1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J, "26+10" of SVA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld, 2011

Dizzyfugu · February 11, 2022, 07:27:59 AM

Inspired by a recent discussion about the German Luftwaffe's "Norm '81" scheme in Pellson's blig thread (https://www.whatifmodellers.com/index.php?topic=43138.msg947636#msg947636), I used the thematic momentum to apply the complex paint scheme on one of my favorite "canvasses", a vintage ARII 1:100 kit of the transformable VF-1 fighter from the Macross TV anime series.
The model was basically built OOB with the landing gear down, I just gave it some extra antenna and sensor fairings and an individual ground attack ordnance under the wings instead of the original twelve AAMs.

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) - WiP by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) - WiP by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

The paint scheme existed in two different versions, the early version consisted of an angular/splinter pattern while the late version had more organic shapes, even though the same set of six(!) basic tones was used.

For the small model I decided to use authetic RAL tones as basis:

RAL 7009 Grüngrau: Revell 67 (acrylic)
RAL 7012 Basaltgrau: Revell 77 (acrylic)
RAL 7039 Quarzgrau: Xtracolor X259 (enamel)
RAL 7037 Staubgrau: Xtracolor X258 (enamel)
RAL 7030 Steingrau. Revell 75 (enamel)
RAL 7035 Lichtgrau: Humbrol 196 (enamel)

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) - WiP by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

This basically plan worked and leaft me with a very murky aircraft, it's a kind of all-propose camouflage that works well againts both sky and ground, at least in the typical German climate. RAL 7030, 7037 and 7039 appear like gradually darker shades of the basically same brownish grey hue, framed with darker contrast areas. Adapting the paint scheme to the VF-1 was not easy, though, but I tried to stay true to the original concept with a mid-high waterline.

However, the Xtracolor enamels turned out to be total sh!t: they lacked pigments in the glossy and translucent base and therefore ANY opacity, at least when you use a brush like me, esp. on any edge. A nd the Revell 75 just did what I hate about the company's enamels: drying up prematurely with a gooey consistency, leaving streaks.
I should have from the start tried to mix the Xtracolor tones from Revell acrylics, which turned during the wetahrring porcess out to be quite feasible (RAL 7037 from Revell 47 plus 89 in a ~1:1 ratio, and RAL 7039 from Revell 47, 77, 87 with a touch of

. Nevertheless, the paint finish turned out sub-optimal, but some shading and weathering saved most of the mess.

Work started with the dark tones, RAL 7009 on the wing tips and RAL 7012 as a wide band long the fuselage:

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) - WiP by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

RAL 7039 and 7037 followed, and you can see the Xtracolor enamels' poor opacity:

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) - WiP by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Underneath: RAL 7030 and the almost white RAL 7935 on the wing tips (and on the "lower legs"):

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) - WiP by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

A black in washing to emphasize the panel lines also revealed the poor paint finish of the Xtracolor enamels... $:-\$ I was about to trash the model, since stripping the paint off would be VERY complicated at this advanced assembly stage. Like some late F-4Fs with Norm '81, this Valkyrie received a grey radome.

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) - WiP by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) - WiP by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

With some post-panel shading and touch-ups, most of the enamel mess could be concealed. It's still ugly, but I can live with this, and hopefully a final coat after decals with matt acrylic varnish will hide the worst.

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) - WiP by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

In the meantime I have been working on the ordnance load of four (OOB) AAM-1 missiles, two different ECM pods and two quadruple air-to-ground missile launch racks, plus the ventral gun pod that will also contain an adapter for a display holder (for eventual flight scene pictures).

Pellson · February 11, 2022, 08:42:37 AM

I shall consider myself the proud godfather of this.

It's great and much inspiring to see your version of the Norm 81 scheme. I think I'll try to go somewhat lighter and maybe even more colourful, but let's see when I can gather momentum enough to get on with it. In the meantime, you'll be sure to find me watching this space.

