1/48 Airfix Red Arrows Gnat T1

[Back in the Saddle]

I've had an enjoyable time building this little gem, which I bought on eBay from the seller @The Spadgent. A few mistakes along the way (as usual!) and the WIP thread can be seen here if you're interested.

 

Some images of the finished model:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Any comments/criticism are welcome. In particular, any advice about gluing transparencies would be much appreciated - it's the weakest area on this model, so something I would like to improve!

 

 

[Farmerboy]

That’s a model that you( or anyone) should be proud of, it’s a little gem, goo job!

[RMCS]

Lovley 

[The Spadgent]

Wowza. You’ve done her proud, what a truly unique experience. Bravo. As for transparencies I have a few tips but I’ll go back to the WIP thread and leave em there as I came here first, 🤗👍 what’s next? 
 

Johnny.  

[The Spadgent]

Ok for transparencies you want to get yourself some “gators grip”. It’s a little hard to find but you’ll thank me.

http://www.ipmsusa.org/reviews/Products/gator-hobby_glue/gator-hobby_glue.htm

It sets clear and holds well. Perfect for clear parts.

 

not to be confused with “gator glue” that’s totally different as that stuff expands and would be bonkers for clear anything. 🤪

[The Spadgent]

sorry double post. 🤔

Edited April 15, 2020 by The Spadgent

[SAT69]

Great piece of work. Love the cockpit and the open bay in front of the windscreen makes the model truly unique, as Gnats go. That model earns you bragging rights!

[Lewis95]

Seems like Spadgent has had too much wine with his triple threat posting .... 

 

Anyways! The Gnat looks fantastic mate. Definitely one to be proud of. My local museum has a Gnat in the Red Arrows livery and this looks like a mirror image! 

[The Spadgent]

8 hours ago, Lewis95 said:

Seems like Spadgent has had too much wine with his triple threat posting .... 

 

Alas no wine. Just a cut / fat thumb. 😬🤣

[Alan P]

Very nice! The red is very RED but the 'sit' is spot on and extra interest added with the open canopy/panels. Looks lovely 👏👏👏

 

Re transparencies, after many experiments I'd recommend good old PVA or its 'modelling version' Zap Formula 560 Canopy Glue (I can't tell the difference between that and standard PVA 🤔, but brands are important, right?) Gator Grip is also good but gloopier to apply and behaves much the same as PVA in any case, although drying time is much faster. 

 

For open canopies I've been using GS Hypo cement which dries clear and sets in about 5-10 minutes. It won't hold a large 1/32 single hinge piece, but for smaller scales it makes a firm but slightly elastic join that will stand up to minor knocks, unlike CA or poly cement. 

 

Anyway - great result again! 

[trickydicky210]

Nice Gnat

[Back in the Saddle]

On 14/04/2020 at 23:38, The Spadgent said:

Ok for transparencies you want to get yourself some “gators grip”. It’s a little hard to find but you’ll thank me.

http://www.ipmsusa.org/reviews/Products/gator-hobby_glue/gator-hobby_glue.htm

It sets clear and holds well. Perfect for clear parts.

Thanks Johnny. I've made some enquiries but the shipping is very expensive. I'm hoping to get some later in the year when I (hopefully!) next fly to the USA... In the meantime, I will use either cyano or poly adhesive - maybe applied with a cocktail stick next time!😄

[exdraken]

Very red, but I like it a lot!

Superb Gnat!