Ok, I decided that late or not, I'm going to jump in to the OKGB as well. So here's the project outline -
The Setting: 1950 - The Kingdom of Asran, a small desert country you've never heard of in the Middle East.
In late 1949, when the Old King of Asran died, his final wish was that the royal succession would by-pass his elder, progressive-minded son, Abdel in favour of his more moderate/conservative second son, Zak. This sparked an all-out civil war, with the loyalists - those respecting the dead king's wishes and the need to retain conservative values in a tumultuous changing post-WWII world - on one side, and the Anti-Government Forces - those seeking the progressive development of Asran's oil-field reserves with the backing of nameless Soviet-block outside interests - on the other. As a small but wealthy nation, the rightful government of Asran recruits a mercenary airforce - made up of ne'er-do-wells with sketchy pasts but superior aerial combat skills - to supplement their regular forces.
The Man: Greg Baker
One member of the mercenary air force was the Canadian by the name of Greg Baker (who? me?). Originally a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), Baker had seen significant action during WWII, fighting alongside Royal Air Force (RAF) in the Far-East and North Africa. Dissatisfied with a return to quiet civilian life in the urban wilds of Alberta, Canada, Baker went abroad seeking his fame and fortune. After a series of adventures too lengthy to describe here, Baker ended up drunkenly signing a 3-year contract in a bar in Paris (a major Asran recruiting station it turns out!) and inadvertently enlisting in the Asran mercenary air force - known as "Area 44".
The Plane: Caudron Renault C.714 "Cyclone"
Based on the Caudron racers of the late '30's, the Caudron C.714 was an attempt to make a lightweight fighter out of non-strategic materials. However, as with most attempts to re-tool racers for combat, the end result was basically a disaster.
The French Air Force had ordered 20 C.714s in late 1938, with options for a further 180, and production started at a Renault factory in the Paris suburbs in the summer of 1939. However, the first production models didn't appear until early 1940 and after a series of tests, it became apparent that the design was seriously flawed. Although light and fast, its wooden construction limited it to a modest engine size and four .30 caliber machines guns, the Caudron was an ineffective weapon when matched up against modern German combat aircraft. As such it was withdrawn from active service almost immediately and the remaining order was to be diverted to Finland (to be flown by French pilots) and/or free Polish fighter squadrons.
Unfortunately, events in France resulted in only six aircraft being delivered, and an additional ten were waiting in the harbour when deliveries were stopped. The six aircraft that arrived were assembled, tested and given registrations CA-551 to CA-556. The aircraft were found to be too unreliable and dangerous to use, and were not committed to combat. Two of the aircraft were damaged during a transport flight to Pori, however the rest of the aircraft were maintained on the roster until they were retired and scrapped in late December 1949...
In "reality" though, in early 1950 they were sold on the black market to an arms dealer known as McCoy. McCoy had a nose for conflict and, after the death of the King in Asran he could smell war on the wind and began amassing product to be sold to mercenaries and government forces alike. Having purchased the four remaining planes, McCoy cobbled together a single, flight-worthy specimen (and a stockpile of spare parts to be sold at a later date) and unscrupulously sold it to the latest recruit to Area 44, Greg Baker - who's limited funds prevented him from buying anything else (although he had his eyes on a F4U-1 Corsair!).
The Kit: 1/72 Caudron Renault C.714 by Heller (Nr. 80218)
This is the 1993 boxing of the 1970 Heller tool (https://www.scalemates.com/kits/163284-heller-80218-caudron-renault-714). The build will mostly be OOTB with a few scratch-built enhancements (mainly to the interior) along the way. No real plans to include any after-market details (expect maybe PE seatbelts... I LOVE PE seat belts for some strange reason).
p.s. If the storyline above sounds familiar, it basically because I've transposed the storyline from the Area 88 manga, originally based in the late 70s/early 80s, to the late 1940s/early 1950s. I already had plans to include the C.714 into my overall Area 88 mega-project, but there's no reason it can't serve a dual role here in the OKGB as well. :)
Interesting idea
Alright, so we're off and running... better late than never!
