ProfSparks Posted January 17, 2021 Share Posted January 17, 2021 Hi All Continuing through my random collection of pre-started kits, this one has been waiting patiently for the turn of the year. A relative bargain even when bought new, there's plenty of plastic Some parts are well detailed (the radio gear, the cockpit side walls, the IP, the engine), though some parts could be inaccurate (the radio gear, the cockpit side walls, the IP, the engine) The side walls should be skinned with a thin armour plate covering most of the bracing, and there are no decals for the instruments or anything else in the cockpit, a shame as there will be a lot on view through the large expanse of the canopy. And then there's the seats with their molded on belts Anyhoo, on the plus side, in the box was some compensation in the way of an external etch set There are some teeny, teeny weeny parts in there, smaller than some 1/72 I've lost, but we shall see. Previous owner had done some construction, and a dry fit showed there was nothing too far astray Looks like I'm at least going to have to get that HGW resin, etch and microfiber seat set or it will haunt me forever Comments and suggestions welcome Cheers Steve 13 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quiet Mike Posted January 17, 2021 Share Posted January 17, 2021 I picked this kit up in a local charity shop inbetween lockdowns last year. Not something I'd usually go for, but at a tenner too tempting to leave behind. I'll follow your build with interest as I'm not sure where to go with mine yet ... (I'm a Tintin fan though 😉 ) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biggles87 Posted January 17, 2021 Share Posted January 17, 2021 I keep looking at mine then putting it back in the box. Looking forward to seeing how it turns out. John 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProfSparks Posted January 30, 2021 Author Share Posted January 30, 2021 Hi All On 1/17/2021 at 3:14 PM, Quiet Mike said: I picked this kit up in a local charity shop inbetween lockdowns last year. Not something I'd usually go for, but at a tenner too tempting to leave behind. I'll follow your build with interest as I'm not sure where to go with mine yet ... (I'm a Tintin fan though 😉 ) Yes indeed, my tenner was well spent too! (And the rest since then...) On 1/17/2021 at 3:34 PM, Biggles87 said: I keep looking at mine then putting it back in the box. Take it out of the box and throw some glue and paint at it John! Even without the Eduard and HGW bling, it still builds into an impressive rendition. It looks far more daunting at first glance than it seems to be. So yes, I got the seats and belts These are beautiful kits in their own right, but there is no mention in the instructions of the large scalloped PE part on the left of the fret (between the 'Eduard' and the 'Made in'), anyone give me a clue as to where it's used? And yes, while I was there, I also got the Eduard interior detail set Not just to make up the postage, but for the plates on the side walls, the various instrument fascias and details, and the rear mounted MG.15 gun shield. It's often a difficult choice between moulded but overscale kit parts, and finely printed but flat PE There may be compromises reached later. Anyhoo, putting off any worthwhile advancements, I separated the larger parts from their sprues in order to reduce their plastic footprint TET for scale, she's a big'un Then curiosity got the better of me and I started on the Port sidewall A couple of pieces to remove, but a straightforward fit Nearly time for some paint Stbd wall had a bit more to remove, and some of it was to be kept In all the photos I've come across, the moulded cables to the left enter the box from behind the plate so won't need to be replaced. The cylindrical item on the right needs to be refitted, but I may look at refining it somewhat There's still the Duplo vs Eduard quandry to be resolved Putting off this decision until later, I started on splitting up the engine bulkhead. The middle piece will get the first PE attempt (a grille, vanes, and a curved plate cover ) And I've decided to open up the intake flap as this seems to be common I'm going to do this as a series of smaller kits or sub assemblies, perhaps over quite a while, then bring them all together (hopefully) later. Comments and suggestions welcome Cheers Steve 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProfSparks Posted February 3, 2021 Author Share Posted February 3, 2021 Hi All Apart from being a touch bent (must have reversed into a flying fish or something?), I managed the back of the oil cooler grille together without much swearing A quick blast of black to hide the insides And a coat of Vallejo VA71.044 Grey RLM02 on the tank Hmm, so that will be Green RLM02. As the Eduard etch is very much Grey, I thought it would look out of place, so I had a quick spray round with some Grey RLM02 like I'd seen on t'Interweb Clockwise from lower left we have AK-2051 Light Gull Grey (Last Place), AK-2013 RAF Medium Sea Grey (Second Place), Vallejo VA71.307 Med. Sea Grey (Third Place), and the Winner Is Tamiya XF-19 Sky Grey That's about as close as I'll get, and should be good enough for Jazz with a slightly dirty wash. I'm tempted to do the cockpit in the Tamiya to blend in with the overall greyish scheme, but keep with the Vallejo RLM02 for the external mechanicals for a bit of variation. Unless, of course, there is original evidence to show otherwise? Comments and suggestions welcome Cheers Steve 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProfSparks Posted February 16, 2021 Author Share Posted February 16, 2021 Hi All I've been beginning to exorcise a couple of my PE demons by folding sticking a variety of sizes of Eduard's best to the cutting block, the CA applicator, my fingers, and