Novinky

Bozzer
Yeah, I'll hitch a ride on this one.

Yngve N
I'm in too.

Qwertzel
I'll grab another seat in the front row! I can't miss a fire engine from the fire department. Maybe you can use a few parts of the Revell HLF 20, for example, I do it with my GW-L 2. In any case, I'm very curious what you make of it. Your other projects are always very worth seeing

Qwertzel
Just a quick question: I saw that you labeled the parts on picture 4 with "HLF" and "MLF". These are actually typical German terms for emergency vehicles. Do you call the vehicles in Belgium the same way or is there another reason?

Esoteric Surgeon Autor
Thank you guys for being onboard ! I'm hoping sharing my progress will help me stay accountable and actually finish this one ahah
@Qwertzel I've been seeing your models popping on my feed and seeing that you already have a nice fleet going is what's gotten me to take them back out of their boxes. So thanks for sharing 🙂
For the naming, it's just another case of the german people being more efficient. The naming system in Belgium is a mess ahah

Bozzer
I gotta admit, you can't go far wrong, following Qwerty and his fire engine builds. He's done some very interesting stuff. He made me buy a Simba though, so be wise and hide your wallet when he starts? 😛

Bozzer
Lorraine, I keep noticing you watching? When are you going to put those wing things down, and get some rubber under your feet? We're all waiting for your debut? 😉

Lorraine Lin
Bozzer, still a lot of wings in the queue. But I'm thinking about making a Optimus Prime Truck, the one with flame painting and shiny exhaust pipes😜

Bozzer
Lorraine, you might want to search options for the cab? There's some nice resin stuff out there, that's much better than the AMT cab. But I look forward to seeing whatever you come up with?
Here, every day is an opportunity, to make dreams come true. (Stainless steel drinking straws make excellent exhaust stacks, but I never told you 😉 )

Lorraine Lin
Bozzer, thank you 😊 and I didn't write it down😛

Rui S
WoW. I've to see this big scratch build. Looking great 👍 Disaster? The cat didn't like it? 🤔

Martin Oostrom
There must be a place for me in that double cab

Robert Podkoński
Cool! (the "full monty" Spitfire? 😉 )

Lorraine Lin Autor
Haha, bingo😜

Martin Weinpold
Wow

Robert Podkoński
You're so brave, Lorraine! I would never risk cutting such complicated pieces from a model... Keep it up!

Naram
taking a sit!

Rui S
Me too 😎

Lorraine Lin Autor
Thank you guys.
@ Robert, I cut off some of the skin of the fuselage, tail and fuel tank. and also cut off my retreat. So I need to figure out a way to complete it😜

Air no
Quand je vois ton travail j'ai l'impression d'être encore un petit garçon.

Davide Vitali
Are those parts made out of paper?

Lorraine Lin Autor
@Air no, welcome. There is saying "un homme reste un adolescent jusqu'à la mort." 😜(Hope it translated right)

Spanjaard
I am in

Lorraine Lin Autor
@Davide Vitali the new parts are made of 0.5mm ABS sheet. I used a laser cutter to make them. By different power output, a somewhat sculpted effect can be achieved.

Davide Vitali
Why all of a sudden do I feel the need for a new toy in the form of a laser cutter??

Lorraine Lin Autor
Worth a try. It can cut wooden boards, plastic sheets, or engrave on metal. It can also cut masking tape😛

Air no
C'est bien traduit, mais passé 16 ans, nous essayons tout de même d'évoluer un peu histoire de changer un peu ce monde qui marche à l'envers !

Robert Podkoński
Looks impressive already...

Fabrice TIMMERMAN
Amazing tail sub structure !!

Tianyi
It is definitely an interesting project! The result come out nice! A question about the laser cutter, how can you use it to cut masks? using laser or it comes with traditional metal cutters?

Denis Dogadov
It's a very interesting job, I'm watching.
The non-scale thickness of the fuselage skin is clearly visible

Christoph Kunz
WOW. Simply WOW. And a third Wow, because "aller guten Dinge sind drei"

Lorraine Lin Autor
Thank you mates!
@ Weizenbrot, My laser cutting has different cutting heads, a 10W blue light and a mechanical cutting knife. The blue laser can cut all dark-colored materials, but it doesn't work very well on the light-yellow masking tape. Therefore, I cut them with the mechanical cutting head. Or use a dark-colored (blue) masking tape. The precision of laser cutting is better than mechanical cutting knife.

BTW, red laser works on all materials, it can even cut the transparent materials. But it is more expensive.

[img1]

Hans-Jürgen Haag
Owsom 👍😍

Spanjaard
nice toy 🙂

Tianyi
Cool, thank you Lorraine!

Naram
to another level ! this frame structure creation is amazing (me I am still with recup of yogourt pot and my old blade.... 🙂 😉

Ben M
👁️👁️👁️

Guy Rump
Looking great, following. 👍

Rui S
Amazing 👍

Johne 69
Very exciting 🙀
I wish you very good luck for the rest of the built 👍

Augie
Amazing work, stunning 🙂

Lorraine Lin Autor
Mates, appreciate all for the kind words. The fitting of the kit is good, but some details are missing for the engine and engine firewall. I added some based on Tamiya's instructions manual.

Alec K
Another ambitious project, I am in! Thanks for the excellent laser cutter info, I was not aware one can cut plastic with it.

gorby
WOW, stunning!

Dave
Sorry i'm late for this one. This looks amazing so far. love the details

Mr D
Hi Lorraine 👋
The Engine looks 😃👍 Nice Engine the Merlin.... You done it well

Nathan Dempsey
Excellent detail work!

Dom SAVE
Thank you for your super interesting and very successful sharing, superb !

Lorraine Lin Autor
COMPLETED😁

bughunter
B - E - A - U - T - I - F - U - L !!! 👍

Christoph Kunz
One of a kind

Robert Podkoński
Looks awesome. Fantastic idea and execution. Great job, Lorraine!

Spanjaard
absolutely awesome

Dave
I agree with everyone above, you spit looks amazing.

Davide Vitali
Beautiful, and fast!

gorby
WOW, wonderful work!

Alec K
Outstanding work Lorraine 👏 👏👏

J35J
Excellent stuff!!!👍🏻👏🏼

Guy Rump
Great result, congrats! 👍

Augie
Superb work!

Air no
Tout neuf, pas encore sorti d'usine. Mais surtout magnifique !!

Lorraine Lin Autor
Thank you everyone🥰
[img1]

Nathan Dempsey
That's a beautiful finish.

Hobbzter
Stunning build👍

Ronald Clanton
Fantastic! I would love to understand how you created the metal look... so realistic.

Stephen Lucy Autor
Ronald, the paint used is various shades of AK Extreme metal.

Augie Autor
So we start with the bomb bay modifications.

First of all, remove the part between the two bays to make one, long bay.
Also, mark out where I think the cut out is at the back for X-1 tailplanes. Based on available pictures and reverse engineering from other scale items.

Once happy with the bomb bay mods, then comes the turret removals. Or more correctly, 3 turrets, two Astrodomes..

Oh then have to also modify one bulkhead and underside with a recess for the nose..

All from scratch.. can see the spares bin being abused something chronic

Augie Autor
Have some resin on order. Have had an strange idea on how to fill out the turret holes.
First option was doing superglue casting, which is as strange as it sounds but has worked for me in the past for rebuilding rotor blades.

The other is using resin and in place casting. if it works will save a lot of time de-turreting this monster.

Augie Autor
Soo, quick progress pics.. Turrets roughly filled over, will tidy up once fueslage is buttoned up.
Been marking out on the side where cutouts, sway braces, and where on the other I have to put the lift.

Mathieu
Damn damn damn ! taking notes !!! I have had this kind of build in mind for a long time, but always lacked proper references for modifications to the mothership.
Keeps it going.
Cheers.

Bruce Huxtable
Shouldn't you be adding strengthening to your bench first? This is going to be a very interesting build. Good luck with your experimental techniques 🙂

Augie Autor
Thanks guys, Mathieu, will at the end share what references i have found.

Bruce, thanks the bench can cope 😉

David Taylor
Cracking on with it Augie.

Augie Autor
Thanks David, trying to get through it.. fun project for me

Mike Kryza
I'm here again... 🙂

Augie Autor
Lol Mike, I knew you would be, usual seat as always my friend.

Mike Kryza
Thx, is it possible to get a pint of Guinness? 🙂🙂🙂

Augie Autor
Oh I am sure one can be found for you 🙂

Patryk S.
Following! Can't wait to see the end result!

Augie Autor
Welcome Patryk enjoy

Robert Podkoński
Following too. Seems ambitious...

Augie Autor
Only thing ambitious about it is the hope I can get the Mothership nose decals.
Other than that, its all just basic modelling... just bigger....and with a couple of magnets thrown in.

Of course, she'll need to sit on her nose wheel, which by my figuring means I need to stash about 500 - 750g of weight in the front of her.. if anything like B-25's i did of monogram's then I can stash some in the engine nacelles, then in the space the fwd belly turret would have sat.

Kerry COX
Having looked at what your ambitions are here, I am in awe of your courage and ingenuity and bravery to tackle such a project. ! :-0
The super glue casting sounds fascinating and you must do a special post on how it's done for all of us to see. 👍
Finally. Augie, are you possibly thinking of entering this build in a competition when complete. ? As it sounds like it would be a world beater, having never seen anything like or similar to this idea of yours ever.
I am now following this build with keen interest. 😉

Augie Autor
Heyy Kezza,

usual seat is free 🙂
I think for the superglue casting, I did kinda do an explination when I repaired UH-1 blades with it.
I've actually not thought of entering it into a competition, too scared too i think lol

Augie Autor
Well, bomb bay extension for the X-1 nose is cut..
Next the rear ones, Just need to confirm shape

Kerry COX
Is there much research info available for you on this beast. ?

Augie Autor
Hi Kezza,

Research for this is interesting. Firstly, with the pictures you need to be careful with dates.. as the B-29 first converted as XS-1 dropship, was soon modified to also drop the X-1A also, which was longer by some 5 feet.

So for the time I am doing the B-29 had black underside still which circa 1947 mean she would have seen both XS-1 062 and 063 with original mods..

So its a fun game of going through what high res pictures I can to then try and find reference points to work out mods etc... fortunately the X-1's are the easy part. 🙂

Kerry COX
No doubt. It will be as accurate as you can make it.
Research can drive you nuts. 😉

Augie Autor
It can, but all part of the fun... I think lol
Not going nuts on the cockpit of the 29, aint going to be able to see much sadly

Kerry COX
We will know what in there Augie. As we all do it. ! 🙂

David Taylor
Are you putting bodies in Augie always gives a sense of size not that a 48 B29 is little.

Augie Autor
LOl Kezza, your not helping its already making me twitch! 😛

David, I was going to do a couple beside it for scale.. not that it needs it really, B-29's are not small lol

Augie Autor
hopefully will come out welll. the first Xs-1 is coming nicely

Kerry COX
If you want a ton of 1/48 figures. You can have mine. All rescued from my now dismantled B-17G diorama. All you have to do is soak them in paint remover and zippo, a complete ground crew. Just say the word and they are yours. 🙂 👍

Augie Autor
Thanks Kezza, its much appreciated, I have a load of them from the B-17 and others 🙂

Kerry COX
No worries Augie. 😉

Augie Autor
So the weights I ordered came.. 3KG of tyre weights.

The next two pictures are how much weight is needed to keep her on her wheels.. 300g.

James C
Nice work Augie, and hopefully the nose gear can support that extra weight. 👍 You got a link for the weights that you used?

Augie Autor
Hi James,

I think it can.. guess we'll see lol.

This is the link as requested

amazon.co.uk/gp/prod..00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

James C
Awesome, thanks 🙂👍

David Taylor
Will you be using metal legs.

Augie Autor
Hi David,

No, used them on my B-25, the same B-25 every 6 weeks I have to straighten the undercarriage because of her weight and that I used metal legs..

Augie Autor
Test fit after cutting out the rear recesses for the fin. That's held just on the magnet too.

Robert Podkoński
Absolutely fantastic idea and execution.

Kerry COX
Augie. This is going to look spectacular. ! Now I see the X-1 in position, the imagination takes over. 🙂 🙂

Augie Autor
Thanks Robert, Kerry 🙂

Glad you guys like, lot of work to go but starting to give me hope.

Roberto Rocat
Great work so far!

Augie Autor
Thanks Roberto,

Roland, There was orange one.. and a white one 🙂 The orange one is still in the box but thats to be built too.

Robin (WhiteGlint)
"Here we can see the mothership carrying her young."
Nice work, Augie. 👍

David Taylor
Sorry got to say it.Hope the wheel weights balance things up.LOL

Augie Autor
🙂 Thanks guys

David, 300grammes at the nose and she sits right.

