"Are 'Friends' Electric?" The English Electric Lightning F.1 by Airfix 1/48

[keefr22]

26 minutes ago, giemme said:

I know it's too late, but I never mask on top of decals, whatever the protective coat is. Ask me how I know ...

 

Ditto...!!

 

However, good save on them, and she is looking very nifty! Nearly there!

 

Keith

[Buzby061]

1 hour ago, giemme said:

Great save with those decals, and canopy and tires look terrific too

 

I know it's too late, but I never mask on top of decals, whatever the protective coat is. Ask me how I know ...

 

Ciao

I know how you feel. 

 

Pete

[The Spadgent]

On 29/01/2018 at 7:56 AM, CedB said:

Great save on the roundel Johnny and lovely work on the probe. As usual she's looking very smart

Thanks Ced, my heart sank when I peeled it off.  much happier now though. 

On 29/01/2018 at 9:05 AM, Biggles87 said:

Aargh! The curse of the flaking decal. It seems to happen more frequently recently ( at least to me ). Perhaps it's a result of our increasing demand for thinner decals.

That canopy is splendid, and I also like the underside weathering.

 

Cheers

 

John

Thanks John, that’s the last time I put tape over decals.

On 29/01/2018 at 9:08 AM, Bell209 said:

Aussie Modeller International website. Many of us colonials frequent it, too.

Aaah I see, thanks.

On 29/01/2018 at 12:59 PM, giemme said:

Great save with those decals, and canopy and tires look terrific too

 

I know it's too late, but I never mask on top of decals, whatever the protective coat is. Ask me how I know ...

 

Ciao

Thanks G, yes I’ll take that advice, I’m sure you’ve told me that before. Listen to Giemmi people he speaks the truth. 

On 29/01/2018 at 1:27 PM, keefr22 said:

Ditto...!!

 

However, good save on them, and she is looking very nifty! Nearly there!

 

Keith

Thank you very much.

On 29/01/2018 at 2:13 PM, Buzby061 said:

I know how you feel. 

 

Pete

Tell me about it.

Edited February 4, 2018 by The Spadgent

[The Spadgent]

A quick update tonight. I pinged a wing light off into the never never and spent most of my time looking for it. 

Milo comes in looks at me looking glum, asks me what’s wrong and promptly points at the bit right there on the desk I had stripped and searched about three times. 

It wasn’t there before. I’m sure that boy has magic powers. Either way it’s now glued in place. Safe and sound.

no paint as yet. 

The missiles got decals and a gloss coat.

The tires got weatherd and wheels glued on.

oh and the pipe, probe thing. I’ll do the doors next as I’m aware they are a faff.  The front wheel and doors got glued.

I said it was a quick update. I’ll leave you with her sitting pretty on all three cheeses.

 thanks for popping in on this chilly Monday eve.

see you all soon happy modelers.

 

Johnny boy.

Edited January 30, 2018 by The Spadgent

[giemme]

She's about done, J - what's next?

 

Ciao

[The Spadgent]

1 hour ago, giemme said:

She's about done, J - what's next?

 

Ciao

That she is.  The Lanc is next up but she’s such a BIG one for me I might do a little 1/72 first. Something relaxing, I might have a nose at the stash tonight. There’s a Grumman Wildcat I’ve had my eye on.  

 

John.

[keefr22]

10 hours ago, The Spadgent said:

Milo comes in looks at me looking glum, asks me what’s wrong and promptly points at the bit right there on the desk I had stripped and searched about three times. 

It wasn’t there before. I’m sure that boy has magic powers.

 

He'd hidden it from you. Dogs are like that, wicked sense of humour....!! 

 

Keith

[The Spadgent]

8 hours ago, keefr22 said:

 

He'd hidden it from you. Dogs are like that, wicked sense of humour....!! 

 

Keith

Zero’s the dog. Milo’s the son.  but I know what you mean. 

[keefr22]

51 minutes ago, The Spadgent said:

Zero’s the dog. Milo’s the son.  but I know what you mean. 

 

  sorry! But son's are the same, mine's always doing stuff like that...!! 

 

K

[The Spadgent]

8 minutes ago, keefr22 said:

 

  sorry! But son's are the same, mine's always doing stuff like that...!! 

 

K

No worries. I know your pain. I always get their names mixed up anyhow. 

[The Spadgent]

Evening guys. Work has been keeping me away from the Lightning over the past few days plus a few “life” things on evenings. You know how it is. I had planned on getting her finished tonight. Alas this happened.

zero had the snip today and I have to spend some time with him in the kitchen until he goes to the toilet. Apparently Mrs S has been in the kitchen for three hours and now it’s my turn. to be fair it could be worse, I could be wearing the cone of shame. So anyway sat in the kitchen I thought I’d share what little I have done with you guys.

all the lights are on now and painted and I think I found how to fit the UC doors hassle free. Right here it is, you see that hollow that looks like it’s got glue in it? Well it has and it fits neatly onto the arm that sits diagonally onto the main UC.

initially you will want to fit the doors using the channel and glue it to the leg but this makes the door all swivelled. Trust me use the little indent. 

after that the other bits just fall into place. All that worrying for nothing. Here they are on the other side.

