EDSG.
https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235104513-faa-phantom-blue/#comment-4294122
I've just bought some XF-91 for my Sea Vixen.
saw this pop up on HUDK the other day, don't know if it's of an interest! Not sure about the RRP, but seems a decent price for 4x 1:72 models (albeit 2 pairs of 2 the same) which normally seem to be £8-9 ish each.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/402715409892?mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&siteid=3&campid=5336549684&customid=2304791034&toolid=10001&mkevt=1
Same price on Amazon also at the moment.
Looking at the review on BoardGameGeek, the game sounds pretty good as well!
It’s been a while since I posted in here. So here we go, a new WIP and the bit I’ve been putting off… the tracks, again!
It’s a ZSU-23-4 “Shilka” in 1/35 by Zvezda
96 links per side, but these are relatively simple, just slide one link into the next & glue.
The bigger picture
The business end
Looking good JD! Tracks are what really puts me off doing AFVs.
@freester, if your lad hasn't done it yet already hold back on installing the pylons on the Sea Vixen until after he has painted the leading edge of the underside of the wing. Trust me on this as it is a bugger to mask!
@harry_the_spider thanks for the heads up. A brief moment of productivity on the Sea Vixen followed by another short on the top fuselage part which we hadn't noticed previously.
@Harry They’re not all as difficult as each other.
Some kits come with what they call “link and length” tracks, where the long straight bits at top & bottom are moulded as one piece each, so you only need to build the bits where the track goes round the drive sprocket and idler wheel.
Some of the older Tamiya and Airfix kits come with tracks moulded out of one long length of rubber which you need to join with a hot screwdriver.
And of course, some AFVs come with wheels/tyres
@freester, re the Sea Vixen, you might also want to do any of the decals underneath the wing before adding the weapons pylons. Actually this applies to many modern jets, especially British ones where the registration code goes across both wing undersides
Freester that’s bad luck, but I guess makes sense that if one bit is short shot, another might be too. Hope you get it sorted.
John D - love the ZSU, a formidable bit of kit, and it’s been around since the late ‘50’s! Saw one last year as a gate guard at the Muckleburgh Collection. I guess it’s either tracks or canopies as your poison 😀
Some slow progress being made on the Thunderbolt. Almost ready to start masking for a coat of primer…
I've been having a 'mare with my Airfix P-51D, this is now the fourth that I've attempted and it all went pears with the port side gun insert. The upshot is that it needs rescribing and my scribing skills aren't up to much.
To that end, an Eduard Weekend P51D turned up and is slowing being put together. The level of detail on the kit is sublime, I just hope that I don't bollix it.
Hmm, I might have to have one of those Eduard 1/48 P51s
…Once I’ve finished what’s already on the workbench in various states of completion:
1/35 ZSU-23-4
1/35 M3 Lee
1/35 Husky TSV and associated squaddies
1/48 Me262
1/35 M48A3 Patton
The Eduard kits are joyous to put together.
They are, I’ve recently done one of their Fw190 models, and I have a Hawker Tempest MkII in the stash
Yeah did their Mk12 Spitfire and late 109G6 and both went together beautifully, the level of detail is tremendous. The only thing that lets them down are the decals which have a pretty heavy gloss (but I’m being super picky)
I almost bought an Eduard BF109 - the weekend edition one.
They look like good kits.
Maybe I'll get one after I have completed the Tamiya Sea Harrier that I recently bought.
Not got round to make a start on it yet...
The Eduard kits are joyous to put together.
Joyous isn't the term I'd use - "fiddly" and "hard work but rewarding" is nearer my mark. If we're talking about the old (pre-2018) FW-190A then the term is probably "a complete bastard".
It hasn't put me off though, my Eduard stash comprises:
2x Spitfire XVI (dual combo)
2x Spitfire I/Ia (dual combo)
1x Me110C
1x Tempest V
1x Me 190G
1x Fw-190A
1x Mig 19
1x Yak 3
1x P39 Airacobra
Oh, and I've a P51K arriving tomorrow!
Masking Marathon.
