Dart F.1

[anthonyp]

This is a 1/72 Fairey Delta something-or-other F.1.  I hate this kit.  It could have been such a nice little model, but it's from some Eastern European company.  The fit was poor, there was tons of flash, and the molding itself was warped (around the original engine exhaust mainly).  It's also a dinky little thing.

I bought this from Dean's Model Shop in Flushing, MI., back in May.  I thought it was a cool kit initially, then I tried to build it.  The canopy is missing side windows because THEY WEREN'T INCLUDED!!!  I could have made some using extra clear plastic or Testors window cement, but at the point I realized they weren't there, I just wanted this thing done (sorta like my EA-10H).

I added pylons for two air-to-air missiles.  Originally, I was going to add two Redtop missiles, but after I bought an Airfix Lightning, I realized the missiles were too big.  I dug through the air-to-air missile box I've got, and found some of the missiles that came from a Javelin that met a sorry end (I was in the middle of building the old Testors Javelin and converting if for carrier ops when I discovered what too much Tamiya putty does to plastic).  I think they're what Testors thought were Firestreaks, but I have no idea.  All's I know is they look better than the Redtops did on the pylons.

When you don't look at the details, this plane doesn't look too bad.  Then your eyes focus...

[anthonyp]

Forgot to add that I added an extra F/A-18 exhaust nozzle to cover up the kit's really screwed up engine exhaust.

[anthonyp]

last one

[John Howling Mouse]

Ah, the beauty of internet posted images: This looks just fine from my PC screen!

And, at least you're finishing stuff.

Meanwhile, I am stuck on call (tonight again) and can't even remember what I was last working on.  

A pat on your back, man.    

[gooberliberation]

Well, you finished it! Thats further than I wouldve ever gone. I wouldve written it off for parts. Congrats on finishing the unfinishable!

[lancer]

Considering the original mould is from the 60's Anthony, you've gone a damm fine job with it. Beautiful looking plane.

[elmayerle]

Gorgeous build considering that the original moulding dates back to an effort in the 50s by Frog.

[Archibald]

As former Formula one pilot Nigel Mansell always said to the press after each race or victory  "They did a fantastic job".
Yes, this is really a fantastic job... (Be carefull: others bad kits are from Mach2  : they are crap!!)
A little brother for my Delta V (Mirage III competitor)  

[Archibald]

A photo of mine...  

[Archibald]

Sorry made a mistake!  here's mine... (I like to compair the two)  

[MartG]

I think they're what Testors thought were Firestreaks, but I have no idea.  All's I know is they look better than the Redtops did on the pylons.

Possibly Sparrow I ?

[anthonyp]

No, way too small, and not nearly pointy enough.  It actually came from another, older manufacturer, and Testor's just reboxed the kit under their name.  In any case, bizarre, unknown missiles.

[Archibald]

Looking at your Dart F1, I thought missed to my Delta V : a touch of color... so I add green strips and it look much better. Concerning the missiles, it must possible to put Firestreaks on the wingtips. My Firestreak come from a Lightning, but if you look well, they are cut (no rear part with small fins and exhaust : they had a long and difficult life )
Here's the result... he looks much better like this. I made some photos with its rivals  

[Archibald]

I don't want to post so many answers, so grouped 4 photos in one