Augie Autor
So, taped together, hung from ceiling.. think I am mad right? well maybe, but it also lets me view it from angles that match reference photo's to make sure things are in right place 🙂

James C
Looks like your surgery has paid off. Going to look spectacular 👍

Augie Autor
Thanks James, I think your right, I think the cuts are just right.. so just need to fettle the nose recess and get the B-29 cockpit done so I can get it togther..

Robert Podkoński
I agree with James - absolutely spectacular, even at this stage of assembly. Fantastic!

Maciej Bellos
Joining in late to the party. Why put so much weight, when you can hang it gloriously from the ceiling. And speaking of the ceiling, quite a nice collection of Phantoms you have there Augie.

Mathieu
Now that's a nice double ugly stash ! Hope you tested the magnets before hanging them so high.. keep it up. Cheers

David Taylor
Gonna be one of your best.

Augie Autor
Thanks Robert and David 🙂

Maciej, the weight is so she's not an arse sitter when she's done.. the hanging is just so I can see angles better.

Matthieu, thank you yes Its a lovely rhino stash and I will be adding to it..
The magnet had been tested, its good for about 200g weight and the XS-1 is about 120 so I should be fine.

Maciej Bellos
Yeah, my (not so clear) point was that hanging from the ceiling would be grand, rather than having her on her wheels. Should have used a smiley or something.

300 g is a lot, hope the gear holds up.

Augie Autor
Ohh 🙂 Yeah well I did think it but I want to have it beside the other XS-1

Gear seems to stand up to it so far, better than the metal ones I used in past.

Erik Leijdens
Impressive combination!! Watching

Augie Autor
Two images showing the mount I have made on the wing spar to attach the XS-1

Kerry COX
I love it when I see peoples creative juices start to flow. ! Look out folks. ! Augie is in one of here moods. !!! hehehehe 🙂 🙂 👍

Augie Autor
Lol thanks Kezza 🙂 It does the job and does not look too out of place once painted up and the XS-1 installed. I'm re-watching The right stuff on how they depicted some of the internals of the B-29..

Kerry COX
"The right stuff." !! Awsome stuff on how these guys were 'chosen' to be the first astronauts. !
Because they, 'knew systems' as they said. Chuck Yeager especially. 👍
Seat of their pants flying with all feed back 'through the stick'. 🙂
I once read about how hot it got in the cockpit of the X-1, 2, and3. That things were too hot to touch coming to the end of each flight. Jeez. ! Courage by the truck loads. 🙂

Augie Autor
Yeah its quite amazing 🙂 then they largely got forgotten about for a few years as they were not astronauts

Kerry COX
Just like those American negro women who worked out mathematically how to put the first men into space. ! Youtube Video

David Taylor
Seen the film.Exellent.

David Taylor
Will you be doing the loading pit as a dio.

Augie Autor
Hi David, No.. planning to to one loaded, (with a dolly if needed) one with wheels.

Augie Autor
So, photo's to follow, fueslague is together, wings on. tried her on her legs.. fell on her arse..
Another 70g of weight needed between nacells and in gaps..

so we're at about 400g weight needed in the front to not arse sit.

Kerry COX
And the new wing is being added to the house.........................when. ? :-/
Crikey Augie !!!. I bet that when the Leprechauns see this in its finished state, they will want to fly it. !
There must be a smile a mile wide on your face as you progress with your adventure. 👍 🙂
You have got us all eating pop corn and drinking heaps of our favorite beverage. 😉
I love what you have done. I tipps me lid. 👍 🙂

Augie Autor
Lol kezza, no new wing, just more shelves at some point.

Its coming along alright, decided I am going to try something new so going to be trying to foil this one
a few more filling and patching sessions to go to get the holes vanished and a few seams that popped after gluing the wings on....

She's not light lol

Kerry COX
The weight factor is something I wondered about. Especially all the mention of metal landing gear.
The BMF sounds a good idea. Maybe 2 or 3 sheets. ?
Now you have to worry about the roof joists holding that thing above your head. !
After all this work and planning. Are you thinking of competing with it. ?
🙂 👍

Augie Autor
Yeah weight factor I learned the hard way with my Russian B-25.. bloody thing ended up weighing over a kilo with weights and it bends the metal undercarriage I used.. I end up straightening it once a month lol. The plastic gear in this thing is immense and I think its actually stronger.

The BMF, not sure, waiting on the adhesive to arrive, then going to use baking foil and some burnishing techniques to get differentiation of tone.

As for competing with it, No idea. Probably not tho.

Kerry COX
BMF I use is ordinary kitchen foil and spray a quick dry adhesive, not too thick or it looks lumpy.

Augie Autor
Soo, two more pics, as you can see started on the glazing.. However there is a slight gap issue to over come.
Will be fun!

David Taylor
Slivers of plasticard maybe.

Augie Autor
Well I think I have found a solution, need to dry fit a few things.. will update

Kerry COX
Ill just pop out for more snack food and booze. BRB. 👍 😉(

Augie Autor
Sooo.. seems with some jiggling its getting there.

Sergej I
Checking in, got a pilot figure of Chuck aswel?

Augie Autor
Quick update with pics. So canopy is together, needed to ensure a good fit.
Slight mod to the Cockpit area, these thin fillets, will once the canopy is fitted, let me fill where needed without it filling back into the cockpit area and leaving white areas.

Then, my first ever foiled part. A test piece on one of the un-used bay doors.

Spanjaard
You never use metal foil before and you choose this huge baby to try? Wow, respect!

Augie Autor
Lol Spanjaard, before I was able to use my wax gilt method to do metal finishes, but this birds too big for it. So thought I'd give the foil a try 😄

Robert Podkoński
You are simply awesome - keep my fingers crossed for your success in foiling 😉

Kerry COX
Deep admiration Augie. 👍
The progress you are making is commendable, and especially with the BMF on the bomb bay door. !🙂
If the BMF is too much of a task. I would like to suggest the tubes of true metal colours from 'Interactive', as these spread a long way from a small amount and it's 'buffable' too once it is dry, and really gets a wonderful smooth finish that looks quite real.
One thing for sure.
You have the worlds attention. 😉 👍
PS. Your work bench top when your finished with it should be framed and mounted on your hobby room wall as testament to all the mods you have done over the years. Some deep scoring is found there. 😉 😉 😉

Augie Autor
Thanks Kezza,

The BMF, I think is going to be easier that the true colours metal.. I tried them and can never get a good finish 🙁

The desk, is well scored, not bad for only 5yrs old.. gotta love cheap kitchen top lol

Augie Autor
Hi Roland, yep, thats weights that will sit behind the engines, 425g in total has been needed to get her to sit on her nose.

Augie Autor
And so foiling begins, and I spill the bottle 🙁 so ordered new bottle. got some so can continue.

Kerry COX
I was going too compliment you on how nice your legs look, but then, on closer inspection, I realized it's a tea towel or something similar. !!! Cheated I feel. !
But the BMF is coming along nicely, and it hide no detail. In fact, it shows more than you want to see at times. 🙂 👍

Augie Autor
Thanks Kezza 🙂

thats going to be the only problem with it.. how it does over the turret filling

Kerry COX
Augie. I do believe that if you only cover the frame of the turrets, there will not be a problem. thin strips cut to rough size and burnished into the frame edges will have them looking quite cool.

Augie Autor
Yeah... about that.. was slightly more involved than that lol.

Augie Autor
Foiling... slow and steady

Bruce Huxtable
Looking crisp and neat... Sun glasses required yet? 😉

Augie Autor
Not yet, but she's a handful. Once wings are done, will start on the fuselage.

Kerry COX
How many sheets do you think you will need Augie. Not counting the 'waste'. ? hehehehehe 👍 🙂

Augie Autor
Kezza, suspect I will use the whole 10m roll I bought.. but hey, its kitchen foil so less than £2 spent..

Kerry COX
Smart move Augie. 🙂 🙂 🙂 Here I was thinking it was the BMF product you were using. !

Augie Autor
Well we'll see if its smart if it looks ok once done lol 🙂

Treehugger
I wonder if there is a way to polish the metal sheets without damaging them.

I vaguely remember reading in a book some 30 years ago, about putting alu foil in hot water with egg shells to change the texture of the metal, making it matte iirc. Never tried this out myself. Hm, now that I think about it, probably a bad idea with self adhesive foil.

Spanjaard
i would have never thought that kitchen aluminium foil would look this good 🙂

Augie Autor
@ Treehugger:- Yeah I heard about some of the techniques like egg shells too, but as its the first attempt wanted to keep it simple and rely on some painting techniques after to weather / tone it.
It polishes ok with Brasso and maybe with a wash of future over it.

@Spanjaard:- Thanks 🙂 Its a surprise to be me too to be fair, If it was the BMF stuff would of cost me about £40, so fair its been £4 for the glue and £1.50 for the foil lol.

Spanjaard
and you have plenty of glue (and foil) for a few models 😉
there is quite a few modelling products that can be replaced with household variations 😉

Augie Autor
One wings now completed, now to finish the other and get the glazing faired in, once done its fueslage foiling..

Kerry COX
I am super impressed with your results Augie. "I tipps me lid. 😉 Well done !!!

Augie Autor
🙂 Thanks Kezza 🙂 Glad its looking as good as I thought it did

James C
That is looking incredible Augie! 👍

Augie Autor
Thanks James 😄

Robin (WhiteGlint)
This looks good. Is this really just kitchen aluminium foil? How do you keep it so smooth?
Or is it rather easy to roll any wrinkles out of the foil?

Erik Leijdens
Looks rather good with foil Augie 👍

Augie Autor
Thanks guys 🙂

WhiteGlint, it really is just kitchen foil, i use paper burnishing sticks to smooth it onto the plastic and remove any blemishes that come up

Thomas Bischoff
Brilliant idea 👍

Augie Autor
Thanks guys s 🙂 i'm really pleased how it looks

Nathan Dempsey
Brilliant is the word for sure ?

Augie Autor
Hehe thanks Nathan 😄

Robin (WhiteGlint)
Thanks Augie. Looking forward to see this metal bird in its full glory. 👍

Rui S
Looking great👍 can you show the glue you are using with the foil?

Augie Autor
Hi Rui, the glue is Micro Metal Foil Adhesive

I'm using it not exactly to instructions but it works well.

Rui S
THX 👍

Spanjaard
I gor one, and smells just PVA white glue.... do you agree?

Augie Autor
Mhhm not sure, smells a little "sweeter" micro krystal clear is straight PVA from what I can tell.. the foil stuff is a little different

Kerry COX
There is 'suspended' raw latex in the Microscale Foil adhesive. That is the 'glue'.

Augie Autor
Ahhh that'll be it.. Its an ok glue, but it bleeds from under panels very easily..

Spanjaard
Thanks

Augie Autor
quick update with where we're at. Donks are almost complete, wings are done.. ready to start on the fueslage now glazing it fixed

Brandon H
Genuinely shocked that it's just kitchen foil... Looks incredible!! Keep up the good work

Augie Autor
Thanks Brandon, Its not just kitchen foil, its cheap kitchen foil 😄

Bruce Huxtable
Looking truly splendid - inspirational work ? ?

Augie Autor
Thanks Bruce 🙂

John
Your Superfortress is coming along very nicely. I have seen this approach for reproducing NMF using foils with mixed results in the past, it sure is a challenging process. You seem to have it mastered. Have you experimented to see how well paint and finishing materials will stick to the foil?

Augie Autor
Hi John, I've experimented on one of the unused bomb bay doors with foil to see how the rest will work.
Decals will be fine with my usual softner and fixer, weathering wise, oils are on the cards and behave well enough (the metal finish is actually better than the plastic in this respect.) Paints are the same so it shouldnt be too much of a pain

Skyhiker
What are you using to apply the glue for the foil? How thin do you have to put it on?

Skyhiker
I've tried this with normal PVA glue and failed miserably.

John
Very cool Augie - looking forward to watching your progress through the build.

Augie Autor
Thanks John 🙂

Skywalker, I am using Microscales Micro metal foil adhesive for this. I brush it on, wait about 2-3 mins then begin to place the foil. I use paper burnishing sticks to get it to sit and to flatten out onto the panel.

Kerry COX
🙂 🙂 🙂 I think your amazing. 👍 👍
It must be the dark ale, or...................uisge na beatha. 😉 Cheers. 👍

Robert Podkoński
Yes, absolutely amazing!

Augie Autor
😄 thanks guys

Augie Autor
Canberra is thinking I am crazy and slightly sore with me after taking a wing tip from the B-29 across the face earlier lol

Augie Autor
And foiling continues, only 3 panels but that took 2 hours.
Theres also a strip on the nail (not in view)

John
Hey Augie - how are you getting different shades with the metal? Are you running it in different directions, or are you polishing it?

Augie Autor
Hi John,
Running it in different directions is exactly how I am shading it. Even after its been polished up further, it still has a good shade effect.

Some are also done with the matt side of the foil up instead of down.

Augie Autor
A little more of a naked pic of her, more panels on and quickly buffed to make sure the finish is working

Maciej Bellos
I was worried about the puttied surface near the tail and it shows. Are you going to leave it as is Augs?

