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Completing a really old, messed up, 1/72 Piper L-4 Grasshopper . . .

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6 replies
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  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Harrisburg, PA
Completing a really old, messed up, 1/72 Piper L-4 Grasshopper . . .
Posted by Lufbery on Thursday, August 3, 2023 7:21 PM

Hi all,

Back when I was a junior in high school, so '89 or '90, I went through mail order to get a Meikraft Models 1/72 Piper L-4. 

The box

I got a nice letter from John Meikraft, though.

Nice letter.

I had built a bunch of models up to that time and felt pretty good about my skills, but I was not ready for a short run kit. I started working on it, using tube glue and brush painting. I even used a bit of filler putty. But, the fit isn't great, the molding isn't great either, and I had no idea up to that point that tube glue could make a real mess of cockpit plastic.

This is what it looked like when I put it away 34 years ago:

Another view:

My goal is not to make this perfect, but I think with my current skill and much better tools, I can make it good. 

I worked on polishing and cleaning up the "glass" and fuselage.

And then masked and painted the light grey that will be the underside color, but used it as a primer for the whole thing.

After letting that cure for a day or two, I sprayed the drab green. My spray can is actually pretty old, and I got some texture from the can that I don't like. I'm going to put a coat of Future floor polish on it, however, and I'm hoping the gloss coat smooths things out a bit. I really don't want to strip the paint.

Here's the underside:

Another view.

So it is not perfectly covered. I will do a bit of touch up soon. I may decant some of the spray paint and very carefully touch up the leading edge. Or I may simply leave it alone and start with the decals.

Nevertheless, I think this model will turn out well -- at least when viewed at arms' length.

-Drew

Build what you like; like what you build.

  • Member since
    May 2009
  • From: Poland
Posted by Pawel on Friday, August 4, 2023 6:23 AM

Howdy Drew!

It sure looks better than before! Good luck with your build and have a nice day!

Paweł

All comments and critique welcomed. Thanks for your honest opinions!

www.vietnam.net.pl

  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Bethlehem PA
Posted by the Baron on Friday, August 4, 2023 7:07 AM

Lewisburg?! I was born in Lewisburg.

The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen.

 

 

  • Member since
    May 2004
  • From: Land of Lakes
Posted by cbaltrin on Friday, August 4, 2023 7:37 AM

Wow, Lufbery , you must have a great nostalgic attachment to this kit! Stick out tongue 

Very cool you still have that letter. Wonder if that guy is still around and you could send him a response with photo of the completed kit !

On the Bench: Too Much

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Harrisburg, PA
Posted by Lufbery on Friday, August 4, 2023 7:21 PM

Pawel

Howdy Drew!

It sure looks better than before! Good luck with your build and have a nice day!

Paweł

 

 
Thanks! I'm looking forward to getting decals on it.

-Drew

Build what you like; like what you build.

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Harrisburg, PA
Posted by Lufbery on Friday, August 4, 2023 7:22 PM

the Baron

Lewisburg?! I was born in Lewisburg.

 

 
Cool! Did you go to school there? It would be funny if we were classmates.

-Drew

Build what you like; like what you build.

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Harrisburg, PA
Posted by Lufbery on Friday, August 4, 2023 7:26 PM

cbaltrin

Wow, Lufbery, you must have a great nostalgic attachment to this kit! Stick out tongue 

Very cool you still have that letter. Wonder if that guy is still around and you could send him a response with photo of the completed kit !

 

 
Nostalgia about sums it up. I was actully considering tossing it, but then looked at it and saw it wasn't too bad. I figured i could finish it to look okay (if not great), and I'm glad I'm working on it.
 
I actually looked to see if Meikraft Models was still in business. I think they are. From what I could gather, they started business in 1987, which was just a year or two before I sent away for this kit.

-Drew

Build what you like; like what you build.

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