The model maker's section.

[simon]

Well just that really, another attempt to get another thread started. :)

Having shamelessly hijacked another of RTFs threads with Ricky's help for several posts, I guessed it seemed appropriate to start a dedicated thread for this aspect.

Just really a place to share hints, tips, discuss or even attempt a kit review or show off your favourite project.

Over to you...

[Ricky]

Just to start the ball rolling...

In terms of aircraft modelling, I'm currently mid-way through *several* projects, and about to start a Blenheim MkIV which I will paint up to resemble the one my friend's grandad was a WOp/AG in.

I am going to use a standard 1:72 Airfix Blenheim kit - a bit 'chunky' but otherwise not too bad - with a host of 'details'. These will be: white metal engines & wheels, photo-etched parts, new 'glass' areas designed to be used with the Airfix kit (the Airfix glass is actually quite a bad fit - I have 2 previous Airfix Blenheim MkIVs on my ceiling, so I know of what I speak!).
I also have a host of photos (gleamed from books, the internet, airshows etc) for additional details. For example, the gun mounting provided in the kit for the rear turret is a huge thick 'O' shape with a gun stuck on either side, and no attempt at any accuracy or detail at all! This will need extensive work...

[simon]

I'm not as adventurous as Ricky, and tend to stick to what's in the box!

My current main mid-project kit is an Airfix 1/72nd Lancaster of which I've recently got the Fuselage, wings and tail assembled and put together, now there's the not inconsiderable task of painting the camouflage scheme (Mental note to self, should have bought a USAAF bomber, aluminium all over is much easier to paint!).

Once that's done I have to persuade my son to return the half-painted Fairey Swordfish which is dangling from his ceiling, then I have a Lightning, Spitfire MkIIA, a Hurricane, oh and a 1/300 scale batch of Battle of Britain aircraft which I'm attempting to do up complete with mounting poles for a wargame!

Overall actually it's thanks to my son that I dug out my paints and dusted off my brushes again after a 5 year gap. When he was first born he would stare for hours in fascination at a print I have on the wall of two RAF Mustangs over the D-day beaches (Nice and topical!), so I bought a 1/72nd Revell Mustang and painted in the same scheme as the planes on the picture for him, and slowly things have sort of built up from there.

I am seriously tempted by a 1/72nd B-36 Peacemaker that I've seen, but it'd be finding the space for the thing once I've got it built that'll be the problem!

[Ricky]

My friend made one of those - he couldn't fit it through his bedroom door! [:I]

[simon]

I had a similar thing happen years ago with a 1/72nd B-52 I made, in the end I donated it to the much younger boy next door much to the delight of his parents!

[Ricky]

quote: I'm not as adventurous as Ricky, and tend to stick to what's in the box!

Well, it's not really being adventurous -
My main love with modelling has always been the making of things out of bits & pieces. The actual painting has always seemed more of a chore (I have several models that only need painting to finish...).
My first 'conversion' was changing a Hellcat from the box kit to a picture I saw in a book. The change was entirely cosmetic (different paint job, big mouth with teeth on the front, different markings). This gave me a taste for more...
Incidently, the aircraft I converted to is now the standard Airfix Hellcat box kit!
I now try to do at least a bit of additional work if I can, and often re-jig a model completely.

Any 'spares' left over from made kits have gone into my 'parts boxes'

My current ambitious projects are:

1) A T-34, captured, modified & used by the Germans
( http://www.fun-online.sk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=703&start=40 )
2) A MiG 15, with detail (starting from the rather basic Airfix kit)
3) Converting a Tiger I tank into a Sturmtiger
4) Converting a Mirage III into a late-model Israeli Kfir.

Only 1) is completed (see link)
The others are at various stages of development. Mostly due to lack of time & space to work in.

[GregP]

I've flown radio control for over 30 years, and I must confess, scale airplanes don't fly very well. Dedicated RC planes fly GREAT.

You can scale down the plane, but you can't scale down the air.

Best semi-scale plane I ever flew was a semi-scale Spitfire. It was scale except for the airfoil, which was much thicker than scale.

[Ricky]

The onlyexperience of Flying Models I have is a Cessna-Type high-wing monoplane made of Polystyrene (a Birthday Present years ago!). Not R/C, so quite 'interesting' to fly.
So far it's had 1 broken propellor (thanks to a gust of wind and a low altitude) and has been stuck in a tree once. Luckily our neighbour was a tree surgeon, so retrieving it from 40ft up was no problem...

