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1/35 Zeon Mobile Scout in desert colors - W.I.P.

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  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Louisville, KY.
1/35 Zeon Mobile Scout in desert colors - W.I.P.
Posted by Cosmic J on Sunday, September 21, 2008 4:12 AM

Ok, so we decided to start a group build in which we would build a sci-fi model, and then paint it in WWII colors.

I decided that the (first) kit I build for the GB will be the U.C. HardGraph Zeon Mobile Scout:

http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN945937

Mostly because I already have one in the stash. I intend do it in D.A.K. desert colors, w/ appropriate markings.

Ok, so I stated by opening the box and checking out all the pieces. Many of the parts are quite delicate, and there were special structures on the sprues to protect them. Very nice.

Next, I began test fitting parts. I wanted to see if this was going to be a difficult build, or if it was just going to fall together. I also wanted to get an idea of the models "footprint"; that is, how much space would be required on a scenic base to display it.

Here, some of the parts have been glued, but most are just push fitted together. Engineering on this kit is really nice. You can see how delicate it is. I've got to decide where to drill a hole for the brass rod that will support it when it's done. Hmmm.

Since this will be an ‘in-flight' display, I really should have looked at the figure first, since he will be a focal point for the model. Looks ok, but I'm going to have to build him to really know. I don't like the helmet, so I may replace the head altogether.

I know the model will be mostly stock, so now I've got to get the base ready.

I set the model on a piece of thick paper, and added about an inch to either side for terrain and incidentals. (In hindsight, I should have added the legs to the piece before deciding how big it's base should be. Ah well, if there's not enough room, I can always make another. Smile [:)] )

Once I had a rough idea how much space it would take up, I cut a piece of the approximate size from the paper. Seems about right.

Then I used that guide to make a mock up of the base from paper and tape. I decided to make the base ¾ of an inch thick, for no other reason than it looked about right.

Next, using the pieces of my mock up as a template, I scribed and cut pieces of 2mm sheet styrene, and used those pieces to assemble the base. I end up having a box shaped display, w/ a 2mm tray in it to contain whatever I use for ground work (celluclay or mold-a-scene most likely). Notice I added a ¾ inch border on the front. This is a place for the model's title, and maybe the scale.

I'm not done yet though. The base is too lightweight, and I'll want to drill into it so I can mount the model on a brass rod, so...

I flip the base over, and run superglue into the corners. I then swept the scriber shavings and the plastic dust from sanding the pieces into the tray, shaking it around so that it sticks to the glue. Waste not, want not.

For years now, whenever I finish a kit I've saved the excess sprues. I chop them up into manageable pieces and store them in a bag.

Here's why; First I take the extra sprue and shake it into the tray, using only enough to fill in almost to the brim, but not quite.

Then I break out the casting resin. This particular batch is getting old, and is only suitable to the purpose I intend for it.

I mix up the last of it, and pour it into the tray over the sprue bits.

As it hardens, it expands slightly, and it gets very hot. The old plastic bits act as heat sinks, absorbing some of the heat and keeping the tray from melting. The plastic also takes up space (volume) and therefore I can use less resin.

When it hardens, it turns white. It didn't quite fill up the base, but that‘s the last of it. It works for what I needed it to; It makes the base solid, gives it some weight and also gives me a foundation to drill into.

After filling the outer seams w/ superglue and sanding everything flush, I check to see if I still like the size. It's all good, so now it's ready to be drilled and painted.

Continuing w/ the model, I cleaned up most of the parts in preparation for assembly. I added some hex bolts to the landing gear because I thought they looked a little plain.

After building the base, I needed to figure out how I wanted to mount the model on it.

I had already decided on an "in-flight' style display. To that end, I drilled a hole in both the base and the model to accept a brass rod. The holes were not at the perfect angle, so I had to tweak the rod a little.

That looks about right.

Then I decided to improve the intakes on the rear fan. The kit has screens that are molded solid, but they don't look very convincing, especially when the fan's cover is on.

I started by drilling out the fans w/ carbide drill bits I got from Micro Mark.

Then, w/ a motor tool set on the lowest setting and some needle files, I hollowed out and trimmed the opening to shape.

Lastly, I used some mesh screen I had left over from a Tamiya Marder A1 kit. I carefully glued the screen in place w/ super glue, and then trimmed it w/ some sharp scissors. Looks much better.

