Floats and Boats GB 2022, extended to end of 2023

Jeez fellas. It's been over a month since I've commented in here and I apologize for that. I'm actually busy with an online project elsewhere and then there's work and THEN there's my OTHER hobby that pretty much uses up all the time I've got. 

The progress that I see going on here is just mind blowing. That Kingfisher is coming along well and the Arado....oh man...that thing is just going to be off the charts. The whole marbling prep with the paint is pretty much the only way I go now. Really brings out the most as far as weathering goes on aircraft that were depicted as "outside only". 

I'm almost done with my 2017 Camaro build and then I'll slide my Kingfisher onto the bench and get started up.

Brandon...when you get a chance check your PM's bro.

BrandonK

 Even in that scale that is still going to be a big kit. Looking forward to watching it come together. Welcome aboard.

 

BK

 

Tcoat

OK since this one is extended I will jump in for my first ever GB with a Minicraft Spruce Goose.

I should be able to locate it in the stash and finish well before June!

 

BK

OK since this one is extended I will jump in for my first ever GB with a Minicraft Spruce Goose.

I should be able to locate it in the stash and finish well before June!

As the days go by the ribs are allowing me to do more, and in this case it's modeling time.

Jarrod and I asked the forum members here and in another forum about which Italian camouflage we should attempt. The issue is we've only had three responses and all three are different. Keep in mind that it is an Italian paint scheme, and most of them are Mediterranean (brown, sand, like base colors). After researching the variations of camouflage we were surprised to see how ornate or complex the Italian WW2 paint schemes were. So if you ever wondered what the gifted Italian artists and painters did during WW2, they painted aircraft camouflage (just kidding). 

So, we are going to try several different ones that were selected to see how we like them after we try to replicate each one. How are we going to do that you ask? We've created a right and left wing template from sheet plastic, engraved and marked the panel lines as well as riveted them to make it look as close to the model as possible. 





This way we can do two things; first use it to practice the methods, and second to compare the result to make a final determination. All we will need to do is lay the painted plastic on the wing to get a good visual. I guess this is the before photo, the after is coming soon.



So what else have we been doing you ask? 

Panel lined (pre-shaded) the aircraft and added a white marble undercoat to the lower wing, fuselage and float.





Added the engine to the fuselage and marbled the model with black/green in preparation of the top coats.







Painted the first coat of blue beneath the wings, fuselage, and floats.



Applied a second coat to the bottom of the float, this makes the panel lines and shading more subtle. 



Last but not least, painted the prop and spinner. Sorry about the photo, we hope you can see it in the pile of junk.



Letting the Vallejo dry (harden) overnight so that is just about it. Next update we should be able to post the variations of camouflage. Comments always welcome, and encouraged! Heck, if you have ideas to improve the build or have a camouflage choice, please let Jarrod and I know. 

Till then,

Ben and Jarrod (DRUMS01)

DRUMS01

Time for a little update. I haven't been able to get a lot done due to the broken ribs etc. What Jarrod and I have gotten done is the preparation for paint. 





When attaching the forward canopy to the fuselage we found that the fit was not ideal. Specifically, the canopy sits down in the fuselage creating a ledge. Our solution was adding several layers of clear future finish as it is self leveling and gap filling. 



Regarding the Eduard canopy masks, we mentioned this is the first time to try them and so far so good.

We are still uncertain on how were going to paint this bird. Being we chose the Italian variant we want to paint it in an authentic Italian scheme. I think we are going to try our hand at some of the pen style paint markers on a sheet of plastic to practice the technique / style and to see how they would turn out before deciding on applying it on the actual model. Part of me is leaning towards the three tone camouflage versus the sand colored, but then again Jarrod also like one of the tan schemes (?).

Another thing we've been looking at is how to paint the bombs. Here are some examples we have found.







Depending on how my healing comes along the next update should have some color samples to show. Till then let us know what you think..

Ben and Jarrod

 

BK

Time for a little update. I haven't been able to get a lot done due to the broken ribs etc. What Jarrod and I have gotten done is the preparation for paint. 





When attaching the forward canopy to the fuselage we found that the fit was not ideal. Specifically, the canopy sits down in the fuselage creating a ledge. Our solution was adding several layers of clear future finish as it is self leveling and gap filling. 



