Ray S Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 Hello all. Over the last few months (okay, years then), I have found great comfort in building old models. In the firing line this time was this beauty, the Airfix 1/72 Ford Tri-motor (originally issued 1968). I had an early boxing, and it was in pretty good condition. It even still had the old style written instructions. I needed help on this, and one of our BM'ers was able to send me an illustrated guide. Others helped out with their builds, and even some plans. The transfers (decals/stickers/markings) were unusable, so I hunted for an alternative. I found a lovely colourful sheet by Blue Rider (BR255) which gave a number of options for aircraft of the Gran Chaco War. These were Bolivian aircraft, so I ordered it. When the sheet arrived, I found that the Tri-motor markings were 2x Ford logos and 2x registration numbers! Anyway, enough waffle. If anyone is interested, the Comedy of Errors work in progress is here: Here she is: Rigging was InfiniModel 75 denier rigging thread. The three fuel filler caps were 1/350 scale HMS Dreadnought coaling scuttles. It was fun getting the markings down over the corrugations. I used 'Pledge' this side, and the Micro Set/Sol system the other. I brush painted the window surround Revell Silver acrylic, and rattle-can sprayed the Humbrol Aluminium. Engine pods were scribed for some approximate panel lines and screws, and were painted with Mr Metalizer Steel and buffed with a cotton bud. I modified the tail wheel with some brass rod bent to shape and fitted as a 'yoke' to the lower fuselage. It was a tricky build, but I really had fun with it! Thanks for looking, and for those who helped out! All the best, Ray 47 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAT69 Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 That is really nice. Everything about it says "great care taken in the process". You handled the decals superbly; details are awesome, the overall finish is very nice and the model overall is just wonderful! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dnl42 Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 Excellent work! That's my favorite era. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyot Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 That is lovely,.... really nice indeed. I bought the kit to make an RAAF one used in New Guinea during WW2,..... I`, just researching the camouflage scheme. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Epeeman Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 Beautiful work on your tri-motor - great to see you added the cable detail to control surfaces as well. Regards Dave 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Man Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 That is very nicely done, Sir. A pleasure to look at. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheyJammedKenny! Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 Beautiful job on this tough old kit! The descendants of these "mercenaries of the air" probably flew C-123Ks in Central America during the 80s! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbadbadge Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 Looking very nice indeed. Great work on this lovely old kit. Chris 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billn53 Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 Well done, sir! You made it look easy (which from experience I know isn’t the case at all) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevehnz Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 That is quite wonderful Ray, the plain scheme actually shows it off very well corrugations & all. The decals have taken to them well too. All in all a cracking job. Steve. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woody37 Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 That's a cracking build Ray, it's hard to believe that this old kit can come out so well, you've nailed it 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vinnie Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 Outstanding work, Ray. That's a cracking Tri-motor. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray S Posted August 16, 2020 Author Share Posted August 16, 2020 Thank you all for the very kind observations and 'likes'. I first saw this kit in 1969 when I was twelve, and I always wanted to have one. Time passed and I never acquired it, but a couple of years ago I ordered a number of kits from KingKit that meant a lot from my past, and now I am very happy that I have been able to build it. It was tricky, and, with 51 years (I think!) hindsight, I am glad I did not try it when I was twelve! I must say a big THANK YOU to @billn53 for his build which provided much of the inspiration, and @dogsbody for helping out with the pictorial instructions. You both helped enormously! All the best everyone. Ray 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevej60 Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 Cracking job on the old girl Ray. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bryanm Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 Beautiful silver finish and well done for getting the transfers to settle down into the corrugations! Love the control cables as well. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Britman Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 If you can get a beautiful model like that out of an old kit and enjoy the process (modeling) you don't need wizzbang shake and bake! Nice one. Keith 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wulfman Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 Fabulous Ford, a superb job on the old Airfix ! Wulfman 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogsbody Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 7 hours ago, Ray S said: I must say a big THANK YOU to @billn53 for his build which provided much of the inspiration, and @dogsbody for helping out with the pictorial instructions. You both helped enormously! All the best everyone. Ray T'was but a small thing. I was happy to be of assistance. Chris 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billn53 Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 49 minutes ago, dogsbody said: T'was but a small thing. I was happy to be of assistance. Chris Ditto! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kapam Posted August 21, 2020 Share Posted August 21, 2020 It's really cool to see people's builds of kits they either previously built or wanted to build in their younger days. This Trimotor is just superb - you make it look like a Hasegawa or Tamiya offering! Thanks for posting on BM, as it proves old kits don't have to end up in landfill! 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Challenger350Pilot Posted August 22, 2020 Share Posted August 22, 2020 Love this Tri-Motor, Ray. Very nice job indeed! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted August 25, 2020 Share Posted August 25, 2020 Beautiful corrugated wonder! You did a splendid job! Yes, not an easy kit to start with. Cheers 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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