Dizzyfugu · February 11, 2022, 10:35:11 AM

Progress is very good, decals have been applied as well as varnish - it is astonishing how the paints blend into each other. For a proper scale effect these should probably be lightened up, but the effect is very similar to the "real life" F-4Fs, on which you could hardly make out the different shades of grey. I am already curious about the effects in landscape scenes with the model.

PR19_Kit · February 11, 2022, 01:48:14 PM

You must have an endless supply of those VF-1 kits Thomas.

Dizzyfugu · February 12, 2022, 12:16:57 AM

Well, it's becoming smaller these days - not that those tiny kits were rare, but the last production run was around 15 years ago, and people have started to request irrational prices for them. I keep watching for more, but the international market is ruined at the moment, even more so because of sick postage rates, e.g. from the USA, which also bloat customs fees.

However, this one's closing in on completion; "pretty" is IMHO not the correct word to describe the result

:

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) - WiP by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) - WiP by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

After some consideration I gave the VF-1 full-color (yet small) "Kite" roundels, together with a German tactical code. German flags and a vintage JaboG 32 squadron badge decorate the fin - a plausible move, because there are British Valkyries in soruce books that carry the RAF fin flash. The compact quadruple missile packs come from a Zvezda/Revell Ka-58 helicopter, adapted to the VF-1's pylons. I guess they are supposed to represent Soviet/Russian 9M119 Svir laser-guided anti-tank missiles, or at least something similar. Quite appropriate when hunting other mecha, though.

Pellson · February 13, 2022, 05:39:59 AM

First - i can't believe how fast you are! I've barely begun looking for paint, not to mention for the kits - and you're done! Amazing and impressive! And with such a quality!

Having scoured the internet in any imaginable direction and dimension after in service-pics of Norm 81 Phantoms, your somewhat blurred and murky scheme seems to be bang on target. That said, the pharewell scheme on 38+33 is so pretty that I'll likely aim for something like that anyway. We'll see. But this has been a fascinating project, if short!

nighthunter · February 13, 2022, 07:11:01 AM

Nice job, Thomas, can't wait to see it completed. Have you considered painting up some VF-1's using the late 1980s test schemes for USN F-14's and USAF F-16's and A-10's? That would be cool! I'm tempted, once I get a bit more free time to do the VF-1's in FD scale and then paint them in all the Whiff schemes you've done.

Dizzyfugu · February 13, 2022, 11:03:11 PM

IIRC, the last One Week GB featured a VF-1 in the Heather Ferris scheme, and I have done a wide variety of VF-1s in real, authentic (based on official MACROSS souce material) and purely fictional schemes.
Some cammo schemes just do not lend themselves to the VF-1, of I found them personally quite boring - e.g. the JAWS trial schemes.

nighthunter · February 13, 2022, 11:05:51 PM

Makes sense

Dizzyfugu · February 13, 2022, 11:15:04 PM

BTW, no much progress here. The model has been mostly finished and is waiting for the photo session, but sickness kept me down this weekend. $:-\$

Dizzyfugu · February 14, 2022, 11:14:22 PM

Photo session done, now for some editing.

Dizzyfugu · February 16, 2022, 01:49:40 AM

Finally, it's done - and the photo session turned out quite a lot of pictures.

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Some background:
The VF-1 was developed by Stonewell/Bellcom/Shinnakasu for the U.N. Spacy by using alien Overtechnology obtained from the SDF-1 Macross alien spaceship. Its production was preceded by an aerodynamic proving version of its airframe, the VF-X. Unlike all later VF vehicles, the VF-X was strictly a jet aircraft, built to demonstrate that a jet fighter with the features necessary to convert to Battroid mode was aerodynamically feasible. After the VF-X's testing was finished, an advanced concept atmospheric-only prototype, the VF-0 Phoenix, was flight-tested from 2005 to 2007 and briefly served as an active-duty fighter from 2007 to the VF-1's rollout in late 2008, while the bugs were being worked out of the full-up VF-1 prototype (VF-X-1).

The space-capable VF-1's combat debut was on February 7, 2009, during the Battle of South Ataria Island - the first battle of Space War I - and remained the mainstay fighter of the U.N. Spacy for the entire conflict. Introduced in 2008, the VF-1 would be out of frontline service just five years later, though.

