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Revell Ar 555 Complete page 5

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  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Sunday, February 14, 2016 4:53 AM

Almost at the end of this build and once again i have run into the biggest problem with 72nd aircraft dio's, figures. But more on that in a bit.

It was now time to add the final bits to the aircraft. For the bomb lifting cables i used some fine wire and made the clamps that attach to the bomb with some styrene strip.

On the bomb, i added some lifting loops and an H type locking mechanisim. It wa sthen painted field grey and given a coat of clear semi gloss.

I could then fit the bomb into place. The open hatch was also fitted.

On top, the engines had been added as well as the forward turret. There is a large gap under the front of the guns so again i use some styrene sheet to close that off.

The vehicles are also complete.

And then the base. Remember i sad that the trolley would fit under the aircraft. Embarrassed famous last words. It didn't. So, plan C. Only option was to follow PJ's Yes suggestion and put it in a bit. This is what the US did to load the bombs on the B-29's. Speaking of which, i was watching a video of the loading of one of the A-Bombs and the trolley used is exactly the same as the one i have here. It seems that kora have just copied that and made it German.

So, i did consider making another board, the 3rd one. But then i remembere it was only 18mm MDF under the cardboard. So, after marking it out, i took my trusty hammer and chisel, first time i have used that combination in a model build, and made a pit. I lined it with cardboard concrete and a sheet styrene metal floor for the lift.

So, just a few bits to finish, the wheel chocks, tool box and a couple of other bits. But the problem. 72nd ground crew figures are pretty thin on the ground. WW2 Luftwaffe are the best covered, but even then there are not many. And i seem to have exorsted my supply of usable figures even allowing for altering some. And the revell and Presier sets seem to be unavalable anywhere at the minute. So i am a bit stuck.

I think i may have to finish of the last few bits and then put to one side until i can source at least a Revell figure set.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Friday, February 12, 2016 12:43 PM

Was that the Monograme 1/48th B-17 with the crash dio. I built that myself back in the mid 80's and its that which got me hooked on dio's. Wish i still had that booklet that came with it.

If you do, i hope you will post some pics. I have been trying to think of otehr builds i can use this on.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Bethlehem PA
Posted by the Baron on Friday, February 12, 2016 12:22 PM

Bish

...i use a thin cardboard with a slightly rough surface on one side that i have a regular supply of. In this case its the cardboard inserts that come with Eduard PE sets. The inside of kit box lids and the outside of the box also works.

Thanks, Bish, I was looking for a reference to the material you used.  I have a similar base project in the works, and I'm using the backing from a writing tablet.  That was one I remembered from Shep's "Tips" in the B-17 kit, when I was a kid.

I love the camo pattern!  I think I'm going to steal it for a Maschinen Krieger subject Wink

The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen.

 

 

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Thursday, February 11, 2016 3:39 PM

Thanks PJ. There is actually nothing extra adde to those vehicles, they are all pretty nice as they come.

Interesting idea of the texture, i might have to try that one.

And remember your suggestion for putting the bomb and trolley in a pit. Whistling

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Central Florida
Posted by plasticjunkie on Thursday, February 11, 2016 3:33 PM

Great job on the paint and decals Bish. That is one unusual looking plane! The vehicles look super detailed and will add interest and a sense of scale to the dio.

I also like using a base for the models but the down side is the additional space they use up. In the past for a tarmac, I used Elmers glue brushed on the base then lightly sprinkled with fine sand to add texture. When it dried overnight, I brushed on acrylic craft paint to soften the texture then airbrushed concrete color paint to blend things in. 

 GIFMaker.org_jy_Ayj_O

 

 

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Thursday, February 11, 2016 8:34 AM

Thnaks Joe. ye, the base does take up more space, and of course you have to add the extra for vehilces and so on. But i just prefer doing dio's and even if not a dio, i prefer the idea of a base. Apart from anything else, it saves having to handle the model if you are moving it. I just try and cut the base as small as possable and avoid big open areas.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    March 2012
  • From: Corpus Christi, Tx
Posted by mustang1989 on Thursday, February 11, 2016 5:27 AM

Nuthin' but the good stuff!! You're work is amazing as always Bish. I've been giving some thought to display bases for my builds but it does take up some valuable display space. One of these days I'll have to give it a shot.

