Fil d'information

Rando
Gonna shift gears with a more straightforward Tamiya build. I wanted to make the all-black night fighter option, but thought the color scheme was too simple and I also wanted to try some camo painting. So I got decals for a night intruder option, which is the best of both worlds, and the camo with black underneath just looks really cool.

J35J
Mossie! I'm in👍🏻

Markus Antonius
There is nothing more complicated, to replicate a all-black aircraft not making it look too dull, in my opinion

Ludvík Kružík
Interesting choice. Both when choosing a machine and when choosing a kit manufacturer. Compared to the Crusader, we go back in time by choosing the aircraft, but it's a big step forward in kit quality.
I wish you a lot of fun and as little trouble as possible building this kit. And of course I will be happy to follow it 👀

Jennifer Franklin
Following 👀, 'm excited to see how this turns out.

Rando
Welcome friends! Yes Ludvik this is a "palate cleanser," I wanted to see how a nice Tamiya goes together, it's also the second kit I got so it's been sitting in my stash awhile. I'm already messing with ejector pin marks, we'll see how much trouble I create for myself 🙂 and Markus--yeah I figured the topside camo would add a lot more visual interest.

Desert Marlin
And so it begins!!! You have earned the right for a break from raised panel lines!!!

Rando
🤣 I guess I have! The Monogram Voodoo lurks around the corner. The Mosquito's fit sure is mostly nice so far

Rando
Wings and nacelles are glued together and been painting the many cockpit components. Drilled out the gun barrels on the .303 Brownings too, I like the look

Markus Antonius
Is that Tom Servo in you profile picture, btw? 😄

Rando
Oh yeah! Been an MST nerd since forever

Rando
Did some detail painting, and been pounding the instrument panel decal with micro sol. It's slowly conforming to the raised dials, but I have solvaset and mark softer on order since Tamiya decals are apparently known for this…

Gerald
👍

Rando
I improved the cartoony decal seatbelts by applying them to foil, cutting them out, and painting the black edges a similar color. Idea thanks to an old IPMS Stockholm article.

Desert Marlin
I have the FB and NF versions… I need to finish my P-8 and get started on a Mossy…

Desert Marlin
The belts look great!!!

Rando
Thanks Marlin! Definitely my favorite part of the build so far. Actually just threw the whole thing together today, now that the cockpit has been all worked out. It's not exactly intentional, but because this NF version I chose doesn't have the radar features, I've been breezing through construction since it also doesn't use the FB rockets/bombs/bomb bay. Next I need to get the canopy on ASAP since I keep breaking off gunsight 🤬 the only construction left is the landing gear, props, and the crew hatch and boarding ladder. Looking forward to painting

Guy Rump
Looking good, following. 👍

Ludvík Kružík
Excellent work on the model. Looks great. 👍

I'm sure you're not the only one who breaks off small parts of the model. I have the same problem. All it takes is one very brief moment of inattention and one careless move and that's it. Although I try to handle the model as carefully as possible, for example, I have broken off the antenna on the bottom of the Gripen four times. 😭

Aman S.
Following...looks great

Rando
Thank you all, and glad to have you here Guy and Aman! No more breaking off the gunsight for me now Ludvik, the green strip decals are on the inside of the canopy and masks are on. Just gotta mask off the guns and then it's time for surfacer

Desert Marlin
Nice! I just finished the cockpit on the P-8 so, I really appreciate this step you have accomplished!!! Cheers!

Rando
Guess I'm onto the painting phase! I already painted the propeller caps ocean grey, then decided to hit the bottom side with matte black. Also getting the undercarriage painted and assembled too.

Desert Marlin
Love this stage! Looks great!!!

Rando
Thanks Marlin! I got it ready to paint the dark green. IDK what others do for camo like this, but to make a "hard edge" camo I used Tamiya curved tape to make the lines, and then used regular masking tape and paper towels to mask off the rest. Excited to see the finished paint job

Neil
It's looking good Rando! 👍

Rando
Thank you Neil! At first I was thinking the ocean grey looked too dark, but with the dark green I find it contrasts well. Just got to fix some overspray and touch up some areas and it's on to decals

Desert Marlin
Excellent work! The scheme is coming along nicely!!!

Rando
Decals are on with a gloss coat over them…maybe some weathering today?!

Desert Marlin
Oh yes!!! Great Saturdays provide the opportunity to focus on all those little details seen in the mind's eye!

Rando
Hell yes Marlin especially a rainy one like this! Working on the landing gear while giving the gloss time to cure

Jos Jansen
Iam in Rando.

Rando
Hell yeah bro! Finish line is near!

Desert Marlin
The MLG look great! Where are you that it is raining?