First off is the pic of "what's in the box". It might be an old tool, but it's quite clean. Not a lot of flashing or sink marks, although there are some ejector pin marks that will need to be dealt with.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2753_zps9rdve7ri.jpg&hash=7545dbf52b333bd547ffaf3e2cf58900ea1efef9)
So, first I cut the main fuselage pieces off the sprue, did a little bit of trimming, and taped the fuselage together for a dry fit. Somewhat surprisingly, the first seems good. It's nice that you can see the Heller stamp on the inside... but that's going to have to go.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2754_zps07dnljcx.jpg&hash=e9d031ddc2bc0bbba5fcf287008c072339c391fc)
Of course, there's not much of a wheel well. That'll have to be scratch built since they're basically just holes in the undercarriage. Luckily, from what I've seen, a proper wheel well isn't that complicated.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2755_zpstjk4n28j.jpg&hash=a6a294252cc6168ead8f94b5edfb5b418d818b9d)
Before we get to that though, there's the non-existent cockpit to attend to. I'm not a fan of pilot dummies, so I won't be including it. However, there's a ton to do here. Using some flat plasticard I decided to start with the area behind the chair. The interior shrouds in the aft-cockpit window needed to be boxed in. Lots of sanding and checking the fit, then repeat going on. It's tricky to do because not only is it on a curve, it's also got a subtle bend to it.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2758_zpsy4bp4o8f.jpg&hash=b7646f68e2c847feb51d835a31ba2c1fdaa08940)
First I carefully measured the front support (the wall behind the seat) and filed it to fit snugly. Then did the same for the top plank and then the rear support. After some careful alignment, cross braces were glued in place on both the front and rear supports. Hopefully this will allow the proper alignment as well as fit.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2759_zpsv47q81jl.jpg&hash=7bf89db95be924a04723aef63c31ca7f2368b370)
Ok almost there. Just a tiny fit moe sanding to be done to make it fit snugly.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2756_zpsvhv7t99y.jpg&hash=8ac3e53df605d8b1182f6fb94c8ff34ceb8a0652)
Neat story and looking good so far !
:thumbsup:
Yeaaaaaah buddy! This is going to be cool. Looks like a good start so far.
Ok, here's an update. I finished the rear cockpit shroud, including the crazy little radio access hatch. Unfortunately, in order for the canopy to fit over the shroud, I had to cut it open. I hope that tutorial on repairing scratches to clear styrene is accurate...
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2760_zpspzg8unla.jpg&hash=1bb40293c185d3b95d6a53585227e910df35354a)
Well, it seems to fit... after a bit of finagling.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2761_zpslgxk5ono.jpg&hash=3fb692248d78e2090fe5666464c8299a2c850aa4)
Hmmm... what to do about under carriage and wheel well. I sanded down the interior... now what?
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2762_zpso89pwpgo.jpg&hash=4e020f03439f7965feca0736c4aacb0e8155e288)
Okay... screw it. Back to the cockpit then. I stole a seat from an Academy F6F Hellcat and a control panel from an Academy F4U-1. The seat needed a bit of work to make it look like it belonged in a C.714, but I think it worked.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2764_zpsknwnvuhf.jpg&hash=62bfcdf69f0a537811b5f29e385845c96382dc98)
The control stick and panel are just taped on for now... mainly for a dry fit.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2765_zpsq7zwvx9c.jpg&hash=90908fc9fac128d8aeb77488d73a2d5a884f5821)
Still needs a few bits added on, but I'm happy with the result so far. I'm especially pleased with the oversized pedals for some reason.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2766_zpsl6eitwiw.jpg&hash=c0b1d81272c2eaa9cb41a243202825fe5a0f9e51)
Luckily, everything still seems to fit in place inside the fuselage. Whew!
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2767_zpsybb8rytf.jpg&hash=f6fd5e54424f80e2d90e6ebdec35a35e0c946912)
The control panel seems to be sitting a little deep, but I measured 6 times. I'm going to try to add the side control panels as well by cutting up another F4U control panel, so I'll need a bit of room to work.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2769_zpsdjk3aq02.jpg&hash=793f1295c6ab33d931a5cd7227ea301835557cc1)
Oh goody! I can still get the canopy on as well.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2770_zpsirdolzus.jpg&hash=912306850083ff211635a7ab4d54d0b41f62d7a1)
For reference, I've been using the build log from someone else's awesome job on the 1/32 scale C.714.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1143.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fn626%2Fbloody_newt%2FCaudron%2520Cyclone%2FDSCF5194.jpg&hash=928227f2b77b59bafbfe00d3881cfb220c817320)
Lovely work on the cockpit
Thanks NARSES2! I didn't get much done today other than finishing off the cockpit. I'm going to try and squeeze in a bit of sidewall detail, but it's getting tight in there!