Augie Autor
Hi Maciej,

No, those are going to come off and be fixed just needed to get it so I could see it 🙂

Hanno Kleinecke
An awful lot of work for sure, but worth every second. Very realistic result !

Maciej Bellos
Great!

Augie Autor
Thanks guys 🙂

Augie Autor
Bit of a temp spike here in the UK, so having to put modelling on hold until the temps cool.

John
Same for me. I airbrush in my garage due to the fumes and it is 85F / 29C in there this past week. After a spray session, I look like I have been swimming.

Augie Autor
Yeah, I brush paint.. plus it really does not react well with the foil glue

Kerry COX
Looking as good as we all thought it would Augie. 👍
Question. What are you dissolving the excess glue with. ?
I have been reading on other modelling sites and blogs that water is the way to go. Given that any chemical solvent can seep / bleed under the foil and spoil the adhesion. (Just a thought). 😉
Wonderful results are happening for you girl. Well done. 👍 👍 👍

Augie Autor
Thanks Kezza

for excess, water and when needed some lighter fluid.. seems to work so far 😄

Kerry COX
All good then. 😉

Thomas T
Hi Augie. Great Subject, great build, she comes along very nicely. I wouldn't be that courageous to put foil on a monster like this, kudos!

Clifford Keesler
My God Augie that is beautiful, how have I missed this so far?

Augie Autor
Thanks Thomas 🙂

Thanks Clifford, you had other things to worry about, glad you like her

Clifford Keesler
I have been "kicking" around the idea of using foil on my B-36, your results are surely inspiring. My only worry would be, would the white paint stick to the foil on the belly? I would not try to use acrylic's, it would have to be enamel or laquer.

Augie Autor
Paint seems to stick fine 🙂 I've tested some on this one

Andrew dyson
@Augie this keeps popping into my feed and I think it is brilliant.

Augie Autor
🙂 Thanks Andrew

Augie Autor
And so, sorting the top begins, some foiling had to come off.. and then as I was sorting it, I decided to sort the glazing fit. fingers crossed.

Bruce Huxtable
There is perfect, and there is Perfection.

Augie Autor
Yea, true.. then there is insanity lol

Maciej Bellos
I know that you know what you 're doing 😉

Bruce Huxtable
Ommmmm...... Every micron makes all the difference for sure 🙂

Augie Autor
Yeah tho still questioning my sanity

Augie Autor
So some seepage under the canopy of filler.. bugger.. but other than that, its nicely fitted in now.

Clifford Keesler
Looks good. You know you are a master modeler.

Augie Autor
Thanks Clifford, I'm just crazy to try things 🙂 would not say master at it.

Treehugger
If you wanted to, you could use strips off a silver decal sheet to paint the outside of the canopy, but I would think the strips would have to be cut as bent shapes to match the curvature of the forward canopy. I have a few colored decal sheets (whole sheets), but haven't tries this myself. Presumably silver decals are not transparent.

Augie Autor
Good idea Treehugger, I also have some thin aluminium tape, that I was thinking of trying to do similar with.

Treehugger
I would also check to see if the metal frame around the canopy on the nose, have straight corners, or if there is some oval shape in each corner where the metal bands cross each other. If there is oval shapes, then maybe easier to just use masking tape as usual I am thinking, because then one can easily include the oval corners when painting, something that isn't practical if putting on tape or strips of decal sheets on the canopy framework.

Augie Autor
They look to be rounded, but at 1:48 the radius is going to be too small.. same with if its raised or not as on real 29's they look flush

David Taylor
Humbrol do some good metalcote.They burnish up brilliantly.

Augie Autor
Indeed, I use them as well as other things for metalics 🙂

Kerry COX
Augie. Have you ever used the buffing metalizer paints from Testors. ?
It is meant for air brush application, but can be brushed on in thin applications and buffed to a high shine.
Just wondering mate. 😉

Augie Autor
Not testors ones, but I have humbrol. For the nose area I am trying the wax method, with a slight difference. Once its dried, polishing it with a bit of foil.. works fairly well oddly 🤔

Clifford Keesler
Sounds interesting.

Augie Autor
Its bizzare but its working. I'll have to get some more pics up, she's progressing, only the backend to do

Clifford Keesler
You go Lass, It is just amazing what you are doing with this kit.

Augie Autor
Hehe thanks Clifford 🙂 I got lucky, some ideas paid off

Augie Autor
So I've been slow with updates, so here's a pic of her current status.

The front 2 inches is actually not foiled, as I could not get it to conform to the curves, so its my usual wax method polished to a shine with foil, then just normal paper.

Kerry COX
Exceptional results Augie. 👍 And the use of paper and the wax paint and polishing of that material sounds like that bees knees. 😉
Very creative indeed.
When did you discover the paper/wax polish effect. ? That is something I would have never given a thought. Just brilliant. 🙂🙂 🙂

Glenn
This is great work Augie. Still? questioning your sanity? Don't worry we all lost that during this Zombie Apocalypse!!!!! If you weren't before you might well be Bat s#it crazy by now! 🙂

Glenn
I was wondering if your using powerful small neodymium magnets to hold the X-1 in place like i plan to do with the 1/72 scale build i want to do after the Apocalypse...

Clifford Keesler
Just stunning Augie. I love what you have done.

bughunter
Wow, very careful work panel by panel! 👍
For work that lasts indefinitely, you need music that plays indefinitely. 😉

Bruce Huxtable
Flawless.... ??

Augie Autor
@Kerry:- The paper and wax guilt, was a first as I usually don't polish it up usually but needed to get it to match the foil in this case

@Glenn:- Sanity still questioned, the magnets I am using are Neodynium ones.

@ Clifford, Bughunter, Bruce Thanks guys 🙂

Augie Autor
So some seams are still showing.. they have been sanded to within a inch of their lives, filled, puttyed and they wont F*$k off.
so its no perfect, but I really love how it looks.

More importantly, its slowly getting more and more silver..

Augie Autor
Hehe thanks Roland, she is a little shiny

Clifford Keesler
That my friend is an under statement. Lol.

Augie Autor
more foiling.. think I have about 3 more evenings of foiling then should be done.

Bruce Huxtable
Really neat work ??

Augie Autor
Thanks guys 🙂

Alberto
The work with the foil is really worth it. What a difference it makes! It looks brilliant

Augie Autor
Thanks Guys 🙂

JEAN-LUC LELODEY
Superb work, the rendering of aluminum leaf is simply fantastic. I did not know this technique.

bughunter
I should have stolen your idea on my Kondor, possibly with the matt side facing outwards. I wanted to use thicker foil, but that didn't work because of the shape of the fuselage. It didn't turn out so great with paint.

Augie Autor
Thanks Guys

@Bughunter:- foil works over paint 😉 never say never

Clifford Keesler
I am going to try it on one of my T-33's, that are in NMF.

bughunter
I know, but I mounted already to many parts around, so this time it is really to late.

Augie Autor
@Clifford Go for it. you'll be suprised
@Bughunter Fair enough I can understand.

Roland Sachsenhofer
Wow Augie, that is brilliant!

Augie Autor
thanks Argento, its foil.

Roland, coming from a modeller like you thats quite an honour 🙂

Roland Sachsenhofer
There, I say thank you, also for these inspiring pictures. You applied this difficult technique with such a convincing result, so really full respect!

Augie Autor
Quick update, as you can see foiling is nearly complete, I got some black on the underside as you can see, its quite imposing size wise lol

Nathan Dempsey
Loving those wavy lines ?

John
Those top turrets are gone without a trace - great work.

Robert Podkoński
Stunning!

Kerry COX
The whole world modeling fraternity is watching this amazing adventure Augie. 🙂 And no wonder. ! This slice of history has never been attempted by anyone. Be sure to send some images to Revell/Monogram, as they will no doubt love to see what you have achieved. 👍 👍 👍

Bruce Huxtable
Superb ?

Erik Leijdens
Excellent Augie. Looks like real metal, oh wait.. it is! 😄

Augie Autor
@Nathan: Thanks, they are a pain freehand lol
@John: Thank you! its amazing how much filler was needed
@Robert: Thanks
@Kezza: Lol thanks m'amigo, I cannae be the first silly enough to try this but you manage to make me blush lol
@Bruce: Thanks m8
@Erik: Thanks 🙂 I still look at it slightly amazed its really metal covered now

Villiers de Vos
That metal finish turned out very, very good.

Munkyslut
How have I missed this????
Just incredible levels of detail……… I'm not worthy!

Augie Autor
@Villiers 🙂 thanks, its easy when its metal
@Munky 😄 thanks

Kerry COX
Have you been wearing gloves of any kind to keep the finish clean. ?

David Taylor
Nice one Augie.

Augie Autor
Thanks David 🙂

Kezza, I have, but it still marks a little.. but then its like weathering too oddly. Else its just too clean lol

Robin (WhiteGlint)
This looks great, Augie. 👍

Augie Autor
Thanks Glint, its better in the flesh, the metal is just so shiny its hard to get a good pic of.

David Januska
So it is really big piece of a lovely kit. Excelent job so far.

James C
That metal finish you've achieved is impressive. Looking fantastic!👍

Augie Autor
🙂 thanks guys 🙂

I'm kinda awestruck at how many have commented on it

Neil
Hi Augie, Just looking on the feed at work - Way outta my own skillset, but I too think the technique is paying dividends, the model(s) are looking fabulous 🙂

Augie Autor
Thanks Neil 🙂

Rui
I have been watching this build for a while now in quiet fascination. Simple amazing work.

Augie Autor
Thanks Rui 🙂

Rui
You're welcome Augie.
BTW… my last sentence should have read: 'simply amazing work' I'm sure there is nothing simple about the project; it looks like a challenging endeavour, which is probably proving to be very satisfying ?

Gordon Sørensen
That looks great, Augie! That is a lot of plastic to cover, and the metal looks fantatastic!

Ben M
Definitely inspired to try metal foil now

Clifford Keesler
I agree with everyone, just fantastic work. What did you use to smooth the foil out when you put it down?

Clifford Keesler
I agree with everyone, just fantastic work. What did you use to smooth the foil out when you put it down?

Treehugger
What about riveting? Not trying to sound elitist or something, just thought it might look awesome with rivets. Though, if there were rivets from before, then perhaps there is a risk of punching through the foil if unwittingly making a rivet where there is a moulded rivet cavity hidden under the foil. I guess, if the kit had rivets, it would show at this point through the foil. Also, riveting would be a lot of work, but perhaps one could limit the riveting to some select spots. Ofc, I don't know if such planes have noticeable rivets. Some planes afaik had their surface made flush in places to increase speed. I think I've read that the Mustang P-51 had flush surfaces.

Augie Autor
Thanks guys

To smooth the foil down, i've been using paper burnishing sticks which work a treat.

Treehugger, riviets are an interesting question, i have rivets to put around the glazing to replace whats been lost sanding it in to fit. They were raised so obvious. The rest, is harder as b-29's were flush riveted. I've as yet not given much thought to replicating then as pictures i've seen of 21800 does not readily show them up

Clifford Keesler
Thank's Augie.

Kerry COX
Augie. I just found this on Youtube. ! Youtube Video

Augie Autor
Lol thanks kezza 🙂

Bruce Huxtable
Can't decide if 14 is nicer view than 42, so maybe something that shares the best of both? Please ? Your careful progress is inspiring my baby steps. Patience and care yield glorious results ????

Augie Autor
Bruce, once she'd in a better place will do a picture like 14 again 🙂

Robert Podkoński
I like the look of the X-1 waiting on the shoulder of Canberra on the last photo 😄

Augie Autor
Ha thanks Robert, yeah its ready and waiting for it to be able to take its place.
Engines are on the 29, last bits of foiling to do still on the tail and then decals are up.

Clifford Keesler
Looking outstanding.

Augie Autor
Thanks Clifford 🙂

Kerry COX
What a change this is for you Augie. 🙂
Not one single brush was harmed in the production of this adventure. !
Wow and wow again. :-P
What are you going to top this one with. ??? .......? 😉
I love it. 👍 👍 👍
(And who was the smart ass who said Coke is not good for anything.?) 🙂 🙂

Rui S
Incredible 👍

Augie Autor
Thanks Rui

@ Kezza 🙂 Thanks Kezza, some brushes were harmed but nothing too bad.
For my next trick once this one is done.. I dont know actually, I was eyeing up my B-1
And yea, the coke shelf ends were a moment of madness with some superglue lol

David Taylor
Brill.

Augie Autor
Thanks David

Kerry COX
Roaring with laughter Augie. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Keep it happening mate. 👍 👍 👍

Augie Autor
Thanks Kezza 🙂 will certainly try lol

Slavo Hazucha
Finally made it here... wow, what a cool job! Never tried foil and still keeping a respect-distance to this technique - not to speak about this magnitude...