Holy Tamiya tape Harry! You might have been better reversing the painting process, and masking the unmasked bits! 😂
The pilot's seat in the Eduard P51d consists of nine parts, including two very fiddly armrests/supports that are an absolute paint to fix to the seat assembly. So far, the left armrest has been dropped three times on the floor.
Airfix's solution is much less detailed, but only consists of four parts!
I've some spare photo-etch belts somewhere for a P-80 Shooting Star, so once the seat is painted, chipped and coated with satin varnish I'll be having a crack at photo-etch for the very first time...
Also - Harry, what scale is that Sea Vixen? I don't envy that masking job if it's 1/48!
1/72, but it is still a big old unit.
Could have done a better job in a third the time if I'd left the pylons off.
Hmmm I have probably a dozen of the old style Eduard FW190a’s to make at some point. I’ve done one so far, many years back and remember the engine assembly being a major ball ache!
I wonder if anyone does a resin or 3d print one piece part to replace the whole dam thing 😀
Finished !
First model kit in decades.
Airfix Mark 1 male tank.
Funny build. Quite basic for the most parts but then with a ridiculous degree of fiddle for the trailing wheels.
Colours aren't quite right as I tried to colour match to Citadel paints, but then no one is really sure what the correct colours are anyway. Paint is flaking off the rubber tracks: heyho.
I've also decided that 1:72 is too fiddly for me.
Next a 1:35 Tamiya Cromwell.
@stirlingcrispin nice job there! Like you I had decided 1/72 is too fiddly. 1/48 seems to be the sweet spot between model and size and ease of working on it!!!
Agreed! Certainly for aircraft - provided they’re not big things like bombers 😆
Can you imagine the size of a B-52 in 1/48?
@Freester
Thanks.
I am tempted to have another go - the kits cost £6 - and learn from my mistakes.
Paint and assemble the steering wheel hinge unit before attaching to the main body, and outline the campouflage pattern before painting.
Welcome back to the world of the Afflicted SC! Highly recommend having another go. £6 is barely the cost of a pint these days, and these are better for you. Get a few more simple kits under your belt before tackling the Cromwell. You’ll be amazed how quickly you progress. Also literally thousands of really good YouTube channels out there with hints and tips.
Yep, get yourself down to Aldi or have a look what Jadlam have for offer at the cheaper end.
Got some paint on the Sea Vixen.
Glossed it too. Will leave it over night to harden off then start on the decals.
What are you using for gloss Harry? I’ve got half a litre of Klear floor polish from maybe 10 years ago. Works well but can be a little tricky to spray. I’ve used maybe 100ml! Although to be fair I have had some long lay offs in that time too…
Alclad.
Sprays well and they do an airbrush cleaner too.
Cyber Hobby provide a lot of decals! Managed to get the top half done without disaster, so I'm calling it a day.
No evidence of the dreaded "Silvering" and I'm hoping that once they have had a final covering of semi-gloss they will look spot on.
Very smart indeed Harry!
A couple more hours on the underside.
There are a lot of stencils!
For those of you that haven't tried is I would thoroughly recommend Micro Sol decal setting solution (the white and red bottle in the image). The serial numbers especially look they have been sprayed on.
Getting closer!
Still got a few more decals to apply on the fuel tanks, booms and around the nose, then a final semi gloss coat, ejector seat, canopies and pitots before I can relax!
Well your progress has inspired me to get a bit more done on the Big Jug Harry. Main build now complete, but loads of bits and pieces still to do. Laid down coat of primer, but it will now be paused for a week as we’re off on hols..
The best thing about using black primer is it makes your plane look seriously bad-ass! 😀
[url= https://i.postimg.cc/fL4WxTLg/A85-CD31-D-8625-463-D-92-C0-74-EA2-F98-DB0-D.jp g" target="_blank">https://i.postimg.cc/fL4WxTLg/A85-CD31-D-8625-463-D-92-C0-74-EA2-F98-DB0-D.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= https://i.postimg.cc/vmxHg6QV/DD199267-A0-A5-4-A87-A718-366-DF3202051.jp g" target="_blank">https://i.postimg.cc/vmxHg6QV/DD199267-A0-A5-4-A87-A718-366-DF3202051.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
That looks like a right monster! How big is it?