Next up, the figure.

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • From: Schaumburg, IL
Posted by SkullGundam on Friday, September 26, 2008 3:10 PM
Man this is cool.  I love that base idea.  I really cant wait to see how your scout turns out too.  This looks like a cool little kit.  You should be able to pull off some really cool stuff with it.  I'm also looking forward to your hovertruck.  I know you had some questions about the japanese and I tried reading the instruction page you had taken a photo of but the letters weren't big enough for me to see.  Youre doing an awesome job, cant wait to see more. 

If at first you do succeed, try to hide your astonishment.

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  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Louisville, KY.
Posted by Cosmic J on Thursday, October 2, 2008 6:01 AM

Hey SG. Good to see you. I was wondering where you were hiding out.

Haven't done much work on this one or the hovertruck lately. I was waiting for some detail parts to get here from HLJ. They arrived today, so I expect to have something new (for both of them) by next week.

I appreciate the kind words. Thank you.

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • From: Schaumburg, IL
Posted by SkullGundam on Thursday, October 2, 2008 1:53 PM

I've been hiding out at school.  Disapprove [V]  It's not too bad but I haven't had much time for models.  I've got pics of an SD Gundam and a WH Eldar to put up but I just haven't had time to do it.  I've been here reading, just haven't had time to post.  Good to know I'm missed.  Keep up the good work and kind words will always come from me. 

SG

If at first you do succeed, try to hide your astonishment.

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  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Louisville, KY.
Posted by Cosmic J on Thursday, December 4, 2008 3:34 AM

Alrighty then. I didn't forget this project, I just hit a snag. Specifically, the figure.

I didn't like the figure at all, particularly it's head, and so I thought I'd replace it w/ something better. I ordered some 1/35 D.A.K. heads from Warriors. They look great and have good detail and expressions. The helmets look a little different than most German helmets from WWII; they have these sort of extensions in the front and back that make them look not quite right. One of them had some cool looking goggles too. Just what I was looking for.

Unfortunately, as you can see the figure that comes w/ my scout is not quite the same scale as the Warrior heads. It's noticeably smaller in fact. Honestly, I can't express my disappointment. This means that either I sculpt my own figure, or I'm stuck w/ the kit supplied one. For now, I'm going w/ the kit figure. [sigh]

His feet don't really reach the control pedals, and his hands are in an awkward, unnatural position. I'm really not happy w/ him. If anybody can point me towards a suitable replacement, I'll be your friend for life.

Since that was settled (for now), I set out finalizing construction w/ an eye toward painting. The only thing I deviated from the instructions on was drilling a small hole in the mount for the antenna. It was kinda small:

Because the kits structure is so open, I'll have to paint most of it before final assembly.

Next up, paint.

  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Massachusetts
Posted by tetsujin on Friday, December 5, 2008 11:11 AM
I think the head could be OK on that figure - it's just the neck that's way too long...
---GEC
  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Louisville, KY.
Posted by Cosmic J on Friday, December 5, 2008 11:39 AM

Yeah, he does have a giraffe kind of thing going, don't he? That would be easy to fix; the resin is relatively soft and it would be easy to sand him down. The pictures don't show it well, but in the meat world the scale difference is really noticeable.

The goggled figure's neck is so wide that it won't even fit inside the collar on the torso (the blu-tack kinda hides it a bit). I'd have to sand the collar completely off and sculpt a wider one. Even then, he'd still look like a bobble head. [(-D]

  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: Dublin Rep Of Ireland
Posted by terry35 on Saturday, December 6, 2008 5:20 PM

Great post i have really enjoyed what I've read so far. Very interesting.

Keep up the good work.

Terry.

  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Louisville, KY.
Posted by Cosmic J on Saturday, December 6, 2008 6:24 PM

[8D] Thank you. Glad you liked it.

  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: Philadelphia PA
Posted by smeagol the vile on Saturday, December 6, 2008 11:17 PM
The head does look nice, but you gota remember, those arent hover crafts, there air craft, without a full helmet like on the figure he couldnt really pilot that.

 

  • Member since
    November 2008
Posted by Antonioces on Sunday, December 7, 2008 9:04 AM

Really nice work cosmic J.... did you try to drill out the head and seed the german helmet adapting this to the figure supplied with the kit? I think that your idea it's really interesting.