Looks outstanding all over, my compliments! 👍

Augie Autor
🙂 Thanks Slavo, its been emotional this one.. but for the size, I cant fault the foil.

Augie Autor
So, in contact with a decal printers to get nose art and BuNo printed for her.

Clifford Keesler
Great,looking forward to seeing this one finished.

Augie Autor
Me too, been doing some bits on her, last foil on her arse is done.. Little tidying to do around there. Decals have started, just the national markings so far.

Kerry COX
I got to agree Augie. 🙂
There is nothing better on a girls than a well foiled ass. (hehehehehe) And a well placed decal of a tattoo. ! what. ?!

Augie Autor
lol behave kezza, you been on the meds again?

Kerry COX
Hehehehehe. 😉 Meds. ? NO. But the Guinness helps. 👍

Augie Autor
hahah 🙂

Kerry COX
😉

James C
S&%t!! that metal finish turned out good! 👍

Augie Autor
Thanks James 🙂 Its metal, so easy enough to finish hehe

David Januska
It is unbelievable how good and real (it is real, I know) it looks. Amazing result👍.

Augie Autor
Thanks David 🙂 Much appriciated.

Augie Autor
Quick pic, they have arrived, perhaps the most expensive decals I have ever purchased. £70 custom printed.
And now I have spare.... anyone?

bughunter
Looks like you need a bigger bench 😉 Fantastic!

Augie Autor
Lol yeah, hard to belive when its 15ft long.. The 29 is just huge compared to most of the birds I have built.. the bone will be bigger lol

Bernhard Schrock
The effort was worth it: NMF looks superb! I agree with bughunter: a bigger work bench would be good🙂
Augie: did you do the artwork yourself?

Augie Autor
Hi Bernhard,
Thank you very much 🙂 the, artwork was originally knocked up by me, the printer worked some magic on it also.

Augie Autor
lol thanks Roland, yeah its shiny alright. the a-10 looks further along than it is.. most of that is tape so I could work out the weight needed up front.

Kerry COX
There should be a 'selfie' with you holding your bird, and the smile that goes with it. 👍
A BIG salute Augie. Thanks for stirring up those creative juices in all of us. 🙂
Truly inspirational indeed. 👍 👍 👍 😉

Thomas Bischoff
Great looking bird and looking like a great bird ...
One day I would like to build the D-558 carrier which unfortunately had unfortunately a different nose art

Spanjaard
Certainly impressive

Andrew dyson
Still unbelievably impressive

David Taylor
Big bird and decals look great Augie

Augie Autor
@Kezza, She's actually hard to handle and hold for long periods, makes my arms ache..
Thomas, Spanjaard, Andrew 🙂 thank you guys

I could not resist, so she has her tail number on and her nose badge (Yes, I know the back turret needs cleaning up 😛 )
She comfortably passes my 4ft test so, just need to decal other side, get the tail done.. and then sort out her lumps and bumps and aerials along the back.. and the braces for the X-1.. ohh an build the other X-1..

Nathan Dempsey
Always loved that nose art. Nice work Augie 👍

Donald Dickson II
NOT going back through all those comments. LOL Are you using bare metal foil or plain aluminum foil? Looking great regardless.

Clifford Keesler
Outstanding Augie.

Bruce Huxtable
Unveiling the cabin windows makes it for me, she's looking very smart indeed with the nose art too 🙂 I'm always impressed afresh, each time I see how you have dealt with the nooks and crannies 👍

Augie Autor
Thank you all 🙂

Don, its just plain ole kitchen foil.

Roland Sachsenhofer
Marvellous, just great! I am very umpressed and delighted!! And: what a cool project!

Augie Autor
🙂 Thanks Roland

Donald Dickson II
Fantastic work Augie!

Thomas T
Plain ole kitchen foil means you have hardly any foil left to cover your toad in the hole now? Hmm... 🤔
However, fantastic work, Augie, you see me deeply impressed. 👏🏻

Augie Autor
Ha thanks Thomas 🙂

James C
That is an amazing result just using ordinary kitchen foil 👍👍👍
Unfortunately, over here all the brands I've looked at have an embossed pattern stamped into it, otherwise I'd be keen to try it myself on something a little smaller perhaps.

As for the price of those decals.... Yeeeeiiiikes!!

Bruce Huxtable
And so the international trade of plane / plain kitchen foil was born... No cash changes hands, only bespoke decals or 3D resin items....

Augie Autor
Thanks James, shame about the foil, here the cheapest store stuff is plain. The decals were expensive but worth it.. and it means now I have 4 sets spare.. if anyone is interested

Maciej Bellos
Whoa, 70 pounds? Man, do they have any golden flakes somewhere? 😄

Looking great Augie.

Augie Autor
Hi Maciej,

Yeah was 30 for the design work and 40 for the printing.. cant complain really, could not get hold of any others so.. probably means I have the only known ones in existence now

David Taylor
Lets be honest we all spend too much on our hobby LOL.Better than smoking or drinking.

Augie Autor
True,

Now I have made the sway bracing for the XS-1

Donald Dickson II
Wow oh wow! Better and better every step!

Augie Autor
🙂 thanks Don 🙂 its getting there for sure.

Clifford Keesler
I agree with Don, just outstanding.

Augie Autor
Thanks clifford 🙂

David Taylor
Are the magnets holding X1 ok.

Augie Autor
Hi David, they hold it perfectly 🙂 if anything, they might be a little too strong.

Ben M
Holy cow.

David Januska
Wow, nice place for nice bird👍.

Roland Sachsenhofer
Magnificent! What a successful, impressive and inspiring building!

Murad ÖZER
Magnificent indeed. 😎

Sergej I
Hanging nicely! Impressive build and journey, don't bang your head in it 👍

Bruce Huxtable
Dramatic from any perspective 👍 That must have needed several pairs of hands to securely display your creations. Almost invisible supports! She really dominates now she is no longer grounded 🙂

Robert Podkoński
Simply stunning! I am deeply impressed. (and I feel much less guilty when looking at the number of boxes in the background 😉 )

Robin (WhiteGlint)
Wow, Augie. This looks great!
Impressive display letting her fly. 👍

Kerry COX
This deserves a place at the head of a model expo competition Augie. It has gold written all over it.Your really something else girl. 👍 👍 👍 😉

Augie Autor
Wow, didn't realise I had not added a comment after sticking up the pics.
Its been an interesting journey in new techniques and sheer bloody mindedness in making things work.

Thank you all 🙂

@Kezza 🙂 thanks m8, not sure she's really that good for a expo

David Taylor
Fantastic Augie well done.

Augie Autor
Thanks David 🙂

Roland, yes guilty lol, just waiting for the GR3 GR1 / AV-8A to come down in cost

David Taylor
Got two myself.

Brandon H
Looks absolutely outstanding Augie, job well done!!

Donald Dickson II
Honestly, as good as all your other builds are, I think this is the best I have seen. Absolutely fantastic!!!

Augie Autor
Thank you Brandon and Don! 🙂

Nathan Dempsey
Definitely great subjects to depict & well done too. Thanks for bringing us along for the build Augie.

Augie Autor
Thanks Nathan 🙂 been a pleasure.

Clifford Keesler
Excellent job, and an adventure to watch. My hat is off to you.

Augie Autor
🙂 Thanks Clifford much appriciated

Maciej Bellos
Splendid work Augie!

Augie Autor
Thanks Maciej 🙂

James C
Congrats Augie, that's an impressive looking result! 👍👍👍

Augie Autor
🙂 Thanks James

Donald Dickson II
Does anyone else have an urge to raid Augies stash? 😉

Sergej I
Yup, that B-1B looks raidable 🙂

Augie Autor
Lol its not that good a stash 😛

Clifford Keesler
OH YES IT IS!!!! Lol.

Spanjaard
Sure, 230 full kits is not a "good stash". And almost all with wings!
Fantastic job ( as usual) Augie

Augie Autor
Lol thanks Clifford & Spanjaard.. a lady has to collect something.. was kits or shoes 😉

Spanjaard
LOL

Gary Victory
Really nice work Augie. You gotta love the B-29 and you have done a fantastic job. Top Job. 👍

bughunter
Augie, you finished a fanatstic project! I like the outcome 👍
A technical question (I'm an engineer 😉 ): Would it be possible to retract the landing gear? It looks on the pictures, that there is a conflict between the wing tips and the main gear? Looks also like a tight fit on the original pictures.

Augie Autor
Thanks Gary

Bugs, your right its a very tight fit and its possible to retract the gear, I measured it out to make sure when I worked out where the XS-1 sat in the bay. Its a tight fit, from what I can tell on picture I saw of the original retracting her gear, the clearances look to be inches..

gorby
Just noticed you mentioning this in Bughunters thread.....WOW, what a stunning build! 😮

Skyhiker
That came out great. Congratulations. Looks like you have a few more kits to finish In that "little" stash of yours. Looking forward to it.

Ben M
Very cool build! I like the subject as well!

Augie Autor
thank you all 🙂

Yeah I mentioned it just because if that kit was cheaper, I'd be tempted to do it again lol

Dave
Very impressive build. Looks great, just can't imagine how much time you spent on applying that aluminum foil piece by piece.

Ben M
I have no words for the patience that must be required. The result is great.

Augie Autor
Thanks guys, took about 2 weeks all told if I recall correctly.

Michael Hickey
Awesome effort Augie...👏

Augie Autor
thanks Mike 🙂

Clifford Keesler
Looks great hanging from the ceiling like that. Mine is sitting on a shelf in the garage, covered in dust. Lol, a long with my B-1. I just don't have anywhere big enough to put them inside now that we live with my son.

Augie Autor
Thanks Clifford, I am sure one day you'll find a bit of room for them, hang em from ceiling or the like..
I seem to be collecting the big buggers these days. 5 x C-130's... and no idea why

Clifford Keesler
You like C-130's that,s all. I have a bunch of big one's also. B-24J, Ju-52, B-25's and PBJ's.

Desert Marlin
Love this one!!!

Donald Dickson II
Well done young lady! 🙂

Rui S
I think the teaser photo dosen't do it justice 🤔

Augie Autor
Thanks Guys 🙂

Clifford Keesler
Augie, I do not remember if I asked you. What glue did you use to put the foil down? I am thinking about maybe trying foil on the F-94C I am building.

Daniel Klink Autor
Hi mates, accidently deleted (the small x right next to the edit button) this album with all your kind and warm comments, Hints and the building progress😭
Sorry

Daniel Klink Autor
Thanks James. Really a pity because i also deleted the pics of the progress on my disk for some reason.
F*ck

Christian Bruer
Well deserved to show it again 👍

Neuling
Don`t worry Daniel: "Wichtig ist was hinten herauskommt". A wonderful diorama!

Stephan Ryll
Great work - Great looking dio 👍

Richmond
Great

Clifford Keesler
Very nice.

Daniel Klink Autor
Thanky you all very much Gentlemen for your kind words, much appreciated. 👍

Georges henrion
nice job

Rando
Beautiful model and display!

Cuajete
It is a pleasure to see this wonder again after several years. Fantastic work and very nice result once again, Daniel 👌.
Congrats!

Rui S
Another great work 👍 as usual

Clifford Keesler
Excellent as always Daniel.

CaptGPF
❤️❤️❤️

gorby
Excellent diorama!

Villiers de Vos
Very nice work.

Martin Weinpold
Nice work.

Clifford Keesler
Daniel your work always inspires me. I only hope my Japanese aircraft turn out half as good as yours do.

Daniel Klink Autor
Thank you all very much mates for your nice and encouraging words.
Clifford mate, that is so nice to read and gives me a big push to recover even more quickly. Thanks mate.

Clifford Keesler
You are most welcome mate.

Lost_Erik
Wonderful.

Spanjaard
beautiful 104!

Alec K
Very cool 👍

Robert Podkoński
Agreed!

Skyhiker
Oh my... What is this?

Spanjaard
a Me262 with extended wings and a very interesting nose job 🙂

Olivier
I like what I see here.

Wiktor Autor
Thanks, Olivier

Christoph Kunz
Beautifull work 👍

Rui S
Very nice clean model 👍

Wiktor Autor
Thank you, mates

bughunter Autor
I was so crazy to start another build while waiting for now decals to arrive (for this other project).
That is the most demanding beast I ever tried! Not because it is bad - no, the opposite! A full resin build, cast and 3D printed parts, PE and more.
Some guess work regarding type and kit is allowed - so I do not link a project yet 😉
I hope this will generate some interest ...

Alec K
Another project! YES!! But careful, don't let the shelf queens get restless…. Hmmmm, what the heck is this?! Something US, judging by the cockpit color. And it looks like an ejection seat maybe, so something with a turbine engine??

bughunter Autor
- US: check 👍
- ejection seat: check 👍
- turbine engine: check 👍
That is still a big list. US jets are 244 topics here. Ok, not all have an ejection seat.