Ludvík Kružík
Marlin, it looks like Rando was visiting the Czech Republic today. It's been raining here all afternoon 😄

Rando, that chassis looks fantastic. Didn't you put pictures of the real chassis here by any chance 🙂

Desert Marlin
😆👍

Rando
If only Ludvik, I'd love to come out that way. Would have come by to say hello and see your workbench! Been a pretty nasty day here in eastern Massachusetts too. Was also a good day to bring the kids to a model train show, fun look at an adjacent hobby.

Here's hoping the chassis fit into the nacelles without too many swear words 😉

Desert Marlin
I spent the day painting here in Nevada.

Ludvík Kružík
Rando, I believe it would be a pleasant meeting. I'm sure we'd have a lot to talk about. And of course I would love to show you my desk 🙂

Rando
Indeed Ludvik we sure would, I'd be thrilled to meet you Marlin and all my modeling friends on here someday.

Mosquito is like 99% done! Landing gear went in surprisingly easy and now just some wingtip lights to install, finish painting the crew hatch, and attempt to rig the antenna mast. Pics soon!

Definitely looking forward to seeing painted the P-8 Marlin!

Desert Marlin
I'm starting gloss for markings…

Rando
So I have to say I'm disappointed with how the canopy looks. I used Eduard masks and they were a struggle to get on as they didn't fit great. In hindsight I should probably de-tacked them too, like I do with Tamiya tape, since it seems like they left adhesive residue. They left some rough paint edges. Not sure how to improve it, I've done some careful scraping with toothpicks and Leveling Thinner, which improved it some, but considering popping the whole thing off and repainting it.

Desert Marlin
Using a 000 brush, put a couple of coats of thinned out black along the bottom of the canopy glass then a similar thinned coat of color over the black. That would firm up the window frames. The rest of the frames look pretty good to me!

Rando
Thanks Marlin, so would that help with that weird splotchy white color, especially noticeable on the frames in back?

Desert Marlin
Those should be dressed with a thinner brushed on in very small quantities until the streaks relent. I had thought those were aluminum chipping which would also be valid!

Desert Marlin
The Mr. Color Leveling thinner with a stiff hobby swab would help clean the edges. The Mr. Color thinner doesn't seem to harm clear plastic…

Rando
LOL, amazing that my mistake looked like something good! Shoulda just rolled with it. I do have a stiff kind of swab, I'll give it a try

Rando
I actually got Leveling Thinner after you recommended it on my Crusader build and it's all I've been using lately. Good stuff, I like that it can leave a smoother finish

Ludvík Kružík
I can confirm. I have the same experience, Mr. Color Leveling thinner will not damage clear plastic.

Rando
I think I've improved the framing a good deal already, both with paint and the thinner. Now just gotta glue on some nylon thread for the mast rigging, which I've never done before. So far I managed to attach it to the mast with some gel super glue.

John
Get some EZ Line, you won't regret it. Nice Mossie too! 👍

Rando
Hey cool, how do you attach it John? And thanks getting close to final pics!

John
You use super glue, it just stretches nicely without putting a lot of pressure (i.e. bending) on antenna masts. So you can anchor one point and then stretch it easily so there is no sag when you attach the other end.

Rando
Got it! I'll order some. I've already had trouble with the mast popping off once.

John
The antenna on my Buffalo build is EZ Line, it's also handy for those annoying multi-wire antennas.

Rando
I see did you use thick or fine?

John
Definitely get the fine size. 👍

Rando
Basically done! Aside from the rigging wire, which I will attach when it gets in. After that I'll upload the beauty shots. Now to clean up my very messy workbench and get the next project going!

Desert Marlin
Bravo! 👏

Rando
So I decided to finally upload the glamor shots for this Mosquito. These were taken months ago but I was dissatisfied with how the photos looked at the time since it was difficult getting the plane to fit in the frame without ugly background. Looking closer though, I thought they actually turned out fine, and pretty nice actually with some cropping and brightening adjustments. So belatedly, here she is completed, the Mosquito night intruder. Great kit, most difficulties I had were my own doing. Eduard masks are not their best. Eagle Strike decals are great. If you have this one in your stash, pick out a cool scheme and build it!

J35J
Your Mossie turned out great! Congrats!👍🏻

John
Hey Rando, I can only repeat previous comment, nice Mossie! I think the canopy looks fine. I'd probably do a masking like this myself for the reasons you ran into. I don't like the "put the tape on the canopy then carefully trim the frames" technique because a mistake can be disastrous, but in this case since most of the frames are straight and well defined, I think I'll do that for this one instead of my usual cutting and taping dozens of little pieces of Tamiya tape to the canopy, which also works, but is time consuming. I did get this kit after seeing your build and I plan to do the NE D bird, I just like the scheme. Looks like the EZ line worked out really well for your antennas. 👍

Rando
Thanks John and Draken! Yeah I kind of gravitate towards cutting directly on the canopy for some reason, even though it's soooo risky. One thing that might be a good alternative to the Tamiya tape is scotch tape (suggested by Marlin), since I found you can more clearly see the actual place you're cutting into. I did that for some windows on my P-51 build and it worked out pretty nice. And also yes--the EZ line was a breeze, thanks for that! For some reason it fought me hard on the aforementioned P-51.