It’s a big old beast for sure. About 15 inch wingspan, huge even by 1/32 standards. Below is a 1/72 me262 night fighter for comparison. I’ve got a few FW190s in 1/32 and it dwarfs them too.
[url= https://i.postimg.cc/8CxbvCYY/DD19701-F-4-B95-43-C1-A101-1606-CD591-B32.jp g" target="_blank">https://i.postimg.cc/8CxbvCYY/DD19701-F-4-B95-43-C1-A101-1606-CD591-B32.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
Just found this excellent reference video.
It looks like it was shot quite recently. Is Foxy Lady making a return to flight?
I thought they'd abandoned the idea but are maintaining the aircraft as though it might happen one day.
Maybe. It looks mint in the video.
Great video. I do love these Cold War jets, but I wonder if maintaining them in a flightworthy, rather than flying, condition isn’t better. The immense stresses on decades old airframes doesn’t bear thinking about!
I was on holiday in Dorest a few years back and somebody was chucking that Sea Vixen about in the sky. It wasn't some gentle Sunday morning hop.
Just found this nice guide for the aspiring novice builder looking from how to progress. Some nice tips on getting by without an airbrush.
Got a link?
Sea Vixen done.
What a good kit!
Fit and decals were superb, instructions less so, but I'm sure that the Revell re-box will be better.
Cyber Hobby rather fabulously included duplicates for many of the really fiddly decais, so on the occasion that one or two went on wrong there was a spare. Really impressed with that.
On;y issue was with the seats which were way too small. £4 got me a pair of Pavla resin ones which look great. Swapped out the nose too, but the one supplied with the kit wasn't that different.
Sorry, thought I'd posted it. Just done an epic commute homewith a decent tailwind on the singlespeed and was in the pub with a well earned pint watching a band set up.
Braindead but really glowing with endorphins and lager. Averaged 18mph on an urban commute from Farnham to Ash. We'll happy.
That Vixen's great looking. Nice one
Thanks eddiebaby. That looks like it's worth a watch.
Nice Sea Vixen, HtS.
Straight on with the next one.
Phantom FG.1 in FAA colours to go with the Sea Vixen.
Kitchen Spray Booth as I won't be doing it outside today!
I've finished building and painting another miniature gaming model that's possibly interesting enough to share with you here:
More photos at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/thinkingengine/albums/72177720297025852
Stunning painting there!
Thank you. 🙂
I always have to fight an urge to point out all the flaws and mistakes when I get a complement like that! But with the dragon it's such a big model (about 9" tall and the base is a bit over 6" across) that even though I know where the errors are the overall effect really pleases me.
I know what you mean. The Sea Vixen is probably the best one that I've ever done, but there is an absolute howler of an error that only I can see and it grinds my gears. Whatever...
Interesting video from Adam Savage showing weathering techniques.
Also, I've got a Mig29 and SU25 in the stash that are going to cost me a small fortune in aftermarket Ukrainian decals as there is no way that I'll be doing them Russian.
You could choose pretty much any of the former Warsaw Pact countries eg Poland, Czech Republic, etc.
Or maybe even Germany, pretty sure East Germany would have had some of those before the wall came tumbling down; they may well have been assumed into the unified German Luftwaffe
I’ve finished building and painting another miniature gaming model
First of all, that's stunning work there, textures and shading are bob on. Chapeau.
Also, I’ve got a Mig29 and SU25 in the stash that are going to cost me a small fortune in aftermarket Ukrainian decals as there is no way that I’ll be doing them Russian.
Yeah. I've two Zvezda Lavochkins and an Eduard Yak-3 on my shelf, so I need to research the Ukrainian pilots who flew these and to try to match something up. The Yak 3's decals include an option for the Normandy Niemen volunteer group.
There's also some seriously stunning examples of Ukrainian Su-27s, Mig-29s etc out there modelled in 1/48 with digital camo Su-27 here.
Fly well Ukrainians.
Also, the Antonov 225 was destroyed on the ground the other day.