                   

 Forum | Modelers Social Club Forum (proboards.com) 

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 11:57 PM

Thnaks for the comments guys.

Bob, i use a thin cardboard with a slightly rough surface on one side that i have a regular supply of. In this case its the cardboard inserts that come with Eduard PE sets. The inside of kit box lids and the outside of the box also works.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: Cavite, Philippines
Posted by allan on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 10:04 PM

Man, she's looking like a real mean machine completed and parked like that. The colors really suit her!

No bucks, no Buck Rogers

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Naples, FL
Posted by tempestjohnny on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 8:39 PM
This is coming out excellent. Really like what you did with the camouflage. Can't wait to see the finished scene

 

  • Member since
    February 2014
  • From: Michigan
Posted by silentbob33 on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 8:21 PM
Very cool Bish! I'm amazed by what guys like you can do in 1/72. Are the sections for the base cut from regular cardboard?

On my bench: Academy 1/35 UH-60L Black Hawk

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 4:52 PM

Thanks Hunter. The base is pretty standard for me now, you find an approach you like and stick with it. My last few aircrfat dio's have been pretty simple, so its about time i did somthing with more going on.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    January 2016
  • From: A Galaxy Far, Far Away
Posted by Hunter on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 4:44 PM

Hello Bish - 

Sir, she is looking awesome!! I like your base and deck a lot. This is going to be one sharp dio when you finish. YesBig Smile

 

Hunter 

      

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 4:34 PM

Been making some good progress the last week or so, i think i am starting to see the finish line now. With all the painting doen, it was time for the decals. First was all the stencilling which came from the kit decal sheet.

Next the national insignia and codes from the decal stash. The kit provides marking for 2 aircrfat, one from KG 100 and the otehr from KG 200. But i wnated a regular bomber unit and one i don't currently have an aircrfat for, so i picked KG 6. In addition, the kit codes don't make any sense if useing the wartime regulations.

And finally, a unit badge. I found 2 for KG 6. One for 2 Staffel and the otehr for the Geschwader Stab. I went for the latter, hence the Blue C in the code, and this is my first attempt at printing my own decals.

And the overall look.

And with those done, it was time for a clear Matt coat and to get the wheels and doors on.

I felt the rear gun was rather open. There would certainly be control/power cables and an ammunition feed. rather than leave this open, i aded some 'fleaxable' covers with sheet styrene. I first painted it black to try and give a leather look, but was not keen on that. So i then painted it in the appropriate camo colours.

I now have the board ready to paint. I finished adding the balsa surround.

Then useing a piece of cardboard as a guide, i trimmed the edge down.

Then it was stained and varnished and the hardtsnading added. I eitehr use one large sheet that has the expansion gaps scored in it, or as in this case, smaller pieces cut to size. For German aircraft in 72nd i have panels 8x14cm in size.

And finally, the vehicles. Still a few small bits to add, including the tracks on the FAMO, but almost there.

And there you are. Next up will be painting the base, getting the final touches done to the vehicles and making and painting some platforms.

 

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Friday, February 5, 2016 12:54 PM

Thanks Brandon, looks a bit better now with the decals on. Just trying to decide how to finish it.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    January 2015
Posted by BrandonD on Friday, February 5, 2016 2:10 AM

Bish,

You're doing some amazing work on this bird. I really like the camo scheme!

-BD-

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 11:59 PM

Thanks guys.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    February 2014
  • From: Michigan
Posted by silentbob33 on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 7:30 PM
Your paintjob looks great Bish! I really like the subtle mottled preshading you did.

On my bench: Academy 1/35 UH-60L Black Hawk

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 6:46 PM

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg111/Bish_012/Ar%20555/66_zpscsnoebwz.jpg

 

 

 

Looks really nice in that camo pattern !Big SmileYes

 

 

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 6:44 PM

mustang1989

LOL. Funny you ask. I was gonna build another aircraft but just couldn't get my '54 Chevy Sedan Delivery off the brain. Basically I'm taking this....