Shameless plug for my F-8 double build, putting the decals on tonight. So excited!

John
Wow, you really like your Crusaders! (I mean, who wouldn't?)

Rando
yeah it's ridiculous LOL. I'll be building other planes, I promise! At least after I try CAT4's new early nose conversion.

Desert Marlin
That looks perfect Rando!!!

Ludvík Kružík
Mosquito turned out very well. You did a really good job. 👍 👍 👍

Rando
Thank you Marlin and Ludvik! Who doesn't love a Mosquito? I sure do like the look of it on my desk at work.

Doubtingmango
Pretty skeeter

Jennifer Franklin
Mosquito is very nice. I can imagine that it looks good on your desk at work.

Guy Rump
Great job! 👍

LC
this sounds like quite a fun and unique idea

Nathan Dempsey
Thanks LC76. Welcome to the build!

Torsten
LOL, follow ^^

Robert Podkoński
Watching for sure!

Nathan Dempsey
Welcome Torsten & Robert!
I've started the fuselage assembly and clamps were needed.

Dutch
Nathan, I am following along as well. I have friends in eastern Ukraine, so very interested in this one. Kind regards, Dutch

Nathan Dempsey
Welcome Dutch! This build is turning into a slog. Clamps and super-glue "force-holds" galore. Luckily it is a tiny plane so I'm nearly done already, just completing all the seam sanding.

Nathan Dempsey
Working on the cowl. I had to use 2-part epoxy clay to fill a large gap on the bottom of the cowl that was created by making the cowl fit straight & level.

Nathan Dempsey
Working on masking the camo pattern today.

Dutch
Looking good. Keep up the progress. The splinter pattern will be stupendous when done.

Nathan Dempsey
Thanks Dutch! Man I just realized looking at pictures that the wing camo is a mirror image for the other wing. It won't be perfect… 😁

Ben M
Ah, amodel 🙂

Dutch
Ben, I feel you!

Nathan Dempsey
Welcome to the show Ben! I've applied the first color today. Now off to cut masks for the next color. I've been spoiled by those pre-cut masks…

Dutch
Nathan, quick question. Why not just spray the first color overall, then mask only the subsequent colors? Saves at least one step, I should think. Carry on. I am enjoying the show.

Nathan Dempsey
In this case I just got a little too happy masking. I even decided against my usual preshade since this plane's paint looks really new in all the pictures.

Dutch
Yeah, I can understand the excitement factor!

Dutch
Nathan, are you going to put kill markings on it?
google.com/url?sa=t&..e2eYFcXbT_ewibuKmesM

Nathan Dempsey
Well my printer is dead, but my dad has a similar one so I'm going to try… Wish me luck.

Nathan Dempsey
The second color has been applied. Slow going here as my workbench time has been lacking.

Dutch
Okay! Coming along nicely!

Nathan Dempsey
Thanks Dutch! Today I masked off the areas for the gloss black. The tan colored areas are quite small, but they're everywhere. Tamiya tape stock is going up!!

Nathan Dempsey
Well my gloss black was solidified, so flat black will have to do. Hopefully it will all even out when the clear is applied

Jennifer Franklin
Impressive detail work!

Villiers de Vos
Very nice work so far on the camouflage scheme.

Nathan Dempsey
Thanks Jennifer and Villiers!

Work continues on masking these tiny sections.

Nathan Dempsey
Well that was a whole bunch of masking for some very tiny pixels… I also added a coat of Future to help with the panel lining effort to come.

Nathan Dempsey
Today has seen the underside color selected and applied (Tamiya X-14 Sky Blue) along with masking/painting the cowl colors using Steel & Red.

Ben M
What are you using to do the panel lines?

Nathan Dempsey
I'm using both AK & Mig panel wash. For the bottom I used Grey-Blue and for the top I haven't decided whether I'll use a dark brown or black wash. Of course for the black areas I'll use the Stone Grey wash which I think is Mig.

LC
It's looking very good, keep it up!

Guy Rump
Looking good, following. 👍

Nathan Dempsey
Thanks LC & Guy!
More masking for the Ukrainian flag on the tail today.

Robert Podkoński
Looks great already, Nathan. Keep it up!

Nathan Dempsey
Thanks Robert!
Chrome Yellow has been applied for the first half of the Ukrainian flag on the tail.

Nathan Dempsey
The Ukrainian flag on the tail has been completed and the landing gear legs have been painted and attached.

Dutch
Slow and steady wins the race! Nice work, thus far.