Christoph Schnarr
Hm, that looks a lot like the cockpit of the XB-85 Goblin and could therefore be the very good resin kit from Halberd Models 😉

c124c
Also my guess : XF-85 Goblin , Halberd Models, 1/48 scale. 🙂

Yngve N
I'm about to start working on a kit with lots of 3D printed resin so it's nice to be able to follow a project by someone experienced 😊

gorby
Oh yes!! You've started the Goblin! 🙂

bughunter Autor
Welcome to all!
Oh yes gorby, I can't resist! I have already x started projects, x+1 one doesn't make a big difference 🙂
And Bingo: yes, you are all right about the Goblin 👍 That is the mother of all egg planes 😎
It is a great kit, but I think not an easy one!
- You should think twice (or better more often) where to cut the resin parts from the cast! I may have done it wrong in some areas.
- sometimes it is hard to see, where the part starts or the cast ends which brings you in trouble later with fit issues
- some 3D printed parts are very very filigree, you don't know how to hold or handle. I'm not a 1:700 ship builder!
- at some points the manual do not show clearly the correct place of a part. After checking reference pics (a must!) I realized my guess was wrong. If you add it to the wrong place you will get in trouble later for sure.
- there are some very tight fits, especially with cast parts. Best is again to check reference pictures if you really reached the final position or a part is not yet deep enough in its place and you need more cleaning of seams.

I will finish the Vega before this beast when the new decals arrive.

bughunter Autor
Some more pics are added showing the prepared cockpit walls. The first inner part is also prepared, the front of the jet engine.
I forgot to mention that there are nearly no color information regarding cockpit and so on in the instructions. There is a colorful 4 side view showing decal and stencil places.

Greg Baker
" I have already x started projects, x+1 one doesn't make a big difference "

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA... spoken like a true model builder~!

Marcel Klemmer
😳 Wow

Alec K
Great progress 👍

bughunter Autor
Thanks mates!
Now some progress on the carriage, which is part of the kit (but I had to modify it).

bughunter Autor
As preparation for the fuselage the jet engine parts are prepared now.

gorby
The exhaust and intake look remarkable. Getting all those PE blades in the correct place can't have been easy.

Jennifer Franklin
Following. I like the 3D-printed foot holders. The metal pins are also a nice detail. That exhaust and intake look like they were a challenge to put together. Where did you get this model?

bughunter Autor
Thx mates!
Yeah gorby, that was challenging! See also pic 17.
Jennifer, those food holders was unbelievable filigree, as most of the 3D parts! You really don't know how to touch for cleaning and handling.
For exhaust and intake I followed the manual to cut parts, but made some wrong decisions. This makes it later even more complicated 🙁
I ordered this directly at Halberd, but they sell it also on ebay. But they seems to have some production issues with power outages etc due to Russian invasion.
But I recommend to think twice about it: it is not cheap; it provides nice details, but it is on the other hand some kind of "short run technology". So I had to do a lot of dry fitting and surgery to get things right - but all on resin parts! As I said, that is the most demanding build I have ever done! I will show more soon.

Nathan Dempsey
Interesting subject and looking very nice too.

bughunter Autor
Thank you Nathan! New pics added.

Alec K
What an aircraft this was! Excellent progress 👍

gorby
Very nice work! I love the bizarre stubby shape of the Goblin. A real life egg plane.

Bernhard Schrock
I least expected this flying egg with wings on your workbench 🙂 I haven't seen it built yet and I'm looking forward to a master piece from your hand.

bughunter Autor
Thank you for your time to leave a comment mates!
@Alec It was? It is! Two aircraft were built, 6023 and 6024, and both are in museums.
The kit provides decals for the 6024. Regarding the details this is more complex. Both looks different today, the kit is different compared to both as they are shown today. And even the b/w photos shows many different things: with or without winglets, with one skid, (kit option), with two skids below the wings, the kit has two pitots on the wings - the one in the museum not. And much more!
Yes gorby, me too! That's why I called the project "The mother of all egg planes." 🙂
@Bernhard I looked around and also have not found it built yet, also not in the bigger scale. And I think I know now why as it is definitely not an easy walk!

Your interest is fuel for motivation 👍 so I will add more pics.

Erik Off
A real eggplane, great! Love it, but 100$... puuh. 😉

bughunter Autor
Welcome Erik!
On evil bay even more: https://ebay.de/itm/167316587705 but I think this includes import taxes. The 1:32 kit was even more, but is not available now.
When I ordered mine it was no more available within two days - all sold.
The offers on evil bay in Asia are going crazy already: https://ebay.de/itm/156691540922

But as I said, it is not the price tag which makes me nervous .... I hope I'm able to finish a kit this time!

David Taylor
Missed this one,I'm in.

bughunter Autor
Welcome David! Nice to know you are watching.
Now with teaser of the whole bird 😉

Jennifer Franklin
Love the teaser, wasn't sure what to expect but that does indeed look like an eggplane.

Kyle DeHart
I'm behind the times but I'll be standing at the back watching now!

Robert Podkoński
I'm a little late, but I will definitely watch this talent show diligently! (and the topic is fantastic!)

bughunter Autor
Thank you very much mates and welcome!

David Taylor
You could always do the canopy when it smashed into the arrestor hook and belly landed on the desert.

Ben M
cool!

bughunter Autor
David, I added a picture of the emergency landing skid for you. I will not mount it, but the empty mounting brackets as PE. So no landing in desert, but into a museum.
Welcome Ben, nice to see you here!

Jennifer Franklin
I am looking at that cart and you are an artist bughunter.

Zbynek Honzik
Fantastic job! No doubt you are an artist, bughunter!
I'm following with close attention and anticipation of your next progress.

bughunter Autor
Wow, Thank you both! Now I need a red face smiley .
There is not much difference between pic 26 and 46. I masked the rims and primed/painted the wheels. Some black paint in deep holes and on the food step. The big boost comes form a simple wash with oil paints as this brings up the nice rivets and other details on the cart.
And since you asked so kindly I added more progress pictures.

I stepped on the gas as we have our next club meeting in about a week and our annual show soon after that. It would be great to have the model ready by then!

Ben M
I really want to go to that museum in Nebraska with this and a B-36 😍

bughunter Autor
Ben, I collected a lot of pictures from walkarounds, museum pages, Flickr and so on.
I must say (even I have only decals for the 6024) the 6023 in the "National Museum of the United States Air Force" in Dayton, Ohio is in a much better, more original state. It uses a original cart. See the gallery with 21 photos on the official museum page: nationalmuseum.af.mi..onnell-xf-85-goblin/
The 6024 in Nebraska is on a simple steel frame, no winglets, the hook looks strange. Seems to be polished, without all the nice stenciling. Seems to be trimmed for a nice look, but not very original.

Kyle DeHart
Oh the National Museum of the United States Air Force is so good. I try to go at least once a year. It's just a couple hour drive from me. Beyond worth the price of entry too…which is $0. Beautiful work on that cart Frank. It looks the part.

Ludvík Kružík
After the "Flying Flea" another interesting dwarf has appeared on your modelling table. 🙂 👍

I am particularly interested in this project of yours. Firstly because of the choice of model, but mainly because it is a resin kit with 3D printed parts. As I have several resin kits in my stash and have recently added two 3D printed models, this project is a great inspiration to me.

bughunter Autor
Thank you mates and welcome Ludvík!
Here Halberd made a mix of cast and 3D printed parts. Only the very small ones are 3D printed. I checked both kits (it is also offered in 1:32):
- my small 1:48 one has 38 resin parts and 16 3D print detail parts
- the 1:32 kit 48 resin parts and only 6 3D print detail parts
That is not my first resin kit as I build e.g. kits from LukGraph (also combination of cast and 3D printed, but they move to completely 3D printed kits) and old resin cast kits from "SPIN Model" and "Alliance Models". Here I replaced small parts often with metal and wood. You will find those in my Projects, more to come.
I have not build a jet yet and that is somehow a different story (compared to my usual biplanes) with clear parts, surface details and more.

The most important thing with resin kits is a useless Tamiya Extra thin glue - you have to use CA or epoxy but it brings us many interesting kits which will never made it into a plastic kit.

bughunter Autor
I was hoping for a bit more interest at least from the mates who have the kit in their wishlist or stash. But it is what it is.
More pictures ...
Has anyone ever polished such cast resin canopies? It might have been a possibility, but without a backup I didn't dare.

gorby
Worst come to the worst, if you damaged the canopy you could always do it as the Goblin which smashed the canopy trying to reattach to the bomber. 😄
Well you certainly have the attention of one member with it in their wishlist. 🙂

Jennifer Franklin
I am watching with interest, although I don't currently have anything in my wishlist that is resin.

bughunter Autor
Jennifer, I think it is a good way to start with resin aftermarket accessories for your models to get a feeling for this material. There are big sets for replacing all in the cockpit or a engine with cowlings and parts around it for example from Eduard or CMK. If you can handle that than there is no more a big step to tackle a full resin model. Due to the 3D printing we see more and more accessories and kits in resin.

bughunter Autor
gorby I know, you are always a big supporter 👍 And I hope that this particular wish on your wish list will be fulfilled one day, by whatever means.

Ludvík Kružík
Even though I don't have Goblin on my wishlist, you still have my attention too. 😉

Robert Podkoński
I assembled a MPM Goblin long time ago and I have Special Hobby one in my stash. Surely, I am watching this build with utmost interest, Frank 😉

bughunter Autor
You're always following me, my friends! 👍
Robert, the MPM is 1:72, the SH 1:48, right? If you prefer 1:144 there is a add-on in this Hobbycraft kit: Convair GRB-36 "FICON" (Hobbycraft HC1273, 1:144)
Please ee also: modellversium.de/gal..blin-hobbycraft.html

Ben M
There needs to be a 1:24 goblin to go with the 1:24 B-36

bughunter Autor
Halberd announced a Limited Edition (100-120 kits) of the Goblin kit in 1:24 later this year 🙂

Robert Podkoński
Exactly - MPM is 1:72; SH is 1:48. It will be instructive to compare the latter with your build, I presume.

bughunter Autor
I downloaded the manual of both kits at the very beginning of the project since Halberd do not provide color infos, just for checking beside the reference photos.

Alec K
I certainly would not miss bughunter build! Those that do are doing so at their own loss 😉

On that canopy: did you apply Future? That should help with clarity.

bughunter Autor
Thank Alec 👍
No, I have not applied, because I heard some bad things (and read warnings on commercial cut masking sheets) about masking on a canopy with Future. And now it is painted so too late.
But on this model this is no problem: the front shield is mostly covered by the hook and not very visible. As I will show the main canopy in open state and it is open to the side, it is not very prominent too, additionally covered by the black ventilation pipes. And hey, the thing has been in the museum for more than 70 years, so the canopy is no longer clear! 🙂

And hopefully I can show some metal scratch work later that my build logs are known for!

bughunter Autor
There are a lot of possible variants regarding the pitot pipes, if you look on reference pictures and the museum planes. Below the nose, only on left wing, on both wings ... The museum planes do not carry those.
The kit provides two wing probes. As they are made from resin I should mount them now to be able to prime and paint but I fear to break this thin parts during handling. After looking on original b/w photos I noticed a different metal shine so I had an idea!

Kyle DeHart
Wonderful work on this unique project, my friend. The detailing in that intake is stunning. These resin kits sure can pack in the detail.

Robert Podkoński
Now I see that there is no such a fantastic detail in the intake in the SH offering - it would be great to get it as a separate aftermarket set...

Skyhiker
Hmm... I didn't know that they made egg planes for real. Very strange bird.

bughunter Autor
Thank you very much for your comments and Welcome to the new visitors!
@Robert You will end up replacing the whole kit, due to better details on every part. It may be too late now, but after the first rumours about the new kit, some have sold their SH kits on ebay for 70€ (which is the cheapest offer at the moment) or more and bought the new kit.
@Skyhiker It was the smallest fighter jet ever built, as it had to fit into the real "aircraft carrier" (not the ones on water today). The full story is very interesting. The performance wasn't bad, but it was very difficult to hook back onto the carrier because of the turbulence. It was assumed that an average pilot would not be able to do this - so the project was cancelled.

Robert Podkoński
So, I will stick to my old-school kit... 😉

bughunter Autor
Or put it on ebay for 80€ and see what happens ...

bughunter Autor
I know people will ask to see this model in Ergolding next week (I hope to finish it before) or the EME in Lingen end of march I need a robust model! At the moment I have a Pfalz Triplane with a broken plastic undercarriage in the cabinet - crying for a metal fix.
After the replaced tail holder (see pic 20) what about the front struts? I tried the kit ones - very flexible! After a single brass wire is much more stable you may guess now what are the next steps ...

Landlubber Mike
Wow, this is spectacular! I have the Special Hobby kit, but after seeing the details on this one, I might need to swap it out for the Halberd one!

bughunter Autor
Thank you Mike! Yes, the great details and the unusual subject invited me to leave my comfort zone and try something different.

