1/48 CA-13 Boomerang - One Final Detail!

Thanks. I think I've figured out why I was having problems with the stencil decals. I ordered a new set to replace the few I'd screwed up. They went on fine, so I reckon my original set must have been sitting in my stash rather longer than I realised!!!

On the subject of decals, it's funny how , if you follow photographs of your chosen aircraft exactly, it can sometimes look like sloppy modelling? Studying photo's of "Sinbad II" showed that the position of the code letters on each side doesn't match. On the starboard side the top edge of the letters line up with the tailplane and the bottom edge of the cockpit. On the port side they sit several inches lower, and the S is at a very slight angle.  

Not much more to do. A bit of masking to remove, a bit more weathering, sticky-out bits like wheels and prop to add still, but nearly there.

You're approaching a great looking finish!

Funny, I always have two bottles of Tamiya's X-20A hanging around too.

Great felling when you get close to the end of a build.

And what a build you have created, well done.

Look forward to seeing the finished build.

Thanks for the kind words guys.

Meanwhile, only a few components to add and at last it will be finished. Well, that was the plan. Then I fitted the first of the gear doors. Firstly, it is the wrong shape. The outline is correct, but it should be dished outwards over the wheel. But far worse, once fitted, it sits in the wrong position. The mount and other sticky-out bits are all positioned too far back, which means the door sits way too far forward past the front of the wheel, whilst the back of the wheel isn't covered at all. Even at this late stage, the kit is fighting me!!! I stuck some plasticard on the rear face of the door, then started shaping and sanding. The photo shows the newly modified door against the OOB item. Just a little minor cleaning up to do.

Well,strictly not quite finished. Still waiting for the ring and bead gunsight to show up, but aside from that, finally done! As this is the first aircraft I've built in twenty years or so, I'm not too displeased with it. There are a number of bits I am not 100% happy with though, and I will do differently/better next time I build one of these. Also first time with airbrush, first time using acrylics on aircraft (always enamels prior to this one), and first time priming before painting. Anyhow, here's the pics

It's a beauty.

Wow, a beautiful job.

Your friend, Toshi

Thank you Johnny, John, and Toshi for your kind words

Some really fine work went into your model. It looks great and anyone would be more than proud to display this little gem.

Kudos

Thanks Mike

Great finish, Chris!  It's been fun to follow your build-what has it been now?  Eighteen months or so?  If the kit fought you, you certainly overcame each obstacle well, and as was said, if you had problems, it can't be seen on the model.  Clean build, great colors, subtle weathering.

If I had to give any negative, it'd be that you need to add a pilot   (I'm an old Monogram hand, and I have an affinity for figures!)

I'm looking forward now to seeing those projects you have listed in your signature!

Best regards,

Brad

Thanks for the kind words Brad. Already started on the next, my P43 Lancer. Not quite so easy as there are much fewer scources than the Boomerang, and this kit needs some work to get it right. As for pilots, why would I want some clumsy oaf getting in the way of all that lovely cockpit detail??!

Yes, I know this post previously said it was finished, but I finally managed to get a gunsight! With the change of role to army co-operation/ground attack/photo recon, some Boomerangs had their gunsights removed (sometimes replaced with an "intervalometer" for photo recce work), and instead were fitted with a simple ring-and-bead gunsight. This was the case with "Sinbad II". Now it's finished!!!