1/72 Heller Caudron C-635 Simoun

[Disrok]

Howdy, y'all! 

 

I know it's been some time since my last post here (at least a year I think) but with college wrapping up and figuring out what's next for me, I hadn't had time to sit down and actually get far with any build. I think that at least the last couple of builds I've attempted have ended on the Shelf of Doom, mainly with issues with the kits but also on my part. Therefore, I wanted something relatively simple but very interesting that wouldn't take too long and wouldn't lose my interest along the way. 

 

I bought this kit a couple of years ago wanting to do a Vichy machine using the SBS decal sheet, however, it seems that the sheet is quite difficult to obtain at a good price or in a timely manner. Thankfully, since this is one of the latest boxings of the kit, the Armee de l'Air decals are in really good condition, but still not sure if I'll build that scheme.

From what I've heard and read, this kit is really good for its age, and apart from the weirdly split canopy, it's a relatively hassle-free build. Therefore, I plan to scratch-build a fair amount within the cockpit, even though it is fairly good OOB. So if any of y'all have any diagrams or references about this tiny passenger craft I would really appreciate them since I know that there's a couple of books about the Simoun, but they're now either far too expensive for my blood or simply out of print. 

 

Looking forward to sharing this build process with y'all! 

 

- Javier

 

 

Edited August 29, 2023 by Disrok

[Disrok]

First progress on the Simoun completed: rear and forward bulkheads along with the rear extinguisher, the last two being scratch-built. 

 

 

Edited August 29, 2023 by Disrok

[Disrok]

Howdy again!

 

Yesterday I was able to get quite a bit done (wasn't able to take a picture of everything) inside of the Simoun. The highlights include the cockpit floor and pilot's seat, with both requiring a fair amount of work. Overall really happy with everything, except the evergreen seat legs, as they seem to not hold a perfect 90-degree angle, but honestly they are good enough for my first time. I will also sand down the floor braces some to make them seem more integrated into the floor. 

 

Next thing on my list is to finish the other three seats and prepare the control sticks since they will be painted separately. 

 

- Javier 

 

 

 

 

 

[AdrianMF]

It's a lovely kit. Looking forward to seeing your build progress.

 

Regards,

Adrian

[cpoud117]

Nice start! That's a neat cockpit you've managed here

[Disrok]

Quick update before the weekend now that the cockpit floor is finished. Took me longer than expected to finish the seats but mostly due to me getting them confused. each seat has a different location point at the bottom so order matters. 

 

-Javier