Restoration of the Blackbird---Much Better!

I have made 3 attempts at building one of those beasts, 3 miserable failures. Good on ya for saving thus one from the bone yard.

It looks great from here!

That's an interesting coincidence; the latest IPMS journal includes an article on repairng a presentation model of the SR-71, albeit in 1/72, for Colonel Jim Sullivan.

Used to see night takeoffs when I was stationed with the BUFF's next door to the 9th SRW.  Never forget those.

They used to scramble a tanker half an hour before the SR would takeoff, and the SR is waiting in the refuel area, going "where's my gas guys"

I built one a couple of years ago.  It was a Christmas present for my daughter’s boyfriend.  He remembers building one with his grandfather whom passed away.  It was very nostalgic for him.  

I see that your reairing the decals.  Everything looks fantastic.  The SR-71 will fly once again in your museum.

Your friend, Toshi

Looking forward to seeing the restoration and the results Max. I did something similar to what you did for the Microsol bottle not tipping and spilling by putting mine in a wider mouthed container but I like the idea of the 1-1/4" socket to put the bottle in. I'll be using that one now. Thanks for the tip.

Looking forward to seeing the results, though it looks pretty awesome in that pic already. 

This is my all-time favorite story about the SR-71, from one of it's pilots:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AyHH9G9et0

Cheers, Mark

Hey, not perfect but an order of magnitude better. I still see some teeny brush work here and there. Wow, I was reminded of how big these things are in real life. My grandson was impressed and I had to buy him the model before we left the museum!

Even though a little rough, this thing is impressive up close. Along with amazing performance info graphics, it should fair well with viewers at the display. Hard to beat an act like that!

Max

Great turn out Max!!

This bird is stange :

  Only one besides the C-5-A that could move earth on takeoffs ! 

mustang1989

Looking forward to seeing the restoration and the results Max. I did something similar to what you did for the Microsol bottle not tipping and spilling by putting mine in a wider mouthed container but I like the idea of the 1-1/4" socket to put the bottle in. I'll be using that one now. Thanks for the tip.

One thing I learned during the re-do was how to cure a problem with several models of the past. On several large models that I'd used a dullcote spray can as a final finish sometimes had a mottled effect. More coats just made it worse.

The Blackbird got the Micro sol treatment to repair the aging decals followed by an equivalent of Future coat. The areas looked so good that I began to do panels all with a fine hair brush and ended up doing the entire exterior. Wow, It looked like the Blackbirds I've seen and without the dreaded mottling of the past.

A lesson learned and problem solved. The bird looks impressive, off to the show!

Max