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My Revell 1/35 Colonial Viper.... With a twist...

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  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
My Revell 1/35 Colonial Viper.... With a twist...
Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Sunday, March 26, 2006 1:29 AM
Hi guys.. Been a while since I posted in the sci fi section.. But I have been doing so many aircraft lately, that I needed something to get me interested again.. I came across this Revell Colonial Viper here in Japan on auction..

I am usually one person that always sticks to the rule book, and so thought about doing that with this Viper.. Only problem is, that although the TOS Viper is my favourite design. I am also a big fan of the Mk II Viper aswell..

So then I got to thinking.. I wonder how an original Viper would look with a Mk II paint scheme?.. Well. Not bad at all, and I am happy with the way it has come out.. I even decided to put a squadron insignia on the nose like the Mk II..

This is far from finished, and so I still need to tweek it a little, and I am still trying to figure out how to glass up the canope?  Also, I was scratching my head about landing gear, as this kit is pretty basic.. And so just as a laugh, I placed the landing gear from my Joyride Viper to have a look.. Well I always thought they were way too big for the Joyride Viper,  and they are a perfect fit for this one.. I now need to paint them up and scratch some bay doors!

This kit is perfect, because it is around 1/35, so a pilot shouldnt be hard to scratch for it either!.. I also have the Revell Cylon Raider arriving tomorrow. But I will be sticking to the book with that one, and it will be totally canon!







Chris

On the bench:

                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                          1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Green Lantern Corps HQ on Oa
Posted by LemonJello on Sunday, March 26, 2006 4:42 AM

Looks fantastic.  Really a sharp looking kit, you've got there.

For cockpit glass, have you thought about using exposed film negative?  Just a suggestion.

I'll be looking forward to posts on the Cylon raider.

A day in the Corps is like a day on the farm; every meal is a banquet, every paycheck a fortune, every formation a parade... The Marine Corps is a department of the Navy? Yeah...The Men's Department.
  • Member since
    May 2004
  • From: Oregon
Posted by maxx1969 on Sunday, March 26, 2006 7:22 AM
I like the markings! Very cool idea and great build up so far.




~Matt T Meyer
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, March 26, 2006 8:43 AM
Great job Chris. It feels very "New Show-ish". The landing gear seems to work great. As for a figure Millenia Models makes figures, carried at Federation Models. Either seated or standing. Can't wait to see the Raider. Going to light it? Again, nice job.
  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: Dublin Rep Of Ireland
Posted by terry35 on Sunday, March 26, 2006 2:31 PM

Looks excellent, Really nice build.

Regards,

Terry

 

">

  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Sunday, March 26, 2006 5:27 PM
Thanks guys..

I really was a little worried with this one as I love the original Viper and its paint scheme.. But I thought what the heck... The problem is, that I am actually still in two minds about it?  And so, It may just be stripped and re-done as an original?.. I was also thinking about scratch building a Mk II and Mk VII to match the Revell VIper in 1/35....

Dont get me wrong, I like the way it has turned out, but I am a bit of a loyalist with the TOS stuff.  So thank you for the kind remarks.. I guess if anything, it could be considered as the change over Viper, before they went to the Mk II's

As for the raider. Hopefully it should arrive today, and I will need to sit down and do a dry fit to see what I will do with it.. I have decided that I will do the Raider completely canon.. It is one spaceship design that I really dont like deviating from.. Its also a favourite of mine since I was a kid in the 70's..

Chris

On the bench:

                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                          1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Sunday, March 26, 2006 11:05 PM
Update:

Well, I simply couldn't handle looking at it not being canon. So out came the thinner and I have just spent all morning stripping the paint..  Now it looks like it has just come out of the box!

I also spent about an hour cutting out clear plastic for the canope, and it looks great so far.. Will post pics again when I have it re painted..

Update:
Well, she has been stripped, cleaned up, and re primered..


Chris

On the bench:

                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                          1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Stockton,Ca
Posted by Hippy-Ed on Monday, March 27, 2006 12:51 AM
Real nice there Chris! Sure, it's Sci-fi but, it flies... Looked good in the mkII markings and, I tend to agree with ya on being a TOS Viper guy... Lookin' foreward to the Cylon Raider. They were frakken awesome!! I can't recall how many Vipers & Raiders I did as a kid...
If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything
  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Monday, March 27, 2006 2:25 AM
Thanks Ed as always!