Regarding the Eduard canopy masks, we mentioned this is the first time to try them and so far so good.

We are still uncertain on how were going to paint this bird. Being we chose the Italian variant we want to paint it in an authentic Italian scheme. I think we are going to try our hand at some of the pen style paint markers on a sheet of plastic to practice the technique / style and to see how they would turn out before deciding on applying it on the actual model. Part of me is leaning towards the three tone camouflage versus the sand colored, but then again Jarrod also like one of the tan schemes (?).

Another thing we've been looking at is how to paint the bombs. Here are some examples we have found.







Depending on how my healing comes along the next update should have some color samples to show. Till then let us know what you think..

Ben and Jarrod

Looks like you are making some nice progress there. That is a lot to choose from with regard to schemes. Most of those would look good on that kit. Being a water landing bird would sway my choices in the matter as having a desert scheme seems out of place. I know when she's done and you have it painted it will be stunning.

BK

Looking good Brandon, I like where your build is going.

I know, I know... it's about time for an update from me, right?

Well, it has been a nightmare getting two sets of after market parts from overseas vendors for some reason. The first parts were the replacement canopy set. The first attempt was from Europe and after paying never made it to my door. Of course you have to wait a certain amount of time before you can request a refund (Ebay and PayPal). Next attempt was from Japan which took a long time but finally made it. 

Here are the comparison parts. As you can see the kit parts were polished so the new ones look almost dull. 



From what I read in other sources, that is normal. Jarrod and I will attempt to polish them and then dip each part in Future (clear). Two things are immediately apparent, the new parts have no key slotted blocks in the glass like the kit parts.



And the alignment of the multi-part canopies is sure to be even in the new pieces.



Based on a recommendation from some of you we also purchased the Eduard canopy mask set to replace the Montex set. It will be the first time we use this type of mask versus Tamiya tape, so I hope it is worth it. I will reserve my final opinion until the painting is complete.

The next item we were waiting on was a new propeller with spinner cap. It was actually made by Eduard # 632124 for a FW190, but the prop diameter and shape is exactly the same as the AR196 spinner. They even provided a jig to ensure the proper pitch of the individual propellers which we thought was a nice touch. 



Jarrod and I have also continued to build up sub assemblies such as bombs and wing floats in preparation for painting. 

Here is another modification to the kit, adding some fire power to the wings.



Speaking of painting, if you remember we did not like the plain color scheme of the prototype. Even though the vast majority produced were the A1 twin pontoon variants, there were 10 or more single center float aircraft that found their way into the war. Finland, Italy, and a few more used the Arado 196. Even Russia captured and repurposed them for used up through the 50's. With that in mind, we are going to make ours into an Italian (Mediterranean) scheme.

Here are the camouflage styles we are thinking about. Perhaps you can help us out with the decision, replies are encouraged.

Ben and Jarrod

Alright, the wings are now on and the floats are together and curing. I am setting this one aside for a few weeks while I make progess on some other GB's. I am very happy with where I am on this. It is moving quickly now.

BK

Man......this is intense. I do love all the detail that you're putting into this thing. After all the bad publicity this kit has received, it's nice to see someone showing that this is indeed a kit worth building. 

Okay, as promised here is a pic of the progess. 

I have the cowling assembled along with the canopies and have them masked. The wings are done except some clean up on the leading edges, but otherwise they are good to go. The rudder and horizontal stabilzers are now on and drying. Added some small fiddly bits to the fuselage in hopes I can break them all off before I paint, and then reattach them and break them off right after painting as is required in my assembly guide. I'll work on this another day or two and then set it aside to focus on my other builds for a spell.

Happy building guys.

I've made a fair amount of progess on the Kingfisher. Finished canopy masking and assembled the wings off the kit. I'd like to paint them and then put them on, we'll see. Not anything work taking pics of, but I should have some pics in the next couple of days.

BK

BK: Great job with the Cessna! I agree with the others that it is a fitting tribute.

mustang: looking forward to your Kingfisher. I have a different (older) boxing in the stash and am curious as to how well it builds up, as well as how well the aftermarket set integrates into the kit.

Mustang I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with that Kingfisher.

BK that is beautiful work!

