Transall Calais is finished!

[Dork the kit slayer]

I think thats really good,  terrific imagination.

You are like many here Very talented....sick and pssibly in need of medication....but without doubt talented.
More pics please and perhaps an insight into its build?

[lancer]

Bloody fantastic Ratty. She looks positively beautiful.

[TsrJoe]

that looks sooo right, especially as the French were major purponents of flying boats having projected designs for turboprop ones right into the late 60's, waw, a beautiful model...more piccies please...

cheers, joe  B)  

[The Rat]

She'd look good in USN, USCG & South African markings also.

You want me to go through that again?! You sadist! I've seen the Heller boxing of the same kit a couple of times, and it gives me a shudder.    

[retro_seventies]

quite magnificent ratty.

for this model being the nightmare that we endured with you, she has turned out soooooooooooo well!!!      

honestly, if i didn't know better i would think that she had fallen together and that you would recommend the kit and conversion to anyone!

really great stuff mate!!  :ar:  

[Captain Canada]

How about a picture of her flying formation with the Clunk on Derry Rd. ?

 

[nev]

Ratty, she was truly a labour of love for you, so the fact that the finished result is so good makes it even better!

Great stuff, and would throw 95% of people as well I reckon  B)  

[John Howling Mouse]

You know, it suddenly occurred to me just how well-masked your lines are, especially considering the scale.

What's your secret(s) to such perfect masking?

[Leigh]

Thank You for sticking with it that was worth the wait it looks Awesome

[The Rat]

You know, it suddenly occurred to me just how well-masked your lines are, especially considering the scale.

What's your secret(s) to such perfect masking?

Thanks Barry! Well, of course if you had a closer inspection you would notice the odd miscue, but I am actually rather proud of the lines too. The fuselage was masked with regular adhesive tape, not masking tape, because, er..., I just got lazy and grabbed it. It left some residue, but it came off easily with a quick swipe of rubbing alcohol.

Everything else was just a steady hand and a stiff short-bristled brush. After all the problems I had getting the grey paint looking good I didn't want to risk buggering it up with tape of any kind, so I did all the de-icing boots with a well braced hand while holding my breath for as long as I could. Ditto for the nose radome and the searchlight. The tiny de-icing boots on the propeller blades were done with a Sharpie permanent marker, which was also used for the portholes and flight deck windows.

[Hobbes]

That looks great, I'm looking forward to more photos.

How did you finish the balsa parts? I'm currently scratchbuilding some parts from balsa, and I'm trying to work out how to get a smooth finish (and one that I can wet-sand without soaking the wood)...

[The Rat]

How did you finish the balsa parts? I'm currently scratchbuilding some parts from balsa, and I'm trying to work out how to get a smooth finish (and one that I can wet-sand without soaking the wood)...

At first I thought that an acrylic paint would soak in and stiffen it up. Don't bother, I tried a few and the results were not workable. I stiffened and sealed the surface by brushing on a 50/50 solution of white glue and water, but I doubt that you would be able to wet-sand that because it might get sticky again. You could use dope, but make sure it doesn't touch any plastic.

[Ian the Kiwi Herder]

Just realised..... Haven't added my congrats. Hmmmm me bad !

Bl**dy great work, Ratty, looks just rightand a guaranteed major player in any upcoming 'Let's p*ss-off a JMN' competition.

I H-G