Well the Raider didnt show up today, so I spent the day re-doing this Viper, and I am happy with the way its turning out.. The problem is that its hard to know what is too much, and what is just right, so the weathering will be at a minimum I think?






Anyways Ed, I will give details of the Raider when she gets here..

Chris

On the bench:

                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                          1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Monday, March 27, 2006 3:30 AM
Update No 2:

The Raider arrived, and just looking at it, it is a funky looking model.. Lacking a little detail it still is quite a sweet looking model.. Not many parts either, and after the amount of aircraft I have built lately, I am happy for that fact!.. The decals I wont use, as for some reason the black wing decals have a red lining on each side.. Dont know why they did that. But from what I gather this is the original Monogram kit, where as my Viper was the re-released Revell kit..





Update No 3:

I have spent the whole day on the Viper, and I have just finished placing the decals on it.. The only thing left is the canope glass, and a little more weathering and I think I am done.. I must say that it looks much better in the original colour scheme!



Chris

On the bench:

                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                          1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Stockton,Ca
Posted by Hippy-Ed on Monday, March 27, 2006 9:44 AM
Hey Chris, that Raider looks right for the original boxing  IIRC. I seem to recall having painted the black wing markings on mine as I felt the red trim didn't look right.
  I like the way you did the canopy glass on the ViperSmile [:)] you're definately doing it justice my friend Thumbs Up [tup] I have a question for you...Whistling [:-^] which era are you doing this Viper up in? If it's the museum era the weathering would be very light. The late war era, the Viper would be heavily weathered from constant use in combat / flight ops not to mention many repairs & servicing  to keep the thing flying.  imho Blush [:I]
 I look foreward to seeing this  completed & the Raider being built.

If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything
  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 5:48 PM
Hi again Ed..

Well to be honest.. I never thought of it like that. But I guess, slightly weathered, but still in good nik... I really hate the overly weathered Vipers that I see around..

I understand it would have been a tough time for them. But first rule of military is to keep everything spik and span!.. So I dont believe that although worn, they were very dirty!

If you also notice, I painted mine a little darker to look like fresh paint.. I have always put the lighter Vipers down to exposure, and so the paint has faided.. Also my decals were actually in great condition concidering thier age, and they still have the dayglow orange look about them on the darker grey paint.. So I guess mine is still relatively new!... I am still yet to put a dull coat on, and so that will bring everything down a little also.. SHe is a little shiny at the momment...

Chris

On the bench:

                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                          1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: A secret workshop somewhere in England
Posted by TANGO 1 on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 6:40 PM
Great looking Viper you have there Chris, I love the paint job!

I'm trying to get my hands on a Mk.II Viper myself-so far I've had no luck. If you see any in your part of the world,be sure to tell us about it.

Darren.
Regards, Darren. C.A.G. FAA/USNFAW GB
  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 3:44 AM
Update:

Well, I am enjoying a few days holiday, so I have had the time to put into my latest models.. Here are a few update pics.. I have been working a little on each and then changing over, so they are both still far from finished..

First pic is of my Raider.. I painted the main, and actually had to do the decals for the stripes and the insignia myself, as the Monogram kit ones were like a toy.. I still have alot of detail to put on this thing, and some rusting on the top, so here is how I have come along..



Second pic is of them desplayed in my entertainment room.. Very happy with the way they have come along!



Cheers Chris

On the bench:

                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                          1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Stockton,Ca
Posted by Hippy-Ed on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 10:56 AM
Alright Chris Approve [^] The Raider looks great!  So do the vipers. I hear what yer sayin' bout the weathering &
I do agree that some are too heavily weathered but, that's one thing about this hobby I like... To each their
ownSmile [:)]  as for the 1st rule:  Keep 'em flyingBig Smile [:D] then ya kin  clean 'em up Laugh [(-D]
You're definately doing these justice my friend...

O/T what is that clear cube on the books? Just curiousQuestion [?]