The VF-1 proved to be an extremely capable craft, successfully combating a variety of Zentraedi mecha even in most sorties which saw UN Spacy forces significantly outnumbered. The versatility of the Valkyrie design enabled the variable fighter to act as both large-scale infantry and as air/space superiority fighter. The signature skills of U.N. Spacy ace pilot Maximilian Jenius exemplified the effectiveness of the variable systems as he near-constantly transformed the Valkyrie in battle to seize advantages of each mode as combat conditions changed from moment to moment.

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

The basic VF-1 was deployed in four minor variants (designated A, D, J, and S) and its success was increased by continued development of various enhancements including the GBP-1S "Armored" Valkyrie, FAST Pack "Super" Valkyrie and the additional RÖ-X2 heavy cannon pack weapon system for the VF-1S for additional firepower.
The FAST Pack system was designed to enhance the VF-1 Valkyrie variable fighter, and the initial V1.0 came in the form of conformal pallets that could be attached to the fighter's leg flanks for additional fuel – primarily for Long Range Interdiction tasks in atmospheric environment. Later FAST Packs were designed for space operations.

After the end of Space War I, the VF-1 continued to be manufactured both in the Sol system and throughout the UNG space colonies. Although the VF-1 would be replaced in 2020 as the primary Variable Fighter of the U.N. Spacy by the more capable, but also much bigger, VF-4 Lightning III, a long service record and continued production after the war proved the lasting worth of the design.
The versatile aircraft also underwent constant upgrade programs. For instance, about a third of all VF-1 Valkyries were upgraded with Infrared Search and Track (IRST) systems from 2016 onwards, placed in a streamlined fairing on the upper side of the nose, just in front of the cockpit. This system allowed for long-range search and track modes, freeing the pilot from the need to give away his position with active radar emissions, and it could also be used for target illumination and guiding precision weapons.
Many Valkyries also received improved radar warning systems, with receivers, depending on the systems, mounted on the wing-tips, on the fins and/or on the LERXs. Improved ECR measures were also mounted on some machines, typically in conformal fairings on the flanks of the legs/engine pods.

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

After joining the global U.N. Spacy union, Germany adopted the VF-1 in late 2008, it replaced the Eurofighter Typhoon interceptors as well as Tornado IDS and ECR fighter bombers. An initial delivery of 120 aircraft was completed until 2011, partially delayed by the outbreak of Space War One in 2009. This initial batch included 85 VF-1A single seaters, fourteen VF-1J fighters for commanders and staff leaders, and twenty VF-1D two-seaters for conversion training over Germany (even though initial Valkyrie training took place at Ataria Island). These machines were erratically registered under the tactical codes 26+01 to 26+99. Additionally, there was a single VF-1S (27+00) as a personal mount for the General der Luftwaffe.

The German single-seaters were delivered as multi-role fighters that could operate as interceptors/air superiority fighters as well as attack aircraft. Beyond the standard equipment they also carried a passive IRST sensor in front of the cockpit that allowed target acquisition without emitting radar impulses, a LRMTS (Laser Rangefinder and Marked Target Sensor) under the nose, a Weapon Delivery and Navigation System (WDNS) and an extended suite of radar warning sensors and ECM jammers.
After Space War I, attritions were replaced with a second batch of VF-1 single seaters in 2015, called VF-1L (for "Luftwaffe"). These machines had updated avionics and, among modifications, a laser target designator in a small external pod under the cockpit. About forty VF-1 survivors from the first batch were upgraded to this standard, too, and the VF-1Ls were registered under the codes 27+01 – 90.

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

The VF-1 was without doubt the most recognizable variable fighter of Space War I and was seen as a vibrant symbol of the U.N. Spacy even into the first year of the New Era 0001 in 2013. At the end of 2015 the final rollout of the VF-1 was celebrated at a special ceremony, commemorating this most famous of variable fighters. The VF-1 Valkryie was built from 2006 to 2013 with a total production of 5,459 VF-1 variable fighters with several variants (VF-1A = 5,093, VF-1D = 85, VF-1J = 49, VF-1S = 30, VF-1G = 12, VE-1 = 122, VT-1 = 68)

However, the fighter remained active in many second line units and continued to show its worthiness years later, e. g. through Milia Jenius who would use her old VF-1 fighter in defense of the colonization fleet - 35 years after the type's service introduction!