Nathan Dempsey
Thanks Dutch! Today I completed painting the canopy framing and the wheels. Also my clear gloss arrived in the mail today, so I'll be able to apply that to the entire aircraft. After that I only need to paint the anti-glare panel on the upper cowl. Nearing the finish line.

Nathan Dempsey
Calling this one complete. Thanks for the interest and likes!

Dutch
Ooh-la-la! Well done Nathan. Definitely a special addition to the display case.

Villiers de Vos
Very nice work on your little hunter.

Oleg Smilyk
It`s great!

bughunter
Nice 👍

Robert Podkoński
Great job! I love the camo and propeller most.

Nathan Dempsey
Thank you very much for your kind comments mates!

Jennifer Franklin
That camo is sharp. Very nice job!

Guy Rump
Great result! 👍

Jennifer Franklin
Nice start, following.

Davy Vos
Thanks!

Patrick Hagelstein
Nice additions and cool colors in the cockpit! They liven up the basis kit parts substantially.

Ogre-Trombone
Impressive detailing! Following.

Alec K
Taking a seat. Nice progress so far 👍

Davy Vos
Thanks all!

Finn
Looking good, really like the detailing

Oliver
cool! following

Rona
Very impressive built! I think the most noticeable issue of the academy kit is the main landing gear. The legs are way too long (2mm) and the MLG doors are too massive. But this is relatively easy to fix. Following!

Davy Vos
Thank you very much! And Rona, thank you for those tips!

TH SCALE MODELS (Thomas Haberl)
I think I´ll take a seat here my friend 🙂 good progress 👍

Davy Vos
Nice to see you here too! 🙂

J35J
Great paintwork!👍🏻

Thomas Kolb
Great work on the riveting fading representation!

Guy Rump
Looking great, following. 👍

Davy Vos
Thank you all!

Nicolas
Very good so far, Joining

Alec K
Superb painting skills 👍

Michael Kohl
I like your efforts at detailing and painting. Mottling and oils lead to a good overall effect.

Oliver
Good Job

Moreno Baruffini
Your quality is truly impressive! Absolutely superb!

Maciej Bellos
Oh that's inspiring. Bookmarked for reference!

Davy Vos
Thank you very much all!

Mr D
Do you use copper wire??
I was watching a YouTube vid and the guy was using the wire out of sandwiches bag ties, you know the type they twist to hold new electric cables ect.
It looked ideal for simulating wiring n break lines ect.
Nice job on the seatbelt's looking good 👌

Davy Vos
Hi Mr D, i use copper wire from electric cables indeed 🙂 Thanks!

Alec K
The subtle panel shading and highlighting looks superb 👍

Łukasz Gliński
Impressive, following

Nicolas
Superb. 👍

Mr D
Brilliant job👌 made a really nice model out the Academy kit.... With all the extra effort you put in.
Very impressive 👍👍👍

Davy Vos
Thank you very much Mr D and Nicolas! 😊

Jennifer Franklin
I agree with Mr D. I love it.

Guy Rump
Great job! 👍

Robert Podkoński
Taking a seat here!

Nicolas
watching

Jennifer Franklin
following 👀

Łukasz Gliński
Interesting example you have selected - 7447 is the one that was used for escape to Austria and hence the special colours:
airplane-pictures.ne..-force-antonov-an-2/

Finn
I'm in

Jennifer Franklin
I am curious to see how you handle your fit trouble.

Gergely Rácz
Well... So am I, Jennifer 🙂

Ekki
Following.

Guy Rump
Following. 👍

Nicolas
Nice result Gergely.

Gergely Rácz
Thank You, Nicolas.

Robert Podkoński
Good job!

Gergely Rácz
Thank You, Robert.

Łukasz Gliński
Love these classic colours, nice job 👍

Gergely Rácz
Thank You, Łukasz. While comparing to photographs of the actual '7447', camouflage colours seem to match, but when looking at the model itself, something doesn't feel right with them. I don't know why.

Jennifer Franklin
Colours look really good. Very nice work!

Gergely Rácz
Thank You, Jennifer.

Thomas Kolb
Man, the Colt looks really great as a model! Your project is inspiring me to perhaps build one myself! I will refer to your experiences.

Gergely Rácz
Thank You, Thomas. I never thought that I could inspire anyone in modelling, haha. 🙂
Anyway, the Trumpeter kit has several serious fit and shape issues, some of which I was unable to fix.

Guy Rump
Very nice work. 👍

George Williams
Looks like a nice kit.

Alec K
Taking a seat for this resin extravaganza. And I agree, very nice kit 👍

Robert Podkoński
Watching, of course!

Treehugger
Question for OP:
What brand might be selling vacuum formed clear parts? Seems like you found some as seen in photo #11. I've seen some for airplane/jet canopies, but none for cars, so I wouldn't know where to look.