eventually, the 196 Fingers crossed (as they're stuck together) that the excess CA will blend in under a coat or two of XF-19. The floor seems to have been stuck in slightly low as there is a gap between it and the rear framework But it should be hidden by the kick plate The litter bin just perches on the rear shelf. I'm going to construct a new back panel for the printed IP as it would be such a waste to scrape off the nicely detailed kit part. If Revell had included some dial faces it would have made a very decent feature. Comments and suggestions welcome Cheers Steve 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProfSparks Posted March 7, 2021 Author Share Posted March 7, 2021 Hi All The (odd) 3D kit detail is covered by the (mostly) 2D etch 5-6-7-8-9-10. (Should it be disconcerting that 5-6-7 go on the lower row, while 8-9-10 go on the upper?) At least I've matched the colour to Eduard, even though there are grounds for RLM02 being greener or darker grey Those Eduard people do like their '80s dot matrix printing process, looks like I'll be trying to blend in the fascias And tidying up the paint smudges... Anyhoo, the wire cables behind the pilot that are part of the lifting rigging to get the plane back on board are replaced with wire The whole shebang will get a dark wash and general dirtying before a slow drying Matt Varnish. Comments and suggestions welcome Cheers Steve 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProfSparks Posted March 13, 2021 Author Share Posted March 13, 2021 Hi All I've been sorting out a replacement IP for the etch to sit on, as the kit part looks too groovy to erase I drew round the Eduard backing plate onto some masking tape and cut it out Transferred the masking tape to sturdy plastic card and cut that out It should be good enough to support the etch once it's all painted in, and it's tucked under the skin anyway The other part I have been giving some attention to is the centre radio setups. Now then, as this is 1/32 you'd expect bigger etch than, say, 1/72, or 1/48 even. This is a dial from the radio eqpt That little sticky-up Aith* isn't part of the sprue (sheet?) gate, but needs to be bent forward to be a handle. There are meant to be two of them, but it's twin pinged off in a reckless bid for freedom. I heard it land somewhere on the desk, but it's hiding amongst the flakes of plastic. Also of note is etch No.4 I cut one off as you can see, but I must have breathed in at that moment. Either that, or it's still riding the thermals above my cutting mat. I'll never know as I never heard it land, but I'm sure losing the other three will not benefit the build. Comments and suggestions welcome Cheers Steve *https://tmoliff.blogspot.com/2011/10/aith-n.html 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biggles87 Posted March 14, 2021 Share Posted March 14, 2021 That looks like a very time consuming operation. Did you consider using the kit IP with Airscale instrument decals? John 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProfSparks Posted June 12, 2021 Author Share Posted June 12, 2021 Hi All Sorry for the delay, things have been a bit sideways of late. On 3/14/2021 at 7:16 AM, Biggles87 said: That looks like a very time consuming operation. Did you consider using the kit IP with Airscale instrument decals? John Hi John, yes I'd thought of just sourcing instrument decals, but as there were so many other useful etch parts I figured I'd invest. Also, as the cockpit is so open and visible, the seat is on the cards too. If it was more closed and obscured i probably would have just painted it and hidden it. The gun sight has a couple of parts to it And the flat levers got a dab of PVA and black paint So eventually it goes together acceptably with some Kristal Klear for the faces I've already knocked a lever off. In the other corner I've started on the engine and mount There's quite a bit of etch to spread round on here too. Comments and suggestions welcome Cheers Steve 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProfSparks Posted June 25, 2021 Author Share Posted June 25, 2021 Hi All Slow times in The Lab, but some progress The vents were dished out to provide some 3D behind the etch grilles While the plates were put between the cylinders and held with Pledge All the parts were then coated in Stynylrez Black, with the casings in Vallejo VA 71.097 Base Grey. Some Tamiya Brown Panel Liner and a touch of dry brush with lighter grey and Aluminium And the whole thing was ready to be assembled. Note to self, put the front piece on first, otherwise the vent pieces get in the way, as follows... With the rear pipes and vents on, I had to snip off a branch and slot it down between the vents Doesn't look too bad once its back in place The rear plate is still loose to aid the fitting and wiring at a later stage. Comments and suggestions welcome Cheers Steve 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Cornes Posted June 25, 2021 Share Posted June 25, 2021 Lovely!! And these kits cost a fortune if you are looking for one. Mine cost around £25 a couple of years ago but to get one for a tenner is a real steal! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProfSparks Posted July 6, 2021 Author Share Posted July 6, 2021 Hi All Some wiring was CA'd into the bulkhead and the front cowling frame was added The tank and radiator were attached to the bulkhead (You'll notice that I forgot to paint the inside of the radiator mesh... ) And the front cowl added with the gun panel in for alignment The rear plate of the engine assembly had been left loose for two reasons; to aid in the wiring of the engine, and also the fit of the rear plate to the engine was slightly discretionary, and I didn't fancy having the whole thing a couple of degrees off when it came to line it up wit the fuselage and gun firing through between the cylinders. Rear plate attached to front cowl and some wiring added Wiring complete, and engine held on And in situ Leaving the engine off will greatly ease the pain of masking too. The exhausts will be done once the engine is installed. Comments and suggestions welcome Cheers Steve 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProfSparks Posted July 19, 2021 Author Share Posted July 19, 2021 Hi All Moving away from the engine for a moment, I put the floats together That's a 1/72 Lancaster fuselage for scale. They were each loaded with 30g of ballast in the nose, and sealed. Now then, as it's a reasonably visible 1/32, the etch should be reasonably visible too... ...And then there's the access cover handle to remove from the moulding and add a couple of replacement atoms, folded. We shall see how that goes. Comments and suggestions welcome Cheers Steve 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Cornes Posted July 19, 2021 Share Posted July 19, 2021 Keep going!!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete in Lincs Posted July 19, 2021 Share Posted July 19, 2021 I just did a catch up and you can colour me suitably impressed. The engine looks particularly good. All those little details add to the build quality. Please (in your own time) carry on. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProfSparks Posted July 30, 2021 Author Share Posted July 30, 2021 Hi All Fearing for my etch catching skills, I bent the smaller parts 'on the vine' They were then assembled on the sticky side of a strip of masking tape and secured with CA Later prized off with a held breath, then floated onto the surface of the covers with some Pledge As you can see from them in situ, the result is subtle but (hopefully) noticeable You can probably tell I'm putting off the HGW seat sand seat belts, but they shouldn't be any smaller than these Comments and suggestions welcome Cheers Steve 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quiet Mike Posted July 30, 2021 Share Posted July 30, 2021 Steve, you're making my £10 bargain kit less of a bargain now I want to invest in all the PE for it 😆 Loving all these little details. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Cornes Posted July 30, 2021 Share Posted July 30, 2021 Great stuff Steve. There’s no getting away from the fact that true 3D is better than moulded on detail. Are you on a retainer with Eduard, you are certainly showing how to use their products!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thom216 Posted July 30, 2021 Share Posted July 30, 2021 Loving the engine and ancillary details. Very sweet! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProfSparks Posted August 2, 2021 Author Share Posted August 2, 2021 Hi All On 7/30/2021 at 4:03 PM, Quiet Mike said: Steve, you're making my £10 bargain kit less of a bargain now I want to invest in all the PE for it 😆 Loving all these little details. Sorry about that (), it builds up into a really nice plane without all the extra bits'n'bobs, honest! On 7/30/2021 at 4:29 PM, Simon Cornes said: Great stuff Steve. There’s no getting away from the fact that true 3D is better than moulded on detail. Are you on a retainer with Eduard, you are certainly showing how to use their products!! On a retainer? I wish I've been dry fitting the side frames into the fuselage halves, working out an assembly sequence for the internals. Turns out much as you'd expect, just follow the instructions. With that out of the way, it's time to finally turn attention to the HGW resin seat It's thin, very thin. There is a sizeable block on its' underside that I'm presuming should be removed But, as you'll recall how thin it is, I'm in to minds as to its' future. There's no way I'd want to saw it off and break through into the seat pan, so I'm inclined to remove the outskirts, shape it to be hidden from view without removing it completely, and use it as a support for mounting it. At least there's the kit one if it all goes pear shaped Comments and suggestions welcome Cheers Steve 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Cornes Posted August 2, 2021 Share Posted August 2, 2021 Well looking at the cushion in the top photo it could well be that the pour stub goes quite high up the sides. If it was me I'd get some heavy grade wet and dry, slosh it in water and have a go and take off a chunk then move to lighter grades and be careful - all wet of course - until you had taken off as much as you dare - and don't forget, its not the end if you take too much off - a piece of 10 thou card underneath would cover a multitude of sins! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProfSparks Posted August 2, 2021 Author Share Posted August 2, 2021 Hi Simon, I'm hoping to remove as much as I dare with saws, files, and sandpaper. I've never done this fragile resin, so am slightly apprehensive that I'll crack the back while working on the seat (as the chiropractor said to the... oh never mind) A saving grace is that once installed, there's not much (if any) visible below the edges. And anyway, everyone's attention will be focused on the exquisite seat belts Cheers Steve 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Cornes Posted August 2, 2021 Share Posted August 2, 2021 To true! Well have a go but stop before you think you've gone too far. As you say - how much can you see when its fitted anyway! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thom216 Posted August 2, 2021 Share Posted August 2, 2021 The SBS resin seat for my Hellcat was almost as thin. I used a thin PE saw, chucked into an excto knife handle and sawed around the base under a lightly running tap. (with a strainer in the sink, just in case.😉) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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