The nissliles got a wash. Mmmm mucky.

then a woe down.

They need gluing.

the nose spike got added and I’m just building the door opener for this bit.

I’m taking my cues from here.

I’ll use these bits.

and that’s where we are. I’ll sit here while the dog sleeps and survey the next build and the wonders of BM.

sorry it’s not a more enthralling update but it’s so close it hurts. Next time we’re done. I promise.

take care and as always.

Happy Modelling.

 

John. 

[Buzby061]

Awww, the poor mutt.

 

 

The Frightening is coming along nicely though.

 

Pete

[The Spadgent]

Hey guys quick question to the BM hive mind. How and where can I get plastic rod in a mixed bag? I’ve just looked at my BIG Ed set for the Lanc and it’s asking for. 0.3, 0.5, 0.6, 0.8 And 1 mm rod. Whaaaat?  I can only find the stuff in single size bags and the mixed stuff gives me no sizes. What gives? Any help would be great so I do t end up spending a fortune on plastic.

 

thanks guys.

 

Johnny rod

 

thinking with my modelling head, I could just get 1mm and sand it. Do people do that?

Edited February 2, 2018 by The Spadgent

[keefr22]

32 minutes ago, The Spadgent said:

thinking with my modelling head, I could just get 1mm and sand it. Do people do that?

 

I think sanding it to accurate sizes & keeping it round would be difficult. You might be able to heat stretch it to different sizes? But again to get the sizes accurate would probably be difficult....

 

Zero looks well p'd off love him - but I guess that's understandable....

 

Keith

 

[rob Lyttle]

I just stretch bits of sprue - I find it tapers out towards the"handles", gradually getting bigger, so I can usually find a section that's right.

If not, try another one.

I like free things!

Circular sprue should give circular results, but I'm also finding flat strip -like the ID panels on sprue frames, or strips of poly- gives small flat strip when stretched.

You know, for harness and structural brackets etc.

You can stretch sprue over brush handles and round cocktail sticks while it's hot and let it set in the required shape.

[keefr22]

I also use the tapered sections for filling holes etc. Rob, problem is if Johnny needs long bits of constant section, the tapered ends won't be that much use. I'm only tending to use rod for stretching these days as I find it's now more consistent in quality than sprue, some of which is now hopeless for stretching...and I have quite a bit of the stuff bought when it was a lot cheaper!

 

Keith

 

 

[TheBaron]

This has been a breathless catch up over the morning Oolong Johnny...

 

Not only have you comprehensively failed to ruin a perfectly decent kit but it turns out you now have a dog with a force field round his head. 

 

Unsurprised to see Klimt on your bookshelf tbh with all the marvellous sheens and shades that you've produced across that airframe - it has emerged an absolute humdinger!

 

Tony

 

 

[Biggles87]

Hope Zero's not feeling too sore, I'm sure he appreciates you giving up modelling time to sit with him.

 

John

[CedB]

Poor Zero - now his name is even more apt! Hope he's feeling better soon and doesn't hold it against you!

 

Plastic rod, I'm interested too...

Scale Model Shop have a lot here but they're in packs of five+. Not too dear though.

Hobby's have the Plastruct range here and you can buy single 250mm lengths - better? They also do micro-rod and strip.

HTH

[woody37]

My 'LIKE' was for the build progress, not the loss of poor Zero's male assets!

 

Lovely weathering

 

[Tomoshenko]

Great going Johnny, the close up shots of the undercarriage and missiles really shows the detail.

 

 

14 hours ago, The Spadgent said:

he nose spike got added and I’m just building the door opener for this bit.

Don't get me wrong mate, but I think your door opener needs quite a lot of sanding and touching up. Bit overscale too, how would the pilot close the canopy - just saying 

 

13 hours ago, The Spadgent said:

Hey guys quick question to the BM hive mind. How and where can I get plastic rod in a mixed bag? I’ve just looked at my BIG Ed set for the Lanc and it’s asking for. 0.3, 0.5, 0.6, 0.8 And 1 mm rod. Whaaaat?  I can only find the stuff in single size bags and the mixed stuff gives me no sizes. What gives? Any help would be great so I do t end up spending a fortune on plastic.

In addition to what the guys above have said, there is the option of Albion Alloys brass, nickel and aluminium slide fit tubing. For example 0.3 / 0.5 / 0.7 / 0.9mm. Great for hydraulic struts, undercarriages and oleos. Plus the nickel buffed up then given a coat of varnish voids the need for paint.

[The Spadgent]

19 hours ago, keefr22 said:

 

I think sanding it to accurate sizes & keeping it round would be difficult. You might be able to heat stretch it to different sizes? But again to get the sizes accurate would probably be difficult....