I respecfully disagree with Smeagol because I think that you can make a new versiòn of those famous long-range desert recon patrols of the second WW...those guys wore their helmets (when they did) and big protective glasses... 

I could even dare to suggest and addition of luggage, watter cans, weapons and other items hanging up the sides of the hover craft.... I don't know....

Greetings

Antonio

  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: Philadelphia PA
Posted by smeagol the vile on Sunday, December 7, 2008 11:03 AM
Yea... its an open air flight vehichle, if it goes high enough, without any cover for his face, he wont beable to breathe.

 

  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Louisville, KY.
Posted by Cosmic J on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 10:25 PM

Antonioces

Really nice work cosmic J.... did you try to drill out the head and seed the german helmet adapting this to the figure supplied with the kit? I think that your idea it's really interesting.

I respecfully disagree with Smeagol because I think that you can make a new versiòn of those famous long-range desert recon patrols of the second WW...those guys wore their helmets (when they did) and big protective glasses... 

I could even dare to suggest and addition of luggage, watter cans, weapons and other items hanging up the sides of the hover craft.... I don't know....

Greetings

Antonio

Thank you Antonio. That's actually a pretty good idea (drilling out the helmet), I wish I had thought of it.

I couldn't use the figure provided, 'cause he doesn't really have a head. He's just part of the neck and the face. He's totally flat behind the jawline, but there is another figure in the set, and my hover tank has a few of them as well. When I get back into the figure, I'll give it a try see what happens.

 I had given some thought to adding lots of stowage. Those D.A.K. vehicles were always covered in extra equipment like water cans and such, but then I thought that all that weight on something like this is probably detrimental to it's flight characteristics... it's also a very complicated or busy looking model when assembled, and I didn't want to further clutter its outline w/ stuff that doesn't actively support the illusion, if you know what I mean.

I also thought about replacing the molded tarp on top w/ one made out of tissue paper and white glue. That way I could have a small part of it blowing backwards like it's flapping in the wind, to help give a sense of forward movement. Unfortunately, looking at the part I realized that it is molded so that it gives some support to the delicate antenna structure, so I'm probably going to leave it. 

I might still do something like that on the rack behind the pilot seat, it depends on whether or not I can make something that somewhat matches the tarp on top.

As far as whether or not the pilot needs a helmet, I didn't think it would be necessary either (sorry stv Wink ). I mean, it's a hovering motorcycle w/ two big fans on the front and back, painted in Afrika Korp colors, w/ a big machine gun hanging off the front...realism wasn't really on my priority list. Big Smile

But, just for the sake of discussion...

I don't think these things would fly very high. Unless it's using some sort of anti-gravity device (it may very well be, I can't read Japanese) it's generating all its lift w/ those fans. At higher altitudes, the air starts to get thinner, which would make it harder to produce said lift. That's why helicopters can't fly nearly as high as jets, for instance. It probably couldn't reach altitudes where the pilot would be in any danger.

Also, those fans and their housings have got to be hugely visible on every sort of sensor imaginable: Radar, sonar, infrared, passive sonic sensors... if these things fly above the ground cover, they're gonna get shot down quick. That's my thoughts on it. Opposing opinions welcome.

Thanks for the feedback guys. I appreciate it.

 

  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: Philadelphia PA
Posted by smeagol the vile on Thursday, December 11, 2008 4:49 AM
it is an anti grav device, if you check out the shots on the instructions from the anime, they show you the scene with them from the show, going well above 30 meters in the sky.

 

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: vernon hills illinois
Posted by sumpter250 on Thursday, December 11, 2008 2:55 PM

it is an anti grav device, if you check out the shots on the instructions from the anime, they show you the scene with them from the show, going well above 30 meters in the sky.

First, very nice build, this is going to look good when it's done!

 Understand, I'm not into the anime that this vehicle comes from so, I'm proceding on a purely technical approach.   30 meters......about98 feet.....possible, depending on the power of the fans. I didn't see any "vectoring devices" in the fan assembly, so I have to assume that there is some other way of changing direction, most probably by leaning in the direction you want to go. If this is so, then, with anti grav devices for lift, why have the fans at all???  Dumb question? Yes, but then, as I stated I don't know the "source" of this vehicle. I do suspect that the answer is "because that is the way that is".

