Search the Community
Showing results for tags 'Out of the Jaws of defeat'.
Found 1 result
-
Hi all, only me with another build I finished recently, featured in last months issue of Airfix Model World. This time it's the soon to be reissued 1/48th Defiant Mk.1 by Airfix which really only combines the earlier Mk.1 and NF.1 kits with new decals including markings for one of each type, nothing else has changed in the box. Unfortunately the new decals weren't ready in time so I opted to use the earlier NF.1 markings for the sharmouthed N3328 of 151 squadron which, to be honest, looks more interesting than those of the newer offering (264 squadrons N1801, 'Coimbatore II') It's a lovely little kit in its own right but as is often the case with Airfix, a tad basic when it comes to surface detail. I decided to fill most of the overly heavy panel lines, (especially those on the tail planes and fin) and lightly rescribed them to a more respectable level. At the same time I decided to rivet sections of the thing too which was pretty straightforward using SBS's neat 1/72nd rivetting tool. A fair bit of aftermarket was thrown at it, including CMK's resin Merlin III engine (with exhaust stacks and replacement engine covers), their resin cockpit and replacement Mk2D powered turret along with Eduard's PE cockpit interior, landing gear bay and landing flap set. The resin cockpit set was mixed with the pre-painted PE parts to produce a rather decent Defiant cockpit and the same went for the turret. The model was sprayed using MRP lacquer paints and weathered using a combination of AK, AMMO MIG and Wilder washes and pigment products and staining came courtesy of Abteilung 502 oils thinned using their Matt Effect Thinner. All in all, a quick fun build. Airfix did a pretty good job with this one at a very fair price although personally I would have liked to have seen more restrained panel lines and a bit more surface detail. Thanks for looking and hope you like it. Melchie