Alexander Grivonev
Hey Treehugger, the parts in the picture are part of the kit. But funny that you mention this topic because I actually dealt with this question myself recently. I finished two 964s earlier this year (Revell and Fujimi) and the clear parts in both kits were of very poor quality. Searched for aftermarket replacement and found nothing. So I decided to try myself at vacuforming and made the clear parts myself which turned out to be pretty decent (after countless tries and errors) I have not posted pictures of the builds yet but intend to, keep an eye open. You are right, there is definitely a lack of aftermarket windshields for cars...

Michael Kohl
Following

Alexander Grivonev
Ahem, let`s continue here shall we? Not that I was absent for three months or something...

Alec K
Nice! Glad you're back 👍

Alexander Grivonev
Well I wasn't "gone", just unproductive😄

Spanjaard
looking great as usual, love your detailed explanations

Nigel Chapman
So planning a future project. Ever optimistic I thought the Sidewinder chassis would fit with minimal alterations then I found these resin wheels on eBay and they are big! So a major chassis build is needed.
I have measured the body and wheels and drawn up a floor plan so I have measurements to work to.
The Viper engine being narrower helps but I think It will have to be a scratch built chassis, air suspension and narrowed rear axle.

Jv
Nice one
Love your new build
Crazy as always
Can't wait
Taking a front seat

Richard Cheals
"There's no substitute for cubic inches" 👍👍

Brandon H
Ah yes, classic Nigel! Looking forward to following this one!

Nigel Chapman
Thanks Chaps - I haven't actually done anything yet!
This is my first Mopar project so trying to keep all the parts related.
I think I have chassis issue sorted but will sleep on it. I also need to re-watch Texas Metal (Ektensive) on TV, their chassis builds are fascinating and a great inspiration.

Nigel Chapman
After some research and drawing a design on paper I am going for it and scratch building the whole chassis and suspension - I never make life easy for myself!!
Evergreen strip and others bits to be revealed now on order.
The Sidewinder chassis will return to the parts stash.

Jv
Well you are never boring interesting to see how you build it

Nigel Chapman
Thanks JV. This is something I've been wanting to do for ages. It's all in the measuring. Actual construction should be fairly easy.

Nigel Chapman
So take a perfectly good body and cut it up with the Dremel!
I am now committed to this build. Made a start on the chassis which has as much brain work as cutting and gluing.
Today is my birthday so it will it be finished before next year's?

Brandon H
Can't think of a better way to spend a birthday, covered in dremel dust! Best of luck with the chassis!

Bozzer
Nigel, I don't know what's in the water, over there, but you should bottle it, and send some over here! This is gonna be a crazy build, from the start! But like a certain fast food advert, I'm Lovin' it!

Nigel Chapman
Thanks Bozzer I'm in the zone at the moment.

Nigel Chapman
More Dremel destruction with removing the floor from the interior tub to accommodate rear chassis.

Nigel Chapman
Belated thanks Brandon, there is Dremel Dust everywhere!

Nigel Chapman
Rear clip attached to chassis using 1 mm metal rods for locating pins. C notch created by cutting rear section with the Dremel and turning it up side down. Visually looks better and helps position rear interior tub.

Brandon H
That's a solid looking frame so far. Nicely done.

Nigel Chapman
Thanks Brandon. It just seemed to look better with using the two strips glued together rather than the strip. It's probably a bit over scale.

Brandon H
Solid as in well designed and executed haha... but yeah I'm sure it would need to be pretty substantial to keep that V10 from twisting it right up!

Nigel Chapman
Your right Brandon.
Second attempt for front clip and it's looking good. Some final tweaking still needed to get it just right. Engine cross member/ support will be next. The theory is to build the entire front clip as one unit so front end parts can be just added without any need for further adjustment.
Early indications are both front and rear clips should match up.

Nigel Chapman
Fourth attempt at front clip and I've done it by using the narrower strip and changing the angle of the uprights.

Nigel Chapman
Woke up this morning, didn't like what I built last night so cut it off and started again. I'm sure there's a blues tune in there!
So attempt five and the front clip is just right. Now I keep looking at the rear hmmm…….

Nigel Chapman
2mm brass tube will now fit through my now modified rear axle which has been drilled out.
Resin brake discs also adapted to accept the 2 mm tube.
Prop shaft made from 4mm Evergreen tube with the ends from a 1933 Cadillac.

Bozzer
British engineering at its best! That reminds me, I need to get myself some rod, for a missing axle, in a kit that I've just started. She's looking good, Nigel! I love that stance.

Nigel Chapman
Thanks Bozzer

Nigel Chapman
Exhaust position and mounts are now worked out using Evergreen tube. There's a million and one things to think about ensuring everything fits in the space available.

Bozzer
Nigel, I said exactly the same thing, to the Mrs, as I presented her with flowers, chocolate, fine wine and expensive lingerie.

Nigel Chapman
Fantastic! 😂😂 I hope she appreciated it.

