Third time lucky. A definitive Javelin? Airfix 1:72

[Scratcher]

On 7/7/2024 at 2:48 PM, scautomoton said:

I wonder, did it actually need the tail plane?

I read Bill Watertons book, The Quick and the Dead. He was chief test pilot at Glosters and if I recall, he wrote that he'd fallen out with Glosters over the Javelin. Part of it's problem was where a stalled wing could mask the tailplane, where the pilot had no pitch control and stabilising the stall. He also "landed" a prototype using the engines for pitch control after the elevators fluttered off.

[TeeELL]

The slow progress on this build is due to me constructing another kit which has to be completed by the end of July.  The Javelin will have the upper surface glossed before I work on the underside because if anything goes wrong with the painting I only have to remove the grey and green.  I am hopeful that I can report more progress this week.

[TeeELL]

Tiny steps, but today I painted the radome using Humbrol matt black with a hint of Hu red/brown added.  Somehow tiny specks of silver have appeared in the ‘green’, I’ve rubbed it back but there are a few areas requiring a blow over with green again.  I hope to get that done later today between work on the Fujimi Phantom FGR2.

[TeeELL]

I finished the F4 Friday 2nd, I am taking a week off modelling as I need a break.  The Javelin will continue in a week’s time.  I want to spend a little time refining the 3D rear fuselage plug, I am happy with the upper contours but need to ‘un-correct’ the lower to better match the kit profile.

In sorting out the ‘green’ I realised that flecks of silver were in the grey as well!  

[TeeELL]

Well, so much for ‘in a week’s time’!  However, I’ve now applied another couple if coats of Humbrol Gloss Cote ready for polishing and transfers but before that, I need to airbrush the high speed silver underneath.  That might happen next week.

I was hoping to finish this for the Nationals at Telford but, whilst I may well be able to achieve that, I won’t be taking any models due to a change of plans immediately following the event. 😞