jpk Posted July 29, 2016 Share Posted July 29, 2016 What a build! You are tanacious to say the least to create an accurate model from the terrible ESCI kit. I tried doing what you are doing many years ago, however I started with the Monogram F-86 fuselage mated to the ESCI wings etc.. I was never satisfied. I later tried to do the same again, this time with the Grand Phoenix FJ-4 fuselage. I discovered through some research I felt the -4 fuselage was pretty much the same except for the fin and the spine/canopy. The hardest part of the whole conversion is the canopy. The only option is using the ESCI canopy as it is the only one that is even close to the real one. I was becoming satisfied with the GP/ESCI combo until I bit the bullet and spent money for the Collect Aire FJ-3 Fury. I know you've committed a lot of blood, sweat and tears to this build but if you can afford the CA Fury you must buy it. Save yourself a lot of work. It is a beautiful resin kit. I builds much like an injection molded one. Its only down point is the cockpit and I think the either the Grand Phoenix or Hobby Boss one will fit nicely as there was little differences in them, at least in 1/48. It looks like you're in the home stretch now. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Kunac-Tabinor Posted July 30, 2016 Author Share Posted July 30, 2016 What a build! You are tanacious to say the least to create an accurate model from the terrible ESCI kit. I tried doing what you are doing many years ago, however I started with the Monogram F-86 fuselage mated to the ESCI wings etc.. I was never satisfied. I later tried to do the same again, this time with the Grand Phoenix FJ-4 fuselage. I discovered through some research I felt the -4 fuselage was pretty much the same except for the fin and the spine/canopy. The hardest part of the whole conversion is the canopy. The only option is using the ESCI canopy as it is the only one that is even close to the real one. I was becoming satisfied with the GP/ESCI combo until I bit the bullet and spent money for the Collect Aire FJ-3 Fury. I know you've committed a lot of blood, sweat and tears to this build but if you can afford the CA Fury you must buy it. Save yourself a lot of work. It is a beautiful resin kit. I builds much like an injection molded one. Its only down point is the cockpit and I think the either the Grand Phoenix or Hobby Boss one will fit nicely as there was little differences in them, at least in 1/48. It looks like you're in the home stretch now. For me, part of the "fun" is the converting! But that's not to say if there wasn't an easier route, I wouldn't take it.... Cheers Jonners Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doghound Posted July 31, 2016 Share Posted July 31, 2016 Hi Jonners, I first saw your brilliant work at "Tailhook Topics". I love scratchbuilding myself very much specially revamping older kits. Can'T wait for the next episode of your story. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Kunac-Tabinor Posted July 31, 2016 Author Share Posted July 31, 2016 Hi Jonners, I first saw your brilliant work at "Tailhook Topics". I love scratchbuilding myself very much specially revamping older kits. Can'T wait for the next episode of your story. Thanks Michael - well here's where I'm at today. She needs to sit around and let the paint harden a bit, but I could not resist this ( I'll pay for it in finger marks on the paint - they will polish out - Gunze stays workable for a long time!) The VF-33 white nose and rudder need to be applied, which mean the corroguard nose lip isn't on yet either, and nor are the tank nose corroguard. Jonners 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keefr22 Posted July 31, 2016 Share Posted July 31, 2016 Cracking job Jonners! Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpk Posted August 1, 2016 Share Posted August 1, 2016 For me, part of the "fun" is the converting! But that's not to say if there wasn't an easier route, I wouldn't take it.... Cheers Jonners Jon, I certainly understand the "fun" of a project like this. I really enjoyed the surgery while I was working on mine I just couldn't get it the way I wanted and the canopy issue was a huge frustration for me. I started my attempt probably now around twenty five years ago. That was before the internet and the now abundant sources of information on the Fury. All I had then was the then new issue "In Action" book on the Fury and Squadrons book on the F-86 which had a small section on the Fury in the back. I believe I was the first one to suggest using the -4 Fury fuselage as it was a better starting point than an F-86. There were many misconceptions about the -4 Fury and how much it differed from the -3. I posted my comments on Tailhook Topics a while back and it prompted Tommy to do the graphic overlays on his blog comparing the differences between the -3/-4 and F-86 fuselages. IF....I were to undertake this sort of project again I would start with the Grand Phoenix fuselage bashed with the ESCI wings, etc. as it is the more accurate shape wise than the Hobby Boss kit. I have a particular fondness for the -3 version as I used to see reserve ones at the NAS where my dad was stationed in the late 50's early 60's. I don't know why someone hasn't kitted this plane considering how popular the Sabre is. There were so many colorful markings options. I like the VF-33 markings as well but the gray over white was my favorite. I'm sure someone will do an injected plastic kit at some point, I just hope it's before they throw some dirt on me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Kunac-Tabinor Posted August 2, 2016 Author Share Posted August 2, 2016 Tamiya flexible masking tape - I love the stuff - really easy to mask off the nose curve, and no bleed under, and easy removal. Same for the corroguard tips to the tank noses. Just dandy!! Jonners 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keefr22 Posted August 2, 2016 Share Posted August 2, 2016 You're the first person I've seen praise the Tamy flexible tape Jon - all other posts I've read say it's hopeless with awful bleed under. I bought a couple of rolls when it first came out but have been reluctant to use it because of all the bad press! Guess I'll have to give it a go, as it's worked really well on the Fury - excellent work! keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandy Posted August 2, 2016 Share Posted August 2, 2016 I've just caught up with this build, what an epic! I love to see how different people go about the problem-solving of conversions like this, and you've done a fantastic job! Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MIkeMaben Posted August 2, 2016 Share Posted August 2, 2016 You're the first person I've seen praise the Tamy flexible tape Jon - all other posts I've read say it's hopeless with awful bleed under. I bought a couple of rolls when it first came out but have been reluctant to use it because of all the bad press! Guess I'll have to give it a go, as it's worked really well on the Fury - excellent work! keith Inside a sharp bend will (as with any tape) want to lift. It doesn't stay burnished for long. Re-burnish just prior to painting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Kunac-Tabinor Posted August 9, 2016 Author Share Posted August 9, 2016 Houston we have a problem.... Jonners Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doghound Posted August 10, 2016 Share Posted August 10, 2016 (edited) Hi Jonners, maybe you can try to cut out a white arrow from a white decal sheet. Edited August 10, 2016 by Doghound Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keefr22 Posted August 10, 2016 Share Posted August 10, 2016 Or mask & paint? Doesn't look too bad a shape for that... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Kunac-Tabinor Posted August 10, 2016 Author Share Posted August 10, 2016 Hi Jonners, maybe you can try to cut out a white arrow from a white decal sheet. Or mask & paint? Doesn't look too bad a shape for that... Hi Guys - its the entire sheet thats like this. Ive got some Microscope liquid decal film ordered in which should solve the problem. I'm guessing this Microscope sheet is just over 30 years old, so it's not surprising its "gawn off" a little!! Cheers Jonners Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keefr22 Posted August 10, 2016 Share Posted August 10, 2016 .. its the entire sheet thats like this. Ive got some Microscope liquid decal film ordered in which should solve the problem. I'm guessing this Microscope sheet is just over 30 years old, That's a blow - hope the 'Microscope' decal film does the trick...(I'm guessing you got attacked by autocorrect there & it's the Microscale stuff that you've ordered?!) K Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Kunac-Tabinor Posted August 10, 2016 Author Share Posted August 10, 2016 That's a blow - hope the 'Microscope' decal film does the trick...(I'm guessing you got attacked by autocorrect there & it's the Microscale stuff that you've ordered?!) K LOL boldly autoerotic! - no, it's a small bottle!! Jonners 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin-42 Posted August 10, 2016 Share Posted August 10, 2016 I have had success with spraying the original colour first. It will fill in any bleed spots with the correct colour. Reprime and paint. A little tedious, but easier than touch ups;. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Kunac-Tabinor Posted August 13, 2016 Author Share Posted August 13, 2016 so - the "Microscope" liquid decal film arrived and has solved the cracking issue...BUT the lightning stripe on the decal sheet seems way off compared to photos....so it was back to the old masking tape. About 2 hours work - marking out a rough on masking tape applied to the fuselage side, remove it, then square it up with a rule and pencil, then using it to cut a master pattern from thin plasticard, checking it, then using the pattern to cut masks from Tamiya tape ( flip the pattern and it does the other side see), additional masking, spray it white and un-mask. Et Voila! Jonners 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keefr22 Posted August 13, 2016 Share Posted August 13, 2016 Very nice! Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandy Posted August 13, 2016 Share Posted August 13, 2016 Well that worked alright didn't it! Nice job! ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Kunac-Tabinor Posted September 4, 2016 Author Share Posted September 4, 2016 Decalling has been S L O W on this one! - the old decal sheet from Microscale was saved using the Liquid decal film, but each decal has needed cutting out, and it leaves a carrier film that's somewhat more noticeable than usual. Still, Im getting there! cheers Jonners 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keefr22 Posted September 4, 2016 Share Posted September 4, 2016 Well worth the time taken Jonners, she looks great! Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel.H. Posted September 4, 2016 Share Posted September 4, 2016 Very impressive masking job, it looks really nice and clean, the kind of thing I can never do properly ! Congrats, that's a very nice Fury you are doing here! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew D Jolly Rogers guy Posted September 5, 2016 Share Posted September 5, 2016 Oh, yes, that came up a treat!! I'm impressed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doghound Posted September 5, 2016 Share Posted September 5, 2016 Hi Jonners, it's startiing to live. I'm so impressed by your work! I'll try to build my own FJ-3 version based on the old Matchbox FJ-4B. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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