Tim's SK Helldiver - COMPLETED

[theplasticsurgeon]

Well my original plan was to paint an complete this model during a 3-way overlap with 

A kit that I built as a kid GB (Dauntless), and Corsair STGB,  all similar scheme. 

 

Opening another thread for this 1/72 SK Helldiver.  Dramatic artwork 😀

Containing a copy of the Airfix Helldiver.  SK is a Polish compamy with an address in Gdansk.  Costing me £4 at IPMS Gloucester show in 2019.

Closed bomb-bay option, but I've just realised where that bomb mechanism can be put to use.

I'm planning to build a 3-tone aircraft this time,  here are the decals,

with plan B of reverting to leftover decals from my Academy build.

 

Here is my Airfix Helldiver, a post-war SB2C-5.  Edited in after completion of this build.

Tidied-up, and walkways added.

 

 

 

[stevej60]

Great to see this oldie getting an airing Tim.Good luck.

[theplasticsurgeon]

I painted the cockpit bits earlier today.

Got to say I've lost my apetite for modelling tonight.

[rob85]

45 minutes ago, theplasticsurgeon said:

I painted the cockpit bits earlier today.

Got to say I've lost my apetite for modelling tonight.

It’s a crazy time Tim, hopefully your appetite comes back so you can attack this.

 

Rob

[theplasticsurgeon]

Starting with a bit of a Helldiver group hug -

Sitting in the SK box, a Matchbox model from Jet Age - planning to repaint with FAA decals.

on the left, my previous Airfix build,  and

on the right, this Academy model.

and a closer look at the Airfix model - that this derived from.

 

And the preparation that I've been doing today.

 

Thoughts:  This kit represents Airfix in it's Classic days.  I found a 1968 inscription on the centre-wing part.

Moulded in a softer plastic, than I ever remember from Airfix, all the edges are imprecise.

The prop has no hole for the shaft, and I've drilled thru to assemble what you see. This build will have a removeable prop.

It's all a lot less refined than the Academy offering.

[theplasticsurgeon]

So afternoon in the garden, and what have I got:

Well this discovery, an Airfix 1968 enscription,  and dated 1993 on boxart thru the wheel-well.

Pilot strapped to his throne,

.

and the gunner,

and finally the core of the model assembled.

 

Concluding with the thought that this 1968 Airfix mould is well past its best.  Hopefully not returned to Airfix's inventory - but dumped from the return ferry.  Deep Six!

Edited 25 March 2020:  Airfix released the Helldiver again in 2011.

 

Fit of parts is poor, and huge gaps between the wings and fuselage.

Evening of filler coming up.

 

[theplasticsurgeon]

Sadly my image host is preventing new uploads, ongoing maintenance.  I'll try again later tonight.

Edited 0830   Thursday 26 March 2020: same story.

 

In the meantime I'll do captions for what I've been upto.

First I've selected the chosen option in 3-tone scheme,  White 110 of VB-3 USS Yorktown, April 1945.

I don't really trust those SK decals - so this option is from the Academy kit.

 

Next I've airbrushed the centre underside Revell SM371 a greyish white.  My chosen option has a white recognition feature on the tail.

 

Then I've bluetak masked the underside white bits,

 

and hard masked that white recognition feature on the tail.

 

Then airbrushed Humbrol 144 grey fuselage sides, under outer wings, and tail.

 

And masked for blue paint later today.

[theplasticsurgeon]

Yesterday's photos uploaded.

 

Followed by an 8pm round of applause for Doctors, Nurses, and all medical staff  -  we appreciate you all.

[theplasticsurgeon]

Today's photos,  Airbrushed Humbrol 104 first thing this morning.

 

Then demasked.

 

Canopy framed, decalled and matted down.

[theplasticsurgeon]

Undercarriage.

And rocket projectiles.  That insignia is the one that confirmed my decision to use Academy for unit and individual numbers.

[theplasticsurgeon]

Declaring completion.

That's me singing off from this GB - to concentrate on the Lancastrian.

 

[Seahawk]

5 hours ago, theplasticsurgeon said:

That's me singing off from this GB - to concentrate on the Lancastrian.

You really don't want to hear @theplasticsurgeonsinging.  Believe me.

[AdrianMF]

It may not be Airfix's finest, but you have made a cracking model out of it! Very nice.

 

Regards,

Adrian

[rob85]

Really nice work on an old kit, looks fantastic.

 

Rob

[theplasticsurgeon]

On 3/24/2020 at 3:53 PM, theplasticsurgeon said:

Starting with a bit of a Helldiver group hug -

Sitting in the SK box, a Matchbox model from Jet Age - planning to repaint with FAA decals.

 

Completing the Helldiver group photo, just before moving them all to the loft.

Having painted the Matchbox Helldiver in Royal Navy marking.