Colin W Posted September 19, 2022 Share Posted September 19, 2022 This Group Build covers my main area of modelling interest so I can enter numerous models from the stash. I have decided to build the SR-53 as it is a key British Aircraft and is quite a recent kit. I have never heard of the manufacturer before, 'Simian Stuff', but first impressions are good. The real aircraft survives at RAF Cosford. The kit comes in a stout box with the resin parts sealed in plastic. The main parts are individually sealed with the smaller parts in groups. A good, strong looking undercarriage and nose weight are cast in white metal. Detail in the cockpit and wheel wells is excellent and the nose probe looks fine and beautiful. It will have to be replaced though as I cannot trust myself not to knock it off. There are 2 vacformed canopies and a set of decals for both planned aircraft. These appear to have no white printed so I'll have to remember to mask the base coat! The kit has what appears to be the best set of instructions for a resin / limited run kit so far so I'm hopeful of an easy build. So here's what you get. We have a good rendition of the jet compressor and some great cockpit detailing on both halves. Looking forward to making a start soon as my F15 for the Eagle GB is nearly ready for a coat of paint. 21 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsairfoxfouruncle Posted September 19, 2022 Share Posted September 19, 2022 Welcome along with a nice choice. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedy Posted September 20, 2022 Share Posted September 20, 2022 Blimey now that’s rare, never knew that existed. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Col. Posted September 20, 2022 Share Posted September 20, 2022 This looks to be one of the better resin kits available and a nice rendition of the subject so hopefully a straight-forward project for you Colin. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JOCKNEY Posted September 25, 2022 Share Posted September 25, 2022 I've only seen these in vacform before so it's great to see this one here. A real snapshot of aviation history, best of luck. Cheers Pat 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BritJet Posted September 25, 2022 Share Posted September 25, 2022 Simian Stuff was a brand used by Heritage/Kits For Cash, but much better casting than their earlier efforts. I did the decal artwork and instructions for this kit. Steve 4 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin W Posted September 25, 2022 Author Share Posted September 25, 2022 2 hours ago, BritJet said: . I did the decal artwork and instructions for this kit. I have to say that the art work and instructions look great so far. I'll let you know how they work out in use Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shorty84 Posted September 25, 2022 Share Posted September 25, 2022 I'm really envious, seeing you have this kit in your possession. Looking forward to see how it builds 👍 Cheers Markus 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CliffB Posted September 26, 2022 Share Posted September 26, 2022 Definitely one to watch. It's one of those slightly unusual aircraft, that many of us learnt about thanks to Airfix! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SafetyDad Posted September 26, 2022 Share Posted September 26, 2022 1 hour ago, CliffB said: Definitely one to watch. It's one of those slightly unusual aircraft, that many of us learnt about thanks to Airfix! As a 10 year old I though this aircraft was in mainstream RAF service thanks to Airfix! SD 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin W Posted October 12, 2022 Author Share Posted October 12, 2022 On 9/26/2022 at 7:52 AM, SafetyDad said: As a 10 year old I though this aircraft was in mainstream RAF service thanks to Airfix! So did I! Well my F-15 in the STGB has advanced as far as 1000 tiny decals to add; so I have picked up the SR53 for a bit of sanity. Casting blocks removed and clean up started. The resin is quite brittle and I lost one of the wing locating lugs sawing it off the pouring block. I hope the tiny parts come away easier! 9 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Col. Posted October 12, 2022 Share Posted October 12, 2022 I like your definition of a sanity build Colin 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shorty84 Posted October 12, 2022 Share Posted October 12, 2022 11 hours ago, Colin W said: so I have picked up the SR53 for a bit of sanity. Can fully relate, kits which just fit together and offer no challenge just drive me crazy Cheers Markus 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin W Posted October 13, 2022 Author Share Posted October 13, 2022 I've not actually done any modelling yet but most of the sub assemblies have been cleaned painted up. These resin kits certainly do need a different approach. @BritJet, a few constructive suggestions would include the cockpit colour (I went with DSG?) and the connection between the fin and the tail is not easy to interpret from the instructions. I'm sure someone will try and fill the gap. 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Col. Posted October 14, 2022 Share Posted October 14, 2022 Black for the cockpit of this machine Colin. I've seen a photo of it somewhere that I of course can't now find to show you. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin W Posted October 26, 2022 Author Share Posted October 26, 2022 The cockpit interior is now repainted black which is a shame as all the lovely detail is lost. I didn't bother to take a picture as the one above looks better. I glued the main components together with epoxy but added the wings with CA glue. The mouldings are very thin and care is needed with every step. Sitting in the jig to dry Some filler is needed under the intakes and on the lower fuselage seam. Otherwise the fit is pretty good. 12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CliffB Posted October 27, 2022 Share Posted October 27, 2022 That jig looks very useful (particularly for kits like this)! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin W Posted October 27, 2022 Author Share Posted October 27, 2022 2 hours ago, CliffB said: That jig looks very useful (particularly for kits like this)! The jig is handy for 'normal' models but for most resin and Vacforms where there re no tabs or alignment the jig is very worthwhile. That said this is one of the better resin models with a very ingenious wing joint method. I did find a sight bow on the starboard wing root which improved greatly with a few wipes of a flat file. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Courageous Posted October 27, 2022 Share Posted October 27, 2022 13 hours ago, Colin W said: The jig is handy for 'normal' models but for most resin and Vacforms where there re no tabs or alignment the jig is very worthwhile. So, where did you get it please? Cost much? Going to the nationals, so might have to look for something like this. Stuart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin W Posted October 28, 2022 Author Share Posted October 28, 2022 10 hours ago, Courageous said: So, where did you get it please? I actually cant remember but based pn @BritJet's comment above it is possible that I bought it from Herritage Models at last years Nationals. Hopefully mine will be finished and on the IPMS Salisbury stand so drop by and take a look. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin W Posted November 5, 2022 Author Share Posted November 5, 2022 Airframe now completed. A bit more filler needed than at first thought! 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woody37 Posted November 6, 2022 Share Posted November 6, 2022 Just caught up with this, I'd never heard of this company before but it looks like a rather nice kit although I guess a bit of filler is expected for such types of kit. Looking forwards to seeing some paint on. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin W Posted November 7, 2022 Author Share Posted November 7, 2022 Paint is now on, 2 coats of Halfords white primer with sanding 1500 grit between and a top coat of Mr Clour 197 Chracter white. Decals applied Top view. A few aerials and minor bits to add. Who wants white missiles when you can have blue and red? 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Col. Posted November 7, 2022 Share Posted November 7, 2022 Almost there and looking grand Colin 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbadbadge Posted November 7, 2022 Share Posted November 7, 2022 Looks very nice indeed, the cockpit detail looked great too. Great work. Chris 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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