Absolute philistines.
Yep. Got to have been deliberate as it was such a huge cargo lifter. Was out of service with an engine issue and got caught in its hanger.
[url= https://i.postimg.cc/Gp0X3Xcm/275500447-10159662179734761-1639062939048335601-n.jp g" target="_blank">https://i.postimg.cc/Gp0X3Xcm/275500447-10159662179734761-1639062939048335601-n.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
*polite applause*
I'd buy that kit.
ChrisL that is stunning! I can sort of guess the techniques you’ve used but the execution of them is (to my eye at least) flawless. Great work, more please!
So its been a little while since I posted - the last but one I completed has been on the shelf gathering dust for a couple of months; the most recent finished last week. Managed to get some pics this morning before it started raining...
A slightly dusty Dornier Do17 Z-2. ICM, 1/72. Added some etch seatbelts, otherwise OOB...
Quite a nice build. Engineered a bit different to my normal Airfix diet. The big bits went together beautifully, but some of the small ones had really vague locations. Extremely thin/fragile decals, but laid down beautifully when dry (the ones that didn't disintegrate - ended up painting the red "no walk" lines on the top.
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51932890475_e308c5ab37_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51932890475_e308c5ab37_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51932602669_27dcc6e827_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51932602669_27dcc6e827_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51932273016_6c5bd6125c_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51932273016_6c5bd6125c_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51932890935_d79b26ff9e_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51932890935_d79b26ff9e_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51932348418_d785ddb61e_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51932348418_d785ddb61e_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51932889795_90b36c1e5e_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51932889795_90b36c1e5e_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51932270826_f3c698c6d0_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51932270826_f3c698c6d0_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
...and with a friend...
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51932349058_ee34cce7db_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51932349058_ee34cce7db_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
Then there's the Arifix 1/72 banana bomber. Resin 1-piece intakes and bang seats. Pretty easy build, on the whole. Minimal weathering in a Bruntingthorpe Cold War Jets stylee...
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51931297672_01c22e9a9e_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51931297672_01c22e9a9e_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51931297437_860bc53573_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51931297437_860bc53573_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51932607309_8c1d0012a6_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51932607309_8c1d0012a6_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51932353873_d69acea28c_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51932353873_d69acea28c_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51932605834_8513fd208f_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51932605834_8513fd208f_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51932275251_cfbdcb3db8_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51932275251_cfbdcb3db8_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51932892800_702b15435f_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51932892800_702b15435f_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
(underside was a PITA to shoot as it won't balance upside down without breaking the refuelling probe off...)
The low and slow with the fast and high!
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51932353248_ee497d8bc2_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51932353248_ee497d8bc2_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
Wow! They are amazing! That's the sort of finish that I want to achieve in my head, but don't have the skills to achieve currently.
Got a Tamiya Sea Harrier to do, but it's currently sitting in my study waiting to be started. Decorating & mess in the house has put paid to getting it started. Hopefully I'll find some time in the next month or so, although it was supposed to be a winter project & soon the nights will be getting lighter...
Yes great work Jon - the framing on that Dornier canopy is particularly impressive in 1/72 😳
I think ICM are based in Kyiv - here’s hoping they come through OK!
Wow! I’ve just been through your Flickr pics Jon and they’re amazing, especially the Whitley. Oh and that shot of the He 111 and Do 17 together 👍
@jonedwards fantastic work.
I must admit I've lost my Mojo a bit recently. Must get back on the horse.
Yes mate they turned up. I'll be honest I did FA18 group build, grey transfers on a grey jet I just cannot find the will to finish it. I need to get back on something more interesting. I'll get Jr revved up to get back on the Sea Vixen.
As I'm currently housebound I've started an Aoshima Toyota Hilux pick up. Not done any modelling for 40 years.
Taking my time but also making it up as I go along. Things like the sorting ends of the 'spurs' on the chrome look parts are tricky to make look decent. Going to spray the body, painting the bits as I go.
Any beginners tips / guides?
Thanks for the kind comments! We are not worthy etc...