[andyo2000]

Ricky, I don't think I'm quite as adventurous as you. I could never do *several* projects at once. Two is too much for me. I just finished an Me-262, complete with Kettenraftrad (a small thing that tows the airplane to conserve fuel). Now, I have a present from my brother to complete. A 1:72 Airfix Do-217J-1. On my to do list is a 1:48 Tamiya P-51D and a 1:48 Tamiya Do335B-2 Pfeil.

Something I have to stress, is that you have to try Taimya paints. I tried Testors and a bunch of others, and Tamiya is by far the best one. Even after the paint is old, the consistency is still good, and it works very well. They also make spray lacquers, which I recommend if you're painting a big part.

As for radio control, my only try at that was a 20$ styrofoam kit I bought at Walmart. After a few flights, it crashed into the dog. It had a large, quickly-turning propellor. Needless to say, the pilot of that plane had his wings taken away and was grounded indefinitely.

[simon]

Bump for Ricky (Again :D), Trexx and Double T.

Welcome on board to the Trexx and Double T as well, especially good to have a few more modellers on board!

[Wuzak]

Just purchased a 1:48 FBVI/NFII Mosquito.

I just find the time (and space) to start on it!

I also have downloaded several plans of WW2 aircraft and plan on 3d modelling them on the computer. The first will be the XP-67.

[Che_Guevara]

hi all,
i wait for the Fw 200 C-4 (Trumpter) 1/48
coming soon 07/2005.
hehe, so great
I think there is no other Fw 200 model on the market?!
the Revell Condor isn´t in their inventory anymore :(

[Kutscha]

Check out these models, http://ggi.cool.ne.jp/solid/

This site is good for reviews, hints, etc., http://www.hyperscale.com/

[Ricky]

I'd forgotten this thread was here!:)

Ok, my converted T-34:
http://tanksww2f.chollie.co.uk/files/Modelling/T-34a.jpg
http://tanksww2f.chollie.co.uk/files/Modelling/T-34b.jpg

My Blenhiem (again):
http://tanksww2f.chollie.co.uk/files/Modelling/Blenhiem3.jpg

[DoBravery]

When I was a kid, maybe 7-8 yrs old, I had always wanted to buy a USN Devastator Torpedo bomber model by Monogram. It was sitting on the neighborhood hobby store shelf forever collecting dust. The box picture has the plane in silver and yellow with accompanying service crew. I guess my parents felt I'd make a mess before an airplane. Well 22 yrs later I bought it off Ebay. I seldom build models, and have never stuck to the boxes camo scheme, but I think this time I will. After, I'll put the empty box on MY shelf.

[Lightning]

Hi Greg P,

You're right about not being able to scale-down the air. Another reason scale models don't fly as well is that the original airplanes flew under the control of pilots who, in addition to knowing how to manipulate the controlls, actually had the "seat-of-the-pants feeling and the "from-the-cockpit" perspective of flying. Since you are both an airplane pilot and an RC pilot, you know the difference. (This is not to belittle RC pilots--In some ways, they have the more demanding skill.)

Regards,
Lightning

[Double T]

Seems I always have SOMETHING underway on the work-bench.
Latest project was an Accurate Miniatures 1/48 Grumman F3F-1. My first bi-plane in decades. I must say this particular kit is a true gem in terms of both detail and engineering. I would recommend it to anyone... as it builds into a stunning example of a fascinating subject.
The F3F-2 with larger Pratt&Whitney engine was on the airfield at Ewa on December 7, 1941. Later, stripped of guns and relegated to training duties, the 'Dash 2' could outmanuver and outclimb a P-51. (No notation as to whether this would be an Allison or Rolls-Royce engined Mustang.)
This kit makes my collection of Grumman 'Iron-Works' aircraft complete. The F3F-1 "Felix the Cat." The F4F Wildcat, the F6F Hellcat--(in Cat-Mouth markings), the F7F-2 Tigercat, and the F8F-2 Bearcat.
On other fronts...
I built and delivered--last fall--a Bradley M2A3 for a young vehicle commander who was wounded in Iraq. Based on conversations/photographs, I was able to replicate his specific track. K1-KILLER TROOP 3/3 Armor. This trooper took a bullet in the head during a firefight when he stuck his head-up for a 'sit-rep.'
He was decorated by President Bush and wife in Walter Reed hospital, has since recovered from his wound, (100% hearing-loss in one ear), passed his physical... and is now back in Iraq with his re-deployed unit.
(Where does the military find such young people?!!!!)
I built the Tamiya 1/35 scale M2A2 ODS kit, and mounted it down on a walnut-based, acrylic display-case. It was such a hit with him, he took it into his base and showed it off to all to his fellow troopers. I'm told if I can ever get my butt out to Ft Carson, CO, I have a complementary ride in both an M1A2 Abrams, and M2A3 Bradley coming.
My most pressing project will be an F-16C Falcon in Indiana Air National Guard "Racers" Squadron tail-code #500. A hunting friend serves in the Indiana ANG at Terre Haute, IN, and is ground-crew. I'm doing it for him and his base... if I can get my hands on the correct decal-sheet required for the RACERS squadron.
More going on, but that's it for now... and thanks for asking!
WHEW.