Nigel Chapman
A chance to try something new that looks cool, thanks to YouTube and that's building air bags using rubber O rings. The fronts are 4.5 x 2 mm and rears 5 x 2 mm, glued to piece of brass tube with Evergreen tubes inserted. 20 minutes work and I have authentic looking deflated airbags!

Brandon H
Some impressive engineering indeed! Very well thought out.

Nigel Chapman
Thanks Brandon. I'm taking my time and thinking things through at each stage. Also the amount of research I've done, TV shows, YouTube and websites has really helped.

Nigel Chapman
Airbag mounts now done. Lower control arms done using 2 mm brass tube with 1 mm rod inserted. 2mm plastic tube drilled out for the bushes.

Munkyslut
That looks proper good mate! Motor & trans are the bollox too 👍

Nigel Chapman
Thanks Munky. It's coming together rather well.
I've gone for triangulated upper control arms which now almost sorted.

Nigel Chapman
Started on the front suspension and found my current airbags were too big so built another pair using 3 4x1mm O rings. These now fit in the first pair of scratch built A arms.

Nigel Chapman
Found the A arms would not fit with wheel position so out with the Dremel and rebuilt the the front clip.

Munkyslut
You torture yourself don't you??? 😄

Nigel Chapman
I do but then it would be no fun

Nigel Chapman
Back on nights so spent the odd hour experimenting with 0.80 styrene rod with the MK2 A arm version which looks more accurate.

Alexander Grivonev
Bread and butter modelling, what a grind👍. Great scratch building.

Nigel Chapman
Thanks Alexander. There is something satisfying when building it yourself rather than buy in Resin parts though I may do that for future projects

Nigel Chapman
Slow but steady. A arms finished and awaiting paint.
Starting on the interior with more Dremel work to reshape the wheel area.

Nigel Chapman
Interior coming along in fits and start depending on work shifts. Floor and rear panels cut and shaped with tunnel next.

Munkyslut
Coming along great mate! Suspension components are proper good, luv the axle housing 👍

Nigel Chapman
Thanks Munky, good to hear from you. Yeah I'm rather proud of my efforts

Nigel Chapman
So far everything fits snugly all because of my careful planning….well a bit of luck was involved!
Interior tub revised to accommodate the rear wheels. I worked out they a scale 23x12 for the rears and 23x9 for the front. Home stretch now in sight.

Bozzer
That's always a good feeling, when you know that you're on your last lap! That's usually when I screw things up though, so steady in pace, r kid, and let the good vibes flow smoothly 🙂

Nigel Chapman
Nice one Bozzer, thanks. Patience is something I've had to learn

Brandon H
Hell yeah, coming together nicely!

Nigel Chapman
Thanks Brandon so far so good. Trying to work the exhaust pipes at the moment.

Nigel Chapman
Interior almost complete. Pleased with tunnel easily done by bending styrene sections to match the floor.

Bill Newcomer
I am late to the party (again). Way cool project. Following.

Nigel Chapman
Thanks Bill

Nigel Chapman
Interior tub now completed. Rather pleased with the centre tunnel. Black piece is the top of the engine cover from a Ford Econoline van - good job I keep all the parts that are cut off! To do: Steering column needs to be repositioned, gear stick and handbrake from the Viper kit, foot pedals from the parts stash.

Jv
Keeping a eye on your build
Looking great
Always interested what you do
Always interesting to see what you get upto

Nigel Chapman
Thanks Jv

Nigel Chapman
Getting on with the front suspension. Fingers crossed all the parts and angles work with the front wheels!
I went back to the original airbags I made as these look much more to scale. Got work out a front spindle arrangement with very little space!

Bozzer
Things are coming together well, now mate. I bet you can't wait to get some paint on this?

Nigel Chapman
Absolutely, next project already in the pipeline

Bozzer
I can imagine mate. I'm looking forward to the long weekend, that's coming up. Unfortunately I have some 1:1 jobs to do, oddly enough, involving suspension, but after that, I'm back in the cave! Currently trying to get some progress on my Lonestar build, and it's going well. If you can get your hands on one, definitely grab one! I really like the way it's working out, but it's definitely an oily kit. Wash all parts, extremely well.

Nigel Chapman
I wouldn't mind a Moebius truck kit but the price puts me off.
Good luck with the 1:1 jobs

Nigel Chapman
Time to carry on with this project.
This afternoon:
Tweaked the engine mounts so engine now fits under the stock bonnet. Sanded down the firewall area.
Removed the old radiator surround with the Dremel to fit a resin one from Iceman Collections. I used some Evergreen channel top and bottom to locate the radiator.

Munkyslut
Cooling fans are lovely aint they? Motor looks so good in there, just gets nicer & nicer mate 👍

Nigel Chapman
Thanks Munky good to hear from you

Bill Newcomer
I see this has been resurrected. You have a lot of work into this one. Following.