Kyle DeHart
Looks awesome on the carriage. Nice upgrade for stability

Ben M
If you feel like building something like this that is a biplane, Frank you could try a F9C

bughunter Autor
Thank you!
Ben, there is no kit for the F9C in 1:48? Nobod seems to the the LSM kit in shash? No year announced, long gone I guess. But the F3F-2 from Academy looks nice ...

Ben M
I have the 1:32 kit. I'd like to built it as the version without landing gear but will need more 3d printing skills to do that - which I'm working on acquiring. I built the 1:520 Macon and had some 3d printed F9C biplanes to go with it.

bughunter Autor
A display with the sparrowhawk hooked to a part of the mothership would look amazing!
On this model here it would need a new, more robust hook due the weight of the model.

bughunter Autor
Damn, this was more work and much more complex than expected (it was not easy to get all wires in right angle), but I'm happy that the metal work in done now and like the look.

Desert Marlin
Wobblin' and I'm watch'n!!!

Desert Marlin
Guess you'll need a 1:48 Scale B-36 huh?!?

Ben M
Yes, he definitely needs one

Kyle DeHart
This is so good. Those new parts look great.

To one of your other points. I have that F3F-2 in its original Accurate Miniatures form and the kit does indeed look very nice. I shall attempt to build it someday.

Ludvík Kružík
The new parts look perfect. Also the Goblin on the transport cart looks very good. Great job! 👍

A B-36 assembly with the Goblin hanging on would be impressive. A 1/48 scale model of the B-36 exists and is currently available. However, there are several reasons why I would think twice about buying a B-36:
- I have only found one 1/48th scale model. It is produced by HpH in a limited edition. It is a really nice model with elaborate details. But basically it is a custom production and the delivery time is 10 months and the price of 575 Euro is not exactly negligible.
- A 1/48 scale B-36 with a wingspan of 1.5m and a fuselage length of just over 1m is not small. You would probably have to solve the problem of where to put it.
- And third, although the B-36 was intended as a Goblin carrier, at the time of the tests the B-36 was not yet available, so landing tests were conducted on a trapeze carried under a B-29B Superfortress.

Augie
Hmm, if the kit was not so expensive, tempting, would go well with my X-1 carrying B-29..

Ben M
Aluminum overcast

bughunter Autor
I was away for a long hike in warm spring weather in sunshine so no progress here - but a lot of nice comments! Thank you very much mates, those are highly appreciated!
No way that I would build such huge carrier like B-29 or B-36. If someone buys me a bigger flat or a house, I promise to think about it 🙂
I like the new parts too and no Wobblin' anymore! But today in daylight the paint was not yellow enough (painted those yesterday evening in artificial light). So I painted the yellow again today and think it looks better now (no new pictures).

Yes Augie, that was expensive - but maybe I could help Ukraine a little. The kit was created 40km away from the front! 😮 How can they develop and manufacture such great products under such conditions?

Augie
Oh I do understand bugs, its why I buy direct from places like Reskit.

Jennifer Franklin
40 km away from the front? That is astounding!

bughunter Autor
In meantime I found an explanation for the open tube pieces on the struts (see pic 76 for example): here a protection bow during towing could be plugged in.
See this picture sandboxx.us/wp-conte..227-F-1234S-048.jpeg

Skyhiker
Gosh I wish I had your soldering skills. Any pointers?

Skyhiker
Are you considering building the protection bow? It wouldn't be too hard to make with sprue or brass rod. I think it adds something, but it might cover up all that work with the open pipe too much.

gorby
I knew you wouldn't be able to resist adding the protection bar. 😄

bughunter Autor
Skyhiker, you mean something like picture 71? I'm will check later if it is long enough.
Regarding soldering I showed often the tools in the build logs - all you need is practice and exercise. And practice and exercise again.

And again one step forward, two steps back 🙁
I hate to mask resin models! Painted dark metal areas and want to mask them to paint the rest. A mask was not sitting in right place and I want to remove it to reapply - pulled up paint and primer together .... And again ....

bughunter Autor
Sorry gorby, I have not seen your post as we typed in parallel.
It seems as if you can estimate my behavior quite well.

Ludvík Kružík
The protective arch is a small but interesting accessory on the transport trolley.

While surfing the internet I found this photo. It shows more details about the protective arch. It might come in handy. cdn.prod.website-fil..39a6e44b102b6_5.webp

bughunter Autor
Thank you Ludvík!
I know this picture. Yours is a part of the original, which can be found in very high resolution on Wikipedia:
[img1]
I wanted to show this picture anyway later as it shows (if you go to full resolution) that they used decals for the stencils instead of masks. And some of the decals shows a silvering! So I have later an excuse if my decals shows that too 🙂

Ludvík Kružík
I thought you knew the picture. 😉, ... I sent it just in case. Wikipedia also has nice close-up pictures of the trapeze design with the Goblin suspended, but I'm sure you know that too.

bughunter Autor
To replicate the trapeze would be not easy and more info would be helpful. No, I will resist and show it on the nice yellow carrier as today in museum.

Desert Marlin
Something seems very wrong with the design of the Goblin... The turbine warning strip seems to run coincident with the pilot's seat... A design that seems very sympathetic to the Citroen and SMART cars...

Christoph Kunz
Sorry, I'm late.
But I love it.

Jennifer Franklin
It is looking terrific. I love that yellow carrier, and you did such an amazing job on it, bringing all the detail out with the weathering.

bughunter Autor
Thx!
Yes, the design looks like an egg-plane, but the turbine red stripe is definitely behind the seat and the headrest.
That reminds me of a few morons on YouTube. The manufacturer of model turbine engines prescribes a lateral distance of several metres during operation because they run at 120000 revolutions and more. And then these idiots screwed the turbines onto "Bobby Cars", sat on them and raced through a park. As the inlet is close to the ground, there is a high probability that dirt will be sucked in. If the turbine blades then come apart, the crown jewels a few centimetres above are also ruined. That would even be enough for the Darwin Award 🙂

Alec K
😂😂😂👍

bughunter Autor
At the moment I'm applying around 100 decals o:
The numbers go up to 58, but the bigger ones don't have a number, many are doubled and some even 6 times. So I guess it sums up to 100. A little flying manual 🙂

bughunter Autor
A huge step towards the finish: the Goblin is painted and ALL decals are applied! 🙂

Desert Marlin
Pictures 17 and 18... that's crazy talk right there!!!

Desert Marlin
Picture 55... excellent pitot tube work!

Desert Marlin
Picture 58... no doubt that the resin work is far superior in this case!!!

Ludvík Kružík
You've picked up rocket speed. Looks like you're getting closer to your goal. The Goblin with the decals looks fantastic!

Jennifer Franklin
Taking a seat, this looks ambitious.

Tom Harris Autor
WAY more than I expected, Jennifer! LOL
It's no joke - if you enjoy trying to interpret instruction drawings, matching up part seams and/or sanding, this is the kit for you.

Jennifer Franklin
Sounds daunting, Tom; I'm just trying to complete my first model; that is way too ambitious for me, but I bet you will do a fantastic job.

Roland Damasio
Hi, Nice to see that you didn't give up! I'm big a fan of Macross as well! Keep on going!

Tom Harris Autor
Thanks, Roland! 🙂
I just put on some Minmei/Mari Iijima songs (& Haneda's Macross BGM) and soldier on. LOL
Besides, I promised Kawamori-san completion photos, so there's no chance of abandoning it... Just the occasional alternate kit "break." 😉

CaptGPF
Slide 18 orange peeling could be due to one of three things - airbrushing too far away in a hot environment (the paint dries in mid-flight); paint not thinned sufficiently, or contaminants like mold release on the surface. You can help leveling the paint by misting the freshly painted area with the thinner to help it level out a bit better. If this is only occurring with the insignia white, your mission models paint can also be bad. I stopped using MMPs a while back due to their inconsistent pigment sizes across the colors, as well as the fragility of the paint (easily scratched) - didn't have that issue with Tamiya or AKRC paints, but it could also be due to my skill level.

I love the Macross jets - the VF-1S is a classic, and having built the 1/72 version, I agree that the engineering of the kit is really old-school with terribly placed seam lines necessitating a ton of sanding, swearing and re-scribing. Given the age of these kits, you're also in for some fun re-scribing of the fainter panel lines. Overall, this kit should build up to be a real beauty - especially with the Weapons sets and PE set you are adding - I can't wait to see how this turns out!

Tom Harris Autor
Hi CaptGPF! Thank you for the insight on the funky airbrush results. I'd watched a few videos of Mission Model Paint tips, so was very aware of the distancing issue (I got closer during the same session but it wasn't helping). Given the same paint didn't do this on other parts I'm leaning toward your "contaminated surface" reason. I didn't wash these parts first (I've heard from people who swear by washing, others who say, with modern sprue-making technology, you don't need to do that anymore). But, encountering this headache, methinks I'll go back to washing.

I've also heard very mixed reviews of the Mission paints. I decided to try them because I saw them on Adam Savage's Tested channel on Youtube and I liked that it was a US company. But, I have to say I've mixed feelings after using them on this and the MADOX kit. I used to go with Tamiya (although I used Vallejo for the first time with my Mandalorian and I feel that is one of my best paint jobs ever!).

Ahh, 'tis true, misery doth love company! Have to say, I'm glad I'm not the only one who has suffered through Hasegawa hells of sanding/filling. 😉
I love/loathe that my wife got me another Hasegawa I wanted... the newly released Miria639's Queadluun Rau battle suit from the Macross movie - it's all _curves_ LOL

CaptGPF
We're kinda stuck with Hasegawa for the Macross stuff, but, it could be worse, we could be fighting AMT/Revell/ERTL quality kits…

The good news for you is that their newer releases like the SV-51 come together like a dream - no excessive need for sanding in obvious or awkward places. 😀

YF23WidowGhost
I can tell you from first hand experience the 1/72 bandai macross kits aren't any easier than the hasegawa kits. Unfortunately VF-1 doesn't really translate well into kit form without seams all over the place. 1/48 is about as good as its going to get unless tamiya comes in, or max factory sorts out their horrid QC issues.

Michael Kohl
you rented a garage for that project? 😉

Erik Torp
Looks like a good start. Very clean build so far.

Neuling
Looking forward here ..........

Brian Eberle
Looks good. Following.

Robert Podkoński
Fascinating! Good work!

gorby
Remarkable vehicle and remarkable kit. Good work so far.

Neuling
Congrats Kenneth!

Bill Newcomer
Kit bashing. My favorite. Following.

Goldman
Interesting build. Good luck

Bozzer
Always good to see a big rig build 🙂

Martin Oostrom
Who doesn't love a InterFrankenStar?

Jennifer Franklin
Following, this should be good.

Bozzer
Excellent progress mate. That cab interior goes together pretty well.

Bill Newcomer
The interior looks pretty sweet. I have always been curious about the need for a sleeper on a tow truck. I suspect all towing companies stay local. I do not imagine there is a high demand for long haul towing.

Bozzer
Merry Christmas Bill. I think that they used them for storage mainly, and secondly to get changed, after extreme weather? I don't believe, that they were actually slept in? I'm sure someone will have a more in-depth answer though.

Bozzer
As an avid, Big Rig fan, this is awesome!
You knocked it out of the park, mate!!!
I was dubious about that sleeper, fitting in with the whole thing, especially as I've worked on both the cab and the rear body, but this is excellent!
The colour is perfect , there's just enough chrome, and not too many decals, to take your eyes off the build!
Fantastic mate! Very nice and well done 👍 🙂 🙂

Goldman
Beautiful model! Considering how the resin day cab looked at the start it came out amazing well. Really love the dark grey and silver paint scheme. May adopt it for a future project...

Rui S
Great work 👍

Jennifer Franklin
Looks amazing!

George Williams
Came out very nice.

Villiers de Vos
Fantastic work and weathering so far. Impressive scratch building.

Martin Oostrom
Nice job rusting that car. It'll be a heap of rust before you're finished 😁

Kyle DeHart
Your weathering on this is incredible!!

LucLuke B
Nice idea, I've seen similar ones in South American markets, still being used but well worn out.

Rui S
Great weathering work 👍

Dave
Ken that is a work of art. Beautiful.

Marcel
Love the weathering. Excellent way of turning a mediocre kit into something great.

Villiers de Vos
Very nice work.

Tim Hofstetter
You used plastic welding staples for that seat spring, didn't you? Good choice of material!

Kenneth Gifford Autor
No, brass wire for the springs

Yngve N
😮 this is some truly amazing work 👌

Neuling
Good work with interesting details!

Lebloge
Beautiful indeed 👏🏻

Jan Peters
Nice start, following this 👀

Thomas K.
very nice! 👍

Treehugger
Looks like a fun build. Some of the detailing at the storage bin back on the turret looked very intricate. Was some of that scratch built? Referring to what I saw in photo 22.

