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Zvezda La-5fn (WIP)

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  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: MN
Posted by Nathan T on Sunday, January 5, 2014 2:03 PM

Yeah it is, but its what Stalin wanted!!

 

 

  • Member since
    February 2012
  • From: Olmsted Township, Ohio
Posted by lawdog114 on Sunday, January 5, 2014 9:29 PM

Absolutely stunning airbrush work.  You have perhaps convinced me to get one of these turkeys.  I'm probably gun shy because I absolutely hated the Eduard LA-7 I built a few years ago, so I subconsciously figured all Russian fighters were lousy.   This certainly looks to be up to the standards of the Tamigawa faction.    

Joe

 "Can you fly this plane and land it?...Surely you can't be serious....I am serious, and don't call me Shirley"

 

 

 

 

  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: MN
Posted by Nathan T on Sunday, January 5, 2014 10:16 PM

Yes, the La-7 needs lots of work. I can see how in your situ. it tarnished the fun of building VVS. This Zvezda kit will turn that around. Then go build their Yak 3. Can't go wrong. I have the Eduard La-7 in the stash with bonus resin goodies. I plan on doing a bunch of mods just to get it looking right. ICM and Accurate Miniatures are other companies to look at for Yaks. They can be had cheap off ebay so no real loss if you end up not liking the kit.

 

 

  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: MN
Posted by Nathan T on Saturday, January 11, 2014 11:48 AM

Glossed using Polyscale acrylic clear and awaiting decals. I did some chipping along the metal parts. I might overspray some of it after the model is flat coated because i think it's a little over done??

 

 

  • Member since
    December 2006
  • From: N. Georgia
Posted by Jester75 on Saturday, January 11, 2014 12:06 PM

I think its fine Nathan. I would imagine after flat, it will tone down considerably.

Eric

 

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Houston, Texas
Posted by panzerpilot on Saturday, January 11, 2014 3:24 PM

Coming together nicely!

-Tom

  • Member since
    February 2012
  • From: Olmsted Township, Ohio
Posted by lawdog114 on Monday, January 13, 2014 7:59 PM

Looking great.  The flat will definitely tone it down.  

Joe

 "Can you fly this plane and land it?...Surely you can't be serious....I am serious, and don't call me Shirley"

 

 

 

 

  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: MN
Posted by Nathan T on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 1:19 PM

I really feel like I made some major progress now that I got the decals on. These are from an AML sheet that included the resin cowling parts to make this a -F. I've never used these decals before and I ended up being pretty impressed. They are really glossy and thin, yet tough enough, and respond well to Micro set and sol. I did have one issue with the port side slogan. This was one big decal that included the red star, and number 40 all in one. This was too big and I was worried the decal would want to curl up on me, so I cut it out into 2 pieces. I used alot of micro set, then set the slogan decal down, but one corner wouldn't move, and it tore slightly and wrinkled a bit. I just gave up and left the decal looking a bit crooked. Now, lots of of other soviet aircraft had slogans hurriedly painted on and were purposely crooked, so I'm going with that explanation on this plane! Micro-sol didn't quite get rid of the wrinkle I made, but it looks good enough for me to move on and forget. Soon I'll be sealing over these with some Alclad Aqua Gloss, and then the weathering will start. 

Feel free to harass me all you like!

 

 

  • Member since
    August 2012
Posted by JimNTENN on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 1:42 PM

Nathan, I'll take your word about that decal being crooked. If it is it is so slight that I can't tell. But, so what? We're talking about a weapon of war here. They saw a lot of wear and tear unless they never made it into combat. They should have some imperfections. I think you did a fantastic job on it. Can't wait to see it weathered and finished.

Current project(s): Hobby Boss: 1/72 F9F-2 Panther

                                  Midwest Products: Skiff(wood model)

                                  

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: Piscataway, NJ!
Posted by wing_nut on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 3:14 PM

Happy to harass you all you want.  But it won't have anything to do with the build.  It simply not harassable.Yes

Gee, go figure.  The spell checker is saying harassable is not a word.Whistling

Marc  

  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: MN
Posted by Nathan T on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 5:48 PM

Thanks Marc and JimN. If had another Zvezda La-5 in the stash, I'd bust it open right now for something to do while the gloss dries on these. Its just a great looking kit from beginning to end. The only thing to be real critical of is the kit's own decals, which I didn't use this time. I used Zvezda's decals before, and they are sub standard to say the least.

