Moments of Zen

[PR19_Kit]

Goodness, there's at least four XLs you have there, the only 16 I really like. 

[TheChronicOne]

The Struggle is real! 


Glorious collection! 

[DogfighterZen]

Yup, quite a bunch, isn't it?
Some will be real world builds but most are to be whif or parts donors for other projects. One of the 1/72 F-16E kits has already been started but i put on the pile for posterity...
The XL kits were a priority and are in my Holy grail section of the stash... but i love all my Vipers!

F-35 is almost done, just have to glue on the left main gear bay door, give it coat of XF-86 matte coat and remove masks.
I'll probably finish it tonight...

[NARSES2]

Must admit I'm not a great Viper fan, although it's quite elegant, but the XL is another matter 

[DogfighterZen]

Must admit I'm not a great Viper fan, although it's quite elegant, but the XL is another matter 

The XL is gorgeous indeed.

Well, the F-35 is finished! Can't be bothered to take pics today, will do it tomorrow. Next, finishing the Raptor and begin work on the F-16E's cockpit PE parts.

[TheChronicOne]

Cool!!  Just in time, too.  That's funny... I'm on eBay this very moment looking for one of them Lightning IIs.   

[DogfighterZen]

Cool!!  Just in time, too.  That's funny... I'm on eBay this very moment looking for one of them Lightning IIs.   

Go with the Academy kit, much better.

[DogfighterZen]

So, we're now in 2018... Happy new year, everyone! 

Having finished the F-35 just a few days ago, it's time to have the bench reorganized for the 2 projects that were put on hold and get back at it!
The Raptor is next, been waiting for too long so, it's time has come. Gotta finish rescribing the panel lines lost during PSR and just add a couple of details before painting. It will follow on the F-35's idea of a new version or refurbished older airframes. If you put the F-35's software and EOTS sensor on the Raptor... Then you'd really have the F/A-22, right? Well, that's my excuse, anyway...

Then, there's the F-16E... It's ready to go, all cockpit parts are painted so i can start on the PE bits for the interior...

Now, i've been thinking of pulling something else out of the stash... will have a look today, nothing better than beginning a new year with a new kit.

[DogfighterZen]

So, going through the stash, i found a couple of Revell kits which have left me divided... a Tornado ECR and the F-4F PhantomII...
I remember building(i.e:destroying) the Italeri F-4S back when i was a kid and i have fun memories of that kit but i've never built a Tornado... then, if i choose the Tonka, should i build the Revell ECR, or the Hasegawa F.3? After some thought, i realized that the Revell kit is cheaper and easier to find so, Revell it will be... but it is a SEAD variant so i'll be deviating from my interceptor/air superiority fighters but i do like the Tonka in any of it's variants so, can't go wrong with any of them... now, will it be real world or another whif? The Revell kit has a very cool German Tigermeet scheme and by coincidence, today on a Portuguese modelling group on facebook, a commemorative scheme GB has been suggested... it's been, at least, over 2 years since i've built a real world model...  anyway, i'll leave the decisions for tomorrow, wanna dedicate my full attention to the Raptor tonight, will try to rescribe some lines...

[TheChronicOne]

Tigermeet.       

Can't wait to get a load of these PE parts!  ^  I have some here and there in kits and a bunch I bought for my Tomcat. I've heard hints and tips online, one of which is to snag a jewelers pencil to pick them up with. I'm going to try it. Some of the PE parts I noticed in my set are things like levers!     Long story short, GOOD LUCK WITH THAT.   

[DogfighterZen]

PE parts can be frustrating, the first set i've used was on the Monogram Bearcat and i can't recommend those sets. Whoever took measurements for the parts got it way wrong, the finished tub would fit inside the fuselage without creating a big gap between both halves, the PE seat wouldn't even fit inside the tub itself...i ended up only using the IP and side panels and a couple of other bits on the exterior. Nothing like the Eduard cockpit sets, excellent stuff, i used the set for the Hasegawa Sufa and loved it.
I chose to use a Dream model set for the hasegawa F-16E mixed with some leftovers from the Sufa set, the DM sets aren't self adhesive and don't have as many details as the Eduard sets normally have.
I've got some picker pencils that i've won in a UMP goodie bag on a live show a few months ago, haven't used them yet so this is perfect to try them out.
So, re the Tornado, haven't made up my mind yet...

[NARSES2]

PE parts can be frustrating, the first set i've used was on the Monogram Bearcat and i can't recommend those sets. Whoever took measurements for the parts got it way wrong, the finished tub would fit inside the fuselage

I've had similar problems with resin cockpit tubs. Got a few when I got back into the hobby, most by very reputable companies, and none of them fitted without a serious amount of work  So I gave up with them. It was as though the designer hadn't allowed for the thickness of the resin  

Anyway virtually the only after market cockpit stuff I use now are Eduard seat belts, occasionally, and Yahu instrument panels which are thoroughly recommended 

[zenrat]

IMO most 1/72 PE is more hassle than its worth.  The exception being control panels (provided they fit) and seatbelts.  Seatbelts can look amazing - so much better than strips of tape but only if the clear parts are either open or clear enough to see through.

[NARSES2]

The exception being control panels (provided they fit) and seatbelts. 

If you haven't already look at the Yahu ones Fred. Superb and no assembly  All the ones I've used have been really good fits.

[zenrat]

I'll have a look Chris.  Are there the pre-painted ones?  Being bone idle they appeal to me.