If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything
  • Member since
    June 2005
  • From: NJ 07073
Posted by archangel571 on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 6:24 PM

 Hippy-Ed wrote:
Alright Chris Approve [^] The Raider looks great!  So do the vipers. I hear what yer sayin' bout the weathering &
I do agree that some are too heavily weathered but, that's one thing about this hobby I like... To each their
ownSmile [:)]  as for the 1st rule:  Keep 'em flyingBig Smile [:D] then ya kin  clean 'em up Laugh [(-D]
You're definately doing these justice my friend...

O/T what is that clear cube on the books? Just curiousQuestion [?]

something about some junior high school and kindergarten... i simply can't read kanji... =P

i am more wondering about if that's a BIG flag on your wall.

oh yea i think the refinished viper looks great.

-=Ryan=- Too many kits... so little free time. MadDocWorks
  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 8:37 PM
Thanks guys..

I wasnt trying to offend anyone with my comment about overly done weathering, and so was just stating what I like and dont like.. So sorry if that came across.. Ed, the cube is a glass cube with a 3d lasered diagram of Higashi Fukuoka High School and its sports grounds.

Higashi (east) Fukuoka Junior and Senior High School are famous for thier Rugby Soccer and Baseball teams.. I teach there, and so thats why I am on holidays at the momment..

archangel, I really dont know how you could see what it was, but you were pretty close.. Its a Junior and Senior high school.... As for the flag. It's the state flag of Georgia...



Chris

On the bench:

                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                          1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

  • Member since
    June 2005
  • From: NJ 07073
Posted by archangel571 on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 9:01 PM
to solve the mystery, it's 'cause i use a 42 inch plasma as my monitor / i am a clone of superman...  ugh...  nah, it's more because your third picture from the top was left unresized.  i caught that the first time i was reading the thread.  i had nothing better to do at work at that time so i tried to read the kanji.  =P (the 42in plasma for pc monitor wasn't quite untrue though, it does have VGA in...)
-=Ryan=- Too many kits... so little free time. MadDocWorks
  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Stockton,Ca
Posted by Hippy-Ed on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 11:39 PM
Thanks Chris, I could see part of the design in the glass cube (in the Raider shot) but, couldn't make it out. I collect
things like that Smile [:)] Actually, just getting started on them since my g.f. has one of a unicorn.
 As for the "weathering" comments, I don't think anyone was offended by that. I know I wasn't.  Each person has their own  tastes & that is what's so great about this hobby we haveApprove [^] gives one a "personal" view on a given subject.
 I know that I like certain things heavily weathered (tanks, APCs, armour) and others lightly weathered such as "things with wings" but, then again, it all depends on the subject, and the time frame that it is being modeled in.
 I haven't tried my hand too much at weathering or, even shading yet but, I want to learn. I know if it's done right it'll look great. If not done right, it'll look like a nightmare.Evil [}:)]
archangel, you luckyCensored [censored] duck you... must be nice to have such a screen hooked up!!

Sign - Off Topic!! [#offtopic] I just noticed I've hit the 1,000 post mark!! WooHoo!!!Shock [:O]

If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything
  • Member since
    April 2014
Posted by r13b20 on Saturday, April 8, 2006 8:22 PM

Chris, Great job! I too like TOS. Keep up the great work!

  • Member since
    April 2014
Posted by r13b20 on Saturday, April 8, 2006 8:26 PM
P.S., you might like my TOS VIPER thread. I did it as a "What if...". Again great work.
  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Saturday, April 8, 2006 9:20 PM
Sorry I havnt been back for a while.. Congrats on the 1000 posts Ed!

13b20, thanks for your posts too.. Saw your pictures of your Stealth Viper.. Pretty cool I must say.. Interesting idea...

Chris

On the bench:

                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                          1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Stockton,Ca
Posted by Hippy-Ed on Saturday, April 8, 2006 10:07 PM
 Chris_in_Japan wrote:
Sorry I havnt been back for a while.. Congrats on the 1000 posts Ed!

13b20, thanks for your posts too.. Saw your pictures of your Stealth Viper.. Pretty cool I must say.. Interesting idea...

Chris


Thanks Chris, I just noticed you're getting close to it tooBig Smile [:D] Glad yer back Chris.
If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything
  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Sunday, April 9, 2006 2:23 AM
Thanks mate.. Nearly there!...