I have an AH-64 Apache Helicopter kit.....currently in the bashing process. When done, it will no longer have "rotor blades". Pictures at 11:00, in another post. 

Lead me not into temptation ..................I can find it myself

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • From: Schaumburg, IL
Posted by SkullGundam on Thursday, December 11, 2008 6:52 PM

I think on this guy the fans are able to pivot inside the housing to change direction.  I have looked all over to find the name of this vehicle and I even went through all the Zeon vehicles for the original Gundam on MAHQ and I couldn't find it.  I'd love to know what it is so we could look up the specs. 

It's looking pretty awesome CJ.  It's a lot of little things for one small kit.  I'm sure you'll make the figure work out somehow.  If not, you could always put an Ewok on it and have a soldier running after. Smile [:)]

If at first you do succeed, try to hide your astonishment.

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  • Member since
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  • From: Louisville, KY.
Posted by Cosmic J on Saturday, December 13, 2008 11:50 PM

smeagol the vile
it is an anti grav device, if you check out the shots on the instructions from the anime, they show you the scene with them from the show, going well above 30 meters in the sky.

I think we have different instructions stv. All the images in mine show the vehicle either at rest, or flying so close to the ground that its kicking up leaves and dirt. If you have some different pictures, could you share them? Might help me out.

sumpter250

First, very nice build, this is going to look good when it's done!

Thank you for the vote of confidence. [8D]

Understand, I'm not into the anime that this vehicle comes from so, I'm proceding on a purely technical approach.   30 meters......about98 feet.....possible, depending on the power of the fans. I didn't see any "vectoring devices" in the fan assembly, so I have to assume that there is some other way of changing direction, most probably by leaning in the direction you want to go. If this is so, then, with anti grav devices for lift, why have the fans at all???  Dumb question? Yes, but then, as I stated I don't know the "source" of this vehicle. I do suspect that the answer is "because that is the way that is". 

Hehe! Yeah, you know how it is w/ sci-fi: its more about what looks cool that what could actually happen. The idea of powered armor or giant humanoid war machines is silly, but it doesn't keep me from building them. Big Smile

If this particular vehicle had anti-gravity lift, then conceivably it could fly all the way out of the earth's atmosphere, even to other planets. The fans might be to increase mobility, but if that was the case, I think it could probably make do w/ just one. That front fan interferes w/ the pilots view of the terrain ahead of him. It might work better if it were designed like those fan-boats they use in the Florida Everglades. (Hmmm, idea forming...)

I'm basing all my assumptions off the idea that Form Follows Function. This vehicle is very light weight, and offers no protection for the pilot; he doesn't even have a safety harness. For sensor systems, it appears limited to a large under-slung headlight, and standard radio.

Unless it has some sort of force field protection, flying it above tree height is going to get it shot down; even a near miss w/ any sort of missile is going to kill the pilot, and w/out sensors, I can't think of a reason to fly at altitude.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm hoping to showcase its visually obvious characteristics, so that it looks like it could be real. I would like for a casual viewer to "get it" at a glance, know what I mean?

SkullGundam

I think on this guy the fans are able to pivot inside the housing to change direction.  I have looked all over to find the name of this vehicle and I even went through all the Zeon vehicles for the original Gundam on MAHQ and I couldn't find it.  I'd love to know what it is so we could look up the specs. 

Yup. On the model, the fans pivot front to back, but not side to side. I don't see any mechanism to allow for it. If they have anti-gravity, then conceivably the fan could be held in a magnetic field, allowing it to pivot in any direction. Might help reduce vibration on the pilot too.

I can't find any specs on it, either. Apparently it was a throw away vehicle, only used in a few scenes as background filler.

It's looking pretty awesome CJ.  It's a lot of little things for one small kit.  I'm sure you'll make the figure work out somehow.  If not, you could always put an Ewok on it and have a soldier running after. Smile

LOL! I just might do that... [(-D]

  • Member since
    January 2006
  • From: Baton Rouge, Snake Central
Posted by PatlaborUnit1 on Monday, December 15, 2008 10:35 AM

the Wappa is an excellent kit and you will find it to be only fragile on that upper antenna rack. I have dropped mine a lot while working on it and broken nothing on it. It is more sturdy than it appears.Assembly so far has beed quick.