I'm happy with the adjustments I made to the seat, but I don't think I can squeeze in any armour plating behind there.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2778_zpsf4k9jrip.jpg&hash=b825d9f364de49e51a137a187b8814a1252164e3)
Side view of the current cockpit details. I added some bars and controls.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2779_zpswpm4w81h.jpg&hash=de9e548b986570b5cf4f1830c68600e27a20374a)
I cut an Academy Corsair control panel in half and trimmed 1/4 off the bottom and it more or less fits in the cockpit sidewall area. I thinned it a bit, but perhaps more work is needed.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2780_zpsyf51x6kx.jpg&hash=f638295d220daf851127a4fecc3c018e3bb606d9)
It fits alright and I think it really brings the cockpit to life. A little more filing and it should fit almost perfectly... famous last words, I know. ;)
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2781_zpse6icg3b5.jpg&hash=985f11609ec43714e6c71fd72b48ffe568aa0b1a)
Killer attention to detail, Greg! That extra effort is really going to make this a good'n. :D
Excellent work, and the Caudron is an overlooked aircraft. :thumbsup:
I just hope that anything of the great interior remains visible! :-\
Thanks guys! I do have an idea to cut the canopy to allow for an open cockpit display. I might be pushing my luck, but I think I've seen it done, so I'll make the attempt.
Having said that, it was a bit frustrating evening for the project though... up to and including having to re-type this posting for the third time. My plan to box in the wheel well stalled, so I only really got as far as putting in a floor. Ah well....
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2783_zpsynkv7yue.jpg&hash=67c5c9b24999538670e4112a2ecb1b17ba582a1b)
I tried using plastic paper to box in the wheel well, but it ended in a gooey mess. I think I might try adding some support posts around the perimeter and stringing it like a fence. Mainly just use it as a wrap to cover the gaps and slight inconsistencies.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2785_zpszyqn53ne.jpg&hash=8fc3701a49b12161d6c55ae60dba506c66f53c60)
That's a nice little kit, one of Heller's best of the period.
I built one OOB to hang in the bar of the Polish Air Force's White Eagle Club in Derby back in the 70s some time.
So... I took another crack at the wheel well. This time I roughed out the sidewalls all the way around before applying the styrene paper... worked MUCH better!
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2790_zpsatofmjot.jpg&hash=649608fd2cbf09b1a7244add1ef63359f1e46703)
Used a razor blade to trim off the excess paper. With the white background, you can see where this is going. It might just work! Oh, you can also see I've scribed the panel lines.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2791_zpsrzadgwoh.jpg&hash=3f5c3ddd3ef32411faf9d02d4e66f5f9cf6b8963)
Besides working on the wheel well, I also was able to drill out the air intakes and the engine. I think I might need to break out the epoxy putty to reshape it a bit. Oh, I also removed one of the engine bumps.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2792_zpsvypl6yfq.jpg&hash=67104b51fac0fc520c7a437b563f5ca00705f728)
I think the shape issue can be corrected by using epoxy putty...
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2798_zps58rbbrul.jpg&hash=31ad942c214aff7d63e1a33b22a98089bc7d1a9d)
Now to let it dry and cure before I sand it to fit.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2799_zps6dihrej3.jpg&hash=66f5343e617349588d0016f7b42b82fdfcd59a5c)
I used the left-over putty to add support to the wheel wells. It's not pretty, but hopefully effective.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2801_zps5ofktrge.jpg&hash=c66e5d20f07320dccaa61759df85cd4adccf7255)
Also a little on the inside to fill in imperfections left by the glueing process.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2802_zps6jcojzhr.jpg&hash=3383eaabe4594f0a4043b59fbe3cec0051a46b9d)
Added a bit of sidewall details. I sure hope this all fits!