Jakub Wiraszka Autor
Thanks. Many details was reworked/reshaped. Some of them was made by me as well- frame for rear storage bin, rear cammera, front lights cover and all complete wireing all over the tank. But very good work Microdisign did with their photo etched parts. Their set is very very well detailed thus needs tons of patience🙂

Zach Wilson
Wow this is astounding

Nathan Dempsey
Beautiful build!

Alex CB
I like it a lot! Very good job with that beast.

Laurent VILLANUEVA HELLER ForEver
Nice

Neuling
Top paintwork!

Cortex
wow

Jakub Wiraszka Autor
Many thanks mates. I'm glad that you like it.

Carlos Wang
All of your work is awesome, envy!

Rui S
Nice camo & beautiful photos 👍

Neuling
Well done! Interesting camouflage paintwork.

Andre Magni Autor
I liked it too

Rui S
Nice work 👍

Ludvík Kružík Autor
I still miss this small helicopter in my collection of flying machines used in Czechoslovakia. The time has come for me to rectify that. 😉

Villiers de Vos
I will follow along.

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Welcome Villiers! 🙂

Greg Baker
Oh. I built a 1/72 version of the Mi-1M... This should be interesting.

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Hello, Greg. I know there's a Mi-1M kit in 1/72nd scale. Unfortunately, only this and a rather old kit from Special Hobby exists in 1/48 scale. In addition, this kit is an older version of the Mi-1A, which is different from the upgraded version of the Mi-1M. It has a different nose shape, different cockpit glazing and other minor changes. And since I decided to build the upgraded version of the Mi-1M, I will not avoid modifications to the kit.
To give you a better idea of the extent of the modifications to the kit, I've included a picture with the differences between the Mi-1A and Mi-1M versions color coded.

Greg Baker
Oh, neat! I didn't realize there were so many changes between the versions. This is going to look great!

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Greg, thank you for your support.
____________________
I started building the model by making new transparent parts.

Alec K
Taking a seat, this brings back memories of ABC magazine 😜👍

gorby
Nice work moulding the new transparent parts.

Greg Baker
Yeah. Nice work on the heat-n-smash moulding for the clear parts. That can be tricky to do.

Ludvík Kružík Autor
@Alec K
I used to buy ABC magazine regularly as a kid and eagerly awaited each new issue 🙂. I assume your mention of ABC magazine refers to the occasional modeling tutorial section.

@gorby, @Greg Baker
It's not too difficult to make new transparent parts by stretching warmed transparent foil over a pre-made template. Preparing the template is the most work. Stretching the warmed foil onto the template is just a routine that anyone can do after a few attempts.

Alec K
Correct 🙂👍👍

Robert Podkoński
How have I missed this? Taking a seat for sure! 🙂

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Hello, Robert! Good to see you here. You haven't missed much so far. Up to this point I've been more concerned with preparation than building the model.

Ludvík Kružík Autor
I want to try to use the sandwich construction in the production of new glass parts for the coptics. So I made (using the same process as the transparent parts) parts out of white plastic sheeting. These parts will have holes cut out for the windows. The transparent part will then be inserted between these two parts. The white outer and inner parts will form the embossed framing of the transparent part.

Jennifer Franklin
That looks great (as per usual 😛)

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Welcome, Jennifer, we're glad to have you on board and thank you for your goodwill. 🙂

Ludvík Kružík Autor
I came back from vacation and it started to rain. Ideal conditions for modelling. 🙂

So I'm back and continuing to work on the model. I need to glue the finished nose to the glued fuselage so the cockpit overlay fits exactly. That determines the workflow. First I have to finish the nose and the inside of the fuselage and glue all the parts that need to be glued to the fuselage halves from the inside. After gluing the fuselage halves together, I would no longer be able to get to these parts (or only with great difficulty).

Photos of the work progress will be coming soon.

Alexander Grivonev
Oh some modeling for big boys, not glueing perfectly fitting parts together and throwing on some paint! Following 👍

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Welcome, Alexander! 🙂

Ludvík Kružík Autor
I glued several parts to both halves of the fuselage. These parts are glued from the inside, so they have to be glued before the fuselage is closed.
I also started working on making new parts for the cockpit.

Landlubber Mike
Wow, this is incredible work Ludvik! Thank you for sharing your steps - I've learned a lot from your pictures and descriptions!

Villiers de Vos
Fantastic scratch build skills.

Ludvík Kružík Autor
@Landlubber Mike
Mike, thank you for your interest. Welcome aboard!
I've had the idea for this rebuild in my head for a few years now. Mainly because I've been waiting to see if anyone would start making 1:48 scale Mi-1M kits. Unfortunately, to this day, no manufacturer has this kit in their lineup. So I decided not to wait any longer and start building a model from what I have available.
My rebuild is just beginning. Most of the work on the model is yet to be done. I'd also like to try some new techniques that came to mind while planning to build this model.

@Villiers
Thank you for the compliment. I appreciate it very much.

Ludvík Kružík Autor
I didn't have much time today, so I didn't make much progress on the build. But every little bit of progress counts. 😉

J35J
Great progress and detailing! Following

Bruce Huxtable
Wow! You don't shy away from challenges! Watchinh with admiration, and hoping to learn lots too. Hoping you are not amongst the floods? Stay safe!

Ludvík Kružík Autor
J35J welcome! I hope you like it here.

Bruce, I like a challenge like that. I like to experiment and enjoy thinking of and then implementing ways to improve my model.

I appreciate your concern for my safety. I live in a town in the highlands that wasn't badly affected by the floods. Only the river that runs through our town has increased flow, but it hasn't spilled out of its bed. Moreover, our house is 80 metres above the river, so even if the river had spilled out of its bed, it would certainly not have reached our house.

Bruce Huxtable
It sounds an idyllic location.....Opravdu, česka příroda je krasná....

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Bruce, thank you for the compliment. I'm sure the nature is beautiful in England too. 😉

Ludvík Kružík Autor
I'm slowly continuing to make small parts.

Alec K
Nice progress, this will be a beauty 👍

bughunter
Another big bunch of parts, not to mention some kit parts, come together to form one big model! Not to be missed!
I'm late, but I have an excuse. First I was on holiday, and then this stupid C-virus knocked me out.

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Alec, thank you for your support and your kind words.

Welcome, Frank. I hope you're okay, and I'm really glad you're one of my guests.
It's definitely not too late. I still have most of my work ahead of me. In fact, you could say I'm just getting started.

Thomas Haberl - TH SCALE MODELS
Uhhhhhh … this is going to be another good one from you! I'm in 👍

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Thomas, welcome. It's good to see you among my guests. 🙂

Ludvík Kružík Autor
I'm struggling with time rather than the model at the moment. At least I managed to draw a new dashboard. After printing it in scale (1/48) on photo paper I will use it instead of the kit part.

John
Another Ludvik conversion build with all the accuracy and attention to detail.we've come to expect. It's looking good, can't wait to see the final result! 👍

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Welcome, John. Please have a little patience. This project is quite demanding and I will need a lot of time to complete it.

John
Ok, I aimed that to "I can wait to see the final result" (but I'm still eager) 😉

Alec K
Wow, the dashboard looks amazing. I can only imagine how much time that took. Really interested how it looks completed 👍

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Alec, I drew the dashboard in the evenings for 5 days (about 3 to 4 hours each day). Add to that additional time (about 5 hours) for test printing and subsequent corrections.

I am attaching a photo of a test black and white print of the dashboard after all the modifications are complete. I will print the dashboard for the model in color later.

Ludvík Kružík Autor
According to the photos I modified the fuselage where the main landing gear is attached to it.

Guy Rump
Looking good, following. 👍

Jakub Biganovsky
Good morning.
Realy nice and fine work.

Robert Podkoński
These modifications are just perfect, Ludviku...

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Guy, Jakub and Robert thank you for your comments, it's a nice encouragement for further work.

After today, the hull is glued together. Now I'm adjusting the shape of the transparent cockpit cover.

Ben M
I continue to enjoy seeing this one take shape. Quite the effort to convert it!

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Hello, Ben. I'm glad you're interested in my project.

Greg Baker
This is looking good!

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Thank you Greg!

Villiers de Vos
Starting to take shape.

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Villiers, the completion of the fuselage is only temporary at this time. It's only to modify the shape of the transparent cockpit cover.
Once the cockpit cover is the correct shape, I will take the fuselage nose down again to continue work on the cockpit interior.

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Work on the model continues with the production of the cockpit.

Greg Baker
This is becoming a scratchbuilding masterclass!

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Greg, thank you for the compliment.

A small shift in the work on the internal equipment of the helicopter's nose.

Jennifer Franklin
Ludvik, I greatly admire your skill.

Rando
Ludvik, a modeling god. The detail and scratchbuilding is just otherworldly and I always learn so much from your build logs

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Jennifer, thank you for your kind words.

Randa, thank you so much for your contribution. Although I don't consider myself a modeling god, your comment made me very happy. Thank you.

Ludvík Kružík Autor
This afternoon I continued making details for the nose of the helicopter.

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Little progress today. The cockpit got a floor, internal construction and a coat of grey paint. Now I can start to get the cockpit "settled in".

Alec K
Great job on that instrument panel, turned out great 👍

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Thanks Alec! The dashboard isn't complete yet. I still need to add a few more details. But I'll add those after gluing the dashboard to the nose of the helicopter, because I would (very likely) break them off while gluing the dashboard to the nose.

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Again, little progress. I'm prepping the seats for the helicopter crew.

Jennifer Franklin
The red on the seat and cushion pops, starting to look natural.

Alec K
This build made me cautiously open the MPM 1/72 version of this chopper. I closed it back up very quickly… 🤣

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Alec, I don't blame you for making that decision. The MPM kit isn't very good. To build a nice model out of this kit requires a really large amount of work on virtually all parts of the kit. Plus the plastic the kit is made of is quite hard and cracks easily.

Alec K
Agreed. The original MPM kits are now almost in the same category as the original KP: collectors' items. To be sighed over, but not disturbed 😁

Ludvík Kružík Autor
I'm continuing to work on the seats. I finished the backrest of the rear bench and glued the assembled bench into the cockpit.

Alec K
Nice progress Ludviku. The dash and the canopy look super 👍

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Thanks Alec! 😄

Ludvík Kružík Autor
The new cockpit cover is slowly starting to resemble its model. The inner frame inserted into the transparent part of the cockpit and attached to the fuselage already shows the future shape of the cockpit cover.

gorby
Excellent work on the canopy.

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Thank you gorby, glad you like it.

Ludvík Kružík Autor
After a short break I continue building the model. I have finished the instruments and controls in the cockpit and am now working on the details located on the inside of the canopy.

bughunter
Not much of this coarse kits are build. And among those is no model with details like yours! To scratch all little things needs time but is worth the effort. Your hard way to do the canopy frame is a good example.
I think the instrument panel will not very visible at the end but for more contrast individual decals for the instruments are an option. Tom Anyz offers greatly printed universal dials in black and white, e.g. Universal cockpit dials 1.00 mm - 1.80mm (ANYZ AN037, No)

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Bughunter thank you for the recommendation. Looks like the ANYZ decals are a great idea for simplifying dashboard fabrication.

bughunter
Yes! And Tom is a modeler too, so he provides things he need for his own models. So from modeler to modeler 🙂
The decals are well designed and printed by Cartograf.

Ludvík Kružík Autor
It's always good to have someone who has experience from their own practice.
I had a look at Tom's site and apart from the cockpit decals, I liked the other nifty bits. Looks like I'll do myself a favor and buy some of Tom's accessories. 🙂

Ludvík Kružík Autor
After a short break I am resuming work on the model. I finished the interior and glued the cockpit canopy. Now I have to finish the outer cabin window frames.

Bart Goesaert
Some brilliant and very nice modelling... Nice work

John
Really great bit of scratchbuilding, Ludvik! 👍 cockpit details are fantastic.

Villiers de Vos
Amazing detailed work.

Robert Podkoński
The canopy is an impressive masterpiece in itself, Ludviku. Chapeau bas!

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Work on the cabin canopy is complete. The model has been sprayed with surfacer for the first time.

Jennifer Franklin
Starting to look like a helicopter. It's going to be a true work of art.

bughunter
This sandwich framing of the windows seems to be a lot of work but gives an awesome result 👍

Ludvík Kružík Autor
The method of layering multiple layers on top of each other was my first time.
When I was thinking how best to make the new bow and cockpit cover, I thought of making these new parts as a sandwich. It seemed like a good solution and I wanted to give it a try.
Truth be told, the fabrication was more challenging than I had originally imagined. But I'm glad I took the plunge. I'm happy with the result.

Ludvík Kružík Autor
After a break caused by the Christmas and New Year holidays, I returned to work on MI-1 again. According to the drawing I started to engrave new panel lines on the fuselage.
It's slow going and there's nothing to photograph yet.

Ludvík Kružík Autor
I've finished the first round of engraving the panel lines. The lines will still need some aftercare to achieve the final look.

gorby
Nice work with the rescribing. It couldn't have been easy with such an awkwardly shaped model.