I plan to paint mine in English M3 Honey tank colors slate blue and German desert tan.  I played with the color sheme of varous German tanks and planes and never came up with a satisfactory paint scheme, and did not want to do the typical grey/ green thing. 

Ill post up pics of it when I can.  Looks good on your end!

Build to please yourself, and don't worry about what others think! TI 4019 Jolly Roger Squadron, 501st Legion
  • Member since
    February 2008
  • From: Schaumburg, IL
Posted by SkullGundam on Monday, December 15, 2008 2:24 PM
Well NOW we know what it's called.  Unfotunately MAHQ has nothing on it but a picture.  I'm still inclined to agree with Cosmic that it is a fairly low flying vehicle.  However, I feel I should point out that helmets are also used to protect from wind.  It could be really fast.  I think of the speeder bikes on Endor in Star Wars.  If Leia had taken a twig or a big bug to the forehead going that fast with no face shield she would not have had a good day.  I don't think the regular army head looked bad though, but I would have no idea how to modify it. 

If at first you do succeed, try to hide your astonishment.

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  • From: Baton Rouge, Snake Central
Posted by PatlaborUnit1 on Monday, December 15, 2008 3:16 PM

the kit comes with two figs, one standing with binocs, (as a recce guy would do) and a tripod set for when he would set up on a ridge and observe the Feddies in a valley below.

i have seen several of the Wappas that were modified when they first came out and guys really went to town on them, one even had the spikes stripped off and a set of Italari AH1W skids installed.  I plan to replace the junk gun with a brass one , using aCalscale Brass MG34 and an AdlersNest barrel.  I also plan upgrades, including the crows foot antenna, Trop style filters over the two "intakes" on the sides of the "engine" and I have upgraded the panel to remain in-universe (meaning no CRTs) but intead the kind of controls we have seen in the series. I Have never been happy with the ball on top and tried to come p with something different. No luck yet.  I hope to start painting mine tonight if the weaeather holds........

Build to please yourself, and don't worry about what others think! TI 4019 Jolly Roger Squadron, 501st Legion
  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Louisville, KY.
Posted by Cosmic J on Monday, December 15, 2008 9:26 PM

PatlaborUnit1

the Wappa is an excellent kit and you will find it to be only fragile on that upper antenna rack. I have dropped mine a lot while working on it and broken nothing on it. It is more sturdy than it appears.Assembly so far has beed quick.

I plan to paint mine in English M3 Honey tank colors slate blue and German desert tan.  I played with the color sheme of varous German tanks and planes and never came up with a satisfactory paint scheme, and did not want to do the typical grey/ green thing. 

Ill post up pics of it when I can.  Looks good on your end!

Hey David, good to see you again.  I wondered about where you were at.

SkullGundam
Well NOW we know what it's called.  Unfotunately MAHQ has nothing on it but a picture.  I'm still inclined to agree with Cosmic that it is a fairly low flying vehicle.  However, I feel I should point out that helmets are also used to protect from wind.  It could be really fast.  I think of the speeder bikes on Endor in Star Wars.  If Leia had taken a twig or a big bug to the forehead going that fast with no face shield she would not have had a good day.  I don't think the regular army head looked bad though, but I would have no idea how to modify it. 

Agree about the wind, that's why I really was hoping to use the figure head w/ the goggles, maybe sculpt a bandanna wrapped around his face. I think that would have been quite dramatic. I also want to try to give the impression of high speed on the finished model (you'll see what I mean), and since I'm placing it a desert setting, protection for the face seems all the more important.

PatlaborUnit1

the kit comes with two figs, one standing with binocs, (as a recce guy would do) and a tripod set for when he would set up on a ridge and observe the Feddies in a valley below.

i have seen several of the Wappas that were modified when they first came out and guys really went to town on them, one even had the spikes stripped off and a set of Italari AH1W skids installed.  I plan to replace the junk gun with a brass one , using aCalscale Brass MG34 and an AdlersNest barrel.  I also plan upgrades, including the crows foot antenna, Trop style filters over the two "intakes" on the sides of the "engine" and I have upgraded the panel to remain in-universe (meaning no CRTs) but intead the kind of controls we have seen in the series. I Have never been happy with the ball on top and tried to come p with something different. No luck yet.  I hope to start painting mine tonight if the weaeather holds........