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2803_zps2fnxegws.jpg&hash=98657900b812447df3171a567565183c79cce4e9)
Used Tamiya grey putty cut with lacquer thinner to fill in the imperfections left by glueing the pieces together.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2804_zpsaopyvqxw.jpg&hash=c90a04fb647963de5ad856d036479b0c34f051df)
Both sides. I also added in a firewall behind the control consol.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2805_zps33fj8ucs.jpg&hash=3168a380a408b33161e904f638c8dfa20934c20b)
Took a bit of sanding on the top, but I got the wings packed together. Same with the cockpit.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2806_zpsugffjbkm.jpg&hash=0f90d1b2acdfd097bf1bc3a2d89d827771a06082)
I cut the holes in the engine panelling and then I sanded off and then added a bit of stretched sprue that was filed to shape to the engine. Also drilled the holes a bit more.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2807_zpsckakhwjz.jpg&hash=36a903e00af630d2aa74bd9f697c81f18c7c7f74)
Hmm... still need to add a bit of shape to the underwing gun pods...
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2808_zpsb3wievpx.jpg&hash=8a0c082ea1e24b0f500c4786a26bdfee98f1fd46)
It's a tight fit, but the cockpit is done.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2809_zpsgkf8p7b9.jpg&hash=973561ae78301d4d015961e323aa1557a9cae6e7)
Very promising. :thumbsup:
Nice work. :thumbsup:
BTW Caudron exaggerated the relationship between their racers and their 710 series light-weight fighters,
in both directions.
Marketing never sleeps. :banghead: ;D
Quote from: strobez on November 27, 2016, 07:14:38 PM
Ok, I decided that late or not, I'm going to jump in to the OKGB as well. So here's the project outline -
The Setting: 1950 - The Kingdom of Asran, a small desert country you've never heard of in the Middle East.
In late 1949, when the Old King of Asran died, his final wish was that the royal succession would by-pass his elder, progressive-minded son, Abdel in favour of his more moderate/conservative second son, Zak. This sparked an all-out civil war, with the loyalists - those respecting the dead king's wishes and the need to retain conservative values in a tumultuous changing post-WWII world - on one side, and the Anti-Government Forces - those seeking the progressive development of Asran's oil-field reserves with the backing of nameless Soviet-block outside interests - on the other. As a small but wealthy nation, the rightful government of Asran recruits a mercenary airforce - made up of ne'er-do-wells with sketchy pasts but superior aerial combat skills - to supplement their regular forces.
I was about to say,
Area 88 for the main plot.
Quote from: joncarrfarrelly on December 04, 2016, 11:13:24 AM
Nice work. :thumbsup:
BTW Caudron exaggerated the relationship between their racers and their 710 series light-weight fighters,
in both directions.
Marketing never sleeps. :banghead: ;D
It would seem that marketing might have been the only positive to come out of the fighter plane side of the equation. I quite like the look of the Caudron C.714, but the fact that it was relegated to free Polish squadrons that were "more brave than effective" (to quote an online kit review) is too bad. Still... if you can't have substance, at least have style I guess. ;)
Quote from: scooter on December 04, 2016, 11:58:27 AM
I was about to say, Area 88 for the main plot.
Yep. As I said, I figured I'd double-down on my projects. I've sketched out the full scope (more or less) of my Area 88 what if project here (http://www.whatifmodellers.com/index.php/topic,42817.0.html).
Interior primed, wings glued and gun pods extended... front cowl needs more putty and sanding.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2815_zpsljaisraw.jpg&hash=e423d8da2a48d16873607a034fb5b4609869215b)
Details added to the wheel well.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2825_zpspzguubdg.jpg&hash=c85fc5369f0fc5847db4b85bbc7977bf98c7ed5d)
Cockpit painting and details done!
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2829_zpsmyw0eumx.jpg&hash=940a288c1f24cfc94daf1caa1d1df4486e88fd0f)
For basically a 100% scratch-built cockpit, I'm pretty happy.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2830_zpsztgseyps.jpg&hash=a1f8b49eb96f2ae68a3409aecae68a7e34a6ee07)
Cockpit glued to the side of the fuselage.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2831_zpsn9unanry.jpg&hash=ec4c934d9aedfb3ba0535331e3bde770936ecab8)
The underwing gun fairings are intriguing and have got me thinking...
