3 Sqn 1968

[Gondor]

Captain, it was going to be in slightly different colours, Painted Aluminium, Satin Dark Sea Grey and Satin Dark Green as per the 112(F)Sqn machine depicted in the kits instructions as 1967 but its now going to be a little different from that.

Gondor

[Gondor]

Checked the condition of the Gloss Light Aircraft Grey and it is in a condition to allow masking up to take place to delineate the edge between the upper and lower colours. I am considering a higher demarcation line that the one provided in the drawings simply to make life easier as I would not have to mask off the underside of the wing as much, however a fairly low line does look better. Next step though is the canopy, I need to make my mind up if I am going to fit it in one piece or two and then take appropriate action.

Gondor

[Gondor]

Decided to fit the canopy in one piece. Gator Grip and butt joints being the order of the day with more Gator Grip acting as a filler for the wind shield.

Gondor

[Captain Canada]

Sounds like progress ! The colour combo does sound good. I'll have to go google the instructions to see which demarcation lines you're talking about.

[Gondor]

Sounds like progress ! The colour combo does sound good. I'll have to go google the instructions to see which demarcation lines you're talking about.

I have the P.177K in the stash which may end up with the canopy in the open position.

Gondor

[Thorvic]

Are they both vacform canopies as the newer kits were switched to using a clear resin canopy ?

[Gondor]

Are they both vacform canopies as the newer kits were switched to using a clear resin canopy ?

Yes, both vacform but there are two in each and so far I have only used one so I will have three to use for the second kit.

Gondor

[Thorvic]

Are they both vacform canopies as the newer kits were switched to using a clear resin canopy ?

Yes, both vacform but there are two in each and so far I have only used one so I will have three to use for the second kit.

Gondor

Two seater ? 

[Gondor]

Are they both vacform canopies as the newer kits were switched to using a clear resin canopy ?

Yes, both vacform but there are two in each and so far I have only used one so I will have three to use for the second kit.

Gondor

Two seater ? 

No way...... and I have no idea or intent to attempt one, if you want to go ahead 

Gondor

[Gondor]

Some progress, most of the basic camouflage is painted, the dark green is still to be applied but at least it is progress and should be finished for Perth.




Gondor

[Gondor]

So a little time has passed since the pictures in my last posting were taken.

The camouflage is decidedly more RAF than RN as in the pictures now and the radome is a nice shade of black too. The exhaust and the area of the fuselage above and around both exhausts has been painted in a metallic colour as have the undercarriage bays and doors.

I still have the undercarriage and wheels to paint and to decal the aircraft and with a bit of luck I should be able to finish this in time for Perth and the Scottish Nationals.

Gondor

[Gondor]

Just when you think that your making progress something happens to put you back a bit.

I took the remaining parts out of their box earlier today so that I could start painting the undercarriage only to find that the armament was damaged. Admittedly I did know that one of the two Redtop missiles had a fin missing but that was in the box, only thing was that the second Redtop also had a fin missing and as they had both broken off at the root/body I decided that I would be far better off just replacing them. 
So a quick search of my modern, 1950's-1980's, British weapons storage gave me several choices which all looked horrible so after a rummage around I decided to go with a pair from a Trumpeter kit. Not necessarily the best but better than what was in stock and no need to do any repair work as on the latest offerings from Airfix in their Lightening F6 kit which has one of the fins slightly under shot in the injection moulding process. Regardless the Trumpeter offerings have been cleaned up and holed drilled in their rears for lengths of sprue to be attached with white glue as handles and then the bodies have been painted in Chrome Silver as have the parts of the undercarriage.
The cockpit canopy has been painted the same green as the fin but will need a bit of touching up in a day or two so I am thinking decal application tomorrow for the roundels and squadron markings.

Gondor

[Mossie]

You could do them as acquisition Red Tops for training, Lightning's often flew with them without the main fins fitted:
http://www.airliners.net/photo/UK---Air/English-Electric-Lightning/0228529/L/&sid=6544870c97008f1f054338fb044a47ee

[Gondor]

More painting and decaling done and as its so near to being finished I will hold back on any progress shots until its finished.

You could do them as acquisition Red Tops for training, Lightning's often flew with them without the main fins fitted:
http://www.airliners.net/photo/UK---Air/English-Electric-Lightning/0228529/L/&sid=6544870c97008f1f054338fb044a47ee

Yes Mossie I could, however I have decided to go with the option I listed earlier.

Gondor

[Gondor]

Final stretch! The wheels need matting down and then added to the aircraft, the roundels need to be finished off as they have separate red centres  and the aircraft identification letter needs to be added as well which will leave just the red tops to be added along with the undercarriage doors.
I will not be able to work on the model for most of Thursday and part of Friday so I hope to put the back-story together during Thursday evening.
Unless I get some serious issues the public unveiling will be at Perth on Saturday.

Gondor