I was just thinking to myself.. Its funny what can happen in two weeks.. Here I was posting about my Viper, and as we speak, I am in the painting stage of my 1/48 scale X-Wing fighter..

ps: I am in two minds about getting the Fine molds Millennium Falcon at the momment.. Had it in my hands on Saturday, but decided to have a bit of a longer think about it...

Chris

On the bench:

                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                          1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Stockton,Ca
Posted by Hippy-Ed on Sunday, April 9, 2006 9:14 AM
Yer welcome my friendBig Smile [:D]  Hmmm, was that Millenium Falcon the cut-a-way version? I'd say go fer it!Mischief [:-,]

ps. didn't ya  know,... thinking IS hazzardous to one's health?!Evil [}:)]

If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything
  • Member since
    September 2003
Posted by mightymax on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 1:44 AM

Actually that is NOT the original boxing. That is the Bandai boxing of the original Monogram kit.

I have a Raider and a Base Ship in Bandai marked boxes. These were licensed from Monogram for release in Japan a year or two after they were released stateside.

Just usless model trivia for ya.

 

Cheers,

Max Bryant

  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 4:49 AM
Huh.... Oh your talking about the raider....

Max, please dont think I am being smarmy, but actually I didn't mean it as the original-original Monogram kit. And yes, it does have a tiny little Bandai sticker on the side of it.. But you can't see in that pic the big Monogram in the top corner.. And as it is a fairly old looking and smelling box, and the kit still has the holes for the little firing thing, and has the old art on it.. By original I meant, not the re-released kit from the 90's.. Bandai released them here, but it's a Monogram...

Ed.. When I mentioned the Millennium Falcon, I was talking about the Fine Molds one, and its around Yen19000 here, I guess about US$170. So thats why I have had it in my hands on 3 different occassions now, and still going back, just for that look again.. I think I will get it tomorrow.. But I said that 2 days ago.. I went to the bank, got the money out (as the old Japanese lady that has her little dindgy model store doesnt have credit facilities) and I then walked up the street to the shop. Got to the front, looked at my car, and then couldnt go in.. I made myself get in the car!.. ha ha ha.. I am an idiot!

Chris

On the bench:

                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                          1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Stockton,Ca
Posted by Hippy-Ed on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 8:57 AM
 Chris_in_Japan wrote:
Huh.... Oh your talking about the raider....


Ed.. When I mentioned the Millennium Falcon, I was talking about the Fine Molds one, and its around Yen19000 here, I guess about US$170. So thats why I have had it in my hands on 3 different occassions now, and still going back, just for that look again.. I think I will get it tomorrow.. But I said that 2 days ago.. I went to the bank, got the money out (as the old Japanese lady that has her little dindgy model store doesnt have credit facilities) and I then walked up the street to the shop. Got to the front, looked at my car, and then couldnt go in.. I made myself get in the car!.. ha ha ha.. I am an idiot!

Chris


Yer not an idiotSmile,Wink, & Grin [swg] Chicken, or just plain Scared to tackle such a projectWink [;)]Evil [}:)]Laugh [(-D] C'mon Chris,  I'm sure ya got the backbone to go and get itClown [:o)]
If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything
  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 6:01 PM
Ha ha ha, the problem is, although I can afford it. The fact of the matter is, that I have never spent that much money on a model....ever....

From what I hear, the model is absolutely perfect. And a retarded koala could build it.. (well maybe not) But if it is the same quality as the previous Fine Molds releases, then it would be easy enough to build.. Its parting with the money that I worry about..

Its scary!

Chris

On the bench:

                          1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                          1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Stockton,Ca
Posted by Hippy-Ed on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 7:32 PM
 Chris_in_Japan wrote:
Ha ha ha, the problem is, although I can afford it. The fact of the matter is, that I have never spent that much money on a model....ever....

From what I hear, the model is absolutely perfect. And a retarded koala could build it.. (well maybe not) But if it is the same quality as the previous Fine Molds releases, then it would be easy enough to build.. Its parting with the money that I worry about..

Its scary!

Chris


aww c'mon ChickenShock [:O] "if" like ya said and I quote "And a retarded koala could build it.." end quote need I say moreWink [;)] Just shell out the yen and get it over with bro!!Grumpy [|(]
If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything
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