Helldiver! 2/08/09 Post Script

chukw wrote:

Hang on, nam- hang on!  Well, it's been a wild week, but the missus is back on feet!  Thanks for all the warm wishes, my friends- this update's for you!

chukw did you ever notice on those steel PE frets that where ever you touched the metal turns a sort of gunmetal color which may actually be a blessing in disguise. I found that out doing the gun barrels for my B-17G which I haven't finished yet but I noticed that the skin oil tarnished the metal an almost blackish color which was close to gunmetal than any paint out there. So I guess some of the profound discoveries out there happen by pure accident.

Thanks, you bunch o' nuts!   We're pretty much back to normal here- whew!    Sorry for my archaic use of language in the last post- by "music wire" I meant, of course,piano wire- the stuff you sneak up on sentiries with and- well... you know.   K&B sells it in those racks in hobby and hardware stores.   Mikey, I always manged to scratch my pe one way or another, so it's always paint for me. 

I trotted my old Heinkel He-111 to OrangeCon yesterday and garnered an Honorable Mention, if I may humbly say!  I met some great modelers, saw their amazing builds and had a great time.  Bought a few kits and stuff, too.   ;)

Needless to say, I was itching to get back to the bench today and made some progress.  Today's update is a bit early, as I have to dust off my tie and tails for a social engagement this evening.  Ta, all!  :D

Chuk, gotta love the Waldron Punch  I like that "Mapping" thing you did.  Fantastic as always

I hate it when it does double posts

Ah!  You came up with a solution for the formation lights on my Monogram T-6.  I also like the mapping technique. 

Thank you!

Dave

Another exquisite production Chuck. Your attention to detail is just sublime.

 You mentioned a He 111 that you took to a show? I personally would love to see some more of your work espcially the 111. If it just got a mention, compared to this build, there must have been some stellar builds at the show.

Do you have a some links to other stuff youve built?

...Guy

Chukw,

Thanks for posting.  I learned a couple new techniques that seemed so obvious, like the punch and masking tape thing and using the eraser to roll PE.  We'll be watching for your next build, when this one is complete. 

Thanks again!!

I think "mapping" might refer to the depiction of a trail made by the mechanics on the aircraft by their scuffling feet or by Giant Abe trying out his new legs. "Fools" indeed!

Another great installment, Chuck!

Nice recovery on the tail seam!  I use the same thing, home-made Mr. Surfacer.  I call it "Herr Surfacer", to avoid infringement

And I'm with the others about your masking tip for formation lights.  The Waldron punch set--just like donuts (a nod to Homer Simpson)-is there anything it can't do?

Your Beast is really shaping up to be a winner.  Or if you don't show it competitively, FSM should at least offer you a feature article in an upcoming issue.  Not just for your results, but you really have a great way of showing and explaining what you're doing.  I think anyone starting out as a scratchbuilder, as well as us veterans, can benefit from reading this thread.

Can't wait for the next installment, reagrds,

Brad

I had forgotten how goregous that  work you did on the insides were actuially.  I can only hope you do more wips this detailed in the future (and for something other then aircraft)

A question, nailpolish remover to thin squadron white putty.  How do you do it, put it in the putty tube, put the putty somewhere else?

I have a such a problem with the putty it always hardens inside the cap and In have to cut it out, then the tube breaks and the putty comes out the side, all kinds of stuff, had to throw out two tubes yesterday (all my putty) the entire tubes hardened on me

Hi All,

I don't want to sound like a know-it-all, but you can find wire labeled as 'music wire' at www.smallparts.com.  They described it as wire originally intended for use on musical instruments and is widely used to make springs and mandrels. 

They have all sizes available as small as .005" OD and it works great for antenne wire.  Price isn't bad either. 

Small Parts is a great site for modellers, they have all sizes of hypodermic tubing, wire, small tools, etc.  I really like this site. 

Thats not being a know-it-all thats being helpfull.  Thanks for the link

smeagol the vile wrote:

...A question, nailpolish remover to thin squadron white putty.  How do you do it, put it in the putty tube, put the putty somewhere else?...

Hi, smeagol! *gollum, gollum*

I don't know how Chuck applies his, but I use either my ceramic pallette, or small jars, like jam jars from Christmas gift samplers.  I squeeze a dab of the putty on the pallette, and use an eye dropper to add the acetone, eye dropper courtesy of an old chemistry set.