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

General characteristics:
All-environment variable fighter and tactical combat Battroid,
used by U.N. Spacy, U.N. Navy, U.N. Space Air Force

Accommodation:
Pilot only in Marty & Beck Mk-7 zero/zero ejection seat

Dimensions:
Fighter Mode:
Length 14.23 meters
Wingspan 14.78 meters (at 20° minimum sweep)
Height 3.84 meters

Battroid Mode:
Height 12.68 meters
Width 7.3 meters
Length 4.0 meters

Empty weight: 13.25 metric tons;
Standard T-O mass: 18.5 metric tons;
MTOW: 37.0 metric tons

Power Plant:
2x Shinnakasu Heavy Industry/P&W/Roice FF-2001 thermonuclear reaction turbine engines, output 650 MW each, rated at 11,500 kg in standard or in overboost (225.63 kN x 2)
4x Shinnakasu Heavy Industry NBS-1 high-thrust vernier thrusters (1 x counter reverse vernier thruster nozzle mounted on the side of each leg nacelle/air intake, 1 x wing thruster roll control system on each wingtip);
18x P&W LHP04 low-thrust vernier thrusters beneath multipurpose hook/handles

Performance:
Battroid Mode: maximum walking speed 160 km/h
Fighter Mode: at 10,000 m Mach 2.71; at 30,000+ m Mach 3.87
g limit: in space +7
Thrust-to-weight ratio: empty 3.47; standard T-O 2.49; maximum T-O 1.24

Design Features:
3-mode variable transformation; variable geometry wing; vertical take-off and landing; control-configurable vehicle; single-axis thrust vectoring; three "magic hand" manipulators for maintenance use; retractable canopy shield for Battroid mode and atmospheric reentry; option of GBP-1S system, atmospheric-escape booster, or FAST Pack system

Transformation:
Standard time from Fighter to Battroid (automated): under 5 sec.
Min. time from Fighter to Battroid (manual): 0.9 sec.

Armament:
2x internal Mauler RÖV-20 anti-aircraft laser cannon, firing 6,000 pulses per minute
1x Howard GU-11 55 mm three-barrel Gatling gun pod with 200 RPG, fired at 1,200 rds/min
4x underwing hard points for a wide variety of ordnance, including
12x AMM-1 hybrid guided multipurpose missiles (3/point), or
12x MK-82 LDGB conventional bombs (3/point), or
6x RMS-1 large anti-ship reaction missiles (2/outboard point, 1/inboard point), or
4x UUM-7 micro-missile pods (1/point) each carrying 15 x Bifors HMM-01 micro-missiles,
or a combination of above load-outs

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie", aircraft "26+10" of the U.N. Spacy VFA(JaBoG)-32; Lechfeld (Germany), 2011 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

A spontaneous interim project, with interesting results. The adapted Norm '81 scheme works well on the VF-1, and it even is a contemporary design from the era when the original TV series was conceived and aired. With the authentic tones I'd call it quite ugly – even though I was amazed during the photo session how well the different shades of grey (four from above!) blend into each other and break up the aircraft's outlines. If there were no red-and-white roundels or the orange pilot in the cockpit (chosen intentionally for some color contrast), the camouflage would be very effective! Not perfect, but another special member in my growing VF-1 model fleet. ^^

Pellson · February 16, 2022, 02:14:20 AM

It is indeed amazing how efficient the camouflage is against the ground.

Dizzyfugu · February 16, 2022, 02:30:27 AM

Yup, it really works surprisingly well! Ugly, but effective!

Pellson · February 16, 2022, 04:07:21 AM

Quote from: Dizzyfugu on February 16, 2022, 02:30:27 AM
Yup, it really works surprisingly well! Ugly, but effective!

I honestly don't think it is that ugly..