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Showing results for tags 'Fine Molds conversion'.
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I've wanted to add a 109 G-5/AS or G-6/AS to the collection for some time. There are many attractive schemes for this variant, the problem is deciding on one. The fact that Lifelike Decals has produced specific marking for this aircraft, and that the scheme is fascinating, sealed the deal on Specht's plane. There are subtle changes between the G-6/AS and the later G-14/AS and G-10 models that I will highlight in this build. To me, the G-6/AS like a link in the evolutionary chain between the G-6 and G-14/AS. It had the larger supercharger of the G-10, necessitating the refined cowl bulges typical of the final 109 variants. But it retained the smaller oil cooler, supercharger intake and narrower prop blades of the G-6. The only difference between the G-5/AS and G-6/AS seems to be a scoop below the windscreen. I started with some deconstruction, cutting out the slats, lower flaps and elevators. On this model I tried a different method of lowering the flaps. Normally I would cut them out, then reprofile both the flaps and wing mating surfaces. This would occasionally lead to alignment challenges. This time I decided to deeply scribe the interior of the upper wing at the flap hinge line. When you've gone about 75% through, you can easily bend the flaps lower. I very lightly scored the outer surface, to prevent tearing of the plastic as you bend the flap. This provides an excellent hinge line and alignment should be much easier. Of course, first you must separate the flaps with a razor saw. The cowl of the G-5/AS had different panel lines, as shown here They were rescribed using a sheet styrene template. Also, one of the circular access panels was filled with superglue and sanded flush. I have a number of Aires cockpit interiors for the 109 and decided to try one of them here. After looking at several of the early 109 G sets, I determined that the G-10 set was the only one that would work. All of the others are seriously too shallow. The detail is excellent and fit is good. Only a few adjustments were required. I cut out a small section of the interior fuel line for replacement with a small section of stretched clear sprue. In addition, I used some bits from the Resin-IM prepainted photo-etched set, including the instrument panel and seat belts. This set is made by Eduard. I like the Eduard belts very much. I bend them using a set of tweezers with Tamiya tape covering the tips. It is relatively easy to bend them repeatedly and get a natural drape to them. I then applied an oil wash and finally sprayed them with Vallejo flat. I used pigments from one of the Tamiya armor sets to add dirt to the floor. These planes lived outside and it is logical that the interior would show some grime. Here the interior has been painted, drybrushed with oil paint and given a wash of Future diluted 50% with water, and a touch of very dark gray acrylic paint. The whole was then overcoated with Vallejo flat. Straps on the photo-etched rudder pedals were made from lead foil. Throttle knobs are bits of stretched sprue and .005" card. And finally, the floor, instrument panel and oxygen regulator instruments have been attached. Thanks for looking; more soon.