Airfix 1/144 - RAF VC-10 Tanker

[fot0]

This is my first attempt after decades of building a kit.  This was inspired by my visit to Dunsfold last year to see the RAF VC-10 with runway taxi demonstration, accompanied by two ex-RAF buddies - one whom had a tremendous knowledge of the tanker in operation. The kit is pretty basic and I bought the kit s/h with a missing cockpit window and a missing door hatch (you find out these things afterwards). Some of you may cringe that I am adding navigation lights on the fuselage using a circuit/LEDs for RC kits.

 

I am going for the same colour scheme as Airfix used OOB. I understand this scheme was never used operationally, but for conversion and testing. It also puts me out of my comfort zone by using paint sprayer and a camo scheme. Being a commercial jet the 1/144 scale is quite big in comparison to fighter jet or similar. The main wings have good detail. The engines, tail and fuselage less so. The fuselage was not a good fit with varying thickness top and bottom. I had to use filler and it's still not perfect. Anyway, it's a trial so excuse my novice modelling techniques.

 

 

Edited January 12, 2019 by fot0

[Turbofan]

54 minutes ago, fot0 said:

Being a commercial jet the 1/72 scale is quite big in comparison to fighter jet or similar. 

I think you'll find it's 1/144 scale!

Cheers,

Ian

[fot0]

yes you're correct. I said I was a novice 🙂

[Nikolay Polyakov]

3 hours ago, fot0 said:

The kit is pretty basic and I bought the kit s/h with a missing cockpit window and a missing door hatch (you find out these things afterwards).

Hello @fot0 and welcome back to the modelling! Did you have any thoughts about a canopy replacement?

 

Cheers! 🙂

[fot0]

On 12/01/2019 at 17:17, Nikolay Polyakov said:

Hello @fot0 and welcome back to the modelling! Did you have any thoughts about a canopy replacement?

 

Cheers! 🙂

Thank you. I tried to fabricate a window from clear plastic using recycled packaging. I also bought some pre-cut strips of plastic from model shop to try and make a frame. At the moment not happy with it, but see how it looks after paint.

[fot0]

 

2nd stage after white primer. This shows base layer of Tamiya XF-12 Grey. Much happier with this layer as primer was difficult to get smooth finish. Probably my attempts with new airbrush. Some adjustments to airbrush achieved a better spray pattern and technique. Next stage to mask off for camo effect.