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1/32 Tamiya F-15E


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Here is the start of an exciting project for me.

I really enjoy making Tamiya aircraft, everything goes together without any problems. A real treat after the 32nd scale Revell/Monogram AH-64 Apache!

the fit is like a glove, I also like the use of self tapping screws to secure pieces.

Cockpit assembley:

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Should have taken more photos of the interior before it was closed up:-(

Few other sub asssemblies on the go:

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Exhaust nozzles, the biggest fault with this kit, when it comes to seem lines.

How to defeat the internal join which is has always been obvious:-(

Think this has done the trick to 90%

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And sanding away those ejector pin marks on the intake ducts:

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Looks good so far.

I have a second one in production and there are two areas you need to watch.

The front section to main fuselage join and wings to fuselage require patience to get them right. In my second one I attached the wings to the top fuselage piece first, which allowed a bit more wiggle to reduce the possibility of a bad fit.

Can't wait to see how you get one.

Steve

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Body halves are together along with the intake ducts inside.

Shame really because all the hard work to see the almost seemless ducts, have been mostly hidden :thumbsdown:

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Wings and body went together very easily with extra help from the self tappers:

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Vallejo Putty does wondes for gap filling! Made what historically would have been a large job....very small :speak_cool:

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2 x 600 Gallon drop tanks were rescribed to bring back the detail on the join:

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Canopy glue (PVA) is absolutely brilliant for large clear parts, one of the best finds:

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Undercarriage, Radar & HUD with green edged glass:

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The radom will be extendable as well as closed. I've used a small amount of PVA in the clip so that when it's shut it remains snugg without drooping!

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More updates to come.

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Soon to be attaching the nose section......See what the fit is like?

Not as bad on the bottom surface as i've seen. Used CA glue to really strengthen the join & leave no gaps.

Only other in the process was some slight offset lateral alignment:

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So some fine sanding required:

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Engine nozzles, first Alclad 2 Jet Exhaust:

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Too Dark! My own mix:

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Next another mix for the bi-metalic finish:

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more to come in the next few days.

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Quite alot of spraying was done yesterday. first the Alclad 2 primer (GLOSS BLACK 305).

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This was then masked for the US Dark grey and then reverse masked for my own Alclad 2 verious layers to create the desired Engine panel effects.

Photos to follow...

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Spraying complete on both underside and topside + Weapons on:

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Lantern pods, still needs it's lense....

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The F-15E is finished in satin but will another gloss coat before decals.

Radar on too:

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Avionics bay:

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Still working on those ejector pin marks, which will be flush before the end!

the Ejector seat:

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The Crew Ladder:

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The Canopy sections, I used Displex to polish out the seem line after using Micromesh.

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And now the gloss coat in preperation for the decals:

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Decals are now on but i've run out of light for a good photo, Weathering then...Matt coat next!

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Best shots i could make in this light:

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Tamiya Decals were quite difficult to use, very fragile to say the least, but after almost a full day of decal aplication the results are worth it!

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Still a lot more work to do however, more shots of the underside and the finshed article hopefully very soon :closedeyes:

This is a hard model to work on due to the assembly order. I normally like to put the landing gear on last but this was never going to be the case due to the nose leg.

I have to say though it's very sturdy indead with no weekness when standing on the U/C.

Goes together very well and is very impressive & Heavey!

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Will be back to work on this tomorrow :)

All the lenses for the nav lights still to do + the Lantern lense.

After i'm working on a commision build of the 1/72 Airfix Stirling, the build will be posted on here too.

Completed F-15E will be up for sale on the SELL forum as i've not got the space to keep it

The fun for me is all in the making, maybe one day I'll have room?

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Excellent, clean work all round :-)

Can't believe how quickly you work as well! Fully sympathise with the space problem, I love 1/32, but where to keep them all?

Al

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  • 3 weeks later...

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