speedbird340 Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 (edited) So I have finally managed to complete my A300 in the old SAA colours. This was probably one of the most pleasant Airfix kits I've built to date despite its age. As with most Airfix kits I still had to do quite a bit of work to correct some problems, especially the shape of the nose and I had to scratch build some parts that Airfix forgot to add. Painting was done using Revell Acrylics, finished off with two coats of future floor. Because no decals exist for this scheme I had to airbrush the cheatline on. This was a first for me as most sets include the cheatline. The rest of the decals were a combination from authentic Airliners, MAV and Draw decals. The engines were covered with bare metal aluminium foil and alclad II. All in all this was a very enjoyable kit. Its a real shame they are so hard to find these days.... As always, any comments and critics are welcome Edited September 30, 2015 by speedbird340 22 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeW Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 Wow. She is a beauty. All the extra touches you have here - the deployed flaps, green nav light, the weathering across the wings, bare metal foil ( how difficult is that? ) - the engines actually look as if they have been used. Those Authentic Airliners window decals do really add a lot don't they, really eye catching. Now, how about a shot of the Suid - Afrikaanse Lugdiens side? Did not realize, until now, the Springbok has been left off the fuselage titles with this scheme. Just before we left SA in late 1976, I flew down to Cape town for a week. The A300 had just been delivered to SAA, but as it turns out, my trip was a few weeks before it entered service. Was the first time in my life I was actually juggling schedules / picking flights based on the aircraft, but my timing meant the old 727 for that trip. On the way down, there was the stop in Kimberley. December, baking SA summer, and the cargo hatch jammed, so we sat in this oven on the plane for 30 minutes until things got sorted. Two weeks later, a Delta L10-11 from Detroit to Atlanta, with a stop in Cincinnati, January US winter, bordering on a blizzard conditions, a cargo hatch jammed, and we sat in this fridge on this plane for also about 30 minutes til it got sorted. Turns out, I now know how long it takes to deal with a stuck cargo hatch! Some more pics would not be amiss. Cheers, Mike 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 A thing of sheer beauty! Isn't amazing how these old Airfix kits can turn out? I love the attention to detail with the control surfaces in the correct position when not hydraulically powered, the windows as Mike says, are brilliant and she just looks stunning! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turbofan Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 I really like this! Beautiful, crisp finish and 'in scale' shine on the fuselage. That's some sharp masking for the cheatlines! You've done a good job on the nose, it's not far off out of the box but enough to notice, so well worth correcting. Love the nmf on the engines too! And the AA windows and windscreen decals really bring it to life don't they? Keep 'em coming! Ian 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gimme Shelter Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 Wow - you really have done this old timer a lot of credit - is that really the old Airfix kit under the paint and decals?? So far as the corrections are concerned (to which I don't declare myself to be an Airbus expert on) I can certainly see how you have fine tuned this old girl. I've got one of the original Air France runs in my 1/144 stash and I was wondering if it will ever be built - seeing this fine work of yours certainly is encouraging. Great work all round there John 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skodadriver Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 Congratulations on a beautiful job. The Airfix A300 is still a lovely kit despite its venerable age and you've really brought out the best of it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Womby Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 Well done. You've created a stunning replica of the real thing. David 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PLC1966 Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 That's lovely. Clean lines. Tell you what though, get a bit of board and create a couple of foot of 'runway' and it would really set the photo off. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Val Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 Amazing model! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stringbag Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 One of the best I've seen for a long time. Can only agree with all that has already been said apart from thanks for posting Lovely job all round Chris. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedbird340 Posted September 30, 2015 Author Share Posted September 30, 2015 Thank you so much for all the kind comments. It really is encouraging and motivates one to strive for better.... Love the nmf on the engines too! And the AA windows and windscreen decals really bring it to life don't they? I must admit, it makes a big difference to the overall outcome and look of the aircraft. The AA decals basically brings it to "life". As for the engines, they were a bit tricky to get covered in foil with all the curves and shapes, but managed after a few trail runs to get the hang off it. Wow. She is a beauty. All the extra touches you have here - the deployed flaps, green nav light, the weathering across the wings, bare metal foil ( how difficult is that? ) - the engines actually look as if they have been used. Those Authentic Airliners window decals do really add a lot don't they, really eye catching. Now, how about a shot of the Suid - Afrikaanse Lugdiens side? Did not realize, until now, the Springbok has been left off the fuselage titles with this scheme. I completely forgot to take shots from the other side as well.... my mistake, will try and get some up in the morning... Love all your stories of days gone by Mike. I really do have fond memories of the old Jan Smuts looking at these orange tails from the viewing deck as a kid. Always dreamt of flying for SAA one day.... (Sadly the door has been shut on us and were forced to look elsewhere) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Metodi Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 Beautiful finish. Looks great Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ForestFan Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 That's a super build and finish. Thanks for showing 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mitchem Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 Dear Lord ! That has taken my breath away - absolutely fabulous ! :thumbsup2: 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meatbox8 Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 That's a fantastic build. It looks like a state of the art modern kit with all the work you've put in. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex1978 Posted October 1, 2015 Share Posted October 1, 2015 No critics needed here. Just one word for this Airbus...Masterpiece After my first attempt of weathering on my DC-6 build,this Airbus of yours gives me the drive to try it as well on a modern airliner. Always liked the old South African C/S. A class act 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Viking Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 Wonderful. that is beautiful work to bring it up to such a high standard, Cheers John 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plasticplanes Posted July 15, 2016 Share Posted July 15, 2016 Beautiful model. I really like the finish! What is the secret to achive such a nice white paintjob? Are the panelines brought out with a wash or did you use a pencil? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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