Brad Cancian Posted August 5, 2023 Share Posted August 5, 2023 Hello everyone, Here’s my latest completion, the 1/72 Airfix T.11 Vampire, built as a T.35A Vampire of 2 Operational Conversion Unit, Royal Australian Air Force, c.1967. I don’t usually build jets (the last jet I built was over 10 years ago), so this is something a little different for me. The kit is another little gem from Airfix. The only fit problem I had with at the lower wing panel roots, and at the roots for the horizontal stabliser pieces, but these weren’t too much of an issue. I did replace the kit cockpit with the Pavla resin set, which I really think helps to set off the busy and cramped look of the cockpit. I also lost the nose gear side door at some point, so had to scratch build another. The glazing also needed a bit of a polish, but it fit like a dream. I had to mask and spray both the outside and the inside given that massive canopy was going to be displayed open. The model was finished with Alclad RAF high speed silver over gloss black, with the day glow being a mix of SMS Fluro Orange and SMS Fluro Red. Decals came from Xtra Decals. These decals went down nicely, but I did still have some issues with adhesion and cracking / tearing, even after clear coating (some of which required some fairly clumsy repairs – don’t look too hard….). I am still yet to master this brand, I must admit. I made a small base for this one, representing a small piece of tarmac (a pre-printed piece of cardboard), a unit patch, and a small label. The ladders and chocks were scratch built. All in all, this one took about 6 weeks from start to finish. This is a great little kit from Airfix which goes together well and looks great. Just make sure you add enough nose weight into the front end 😊 Thanks for looking – all comments and feedback welcomed! Cheers, BC 68 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad Cancian Posted August 5, 2023 Author Share Posted August 5, 2023 (edited) Where I started Edited August 5, 2023 by Brad Cancian 15 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darwinism Posted August 5, 2023 Share Posted August 5, 2023 Excellent work Brad - that’s a fantastic build. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimT Posted August 5, 2023 Share Posted August 5, 2023 That's a wow! from me. Very sharply painted indeed, and a really handsome presentation. At 1/72, that must by a tiny thing, but you'd never know it from your excellent work and photography. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColinChipmunkfan Posted August 6, 2023 Share Posted August 6, 2023 Great looking model Brad, the display really shows it of professionally. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad Cancian Posted August 6, 2023 Author Share Posted August 6, 2023 Many thanks Darwinism, Tim and Colin! Cheers, BC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cpoud117 Posted August 6, 2023 Share Posted August 6, 2023 Great work on the model, base and photography! I gave away this kit after seeing the deep panel lines, thinking that it would never look good, but your model makes me regret my decision, I may have to buy it again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vultures1 Posted August 6, 2023 Share Posted August 6, 2023 Really nice work! The cockpit looks nicely busy and the finish is very good - well done Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbadbadge Posted August 6, 2023 Share Posted August 6, 2023 Looks stunning, lovely finish and great base too. Cracking work. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bell209 Posted August 7, 2023 Share Posted August 7, 2023 Very nice! Looks like, as I did, you used a dark brown wash, rather than black? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BerndM Posted August 8, 2023 Share Posted August 8, 2023 Brilliant work on this little kit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete in Lincs Posted August 8, 2023 Share Posted August 8, 2023 Cracking job, Brad. You should build more jets! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad Cancian Posted August 8, 2023 Author Share Posted August 8, 2023 Thanks all, much appreciated! Hey Rob - indeed, I used a wash of burn umber rather than straight black. It helps to tone down some of the contrast, I think. Cheers! BC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loloskymaster Posted August 9, 2023 Share Posted August 9, 2023 Nice training Vampire ! I thaught it was in a biger scale ! Lolo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulaero Posted August 9, 2023 Share Posted August 9, 2023 That's a very nice neat build and really nice to see that it hasn't been over weathered to look like it's ready for the scrap yard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PatG Posted August 10, 2023 Share Posted August 10, 2023 Utterly stunning and looks more like a 48th scale kit. Very, very impressed indeed! Pat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOUSTON Posted September 3, 2023 Share Posted September 3, 2023 Absolutely SPECTACULAR. I love your display.. the Vampire beside the insignia looks very IMPRESSIVE. HOUSTON. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bertielissie Posted September 3, 2023 Share Posted September 3, 2023 Lovely Vampire !!! Stunning finish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad Cancian Posted September 4, 2023 Author Share Posted September 4, 2023 Many thanks Houston and bertielissie - much appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cardiff guy Posted September 6, 2023 Share Posted September 6, 2023 loving this build, well done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remus389 Posted September 6, 2023 Share Posted September 6, 2023 Spectacular work, lovely! Glad to see this! 🙂👍 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SebTartar Posted September 6, 2023 Share Posted September 6, 2023 Very nice! Was the Pavla set OK? I had some bad experience with them, receiving a blob of resin (worn out mould, I presume) instead of the nice seat that was on the picture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pantherhawk27263 Posted September 6, 2023 Share Posted September 6, 2023 That is a real beauty, great work!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad Cancian Posted September 8, 2023 Author Share Posted September 8, 2023 Thanks again all! SebTartar - the Pavla set was ok, it was indeed a bit 'blobby' as you say. It did take some careful dry brushing in places, but it's still better than the kit cockpit none the less. Here's a pic of the Pavla bits unpainted, to give you an idea: Cheers again! BC 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilneBay Posted September 8, 2023 Share Posted September 8, 2023 That's a delightful model. Well done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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