The cockpit canopy framing are a cheat - Eduard pre-cut mask kits make them pretty much plug and play.
Then (and I've said this before) - acyual daylight, a decent camera plus some pretty rudimentary photography knowledge and a copy of Lightroom do a fine job of rolling turds in glitter!
Loving the Revell tractor/tank combo idea!
The dragon must be stunning in real life. I think it was the best part of 30 years ago I last tried something along those lines.
Liking the Seavixen too (need to build one myself!). My only negative is that to my eyes its a bit overglossy, which makes it feel a bit toylike. I've been finishing my more modern stuff in semi-matte, which still catches the light a little but isn't actively shiny (also disguises my shabby airbrushing a little more!).
Scruff there’s literally tons of stuff on YouTube for beginners. Worth a bit of time checking different vids out I’d say.
Also when you say Hilux do you mean one of these?😂
[url= https://i.postimg.cc/g2WFJ24t/23-DC9584-FD80-49-B7-8-AFE-996301-CF5096.jp g" target="_blank">https://i.postimg.cc/g2WFJ24t/23-DC9584-FD80-49-B7-8-AFE-996301-CF5096.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
My only negative is that to my eyes its a bit overglossy, which makes it feel a bit toylike
Harsh lights & phone camera!
Will get a better picture outside. 😁
PJM1974 Free Member
First of all, that’s stunning work there, textures and shading are bob on. Chapeau.
timbog160 Full Member
ChrisL that is stunning! I can sort of guess the techniques you’ve used but the execution of them is (to my eye at least) flawless. Great work, more please!
Thank you both! Most of the techniques involved are pretty straightforward. My airbrush was very useful for the base coats, partly to give a soft line between the two main colours but also because it was quite big. After that much of the painting simply involved applying acrylic washes and drybrushing. As it's a big model the photo is fairly zoomed out which makes the results of these techniques look more element than they may otherwise look! 🙂
Jon - those planes look lovely! I particularly like the Buccaneer, it's such an interesting looking aircraft and I am always a fan of planes in Extra Dark Sea Grey paint schemes.
Loving the Buccaneer.
Found this incredible Royal Navy film from 1975 featuring aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (R09). The film details flight operations aboard the Ark. Aircraft in the film include the Phantom FG1, the Buccaneer S2, the Gannet AEW3, the Wessex HAS1 and the Sea King HAS2.
I am nearing completion on my Tamiya Cromwell. Have discovered that the paints I am using are not exactly matched so need to brush paint with the spray tin paint. Humph.
I’ve only watched a bit of it but that film is incredible. Truly the glory days of British naval aviation. One thing that immediately jumps out is how small these carriers were. Landing something the size of a Phantom on that deck must have been truly terrifying!
I have had a quiet afternoon and finished my Tamiya Churchill MkVII.
Too many sticky fingerprints and needs weathering.
Learnt a lot - don't try to paint before glueing being the main one, and be more patient.
Kinda pleased with it though.
that looks ace. I kinda like the museum clean/factory fresh look. makes a difference to all the battle weary ones.
Rookie question time...
We've bought my son a Tamiya kit (R34GTR) for his birthday, and want to get some paint to at least spray the body (happy to do the interior and details with a brush... He's 9 :D)
Tamiya Blue Mica appears to be a good match for Bayside Blue. If we use the spray, will it need a top coat, and if so, what's best for a novice?
And what's a decent primer for that colour? Tamiya fine surface light grey?
Thanks!
@submarined
My next build is a Tamiya Subaru with my son.
Using the same paint as you plan. I was going prime the top half with light grey and then just spray blue, probably with two coats.
Bottom half prime with Citadel black.
I did find this web 1.0 help-guide with some useful tips:
https://www.tamiya.com/english/howto/car1/howto_car1.htm
Churchill looks v good Crispin - dry brushing on the tracks? Every day is a school day when it comes to modelling in my mind. So long as I’m moving forwards a little bit it’s all good.
I don’t really do armour but I do have a 1/76 Churchill VII in the stash, together with a Scammell transporter. I might have a go for a bit of light relief once I’ve finished the Thunderbolt..