Tim

[Double T]

Che:
I'm busted. Perhaps now you understand my interest in the FW200-C Condor. The Trumpeter offering will be the first injection-molded kit in 1/48 scale that I recall. I only wish I had the room to display it...
As a kid, I built the 1/72 scale Revell offering. It was molded in sky-blue if memory serves.

Simon:
If you build a B-36 in 1/72 scale, make it a ceiling-hanger. It's the only practical method to display a beast of that size. I worked with a retired air-force-type who crewed on B-36's. He was present on their aircraft's last flight as they flew it to be scrapped...

Ricky:
The F6F-3 Hellcat with cat-mouth markings belonged to VF-27 flying off the USS Princeton. After being bombed thru the flight-deck by a 'Judy' the light-carrier was wracked by explosions... and later scuttled. When nine VF27 Hellcats diverted to other carriers, the commanders were not impressed, nor amused. The 'Cat-Mouths' were promptly painted over, per orders.

Tim

[Ricky]

Double T - thanks for the info on the Hellcat. I'll try and post a picture of my conversion...

btw - your projects sound amazing. If I had more time...

I did once build a mini-diorama for my Grandad. He had a photo showing a Spitfrire & starter trolley, which reminded him of his time at Drem (RAF airfield), so I modelled it.

[Ricky]

Being as you seemed to like my Hellcat, here are the full set of pics!
It was a 1:72 Airfix kit (note the typically horrendous Airfix cockpit canopy). The cat mouth was hand-painted, and the transfers were left-over from a 1:72 Catalina.

http://tanksww2f.chollie.co.uk/files/Modelling/Hellcat1.jpg

http://tanksww2f.chollie.co.uk/files/Modelling/Hellcat2.jpg

http://tanksww2f.chollie.co.uk/files/Modelling/Hellcat3.jpg

http://tanksww2f.chollie.co.uk/files/Modelling/Hellcat4.jpg

This was my first ever model that I did not build exactly as the box instructed, and it gave me a taste to experiment...

[Trexx]

Cool. Great stuff, guys.

[Double T]

Ricky:

After all the discussion of the Grumman XF5F-1 Skyrocket... I decided I needed one to add to my Grumman "Iron-Works" collection.
I decided to purchase the Minicraft 1/48 scale kit in the 'long-nose' version, and am building it as a hypothetical in-service pacific-theatre 'heavy-fighter.'
Of course it won't be 'historically accurate' but I can live with that. Just imagine if this aircraft had seen service. Would it have been as flexible in role-playing as the P-38 Lightning? We'll never know.
If that wasn't enough, the local Hobby-store had all plastic model kits at 50% off last week. I grabbed-up a 1/48 Tamiya F4F Wildcat to replace the aged, and inaccurate Mongram offering currently in my collection.

Tim

[Che_Guevara]

Hey all,

there is a preview of the greeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat Fw 200 C-4 Condor 1/48 (Trumpter)

http://www.cybermodeler.com/hobby/kits/tru/images/tru_fw200_parts2.jpg
http://www.cybermodeler.com/hobby/kits/tru/images/tru_fw200_parts3.jpg
http://www.cybermodeler.com/hobby/kits/tru/images/tru_fw200_parts5.jpg
http://www.cybermodeler.com/hobby/kits/tru/images/tru_fw200_parts8.jpg
http://www.cybermodeler.com/hobby/kits/tru/images/tru_fw200_parts9.jpg
http://www.cybermodeler.com/hobby/kits/tru/images/tru_fw200_parts7.jpg
http://www.cybermodeler.com/hobby/kits/tru/images/tru_fw200_parts6.jpg
http://www.cybermodeler.com/hobby/kits/tru/images/tru_fw200_length.jpg


http://cybermodeler.com/hobby/kits/tru/kit_tru_fw200.shtml

btw Ricky your Hellcat looks very great.