 

Zero looks well p'd off love him - but I guess that's understandable....

 

Keith

 

Right that’s put paid to that idea, thanks for your advice. Zero is not too bad really , we took the cone off and got him a baby grow type thing. A lot easier. 

17 hours ago, rob Lyttle said:

I just stretch bits of sprue - I find it tapers out towards the"handles", gradually getting bigger, so I can usually find a section that's right.

If not, try another one.

I like free things!

Circular sprue should give circular results, but I'm also finding flat strip -like the ID panels on sprue frames, or strips of poly- gives small flat strip when stretched.

You know, for harness and structural brackets etc.

You can stretch sprue over brush handles and round cocktail sticks while it's hot and let it set in the required shape.

Thanks, might be a bit tricky as I need long bits of sprew of one diameter. But thanks anyhoo. 

8 hours ago, TheBaron said:

This has been a breathless catch up over the morning Oolong Johnny...

 

Not only have you comprehensively failed to ruin a perfectly decent kit but it turns out you now have a dog with a force field round his head. 

 

Unsurprised to see Klimt on your bookshelf tbh with all the marvellous sheens and shades that you've produced across that airframe - it has emerged an absolute humdinger!

 

Tony

 

 

Thanks Tony. I try my best. Zero has now lost the cone as it was doing his and our heads in. He now looks like the milk tray man. 

8 hours ago, Biggles87 said:

Hope Zero's not feeling too sore, I'm sure he appreciates you giving up modelling time to sit with him.

 

John

Aw Thanks, I think he did. 

7 hours ago, CedB said:

Poor Zero - now his name is even more apt! Hope he's feeling better soon and doesn't hold it against you!

 

Plastic rod, I'm interested too...

Scale Model Shop have a lot here but they're in packs of five+. Not too dear though.

Hobby's have the Plastruct range here and you can buy single 250mm lengths - better? They also do micro-rod and strip.

HTH

Ced you come to my rescue again. I should have waited for your response as I have now spent over £20. To be fair it was a ten rod bag of each type for about £3.50 each, I’ll need extra I’m sure so it won’t go to waste. Thanks again. 

6 hours ago, woody37 said:

My 'LIKE' was for the build progress, not the loss of poor Zero's male assets!

 

Lovely weathering

 

Thanks. I’m sure “Z” takes no offense. 

6 hours ago, Tomoshenko said:

Great going Johnny, the close up shots of the undercarriage and missiles really shows the detail.

 

 

Don't get me wrong mate, but I think your door opener needs quite a lot of sanding and touching up. Bit overscale too, how would the pilot close the canopy - just saying 

 

In addition to what the guys above have said, there is the option of Albion Alloys brass, nickel and aluminium slide fit tubing. For example 0.3 / 0.5 / 0.7 / 0.9mm. Great for hydraulic struts, undercarriages and oleos. Plus the nickel buffed up then given a coat of varnish voids the need for paint.

Ha! Yes thanks Tomo, I’ve sanded it the opener down a bit now. Thanks also for the brass rod option. I do have some of that I’d forgotten about, but I wanted to get my hands on the plastic to scratch smaller bits Any how. Maybe one day I’ll get into soldering. 

[The Spadgent]

Sitting in a cafe at the Snowdome in Tamworth, (My daughter has a Scouts excursion) I’m taking a break from ma book to do a final update on the Lighting before the RFI.

First off I stabbed a baby in the head and eyes! 

he didn’t look very happy about it. 

only kidding folks. This macabre item morphed into the canopy opener thing.

not super accurate but good enough for me and better than nowt.

this got fitted with a few more little details and wires.

I also toned down the dirt on the missiles, added some red bits and glued them on. 

I’m happy with those.  

Some of you might have noticed that the paint on the side of the fuselage looks a bit lumpy on one or two of the pics. To be fair it’s not super smooth but I think it’s down to my top down lighting on the bench.

I have taken some more shots to show that it’s not really that bad.

and here’s some in natural light.

she’s good enough for me and that’s all that matters right.  

here’s the list. 

 There was a bit of slivering on the side rondel decals, so I sorted that out with some micro sol.

here are a few pics before the RFI and sign off proper.

I tidied up the bench and sorted out my odds and sods into their new home.

does everyone have one of these?  I’m sure you must. 

Anyway here’s the penultimate shot on a tidy bench.

Getting ready for this.

Thanks for following along chaps. It’s been a pleasure as always. I’ll get the RFI sorted out and post a link here and a link to the Lanc too. Hmmmm I feel a title is in there somewhere. 

hope you are all having a wonderful weekend. Take care and as always you lovely people. Happy Modelling.

 

John. 

[CedB]

Very nice Johnny - a great build and your usual beautiful finish. Great stuff

[giemme]

Excellent John

 

Looking forward to RFI pics

 

Ciao