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Gorby, you got it exactly right. The shape of the helicopter fuselage with its rounded surfaces and large number of panels and various covers makes it difficult to overwrite the lines.
I found Dymo tape very helpful in transcribing the lines. I use it instead of a ruler when transcribing lines on rounded and complex model shapes. The Dymo tape is flexible yet strong enough. When taped to the model, the tape conforms to the shape of the fuselage and holds well in place (unlike a flexible ruler). And once the line is engraved, the tape can be peeled off easily.

Alec K
I was thinking the same thing. Fine saw blade works for me on curved areas, in conjunction with a good scriber.

Ludvík Kružík Autor
After a short break I'm going back to work on the model. According to the drawing and photos I started to add details on the fuselage.

Jennifer Franklin
Ludvik, how are you getting all the details for how the helicopter should look?

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Jennifer, in building this helicopter, I am drawing information from an article on the history of the development of the helicopter, descriptions of the various versions, technical data, a detailed drawing and photos of the actual machine.
Most of the information and photographs I tracked down on the internet, and detailed photos of the interior and various details were provided by a friend who took photos of the helicopter at an aviation museum.

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Another shift in the work on the model. I've added small covers to the fuselage.

Desert Marlin
Excellent vacuum forming! This is first rate detail!

Jennifer Franklin
Any updates coming?

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Jennifer, unfortunately I had very little free time lately. But I'm better with time now and can continue building the Mi-1. Look forward to an update soon.

Ludvík Kružík Autor
This afternoon I experimented with creating vents on the fuselage of the helicopter.
After a few trials and trying different materials, it turned out that the best method for making vents on the fuselage is to make a whole panel with vents out of thin aluminum sheet and create the vents in the panel.

Desert Marlin
Makes perfect sense!

Desert Marlin
In picture 90, do you know what these vents are for?

Ludvík Kružík Autor
Hello, Merlin. 🙂

The helicopter is powered by a radial combustion engine that is cooled by airflow. The air for cooling the engine enters the fuselage through an opening above the cabin (the amount of air can be controlled by the air intake louvers). And openings on the bottom and sides of the fuselage serve as its outlets.

Desert Marlin
Makes sense! Thanks!

Goldman
Yes. A bit annoying that Italeri recycles old chassis but it is easier\cheaper to update the chassis with aftermarket parts than the cabs. Italeri is the last company to release new plastic models with updated cabs from time to time so I guess beggars can't be choosers.
May I ask what paints did you use? Really like the finish and the dark grey shade.

Andre Louis Autor
Yes, that is Revells Email Color in a 50/50 mix of 07 and 378.

Martin Oostrom
Yup. Better some subpar trucks than none. Luckily not much of the chassis should be seen, especially with a trailer hitched.

Bozzer
On my Scania, I was advised not to put on the cab mounts, until the very last minute. I took the advice, because it made sense, because the parts are so delicate. To my annoyance, when everything had dried, it became apparent that the cab only raised about an inch? All the work on the engine, was lost 🙁

Qwertzel
Sieht bis super aus!

Andre Louis Autor
Danke, Qwertzel!

Andre Louis Autor
@Bozzer: Thanks for the input. It is always interesting to learn new strategies. In this case I put the cab mounts on early to make sure they are properly glued to the chassis. I also took them as one of a few reference points to make sure the parts are aligned well and that the chassis is straight. However, I just realized that I lost the two pins (parts 80B) that finally connect the cabine and the chassis. Looks like I have to be creative there...

Andre Louis Autor
@Martin: You have a point there and I am indeed happy that Italeri makes those kits. Just if you see how well the new parts of the cabine fit, it is sad that the chassis is not on the same level.

Dimko Pimko
Andre! If you have lost the pins for attaching the cabin and chassis, 0.9-1mm bolts are a great replacement. I have lost these pins myself and these bolts have really helped me out. I have a lot of them from old PC components.

Andre Louis Autor
Good idea, lets see if I can find similar bolts in my house. I was also considering to stretch sprue parts to the right diameter. Kind of scratch build pins...

Patryk S.
Following!

Neil Autor
Welcome Patryk! 🙂

Stefan Fraundorfer
I'll take a close look at your model. I have the same one in my stash and would like to build it myself in the near future. Have fun Neil!

J35J
Taking a chair👍🏻

Mark Sherwood
Parked the 360, watching. You should have prolific as your middle name, the amount of builds dude. It would make me more confused than I am. Hurrichurchspitwell anyone. 🤟😵‍💫🤘😵‍💫🖖😵‍💫👍🤣🥸

Robert Podkoński
Taking a seat of course!

Chris
Che bello aereo!

Neil Autor
Wow! Welcome all. Really great to have interest from such a talented bunch of fellow modellers. @stephan, looking forward to your version very much also 👍👍 @mark, I know, I'm a bit nuts! I love having lots of the go, takes a while to complete and I'm useless at doing reveal photos. But it keeps it all fresh for me! My job is all about multiple projects, so similar state of mind! 😂

John
I do NOT envy you your masking job but it should look amazing when you finish (or run out of tape). 👍

Neil Autor
Hi John, thanks for your interest mate. I should be ok tbh as the kit comes with a superdecal (cheat) sheet! So although there's some stressful masking on a metallic finish, it's hopefully all doable 👍 I've added some more images today. Thanks for your likes also to all who've dropped by too 🙂

J35J
Looking great! 👍🏻

Donald Dickson II
I did this one as well. Those decals are actually pretty good.

I tried acrylic metallics for the first and last time on this one. When I removed the masking for the red, it pulled EVERYTHING, primer included, right up. The finish was awesome until then. Alclad and Metalizer for me from there out.
Diavoli Rossi F-84 | Album by smokeriderdon (1:48)

Neil Autor
Hi J35J - thanks very much 👍 🙂

Hi Donald, Yes, I agree, the kit decals are nice - though they are on the thicker side. On application they hide a lot of the kits surface detail in my opinion. However subsequent passes with more (and more!) softening and setting solution is doing them justice - more pictures to follow. Sorry to hear of your paint issues when building. Yes. My version is painted solely with Vallejo acrylics: Vallejo primer, Vallejo colour and Metal Colour 👍 You rescued your version well, looks good 🙂

Donald Dickson II
Thank you. In person you can see the areas that pulled fairly clearly.

I used Solvaset on the decals. That managed to get them to settle down fairly well. But yeah, it did hide a bit. BUT, i liked the thickness as those large ones required a good bit of fiddling to get where they needed to be and they stood up to the handling perfectly.

Francky
Metalisers require a certain sense of masochism 🙂 I always try to paint the metaliser last, although mskign the red in this case is challenging, I admit. In general, the sequence of paints is very important in all cases and is certainly important with pesky colors such as yellow

Neil Autor
Agreed! 🙂 👍

Rui S
Looking Great 👍

Mr D
Looks 👍👍 😃 Great, nice job on the paint n decals

Mr James
Great painting scheme

Neil Autor
Thanks very much mates 👍 🙂

Donald Dickson II
I completely ignored the directions on the wing tip thing. LOL I figured the decals went all the way, thats what they were gonna do, right or wrong. There are pics suggesting both would be correct. Look here. aerobaticteams.net/e..html#google_vignette I chose not to mess with red for the top though.

Rui S
I'm in 😎

Ben M
👁️👁️👁️

Villiers de Vos
Booking my seat.

Danny Ray
This looks better than my Panther. Then again my Tamiya was/is (it's in the paint shop) my first ever 1:35 scale AFV…if I ever get to your level of build quality I'll be a happy cockney 😘😇😊😊😁

Danny Ray
By the way, you can always trust you Jakko to have an interesting subject matter. Something a little quirky or different. Never knew the allies had one. It was relatively common to use an enemy's vehicles I believe but it's still somewhat of a shock when you actually see it.

Jakko ‌ Autor
There are a good number of photos of captured Panthers used by the Allies, but Cuckoo is probably the best-known. For a lot more pictures of all kinds of captured German vehicles, take a look at this thread on Missing-Lynx: tapatalk.com/groups/..-allies-t337227.html

Danny Ray
If you look at the new hatch door you built, if you zoom in a little it looks a little bit like the palm tree part of the DAK marking that has the tree with a swastika half way down its trunk. Or am I going mad? They do say the human brain tries to find familiar shapes in everything. Could be a case of that! 🙂

Jakko ‌ Autor
You mean on the Zimmerit? That's an arrow pointing up, to ensure the hatch would end up the right way round 🙂 I had to take care that the ridges and grid pattern on the hatch line up with those on the turret, and the arrow helps with that.

Villiers de Vos
Very nice progress so far. This threat also is a good tutorial.

Jakko ‌ Autor
Thanks, I like model threads that actually show what the builder is doing rather than just posting the finished article 🙂

Danny Ray
Ahhh thanks for the explanation Jakko. I thought it must've been intentional!

Rui S
Here we go... 😎

Bozzer
I'll hop in with Rui. These builds are always an education 🙂

MS K Autor
Thanks guys.
This time, I plan to make light modifications to a few areas and finish it quickly. Don't expect too much. 😉

Bozzer
Lol, yeah, we've seen your subtle modifications. I'm definitely sticking around for the Finale 👍

Martin Oostrom
What you call a few modifications, is usually a full rebuild to me.

Alexander Grivonev
Nope, not expecting much from you MS K....just the usual boring OOB stuff 😄

Spanjaard
fully agree with Bozzer, Martin and Alexander 😄 😄

Davide Vitali
What a nice, clean, enjoyable build! Following

Pepe
Inside

Villiers de Vos
Very nice work so far. Booking my seat.

Yngve N
This will probably be just as interesting as other builds you did MS K. I take a seat and really wonder what "light modifications" means in your book

Sarah-Jane
Having built a few of these kits I find it best to sperate the declas, the decal sheet has them seperated for roof, bonnet etc and I find it best to have them seperate as it gets confusing, just take your time and build up the layers, looking good and loving the modifications you do

MS K Autor
Yeah, I agree Sarah. 😉

Alexander Grivonev
The airbrushed CF looks fantastic! May I ask what kind of stockings you used? 😄

Bozzer
I got mine off some girl I met last night. When she's done making breakfast, I'll ask her what they're called? 😛

Alexander Grivonev
You mean her pantyhose stayed intact during the process? I am disappointed mate 😄

Bozzer
Just a few teeth marks mate, but enough material for what I need 😉 She said they're called "Yours" as she limped into the taxi 🙂

MS K Autor
@Alexander I don't know because I got it from my girlfriend 😉
If the stocking is pulled too much, the CF pattern will not form properly.

Robin (WhiteGlint)
Large decals can be scary. 👀
Nice work!

Lochsa River
woah.....cool

Villiers de Vos
My hat off to you with that large decal.

Bozzer
Those decals would put me off building cars, for life!
Excellent work, MS, you have the patience of a Saint!

István Szücs
Looks perfect!

★ Starfish ★ Autor
Thank you István 🙂

DerMattes
Schau ich mir an, following 🙂

★ Starfish ★ Autor
Danke Mattes 🙂

★ Starfish ★ Autor
Another update on the Mirage. Despite my initial plan to make this a quick and simple project, I used PE parts for the cockpit and created rivets all over the model with improvised tools (saw blade). Then I had to fill some gaps along the wing roots and air intakes. The panels on the nose were also filled for the simple reason that they don't exist on the real counterpart. Final reveal coming soon!

Nicolas
following

★ Starfish ★ Autor
Danke Nicolas 🙂

★ Starfish ★ Autor
Last update on the Mirage - I'll probably upload a detailed video about the building and painting process tomorrow. As you can see, it wasn't easy to get a somewhat realistic colour tone and I had to mix quite a few paints until I was satisfied with the outcome. A lot of weathering was done using enamel weathering products and oils.

Łukasz Gliński
Brilliant progress 👍 respect for spraying the AquaColours, I couldn't avoid clogging with them.

István Szücs
Nice faded colors!

★ Starfish ★ Autor
Thank you guys! Yes, I also avoid spraying Revell paints but unfortunately in this case they were my only option :/

★ Starfish ★ Autor
Finished another project! Overall this was quite an enjoyable build, even though a few gaps had to be filled and it wasn't easy to mix the blue camo of the Mirage. As usual, all details can be found in my video! Youtube Video

Thomas Haberl - TH SCALE MODELS
sehr gut geworden - gratuliere 🙂

★ Starfish ★ Autor
Vielen Dank Thomas!

Laurent VILLANUEVA HELLER ForEver
great ,just to improve the next ones, lighten the blue, and put yellow on the dorsal antennae and on the fin a white comma at the top this one = antenna

Finn
Superb!

★ Starfish ★ Autor
Thank you all!

Łukasz Gliński
Great finish 👍 Camo colours turned out great

★ Starfish ★ Autor
Thanks Lukasz. It was quite tricky for me to come anywhere close to the real colours 🙈

Oleg Smilyk
The model is old, but assembled perfectly. 👍

★ Starfish ★ Autor
Thanks a lot Oleg!