B38M Project (144)
220105: Initial preps - filling the cabin windows.
220105: Initial preps - Access hole for ballast, resin installation.
220105: Initial preps - Access hole for ballast, resin installation.
220106: Cabin windows filled (two-part clear resin, high-temp electrical tape).
220106: Clear resin is self-levelling and cures in ~24 hours.
220106: Clear resin is self-levelling and cures in ~24 hours.
220106: Result is perfectly smooth and clear cabin windows (but note stray bubbles on windows R6 and R8).
220106: Result is perfectly smooth and clear cabin windows.
220304: Installing the Rudder. It was a tricky thing to get it looking right.
220304: Installing the tailpiece.
220314: Engine compressor fans are beautifully molded in two interlocking pieces. Paint is Tamiya Nato Black, with aluminium leading edges.
220331: Engine components ready for assembly.
220331: Note intake interior details (masked and airbrushed).
220419: Masking will be tricky. Here cutting template using decal sheet
220419: Masking will be tricky. Here applying template to fuselage.
220419: Tamiya flex masking tape to denote white cheat line.
220419: Black electrical tape to mask above the blue.
220419: Applying Tamiya X3 Royal Blue.
220419: Unmasking.
220419: Mishap #2: Beware of using a heat gun to dry your paint. The heat also caused the masking tape's glue to interact with the white paint.
220420: Fortunately, Zvezda includes two clear cockpit domes, one with eyebrows for older 737s (or for dummies like me armed with heat guns).
220420: Damage was mostly to the clear part, although the fuselage also deformed slightly. Here it is shimmed with plasticard and filled with Tamiya putty.
220420: Replacement windshield was welded in place with solvent glue followed by CA to fill gaps. Putty is Tamiya white.
220420: Re-painting the white uppers. Small defect at the lower left corner will have to remain.
220420: Back on track, mostly.
220424: Had to re-do the grey wave, too.
220430: Decal application is taking a while.
220430: Decal application is taking a while.
220513: Some progress. Note the various elements that must be applied in layers.
220513: Disappointed in the hit-and-miss quality of the after-market decals. Compare the "737" (Zvezda) and the "MAX" (PAS Decal) lettering.
220513: Tail decal looks ok once applied and fully set.
220513: Windshield looks ok too. Good response to decal setting solution.
220513: Turns out you can buy a 737 directly from Boeing and have it shipped directly from Everett, WA in just a few days. At left is a Boeing company model in 1/200 scale.
220513: Boeing company model in 1/200 scale.
220513: Boeing company model in 1/200 scale.
220522: Mostly complete.
220523: Rollout!
220523: Rollout!
220523: Rollout!
220523: Rollout!
220523: Rollout!
220523: Rollout! Note home-made stand.
220525: First flight!
220525: First flight!
220525: First flight!
220525: First flight!
220525: First flight!
220525: First flight!
220525: First flight!
220525: First flight!
220525: First flight!
220525: First flight!
220525: First revenue flight.
220525: First flight!
220525: First flight!
Opmerkingen
14 20 September 2022, 04:10
Michael KohlBeautifully done, despite the mishaps. I am looking forward to my first try to fill the windows with ckear epoxy.
30 October 2022, 21:50
Andrew PThanks, guys!
A note on the acrylic - be sure to test it first by pouring a small batch into a disposable cup and letting it sit for the prescribed 24 hours. My first batch failed somehow, but all subsequent ones worked perfectly as advertised (probably user error).
Also, isopropyl alcohol works a treat for cleaning up the mess from uncured acrylic off your fingers, model, etc.
31 October 2022, 02:31
BenoitNice subject, very nice painting. I love the way you display the model with a home made stand.
8 August 2023, 15:48
Andrew PSérgio: I figures it isn't worth the effort in 1/144 scale, especially without a set of pre-cut masks.
Benoit: Thank you! I mount the post and socket at a 3 degree angle, so that I can display the airplane in level flight or, by turning the stand around, at 6 degrees nose-up.
11 August 2023, 17:38
