Stirling Mk IV - nearly there BUT

[aerodes]

Hi ,

After many months of 2 forward and 1 back steps the Mk IV is 99% there. If Shorts had taken as long to build an aircraft then we'd still be waiting for the first prototype.

Anyway 3 pics attached. Two general shots - my first foray for over 50 yrs  into anything other then fast jest, - so a number of issues. I'm disappointed in some of decal applications (silvering on the 'WES' decals) even though I used microsol and microset  and took great care to expel any trapped air - at least I thought I had - hey-ho onwards and upwards. Pleased with the D-Day invasion stripes - masked and painted rather than using the decals and the light engine exhaust weathering.

 

 

 

 

Now I need some help please

The side windows and top observation dome were covered with masking fluid to mask off. After painting and final varnishing this windows was proving hard to clear - then dam! it pushed loose so any more work and it would disappear into the model.  \currently held in place with a coat of klear. I have spare windows but there's no way they would go in without trimming down to the size of the fuselage hole - but then how to hold in place and what adhesive to use? Any tips - anyone solved this problem before?

Rgds

 

 

[TallBlondJohn]

1 hour ago, aerodes said:

The side windows and top observation dome were covered with masking fluid to mask off. After painting and final varnishing this windows was proving hard to clear - then dam! it pushed loose so any more work and it would disappear into the model.  \currently held in place with a coat of klear. I have spare windows but there's no way they would go in without trimming down to the size of the fuselage hole - but then how to hold in place and what adhesive to use? Any tips - anyone solved this problem before?

Rgds

 

 

 

Just use the Kristal Klear to make a new window, its perfect for this sort of thing. You can peel it off and try again until it looks right - though you will have the old window rattling around somewhere inside.

Edited August 26, 2019 by TallBlondJohn

[dogsbody]

That looks well done. Larger pictures would be better, especially for a old guy like me with bad eyesight. Your pictures are in the 500X400 pizel range. A better size is in the 800X600 range.

 

 

 

Chris

[aerodes]

Thanks for replies. Will try the Kristal Klear tip - can get old window out because I've modelled it with the rear access door open.

 

Hi Dogsbody - I'll try to do better with the pic sizes - I share your eye sight probs - I'm struggling with the fine detail of 1:72 scale - I need some new specs as well. Eye sight suffered after 45+ years in drawing/design offices. Mr. 'Elf an Safety' was usually elsewhere.

Rgds

[dogsbody]

1 hour ago, aerodes said:

Thanks for replies. Will try the Kristal Klear tip - can get old window out because I've modelled it with the rear access door open.

 

Hi Dogsbody - I'll try to do better with the pic sizes - I share your eye sight probs - I'm struggling with the fine detail of 1:72 scale - I need some new specs as well. Eye sight suffered after 45+ years in drawing/design offices. Mr. 'Elf an Safety' was usually elsewhere.

Rgds

 

Tell me! I have a huge stash of 1/72 but some of that detail is hard to see. I have my glasses for reading, plus my visor magnifiers plus the magnifier build into my desk light.

I can see fine if it's far enough away, but normal sized print within arms length is just a dark, small blur.

 

 

Chris

[RJP]

Old age isn't always what it's cracked up to be but sometimes it works out pretty well.  I am nearly 70 and last year had my cataracts done.  The surgeon (a terrific guy) also fixed my astigmatism and severe myopia.  No more glasses for most things and I can wear real sunglasses.  Ray Bans are a treat.  

 

One eye has been optimized for driving distance and the other for computer distance.  It sounds odd but I adjusted immediately.  The catch is that now I need prescription reading glasses (two different eyes means two different corrections so none of the drugstore jobs will do).  I'd been wearing glasses since I was 10 and it feels like I have been let out of jail.  The challenge is to remember where I put them.  My wife got me a librarian chain and they hang around my neck.

 

Another trick I'm using is brighter light bulbs.  More light makes the eye stop down like a camera.  Depth of field increases and things look sharper.  A small cheat.

[aerodes]

Good morning RJP from sunny(ish) Red Rose county. As for cataracts - UK National Health Service ops for them are a bit of a post code lottery on justifying the op unless you're near to your white stick and guide dog. I'm nigh on 73: use varifocal lenses and have dry AMD, hence the 1:72 scale issue- but still giving life hell. Have toyed with the idea of single vision reading glasses for modelling.

As for light - I use an adjustable desk light with a daylight bulb in it. Started using it to give better colour rendition when doing my calligraphy - it's good.

Rgds

See your interested in WWII aircraft - one reason for choosing the Stirling was that my late father-in-law was ground crew on them 1939 - 45. I've started the Horsa glider to along with the Stirling and hopefully the two will be part of a commemorative display in the Preston barracks of the Queens Lancashire Regiment during the last week of Oct entitled 'D-Day to Berlin'. I'm told that it will be a display of all things related to that specific period of time.

Rgds