Regards,
Che

[Trexx]

quote:Originally posted by Che_Guevara

Hey all,

there is a preview of the greeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat Fw 200 C-4 Condor 1/48
Regards,
Che



Uhh-oh. Only two propellers. (?)

[Ricky]

... and 2 engines - I'm guessing that there are 2 of that 'sprue'

Hey Double T - you're lucky... my local model shops never seem to have sales:(

[Double T]

I had an idea...
A friend of mine has taken a few photos of my models--then sent them to me as attachments. I have them in my mail-files, but have no idea of how to post them-up for the forum here...
If one of you lads would like to see them, give me your e-mail address and I will send to you as forwarded mail. (Ricky? Che?)
Perhaps someone can figure-out how to post-up in forum here as well?

* 1/48 Accurate Miniatures Sturmovik-2-seater
* 1/72 Monogram B-52D in Vietnam 3-color camo-scheme
* 1/35 Tamiya (old kit) MkV Panther-D with panzergrenadiers
* 1/35 Italeri LVT-A1 Amtank
* 1/35 Tamiya M2A3 ODS Bradley--for the WIA Commander (Iraq 2003)

Sorry, it is the best I'm able to do for now.
Tim

[Trexx]

quote:Originally posted by Double T

I had an idea...
A friend of mine has taken a few photos of my models...

I've done that. Some have the props turning like they're taxiing and other hanging with the props spinning like they're flying.

I'll scan them in the near future.

Tim, to post photos and graphics you need to use a server to hold your images and then you link to them in your posts.
I use a free server service that also has paid subscription services for large storage needs. ie: http://villagephotos.com/

[Che_Guevara]

hey Double T,
thx for your offer,
can you send me the pics of the 1/35 Tamiya (old kit) MkV Panther-D with panzergrenadiers, please?

If you wanna have (special) pics, you can always ask me;)

edit
*ups, I forget the email add.^^... [email protected] ... *

Regards,
Che.

[Double T]

Che:
Your e-mail address will nto resolve.
Here's mine:
[email protected]

Send me a test message and I'll respond with photo.
(It may be Sunday as this is my last day at work for a couple days.)

Tim

[Che_Guevara]

Sry I forget the @

Greetz,
Che

[BL@CK J@CK]

BJ's COLLECTION part 1.


He-162. Scale 1/72
http://img300.echo.cx/img300/7809/dsc095585kg.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)


Puma. Scale 1/76
http://img300.echo.cx/img300/5481/dsc095077jy.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)


Various aircrafts. Scale 1/700 ;)
http://img300.echo.cx/img300/4426/xxxdsc096291bk.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)

Best regards
Black Jack

[Ricky]

Tim, if you want I can upload your photos onto the tanks forum ftp site, and you can then show your work off in both forums!
I'll PM you my e-mail in the tanks forum.

[Double T]

Ricky:
I recieved your message. I'm unable to access those files til I'm back at work on Sunday. (I'll be in touch.) And Thanks for the offer to help.
Che:
I have your test message as well. I should have something for you tomorrow.

Tim

[Che_Guevara]

http://www.swannysmodels.com/images/Condorpics/Complete1.jpg


uiiiiiii, watch this, just amazing. Fw 200 Condor 1/48

Greets,
Che.

[Ricky]

[:0]
Very very nice!
Is that yours?
[:0]

[Trexx]

Neat-O!

[Che_Guevara]

Unfortunately, that isn´t my Fw 200 :(

Cheers,
Che.

[Double T]

Che:
Nor is it mine... big smile.

If this is the new Trumpeter offering in 1/48 scale, it looks to be a beauty! Is the splinter camoflauge accurate? Hmmmm.
I expected more of a sea-blue, low-vis grey or something along those lines as opposed to the earth-tones present. Perhaps they were more concerned with hiding them on the ground, than in the air...
Nicely done in any case!

Tim