Nigel Chapman
Thanks Bill, yes I wanted to have a go myself and found the principal fairly easy with some careful measuring.
For a couple future builds I have though cheated and bought 3d printed front and rear suspension parts and a complete lowered chassis from Iceman Collections.

Bozzer
It's always good, to have some Munky Magic around. Munky, you still get mentioned in the odd thread, by fellow mates. Isn't it time you sniffed some glue with us 1/25 freaks?

Munkyslut
That Iceman stuff is very good 👍

Yeah Boz I gotta start on a vintage 1/25 soon or I'll get WW2 plane disease 🙂

Nigel Chapman
Had a rummage through the parts stash and found a pair of resin air filters from Hiroboy. Now fitted and bent slightly to clear the bonnet.
Engine bay coming along slowly.

Munkyslut
They look bloody brilliant!……. u gonna paint em in that K&N style reddish purple?

Nigel Chapman
Not sure. I had wanted to colour coordinate everything.

Nigel Chapman
Onto the engine bay with scratch built inner wings and front grill modified to fit. I also had modify the front of the chassis for a better fit. Some Final finishing and it will be ready for paint.

Munkyslut
Looks great mate 👍

Brandon H
Exciting stuff! Shaping up to be a badass build!

Nigel Chapman
Thanks guys. Almost ready for paint

Nigel Chapman
Wow last message was February!?
Oh well, managed to get all the primer done. Two coats and rubbed down with 1200 grit paper.
It's good to get back into the build.

Kyle DeHart
Always nice to pick back up!

Maurits van der Aa
I wiil follow. A great scrarch build project my man! A lot of work, and I'm curious about the result.😀

Nigel Chapman
Thanks Maurits

Maurits van der Aa
Realy cool project, honest!

Kyle DeHart
Very cool

Nigel Chapman
Thanks guys.

Bill Newcomer
Love those wheels. They would look wicked on a Bandit Trans Am Pro Touring build.

Nigel Chapman
You're right Bill never thought of it. Found them on eBay

Nigel Chapman
VW Uranu Grey topcoat applied today, I used two 300mil spray cans and managed to get around 3 coats of paint for the whole body.
There are a couple of tiny annoying spots to touch up by the rear pillar, where my wire frame touched the body whilst painting the interior
Clear coat will be a satin finish to tone down the gloss.
Next up is the chassis, bumpers and front grill - Matt black, engine and running gear - gloss black & interior- semi gloss black.

Munkyslut
Bloody hell mate that's the bizzo! 👌👌👌

Nigel Chapman
Thanks Munky good hear from you

Bozzer
Some say, he planes his plastic, with his budgie smugglers?
All we know is....
He's our Nigel!!! 100%

Christian W
Sweet project 🙂

Nigel Chapman
Started work on detail painting - engine headers, airbags, rear lights, and window surrounds.
I've used matt black for the surrounds and used some of the window mold lines to create a contemporary look. Judging by the photos, some tidying will be needed!
The lower body lines have been left colour-coordinated, for the visual effect.

Bill Newcomer
Nice to see some progress. 🙂

Nigel Chapman
A week's annual leave for some modelling time - I've managed to find the valve covers unpainted in the engine parts stash and lose a painted traction arm so had to fabricate another one, and it's only Wednesday!
Waiting for paint to dry then I can start construction.

Bozzer
Lol, I took off 2 weeks, and ended up a married man!
Work should be a part of every man's staple diet! 🙂

Bill Newcomer
I have noticed that when I am off work, I spend money. It is making me afraid of retiring.

Kyle DeHart
This little thanksgiving work holiday has me wanting to spend money too. 😬 I definitely need to keep working as long as I can. Lol.

Nigel Chapman
Back at it again guys, making a start on final assembly with rear axle, airbags and four links fitted.
Rather pleased with the results so far.

Munkyslut
Nice👌👌

Bill Newcomer
I am lovin' those rims. They would look awesome under a Bandit Trans Am

Nigel Chapman
Yes they do look similar. Pro touring Bandit Trana Am anyone?

Nigel Chapman
Found the rear axle had moved leaving it crooked. Had to carry out some surgery to correct it, not perfect but much better.
Trying to figure out the front suspension, so more surgery required.

Bozzer
I learned the hard way, to pin things like that. I hold it in place, and insert my vice drill, remove it, add glue, then a tiny piece of wire or the thinnest piece of brass rod I have. Then I repeat, on the other side. Measure twice and cut once, my friend.

Munkyslut
What's the issue with the front then Nigel? Rear end looks very good mate, stout work👌

Munkyslut
Good tip Boz……… I think I once cut 1/2" off a cotton needle to do the same

Bozzer
Exactly that diameter, Munky mate 👍

Nigel Chapman
@Munky the engine mounts were extended to locate the front air bag however they foul the top arm link so it's just a case of removing some material putting the air at mount lower.