Dodgy

Okay, finally back to work on the Kingfisher. I have the cockpit done and closed up. Seems are fixed and I am working on the engine. Need somemore detail painting, plug wires, and some plumbing to add. Once I can sit at the bench for more and a few minutes, as my back is up to its old tricks again, I'll press on.

BK

mustang1989

I'm going to give this a shot and pray that I'll be completed by the time the end date comes.

Here we go:

It's been a while since I've put an aircraft build on my bench. I've got a 2017 Camaro build right now that is moving reeeeeeeeeal slow and I was getting bored and becoming unmotivated so I thought I'd switch things up a bit.

This kit and the  3 D printed upgrade kit came in the mail a few days ago. A buddy of mine elsewhere is working on one of these and inspired me to build my own Kingfisher. Not ever liking the Monogram kit because of its primitive details, I've skipped over this one my whole life..............UNTIL I found this upgrade set from Flightline Engineering. This upgrade breathes a whole new life into what I can do with this kit and at around $50 shipped, it's fairly competitively priced in todays market. 

I hope to start this build pretty soon. Gotta get some headway on that Camaro now.....

 

BK

I'm going to give this a shot and pray that I'll be completed by the time the end date comes.

Here we go:

It's been a while since I've put an aircraft build on my bench. I've got a 2017 Camaro build right now that is moving reeeeeeeeeal slow and I was getting bored and becoming unmotivated so I thought I'd switch things up a bit.

This kit and the  3 D printed upgrade kit came in the mail a few days ago. A buddy of mine elsewhere is working on one of these and inspired me to build my own Kingfisher. Not ever liking the Monogram kit because of its primitive details, I've skipped over this one my whole life..............UNTIL I found this upgrade set from Flightline Engineering. This upgrade breathes a whole new life into what I can do with this kit and at around $50 shipped, it's fairly competitively priced in todays market. 

I hope to start this build pretty soon. Gotta get some headway on that Camaro now.....

A beautiful job, as always BK. Art would have been very impressed I'm sure. It's great to see folks building stuff for our mates that have passed, as it keeps them with us in the forums. Gone but not forgotten.

Dodgy

That one turned our really nice Brandon. I have never seen that kit before and it came out awesome.

Nice job, Brandon, a great tribute for Art.

Looks great BK.  I don't mind modelcraft kits - they have a good selection of airliners which for some reason are near and dear to my heart.  Great looking little bird.  I'd like to see that on a water body in AK and a dude fishing off of a pontoon.

First off, I had no idea that Art had passed. We crossed paths several times on this forum.

Secondly, what you did on his behalf is nothing short of honorable. A true friend you are to him.

What a great job on what seems like a difficult kit Brandon. You good sir....are da man!!! 

I'm really pushing myself to get two kits done by year end. This is one of them.

Calling this one done. 

This was Goldhammers build for this year, but he gave it to me just before he passed hoping it would not go to waste. He had barely started the kit by making the floats, I went ahead and finished her of for him. 

Thanks Art, you were a true friend and I miss you dearly. I hope you like what I did with it. Happy modeling in the sky, my friend. 

This is a Modelcraft kit. Not the best kit to be honest, but certainly a cool subject. I would have liked to have done some more with it, perhaps a calm little dock scene is in its future. 

Painted with Testors white and red, alclad on the floats. Not to self, don't intsall the floats or supports until after you've painted it all. It's very difficult to paint with those in the way.

Overall, I am happy with how it turned out. It looks good sitting with my Kingfishers.

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

BK

Most of the work is now done. Decals are on, painting tidbits and doing light pen wash on the control surfaces. Then a gloss clear and unmask the windows. Should have this one done tomorrow.

BK

Paint is done and decals are nearly done. I haven't had time to work this week as my disabled son has been in the hospital since Tuesday. Hoping we bring him home Saturday. I'll update this very soon, promise.

BK

BrandonK

Alrighty then. The assembly is complete and I am off to the booth.

BK

 

That looks great.  

Alrighty then. The assembly is complete and I am off to the booth.

BK

Sergeant I just saw your completed Catalina for the first time and have to say it is stunning! You put a lot of effort into it and it really shows. Proud to be building with you.

Really nice work you did sir.

I also agree thank you to Brandon for hosting I am sure everyone is busy with life and other things and its hard to add yet another item to have to maintain. We appreciate you being a great host once again. I always look forward to the F&B group builds. Keep up the excellent work everyone!