 

 

  • Member since
    February 2012
  • From: Olmsted Township, Ohio
Posted by lawdog114 on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 3:32 AM

Don't see anything wrong with the decals.  Sharp scheme.  If you would like speed in the gloss drying process, try the Alclad Gloss.   I've decaled an hour after application before.  Fantastic stuff.  I lok forward to seeing this one done.

Joe  

 "Can you fly this plane and land it?...Surely you can't be serious....I am serious, and don't call me Shirley"

 

 

 

 

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Naples, FL
Posted by tempestjohnny on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 7:12 AM

Nothing wrong. Great build

 

  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: MN
Posted by Nathan T on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 8:15 AM

Thanks Commander John!

Joe- I can't use Alclad Kear Kote because its Enamel based and I always use oil washes for my next step. I just sealed the decals with Alcald Aqua Gloss and I'm gonna give it 2 days to be sure. Thanks for the good words!

 

 

  • Member since
    October 2012
  • From: Mt. Washington, KY
Posted by Geezer on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 9:41 AM

Outstanding work, Nathan. Cockpit looks especially nice.

www.spamodeler.com/forum/index.php 

Mediocraties - my favorite Greek model builder. 

 

  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: MN
Posted by Nathan T on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 11:16 AM

Thanks Lyle. I owe some credit to Vector for the resin pit.

 

 

  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: MN
Posted by Nathan T on Monday, January 20, 2014 11:12 PM

Alright, I'm nearing the home stretch! The model got an oil wash of raw umber and various filters on the wing tops. The prop was glued on, and I had to use some ref. photos to make sure the engine cooling  shutters didn't end up too far inside the cowling. I made a pitot tube out of brass tubing, and still have to paint it. All thats left now is to attach the wheels and to give everything a flat coat.

 

 

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Naples, FL
Posted by tempestjohnny on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 5:47 AM

Looks great

 

  • Member since
    February 2011
  • From: Bent River, IA
Posted by Reasoned on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 6:29 AM

Sweet looking build Nathan.

Science is the pursiut of knowledge, faith is the pursuit of wisdom.  Peace be with you.

On the Tarmac: 1/48 Revell P-38

In the Hanger: A bunch of kits

  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: MN
Posted by Nathan T on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 11:53 AM

Thanks guys, I hope to have it completed in the next few days.

 

 

  • Member since
    February 2012
  • From: Olmsted Township, Ohio
Posted by lawdog114 on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 6:40 PM

What a beaut Nathan.  What do you mean by "filters".  I've seem this term tossed around and was curious what it is and how it's done.  Is it some type of wash technique?

Joe

 "Can you fly this plane and land it?...Surely you can't be serious....I am serious, and don't call me Shirley"

 

 

 

 

  • Member since
    December 2006
  • From: N. Georgia
Posted by Jester75 on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 7:00 PM

Lovin it Nathan!

Eric

 

  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: MN
Posted by Nathan T on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 11:09 PM

Thanks everyone for the good words.

Joe- I've only begun to experiment with filters. What I'm referring to is dots of oil paints on the suface of the model. Different colors randomly applied, then blended together with a soft paint brush, and streaked in the direction of airflow, and blended and burnished down into the paint until they dissapear. They alter the hue of the colors, and give it a nice, subtle, faded/patchy look. Now this method is still hard for me, as certain colors seem to dominate and overpower the others, such as using too much blue or white dots. Sometimes I end up wiping the oils completely off and loosing the effect. So I wonder if doing this over a semi-gloss surface would be better?? Another method I use for high wear/faded/dirty areas such as wing roots, is to apply brown/earth tone oils to the model with a paint brush in larger gobs, and then take a cotton swab and rub them around until they are worked into the paint. It seems to work well. I'm sorry I didn't take any pics of this process, but I will point it out on my finished pics, which might be tomorrow!

I will say, if you haven't tried weathering with oil paints, you are missing out!!!

 

 

  • Member since
    March 2012
  • From: Corpus Christi, Tx
Posted by mustang1989 on Thursday, January 23, 2014 4:38 AM

lawdog114

What a beaut Nathan.  What do you mean by "filters".  I've seem this term tossed around and was curious what it is and how it's done.  Is it some type of wash technique?

Joe

First off what a great build so far Nathan! I realize you would prefer more input and advice here and there but frankly I just don't know where to give it pal (you could slip up somewhere on a build and see if anybody catches it!!)  LOL. Secondly I have a desire to learn this filtering method that Joe mentioned here in the quote and that I've seen everybody else seem to use alot ,especially in the armor section.

                   

 Forum | Modelers Social Club Forum (proboards.com) 

  • Member since
    September 2011
  • From: Milaca, Minnesota
Posted by falconmod on Thursday, January 23, 2014 7:27 AM

Nathan,

 Looks great,  makes me want to start on my Eduard La-7 I have.  Did you say you going to go to the "hope it don't snow show"?  I'l be there too.

John

On the Bench: 1/72 Ki-67, 1/48 T-38

1/144 AC-130, 1/72 AV-8A Harrier

  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: MN
Posted by Nathan T on Thursday, January 23, 2014 8:31 AM

Thanks Mustang and falcon! I guess I'll have to take more pics of the oil filter process next time.

John- Is this the show in Rochester? I'm too far away for that one...Sad

 

 

  • Member since
    February 2012
  • From: Olmsted Township, Ohio
Posted by lawdog114 on Friday, January 24, 2014 3:45 AM

Thanks Nathan.  I think I got it.  By oils you mean artist oils.   Perhaps a tutorial on your next build?....

Joe

 "Can you fly this plane and land it?...Surely you can't be serious....I am serious, and don't call me Shirley"

 

 

 

 

  • Member since
    March 2012
  • From: Corpus Christi, Tx
Posted by mustang1989 on Friday, January 24, 2014 3:47 AM

lawdog114

Thanks Nathan.  I think I got it.  By oils you mean artist oils.   Perhaps a tutorial on your next build?....

Joe

That would be cool. I'd be tuned in to that for sure.

                   

 Forum | Modelers Social Club Forum (proboards.com) 

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Naples, FL
Posted by tempestjohnny on Friday, January 24, 2014 5:38 AM

mustang1989

lawdog114

Thanks Nathan.  I think I got it.  By oils you mean artist oils.   Perhaps a tutorial on your next build?....

Joe

That would be cool. I'd be tuned in to that for sure.

Ditto on that

 

  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: MN
Posted by Nathan T on Monday, January 27, 2014 10:36 PM

Thanks for the interest guys. Yes, artists oils were used for the wash and filter effects. I am certainly up for a tutorial on my next wip- whatever that may be??Huh?

I finished all my detail work and have come to the end of the build. To review, this is Zvezda's La-5fn kit converted to an La-5f. This involved cutting off the top cowling intake and added resin parts from the AML decal sheet. I also used a Vector resin cockpit and Resin wheels from Barracudacast. To finish off the build, I added an antenna wire from EZ line. This stuff works so well, that I actually look forward to rigging the antenna! I also gave the model a flat coat with Mr. Color Semi-Gloss clear. I added the nav lights using the clear parts from the kit. The canopy was posed open. The kit canopy is a little thick, and barely fit even with using the narrow rear deck part the kit gives you. Next time I will get a vac canopy, or just simply leave it closed. I do love the lines of this aircraft! I can't say enough good things about this kit. Things fit real well, and the detail is amazing. I only used a Vector resin cockpit because I got one on sale for under 10 bucks. Otherwise, the kit pit is nice by itself. The only iffy part would be the kit decals. I've used Zvezda's decals on my Yak 3 and they were marginal. So go pick up this kit and pick your favorite scheme in the form of aftermarket decals, and prepare to fall in love with the Russian La-5! Comments or questions, then fire away!

 

 

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