Yeah, the link above shows everything that comes w/ the kit: two sets of binoculars w/ tripods (one folded for transport, one open), some extra fuel cells(?) for the engine, and an impatient guy looking at his watch.

Big Smile I thought about doing all sorts of mods to it too when I first got it, but then one day I took an objective look at my stash... I realised that I couldn't go all out on every model I owned, or I wouldn't have time to build them all before I died of old age. And that's just the stuff I already have, it doesn't count all the cool stuff that will undoubtedly be released in the future... Big Smile

I was hoping to knock this one out quick to get the GB badge, but as you can see, at each stage of building I get an inspiration that slows the process down... [(-D]

I gave serious thought to modifying the CRTs too, maybe w/ some photo etch bits. The kit supplied ones are decals, somewhat underwhelming. Not gonna do it though, I've got to try to get this thing done soon because my next kit is calling out to me...

  • Member since
    January 2006
  • From: Baton Rouge, Snake Central
Posted by PatlaborUnit1 on Friday, December 19, 2008 10:14 AM

i added brass mesh to the intakes the other night, now I just have to set about painting, the whole brass mess is holding me up thing just had to get out of the way and be settled. it is what it is.  On the harness I plan to get a 1/32 German WWII set from Waldron or Eduard and install that on the seat as well as a lot of other junk including a slightly modified Jerry can.

My thoughts on the helmet:

In universe the helmet serves as a data link to other ships as well as to protect the crewman and is the ground pounders equivelant of a Normal Suit. In 0083 the new CO wears a Normal Suit on his first mission out, and learns why they do not normally wear them inside the cockpit of the GM's in the tropics. He was inside a closed environment full of electronics and displays, but its a different world when your hanging in the breeze.  It would be pretty rough going to have to ride on this thing leafhopping and dodging bugs as well as dust.  If you want to go the bandanna route Verlinden makes and older 1/35 USMC Desert Storm set that has a face with a bandanna and painted it looks fantastic. I havent cut the body parts off the sprue yet, that vinyl is going to be tough enough to fix so I may wind up adding layers of epoxy to build up the suit in places to halp hide some ofthose seams.  I plan to use the standing officer looking impatiently at his watch, and grind out the helmet to hang from the back of the MG 34.

Finally get to use those WWII equipment items on this prjoect!

 

 

Build to please yourself, and don't worry about what others think! TI 4019 Jolly Roger Squadron, 501st Legion
  • Member since
    July 2008
  • From: PBG, FL
Posted by John31388 on Friday, December 19, 2008 12:06 PM
Looks very cool man can't wait to see it when its done.
  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Louisville, KY.
Posted by Cosmic J on Friday, December 19, 2008 10:25 PM

PatlaborUnit1

i added brass mesh to the intakes the other night, now I just have to set about painting, the whole brass mess is holding me up thing just had to get out of the way and be settled. it is what it is.  On the harness I plan to get a 1/32 German WWII set from Waldron or Eduard and install that on the seat as well as a lot of other junk including a slightly modified Jerry can.

My thoughts on the helmet:

In universe the helmet serves as a data link to other ships as well as to protect the crewman and is the ground pounders equivelant of a Normal Suit. In 0083 the new CO wears a Normal Suit on his first mission out, and learns why they do not normally wear them inside the cockpit of the GM's in the tropics. He was inside a closed environment full of electronics and displays, but its a different world when your hanging in the breeze.  It would be pretty rough going to have to ride on this thing leafhopping and dodging bugs as well as dust.  If you want to go the bandanna route Verlinden makes and older 1/35 USMC Desert Storm set that has a face with a bandanna and painted it looks fantastic. I havent cut the body parts off the sprue yet, that vinyl is going to be tough enough to fix so I may wind up adding layers of epoxy to build up the suit in places to halp hide some ofthose seams.  I plan to use the standing officer looking impatiently at his watch, and grind out the helmet to hang from the back of the MG 34.

Finally get to use those WWII equipment items on this prjoect!

Hey David, when you put the brass mesh on the rear fan, did you find that the fit of the fan cover got a little snug? I had to lightly sand mine to get it to fit better.

