Ryan FR-1 Fireball, VF-21 March 1945 *finished*

[Old Wombat]

A Stoof paint-b!#ch! How rude!

S-2's are far too pretty an aircraft for such an ignominious fate!

[sandiego89]

I suppose you spent the time from last september sandng away the thickness of the plastic sheet from the parts. It's the most annoying part of vacuform builds IMO  .

This man has spoken great truth!  Whew, dust everywhere. 

[sandiego89]

A Stoof paint-b!#ch! How rude!

S-2's are far too pretty an aircraft for such an ignominious fate!

Ha!  This Stoof was picked up at model swap meet in a ziplock bag, missing decals, cockpit glass and a few other bits, so it was never destined for greatness. But she lives to support others!

[sandiego89]

Need to cut out the landing gear panels.





Lower wing mated



upper wings mated.  Using Krazy glue- works very well. 

[kerick]

Wow that looks a lot like a Zero at this stage!
Vacuform is quite a job. Looking good!

[Wardukw]

Never built a Vacform kit and with luck..never will 
I'll leave that to you other blokes so I can sit back and enjoy other ppls builds 😉
Like this one 

[loupgarou]

I suppose you spent the time from last september sandng away the thickness of the plastic sheet from the parts. It's the most annoying part of vacuform builds IMO  .

This man has spoken great truth! Whew, dust everywhere. 

   I used to use a sheet of abrasive paper contact-glued to a glass plate, and worked under running water (just a drip, actually)

[Old Wombat]

A Stoof paint-b!#ch! How rude!

S-2's are far too pretty an aircraft for such an ignominious fate!

Ha!  This Stoof was picked up at model swap meet in a ziplock bag, missing decals, cockpit glass and a few other bits, so it was never destined for greatness. But she lives to support others!

As a former S-2E/G maintainer, it still doesn't sit right with me but I'll let it pass.  

[PR19_Kit]

  I used to use a sheet of abrasive paper contact-glued to a glass plate, and worked under running water (just a drip, actually)

Yes, my method is pretty much the same.

I have a LARGE oval mirror with 3-4 sheets of 400 grit wet & dry Evo-Stuck to the back of it, and then I squeeze a small damp sponge over it during a sanding session. Having a large flat area gives you a better chance of NOT sanding away a vital part of the model as you go on.

(Don't ask me how I know this..... )

[NARSES2]

  I used to use a sheet of abrasive paper contact-glued to a glass plate, and worked under running water (just a drip, actually)

Basically the way I used to do it. I still have a vacform Vickers Windsor in the stash. Can't see me ever getting around to it, but one never knows.

I've always liked the Fiireball. Built the Pegasus kit years ago.

[sandiego89]

I know there are much easier routes to a Fireball, but wanted the thought that comes with trying something new:

There is a funny saying based on the famous speech by US President Kennedy:

"We do these things not because they are easy, but because we thought the would be easy...."   

(Don't ask me how I know this..... )

was my biggest fear, think I left it too thick in a few places.

[sandiego89]

Wow that looks a lot like a Zero at this stage!

I had the same thought, very Zero like from some angles. 

[PR19_Kit]

Basically the way I used to do it. I still have a vacform Vickers Windsor in the stash. Can't see me ever getting around to it, but one never knows.

Funny that, I have one of those in The Loft too, loooooong narrow box for a loooooong narrow aeroplane.

[sandiego89]

Yikes, time to cut the canopy off to be replaced by the vacuform (thin) canopy. 



Rear armor plate scratched up. The Fireball had an interesting, large canopy. 



Scratched up seat, instrument panel, side consoles....  .10 and .30 sheet styrene.

[NARSES2]

Coming along nicely