Nigel Chapman
Having had another look at the front end things are not as bad as I first thought.
Broke couple of the front mounts so decided to restart again with front suspension. The original fit was really tight so have widened the space for the front mounts a little and made a larger gap in the inner wings for a better fit.
The chassis picture shows the unpainted areas that will need a repaint.

Munkyslut
I gotcha Nigel, luvly clean mods tho👌

Nigel Chapman
Thanks Munky

Nigel Chapman
Back on track with the Ramcharger. Rebuilt the inner wings to tidy things up and get a better fit.
Front disc assembly now have 1 mm brass rod pins for the A arms.

Munkyslut
Nice work mate! 👌 I started saving stainless steel needles & cutting them with small discs to use as pins, just preferred the colour.
Only downside is not soft & malleable like copper.

Nigel Chapman
Thanks Munky, how are you doing?
The needles idea is worth looking at. I find brass can a bit unforgiving and can transmit heat.

Munkyslut
I'm good mate, just finishing winding up the business & looking forward to actually having some time to build something again!😂

Bozzer
Do I sense a hint of Munky Magic, in the coming weeks?

Bob Hall
Ah Moping Mopar Munky, better get off your keester and crank out that Magik, been a mad minute since I've seen a Munky Gem ! Bozz, Nigel, y'all live in the same neighborhood, island or whatever ! Motivation on the way 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🇬🇧🤘😎🤘🇺🇲. Git'er done or I'm sending Chuck Norris your way, I can do it, we both work for DPS ! He's Walker ya know !

Bozzer
Lol Bob! Even on this tiny island of ours, I've only been in Munky's neighbourhood twice, in all my life. Though I do pass by Nigel, quite a few times a month. It's actually bigger than you think, over here 😉

Bob Hall
I been to UK few times, liked it. And in my younger days I use to chase after all your gorgeous Military Police Girls in Iraq, Kuwait and England ! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Nigel Chapman
Bob, love that - same neighbourhood😆 compared to where you live that must be up the road. Munky & I discovered we have lived in the same area without knowing it so it is a small island.
My trips to the USA have East Coast & West Coast, not quite chasing the ladies but I managed an impromptu photoshoot with a bikini clad young lady, a hot rod & Police officer with patrol car!

Bob Hall
It takes me longer to get from my city Odessa to the Louisiana border than it does to get to my house in Savannah Georgia 4 States away. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Munkyslut
HAAAAAAAHAHAHA!!!! Bob, have u had too much caffeine today???😂😂😂😂 That excellent motivational message is certain to kick my arse out of this ape-athetic state 🤣🐒

Bob Hall
Don't forget the doughnuts too, lots and lots of sugar loaded doughnuts...............................🤯🤯🤯🤯

Munkyslut
Boz……… I was watching re-runs of Monkey! on tv the other day, larfed my chimp arse off 😂😂😂

Bozzer
Munky, I'd still do that Tripitaka now, and she's gotta be around 70+?
She always made the wheels on my Rickshaw, wobbly!
Sushi never sounded so good.
Right, I'm back to the gutter, so your work is done!
Glue, anybody???

Bozzer
Shoot, I just read that she passed away in 85, aged 27 🙁
Well, she'll never know what she did with my adolescent mind, but I hope she rests in peace. Such a beautiful lady, and a bloody sad loss 🙁

Nigel Chapman
Amen to that Bozzer. There is a remake of Monkey but never as good as the original.
I guess all this reminiscing means we are gentlemen of a certain age.
Munky with all that caffeine and sugar you should be doing a Lionel Ritchie and dancing on the ceiling

Munkyslut
Did she? That's such a shame, poor girl😳
A certain age??? Nigel means we're all old gits😂😂😂…….. he's right of course🤣

Bob Hall
As we say here in Texas, "You know your old when you start going to more funerals, than Weddings"

Munkyslut
😂😂😂😂😂

Nigel Chapman
I need to complete this build. lower A arms and airbags now secured in position after a few mods to get them where I need them.
Seems a lot hard work as most of this will be hidden, however in the end it has the correct parts and I know they are there.
I'll be damned the body will actually fit over the front wheels!!

Munkyslut
I once got so frustrated trying to fab a chassis for a 1/24 lowrider that I glued the rims to the inside of the upper wheel arches 😂

Nigel Chapman
I have considered that myself, or even filing off the top of the tyre

Nigel Chapman
The worse thing about a build is the fiddly bits that crop up as with the interior, it just seems to take forever.
Kit steering wheel now has a column made from brass tube. Dashboard modified to accommodate the new column using scrap styrene.
Gear stick and handbrake are from the Viper kit.

Munkyslut
I like that, looks neat!
I love using available scrap like sewing needles for indicator stalks & gear levers, easy to bend & if you heat em up properly they just push in to the plastic without cement👌

Nigel Chapman
Clever idea