Looking very good so far. Hard to believe that cockpit. :thumbsup:
That's some damn fine work if you ask me!! I love the attention to details and the craftsmanship. Looks like some pro level stuff in my book. :lol:
Quote from: zenrat on December 10, 2016, 04:00:33 PM
Looking very good so far. Hard to believe that cockpit. :thumbsup:
Having built this kit (as a float plane) very much so :thumbsup: :bow:
Thanks guys! Having to build the entire cockpit was a lot of work, but also a lot of fun. I'm just hoping I can see this through to the end now! Since the cockpit was done, I decided to glue the fuselage together. It wasn't easy to get everything aligned, butI hope I got close enough. Before I buttoned it up, I added some card stock to the inside of the engine cowl to prevent see-through via the slots I cut. I also added it inside the air intake.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2832_zpse6vheqnf.jpg&hash=68588b1e497842d3ba1ee8ea09b6ae32ddf36024)
Of course, now the she's glued together, I added a fair bit of putty to close the gaps.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2833_zpskcvktj2n.jpg&hash=57845b03a3fa11d4a65160f68d109560501c0d03)
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2834_zpschsfxarp.jpg&hash=7552006f5990f75cacd6c62cc2252de9ce0489f1)
Added pla-paper to cover the slightly raised panels and recreate the slotbehind the engine.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2835_zpsu1ry2ilm.jpg&hash=298a50f2b126abf1b632b21d77aa70f648db4a1d)
Panels attached on the underside too. Added the gun barrels but they promptly fell off. Serves me right for not measuring them beforehand anyway.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2836_zpstgzxyd42.jpg&hash=f7c95fc66d0faf4cbfcd464495308730b3f5932b)
Primed and ready... for more putty/sanding. Basically happy with how the slot behind the engine worked out. Almost exactly as I planned it.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2838_zpsyjgabzf6.jpg&hash=5b76d8fe5f5b6f0aea0b4747004f0a3b684357bf)
The raised panels have rivets scribed on them. It's subtle, but I think it looks good.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2839_zpscl3i9o7t.jpg&hash=9b48370c04f9c4fed9fdf57e025670328bdbd88c)
I knew those propeller blades were going to cause me trouble... 2/3 fell off.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2840_zps6hfjsapq.jpg&hash=169121ea8d1b6209ac8da97f4438180b97d13c98)
Still needs some work... but not as much as I thought before the primer hid some of it.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2841_zpsay63oo2x.jpg&hash=2b200b8f4e289cfd94fbd3001820e6e43464bdd1)
The top side looks pretty good. Only minor adjustments needed.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2842_zpsv5va8uwl.jpg&hash=19a3916265d58a041086e823e2f37ea87f44f0d8)
Different & interesting. :blink:
I'm watching! :thumbsup:
Alright... so I cut the canopy. There's no turning back now. I hope this works.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2849_zpsm3xxmsnj.jpg&hash=6aa789ca03b9c11aa39182dca34807a567f83e78)
Used my rivet wheel to add some details around the canopy...
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2850_zps4by119m8.jpg&hash=8aef3f52b3c114f4c6867a4abbacd1bf43821684)
...but the problem with wheels is that they have a tendency to roll. Like away from you... and quickly.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2851_zpsyou4qcpm.jpg&hash=73b90e6f78fadf4d412cbca0743ee32fc5c25f33)
Added the first undercoat of black pre-shading. The airbrush started spitting on me a bit, but I'm not sure why.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2852_zpssguzdkln.jpg&hash=7d4adc3ff0b72ae9616ac547be998b34688bc475)
Things got a bit out of control on the underside, but I think I can work with it.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2854_zps2vmr6qbd.jpg&hash=86ea459b408f94d905cc7632bc2fcd8b794cafd8)
Cool. :thumbsup:
This is looking awesome! Coming together like a set of butt cheeks!
Of course, buttcheeks were exactly the look I was going for! Nice work to pick up on that.;)
Anyway, I finally got some paint down. The complex masking on the windscreen was a bit tricky, so we'll see how that turns out.
Started out with some desert camouflage colours. I've also got some ideas for some decals, but I'll save that for the "big reveal".
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2858_zpsbmlzm0ai.jpg&hash=6fd062389960e112ec690aac17cbb1a6ec803295)
I painted the underside the same grey as the cockpit. I'm trying to figure out what to do with the wheels, but that can wait a bit... I always seem to snap them off when I try and get them installed too soon.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2859_zpsad8gzept.jpg&hash=b9b5936687f9362d83d61b88057ce9e42cc2791c)
Gotta love a cutie with a big booty! ;D ;D ;D
Hell yeah, wheels, props, antennae, gear doors, etc.. I always save them til dead last. In fact, if a kit comes with guns or aerials or antennas and stuff already molded onto the pieces... may as well snap them off in the very beginning and save the hassle.