2015-06-09202015-06-092000120001_zpsj4ez

and dropping it down like this:

002_zpsjcegpmnp.jpg

 

 

 

Not too late to do it up in German pre-war splinter camo............Whistling

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 2:11 PM

the Baron

I'm just getting caught up on your project, Bish, and it's outstanding, from your scratch-built details, to your finishes.  I love the interior details you added.  I look forward to your next installment.

I can second using Mike Grant's decals, too.  I've got some of his sets of instrument decals and they're excellent.  Plus, he's a nice guy, very nice to trade with.

 

Thanks baron, and glad to have you following along. I have gotten rather hooked on scratchbuilding the last couple of years. this was rather minor compared to what i did to an He 111 a while back. Its nice to be able to say theres somthing there you made yourself.

Ye, they are really nice and are going to come in very handy. I think there is a couple of other sets i will be getting. And he was great to deal with, i did send an e-mail and got a swift and very nice reply.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 2:08 PM

plasticjunkie

You are quite welcome. Either way its gonna be one wicked display.

 

I hope so after all this. Caused a couple of headaches what with waiting for the tractor to arrive, the bomb not fitting and the tractor being to tall.

Its all part of the fun isn't it. Crying

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Bethlehem PA
Posted by the Baron on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 11:46 AM

I'm just getting caught up on your project, Bish, and it's outstanding, from your scratch-built details, to your finishes.  I love the interior details you added.  I look forward to your next installment.

I can second using Mike Grant's decals, too.  I've got some of his sets of instrument decals and they're excellent.  Plus, he's a nice guy, very nice to trade with.

The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen.

 

 

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Central Florida
Posted by plasticjunkie on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 11:46 AM

You are quite welcome. Either way its gonna be one wicked display.

 GIFMaker.org_jy_Ayj_O

 

 

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 11:28 AM

plasticjunkie

That scheme is wicked cool Bish. The Martian thing is looking fantastic!

 

Thanks PJ, and thanks for the idea about loading the bomb. It may not be in a pit, but it certanly got me thinking. 

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 11:27 AM

BrandonK

Wow, That is a fantastic paint scheme. I didn't know where you were going with it for a bit but it looks stunning. NICE!!

Also, when I look at that shape I always see the bird from Indiana Jones sitting on the pad in the desert. It's just me, but that shape is killer.

BK

 

Thanks Brandon, glad you like it.

I might be wrong, but i think there is a reason for the resemblance. I am sure i have read that the aircrfat in the movie was inspired by the various German flying wing designs, including the 555, a sort of pre war propeller version. The kink in the wings certainly resembales the Arado.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    March 2012
  • From: Corpus Christi, Tx
Posted by mustang1989 on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 11:07 AM

BrandonK

Wow, That is a fantastic paint scheme. I didn't know where you were going with it for a bit but it looks stunning. NICE!!

Also, when I look at that shape I always see the bird from Indiana Jones sitting on the pad in the desert. It's just me, but that shape is killer.

BK

 

Now that is pretty close. I forgot about that one. Hmmm.

                   

 Forum | Modelers Social Club Forum (proboards.com) 

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Central Florida
Posted by plasticjunkie on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 10:54 AM

That scheme is wicked cool Bish. The Martian thing is looking fantastic!

 GIFMaker.org_jy_Ayj_O

 

 

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

  • Member since
    June 2014
Posted by BrandonK on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 10:42 AM

Wow, That is a fantastic paint scheme. I didn't know where you were going with it for a bit but it looks stunning. NICE!!

Also, when I look at that shape I always see the bird from Indiana Jones sitting on the pad in the desert. It's just me, but that shape is killer.

BK

On the bench:

A lot !! And I mean A LOT!!

2024 Kits on deck / in process / completed   

                         14 / 5 / 2  

                              Tongue Tied

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 10:32 AM

Thanks Toshi. Unfortunatly they don't do one in 1/32nd. At least not yet. But we can hope. Wink

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

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