Good point on the helmet. Between those fans and atmospheric noise, the only way this guy would be able to communicate would be w/ a headset, so might as well give him a helmet.

I was trying to convert Afrika Korp figures because I started this kit as part of the WWII Paint Scheme group build. I looked at some Academy Helicopter pilots too; good poses and detail, but they didn't fit the theme, know what I mean?

I'm not sure what you mean by vinyl parts, my kit doesn't have any; does yours?

I wanna use the impatient figure too, but not w/ this piece. I'm going to pose him w/ a Gasaraki Raiden, for scale. I just haven't decided on the setting or the armor's pose yet.

Be sure you paste your final results, I'd like to see them.

John31388
Looks very cool man can't wait to see it when its done.

Thank you. I'm making slow but sure progress. Mostly slow. Big Smile

Thanks guys - John

  • Member since
    January 2006
  • From: Baton Rouge, Snake Central
Posted by PatlaborUnit1 on Tuesday, December 23, 2008 12:35 PM

IIRC the figure is hard vinyl. I hate hard vinyl, its difficult to clean up and the paint wont always stick even with a good primer. I may recast it once I get it the way I want it.Anyway I have not fited the brass embellished turbine covers yet, I thought they may tighten up some, so I made the covers as small as practical. i really worked to induce the correct curve into them so they would fit directly into the opening but no luck with that so I had to glue them on the inside, Ill adjust as needed.

Over the weekend I will get to paint it up, that will get me motivated to finish!

Build to please yourself, and don't worry about what others think! TI 4019 Jolly Roger Squadron, 501st Legion
  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Louisville, KY.
Posted by Cosmic J on Friday, December 26, 2008 10:07 PM

 You're in luck, the figures are made of the same plastic as the rest of the model. At least they were on mine. Big Smile

They don't have any sort of positive alignment marks on them, so assembling them is a bit tricky, and the engineering on them is not nearly the same standard as the rest of the kit. I used a lot of Mr. Surfacer 500 to fill gaps and seams, w/ a q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol to smooth them over.

Good news is they will take any sort of paint.

  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Louisville, KY.
Posted by Cosmic J on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 12:08 AM

So I've made a little progress on this kit. I painted the fans and the interior of the engine mounts Testor's Steel, and the searchlight and part of the "legs" w/ Silver. I then masked those sections off, using Tamiya tape for the silver sections, and a salt mask for the engine bits.

I painted the engine covers a mixture of Camouflage Grey and Light Sea Grey, which I then highlighted w/ pure Camo Grey. There's a small gas can looking thing mounted behind the pilot's seat, and I sprayed that w/ these colors also.

When that was dry, I burnished down some dry transfers from Verlinden. These markings are for WWII era Soviet tanks; but they were the right size and looked suitably odd for this project. For the gas can, I masked it w/ 1mm strips of Tamiya tape in a cross pattern.

Next I sprayed on the shadow color, a 1 to 3 mixture of Raw Umber and Sandgelb. I tried to get all the surfaces w/ a nice even coat of paint, including the engine interiors. It was a bit darker than I would have liked, and it had some green to it, but I persevered.

I then added a layer of pure Sandgelb, mainly highlighting the center of each area. I didn't go for a uniform appearance, rather just ‘noodling' the color on in a semi-random way. This gave the parts some depth and a suggestion of wear.

Lastly, I mixed 1 part Radome Tan w/ 2 parts Sandgelb to get a highlight color. Again, I just sort of randomly sprayed it on areas that needed highlighting. Here it is w/ the masks removed. I used pieces of tape to lift the transfers; they didn't come out perfectly (too many paint layers), but they do have a field applied look to them, so I'm pleased so far. I also washed off the salt masks.

 

 

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • From: Schaumburg, IL
Posted by SkullGundam on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 7:27 PM

Impressive.  I really like the way you do your highlighting.  It comes out nice and subtle.  Its come a long way from sickly green plastic. 

If at first you do succeed, try to hide your astonishment.

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  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Louisville, KY.
Posted by Cosmic J on Thursday, August 20, 2009 11:12 PM

I know, right? What a huge difference a couple of coats of paint can make. Big Smile

Thank you for the compliment. I appreciate it. 

  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Louisville, KY.
Posted by Cosmic J on Monday, August 31, 2009 11:46 PM

Big Smile Thank you. Big Smile

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