This here is taking shape nicely!
Ok, so the first round of camouflage is going on. First to do a little fuzzy edged paper masking. I've seen this done, but it's my first time to try it... I hope it works!
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2868_zpspnniowcq.jpg&hash=ff5a18ef7853ea3e7af91903e574a828f6b39ba1)
Alright... so that seemed to work out alright. I managed to snap one of the prop blades off again, but otherwise unscathed. The paper on the top of the engine was a bit looser than the rest and gave a lighter camouflage band, but since I'm going to do one more layer, I think I can cover that up.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2869_zpszzxjut9z.jpg&hash=95d4d3cade7ef335bb5fd262156d6f859b0445d7)
His side looks alright... however (speaking of bits snapping off) while reviewing the instructions for the wheel assembly (which will be a bit trickier since I covered up the guide post holes), I noticed that I seemed to be missing a pilot tube. A quick review of my own "out of the box" pic compared to another online confirms it snapped off in the box. Luckily i caught the problem in time, so I drilled a hole and a bit of stretched sprue is waiting with the wheel assembly piece waiting to do its duty as a pilot tube stand-in. ;)
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2870_zps1dkth2cj.jpg&hash=a02aa2164e68f292628476a4bdc51f5fd609eafe)
Damn that's looking good! I think the term you are searching for is pitot tube though. lol Spellcheck doesn't seem to like it.. Go figure!
I'm about to try the same method of paper mask. I'm a bit confused about how I want to do the fuselage parts (wings are two dimensional like the paper but the fuselage is not so it's making me gears smoke) but seeing yours has me with some tips on how to do it.
Famous last words... :o
Suffered a bit of a setback. :banghead:I used some sticky paper to mask the second camouflage coat... I thought I took enough of the tackiness off before I applied it, but guess not. Pulling it off left quite a mess. I was able to get the glue off with just a bit of water and some gentle rubbing, but it left me with a weathered look to the paint. I was going to do that anyway, so no real problem, however it also ended fogging my canopy somehow. I'm a bit picky about how the canopy looks, so I declared a "do-over", but that means another round of masking - properly this time! To add insult to injury, when I was installing the landing gear, I ended up poking a tiny hole through the wing... not even noticeable, but large enough to let a mess of gluey sprue juice squirt through onto my paint job. Luckily it's pretty localized, so a tiny bit of gentle sanding, a carefully placed camouflage template and a careful bit of painting should get me back on track. Sigh...
Another round of masking... it seems so innocent now, but little did I know that sticky paper was going to cause me a nightmare...
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2871_zpsxfeet771.jpg&hash=14cbae59e077b89e0e879af83447321248ce56f5)
Ok, so the camouflage itself worked fine... too bad I had to pull out the canopy. I think it will be worth it though.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2872_zpspbe7sdug.jpg&hash=2af27a2d86a9d58bcfe568628ec022da3b8ba229)
Look at that splotch... gah. Luckily I think I can mask my way out of trouble.. famous last words.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2873_zpshifpsjbl.jpg&hash=354cda88a2f262f750fd497954da6f7512058e51)
The underside shows more of the weathering... uhm... is it still called weathering if it's completely by accident? I think it is if you say it is! :rolleyes:
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi44.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff24%2Fstrobez72%2FIMG_2874_zps09apwrlq.jpg&hash=ce9bb13cc7249f89fccdfdec80851fa5c97bad27)
Nice scheme!
:wub: excellent job so far :thumbsup:
That's looking good! :thumbsup:
Quote from: strobez on December 19, 2016, 08:09:33 AM
The underside shows more of the weathering... uhm... is it still called weathering if it's completely by accident? I think it is if you say it is! :rolleyes:
Of course it is! ;D
That's a good looking camo job you did there! Your weathering technic is pretty interesting! Luv it! :wub:
David
Quote from: Old Wombat on December 20, 2016, 06:55:25 AM
That's looking good! :thumbsup:
Quote from: strobez on December 19, 2016, 08:09:33 AM
The underside shows more of the weathering... uhm... is it still called weathering if it's completely by accident? I think it is if you say it is! :rolleyes:
Of course it is! ;D
Just accept that if you ever try to do it deliberately it won't work.
Great looking camo! :wub: