanted. The kit pylons were also incorrect and were replaced with AM resin ones, same with the supplied Sidewinders and Sparrows, they weren’t correct either.

 

Other than those minor things it was a pretty straightforward build. 

 

The model as actually huge, I didn’t realize how big they were, no wonder they were so under powered with a single Allison J71 engine, the F-4B Phantom that replaced it had over well double the thrust and only was 20% heavier!

 

Anyway, she was a nice model to build and a must for anyone interested early USN jet aircraft.

 

Thank you for looking in please enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plus here she is with her siblings, I only need to add the F-4J (currently on the bench) and another F-14A and will have completed this series of my VF-31 builds.

 

 

 

[1/48th VF-6 F4F-4 Wildcat]

Model: Eduard 1/48th F4F Wildcat Early

Scheme: VF-6 F4F-4 Wildcat

Paint:  AK Interactive Real Color, and MRP, Tamiya Acrylics, Model Master Metalizer Lacquer 

Extras:

Reskit – F4F Wheel set

 

 

This model was built as part of my VF-31 Tomcatters anthology. Basically I am building every aircraft type they operated, from when they were VF-6, though to now being VFA-31. This will include the various schemes they used on all the aircraft carriers they operated off, 17 aircraft in total including the “Any Time Baby” F-14D which was a VF-31 aircraft.

 

I have completed 6 so far and currently have 4 on the bench. If there is a Tamiya F-14 Tomcat shortage then blame me!!

 

This F4F-4 Wildcat is in the last scheme they flew in as VF-6, in July 1943 they were re-designated VF-3 and transferred to F6F Hellcats.

 

The model is Eduard’s lovely F4F Wildcat and the scheme is straight out of the box. The only extra bits were new resin wheels.

 

You cannot fault this model, a sheer joy to build and a highly recommended must on the build list.

 

Thank you for looking in please enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Mig 25 / 31 STGB Gallery]

Ukraine MiG-25 RBT

 

Model: ICM 1/48th MiG-25 RBF

Scheme: Ukraine MiG-25 RBT

Paint:  AK Interactive Real Color and Extreme Metal, Tamiya and Mr Color Acrylics, Model Master Metalizer Lacquer 

Extras: 

Barracuda Resin – MiG-25 Wheel set

Foxbot – Ukrainian Foxbats MiG-25 RB 

Foxbot – Foxbat Stencils 

Master Model – MiG-25 Pitot Probe

Reskit – MiG-25 3D Landing Gear

Reskit – MiG-25 RB Masks

Reskit – MiG-25 RB/RBT Exhaust Nozzles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Ukraine MiG-25 RBT - Recon Foxbat - Completed]

.....and finally she’s done!!!! I have to admit I gave up on the decals about ¾ of the way through doing the sides, as to the one underneath.....well lets just say no ones going to look there!!!  

 

It’s now the second time I’ve used AK’s Extreme Metals paint, and wow it is amazing!  Still an absolute pain the use, being enamel base it takes forever to dry, it doesn’t like any masking tape on it, and I’m sure there is something else that is painful about it, but it does look pretty awesome.

 

 

The PD was done using Master Model Metallics & Alclad.

 

 

 

..and that’s it, she’s finally done.....it would have been completed earlier but Saturday it got to 112°F (we’ve had 2 more days since over 100°F), not the best weather for painting lacquers!!!

 

Anyway here she is, and she’s my last GB/STGB of the year! 

 

Additional photos will be in the RFI section.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...and finally with her siblings.

 

 

[Go Large Or Go Home Gallery]

IDF A-4N “Ayit”

 

Model: Trumpeter 1/32nd A-4M Skyhawk

Scheme: IDF A-4N “Ayit”

Paint:  AK Interactive Real Color, and MRP, Tamiya Acrylics, Model Master Metalizer Lacquer 

Extras: 

Dead Design – A-4M Canopy Masks

Reskit – A-4 Skyhawk late Wheels set

Sky Decals – Israeli Air Force A-4 “Ayit” decal set

Wolfpack – A-4H/N IDF Conversion set

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[IDF A-4N “Ayit” - Completed]

...and she’s done...........................well she was actually completed a couple of weeks ago, just haven't had the time to write this and other builds up!!!

 

In the end it was a bit of a slog to finish her but I got there....time on the model was the hardest part....way too much going on outside of modelling!

 

I’m pretty happy with the way she turned out, a couple of wee mistakes with the decaling (my fault) the instruction for the decals weren’t 100% clear. But that said the decals themselves are excellent. Super thin, go on quite nicely and pretty much disappear once of.

 

The scheme is for an “Golden Eagle” squadron aircraft, they were the first (or one of) squadron that received the A-4N Skyhawk II. She is in the configuration of a “Bomb Truck” all ready to do a bit of landscaping!

 

It was not a bad model to build and there is a better conversion kit available (this one is really for the H model Skyhawk as It is missing extra bits for an N model) as well....though not at the time.

 

As usual there will be additional photos in the RHI section, thank you following.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 Foxbat/MiG-31 Foxhound STGB Chat]

don't worry I'll probably still be dealing by then........keep making plans to do decals, keep having to do other non-model stuff!!!!!  

[Ukraine MiG-25 RBT - Recon Foxbat - Completed]

WOW!!! I just looked and noticed I haven’t updated this thread since September!!!!

 

Off to the naughty corner for me!  So many things outside of building models has really hampered any modelling work let alone keeping track of everyone’s builds....my apologises for that.  

 

Ok lots to report here and it should be the last update as well......even though our glorious master has given us 2 extra week for this STGB.

 

OK, the 3D printed undercarriage, there has been interest in this, and.......... looks awesome, pain to fit, a bit fragile, and really not worth the extra money unless you want a museum piece model. I know it’s fragile as I’ve already broken mine (it even has metal inside the main legs), the material is too brittle I think.

 

 

Here it is beside the kit one in the PD.

 

 

 

The nose was fitted, needed a wee bit of work to fit nicely.

 

 

 

Surprisingly I didn’t need too much filler for the fuselage joins.

 

The tail units fitted ok, again they needed a wee bit of persuasion to get nice joins.

 

 

I did however have some issues with the side panels, I must have had some earlier fuselage bit not exactly lined up (this model does punish you for that) and also no helped by the new U/c. some medieval bondage was required to sort it out, in the end just a touch of filler was required.

 

 

The wings went on quite nicely with just a wee touch of filler required.

 

 

 

The replacement cans needed quite a bit of “adjusting” to fit nicely, which resulted in the nice paint work suffering, though not as much as dropping one on the floor!!! Super glue was required to fit that one.

 

 

 

 

They are different to the MiG-25PD ones.

 

 

Just some minor tiding up and it was painting time......which took 2 weekends to do because I ran out of paint halfway through! 

 

I used AK Real Color MiG-25/31 Grey, which when thinned right down just goes on perfectly, super happy with the finish, I even got a nice gloss clear coat as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

That’ll do for this update, since then I have painted the metallic areas with AK’s Extreme Metal paint. I have used it before but found you cannot mask over it, the glue on the masking tape reacts nastily with it. This time I just masked the edges and carefully sprayed different coats over each other....actually looks nice.

 

Plus I started decaling, the main decals are on but I still need to wait for the Extreme Metal paint to cure properly before I can handle it (it’s enamel based).

 

While I was waiting I started doing the stencil decals on the MiG-25PD....after 3 hours I’m just ¼ way though!!! Playing “Where’s Wally” with the decals is a right pain!!!! 

[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 Foxbat/MiG-31 Foxhound STGB Chat]

Ok everyone, or fearless lord and master has given us an early Xmas present.....and no it's not a lump of coal!

 

We have  graciously given us a 2 week extension for the build!!  

 

So it will now end on the 17th of December, so best get to it everyone, lets try and get double figures in the gallery.....in fact I'm about to run off and do some masking and painting.......though probably best i get out of my PJ's first! 

[MiG-25PD Iraqi Airforce ICM 1/48 - finished :)]

@exdraken @Col. I didn't realise that this one ended this weekend, thought it was later in the month!!!!

 

I will ask our lord and master for an extension....I have just about finished all the painting, just minor bits to go.......but still have the decals and billion stencil decals to go!! 

[IDF A-4N “Ayit” - Completed]

after what has seems an eternity this one is completed (even had in the annual club comp yesterday....only got a Silver), for a while I didn't think I'd complete her.

 

Will post completed update tomorrow.

 

Plus will finally be able to spend more that a few minutes here and actually go over all the build properly...this month has been insane non-modelling wise for me!!! Have struggled to spend any proper time here or on serious building, but the ned is in site and the work bench awaits!!

[Ukraine MiG-25 RBT - Recon Foxbat - Completed]

ok I haven't forgotten about this build at all.....infact I have almost painted her........as in almost as I ran out of paint while painting. She's a big sucker and takes a lot to cover her.

 

Will try and have a full update on her this afternoon, or tomorrow.

 

Today is our annual club competition, have 10 entries, not sure how I'll go.

 

Oh year, those 3D printed U/c legs....look awesome...but right pain to fit and are quite fragile......how do I know...well broken one already.   Unless you're after a museum grade model, then I don't think they are worth the hassle, with this model anyway!