That's another note-I use full-blown acetone, bought in old-school metal cans at the hardware store, rather than nail polish remover.  Personal preference; I think the polish remover is just a diluted acetone solution, and do some brands also have scents added?  Maybe someone out there who uses it can confirm.

I add enough drops of acetone to start liquefying the putty, stir it with a toothpick, and also apply it with a toothpick.  You have to work fast, because the acetone will evaporate fast.  But the homemade surfacer can be brought back with more acetone.

I can recommend the technique very highly, for ordinance models as well as for figures.

Regards,

Brad

Sorry, I should clarify about the pallette-I have a ceramic pallette from Japan, shaped like a daisy.  It has a circular well in its center, and then six wells formed around the outside.  So, the stuff doesn't run all over the place.  But the little jars work well, too.

A cousin of mine got married last summer, and at the hotel where we stayed, they served jelly and jam in those little jars.  My relatives thought I was nuts, but I collected all of the used ones (and some of the full) and saved them, just for things like this.  Scratchbuilder's code, you know-always look for an opportunity to scrounge or scavenge.

Regards,

Brad

chukw! Thanks for the newest installment of your build! (This week I went ahead and read it 3 times!)

I'm with some of the others about the forgotten steps! Wheel wells to emulate! T he 'mapping' technique seems so logical and simple......ditto your 'sheening' up the leading edges.....comes together like a well-planned masterpiece!

Really looking forward to the dive brake/ LG denoument.....watch your head!

Thanks again!

Many thanks, guys!  I have some good news:  I'm taking  astaycation next week, so I can get in some extra modeling time.    It'll be good to have a chance to focus on the gear and all the hydraulic lines and cables, etc.  Whoo-hoo!  Oh, and the wife and I will get in some actual vacation time the next weekend.  I haven't had a break like this in over a year- hoo-ray! 

Woller, Here are some links to the Heinkel, as well as my U-boat and Ta-183 builds- enjoy!  

/forums/232774/ShowPost.aspx
/forums/538400/ShowPost.aspx

http://www.arcforums.com/forums/air/index.php?showtopic=84984&hl=chukw

http://www.arcforums.com/forums/air/index.php?showtopic=104703&hl=chukw

Smeagol, Der Baron knows how to thin his putty, so you can trust him.  I used the fingernail polish remover (it's gotta be the acetone-based stuff) because it's gentler- I didn't want to marr the paint if i could help it.  

Thanks for the link, keilers!  Glad to know I'm not just making things up or using terms like "button hook".  

Again- my thanks to all-

chuk

Chuck, I just cannot come up with the words to describe the astoundingness of your work. The attention to detail, the time, effort & patience just blows me away. I look forward to each & every update. I really like the bearded character that wears multiple hats and "helps" you along. Did you come up with that character? When are you going to publish a tutorial book with all these builds?

This isn't mean't to be pushy in anyway, but do have a next project in mind?

, Dave

Thx for the links Chuckw, I love the 111 Dio. I seriously need a compass swinger. Just need a UK supplier. The 111 is amazing BTW. I built a 1/72 111 for the BoB GB. Great kit with loads of detail. Your Sub was outstanding as well. I think i remarked on the Huckbein when it was posted on FSM.

You are definately a talented one , sir.

...Guy

I just hope "Li'l Chuk" is okay! Sounds like he might've gotten a nasty lump on his head!

If I recall correctly, they no longer make the actual Waldron punch set; however, MicroMark offers a similar punch set. I got one a couple of months ago. I haven't really used it yet, but I have a feeling it's going to be one of those things that I might not use much, but when I want it...

I expect you'll be finished with that gorgeous airplane by the end of the month, and then we'll all go through withdrawal until your next project.

Roll models purchased the Waldron product line and according to their web site they still sell them.  There are two different sizes.  They aren't cheap but I use mine all the time.  I've seen the micromark set.  I can't really tell you how it compares but the Micromark product certainly is less expensive.

Dave

I was starting to stress that I wasn't going to get my fix for the week.  Hopefully we may get an earlier one since chuk is on vacation! :)  Can't wait to see what the guns look like once attached in the rear turret.

Loved the HE-111 pics by the way chuk!  If you have anymore I would love to see them.  I am thinking about tackling Revell's HE-111 in the near future.