Civil aviation group build Mar 3, 2007 to Dec 17, 2007

Just to spark some interest here is a list of possibilities I came up with

Obviously airlines of all types would be available

General aviation is a wide open area that includes

Airships (blimps & zeppelins)

Gliders

Aerobatics aircraft

Air ambulances

Aerial photography and survey aircraft

Traffic reporting

Crop dusters

Bush planes

Charter services

Private / corporate jets

Law enforcement

Firefighting aircraft

Logging aircraft

Exploration

Stunt / record breakers

Racing aircraft

and of course privately owned aircraft

Done.

I guess we will need a badge. If someone has an idea for one feel free to throw it out there, otherwise I'll try to come up with something.

Aaronw wrote:

Done.   I guess we will need a badge. If someone has an idea for one feel free to throw it out there, otherwise I'll try to come up with something.

Okay, I've gotten the Beech out of the stash. Looked it over last night and now I remember why it kept getting shuffled to the bottom. I'm going to have to completely scratch the interior and replace the landing gear doors. Fortunately I made a run to the local hobby shop a month ago so I have plenty of styrene. The landing gear doors will be scratched from the aluminum from a soda can, this'll be the first time that I've tried this with aluminum, but I've seen some good results using this technique. The biggest problem will be the clear parts. They're thick and cloudy. I can't make my own vacu-form replacements and there are none available AM, so I'll probably wind up going with the kit parts there.

I think the problem with my GA GB was the fact I made it so narrow in scope. Frank (Oldhooker) was the only one to finish what he started, he did an absolutely stunning diorama of a Cessna 172 landing. He has been using a picture of it in his signature. I think this one will have a chance!

Here's a list of the kits I'd like to do in this build:

1)  1:72 Revell Do-228-100 arctic aircraft (in fictional paint scheme)

2)  1:48 Ardpol SZD-51 Junior Sailplane

3)  1:48 Heller UH-1N (converted to Bell-212 heli-ski chopper)

I think that I can finish all three kits before the end of the year. 
Please note: the sailplane has been started, but I'm hoping that 
it is still acceptable.  It has been assembled, but putty-work and
painting remain.  Your call, Aaron.

gulfstreamV wrote:

Just a suggestion here [for the badge], how bout a simple drawing of a runway on final.

COOL IDEA!

Count me in Aaron, I think I'll do the Williams Bros. L-10 electra, to commemorate Amelia Earhart. Any progress on a badge yet?

Brian 

Updated the participants builds

Gulfstream, that sounds like a good idea for the badge.

IL2 I'm fine with the sailplane, its an odd subject and likely to be the only one, so I'll forgive the false start. I'll be watching the Do228 build, I'm looking for the 228-200 version, the Alaska Smokejumpers use one and it will round out my smokejumper collection of Ford Tri-motor, Beech 18, C-47, Twin Otter, and C-23 Sherpa (all unbuilt at this time except for the Tri-motor).

Roadkill, that is the one, I couldn't remember who did it but it was very eye catching. I also remember the small group, so I thought I better open it up to catch as many as possible.It just doesn't seem like civil aviation is terribly popular, at least compared to military subjects. Kind of funny that so far I think all the builds listed would have qualified for your narrower GA GB.

roadkill_275 wrote:

Okay, I've gotten the Beech out of the stash. Looked it over last night and now I remember why it kept getting shuffled to the bottom. I'm going to have to completely scratch the interior and replace the landing gear doors. Fortunately I made a run to the local hobby shop a month ago so I have plenty of styrene. The landing gear doors will be scratched from the aluminum from a soda can, this'll be the first time that I've tried this with aluminum, but I've seen some good results using this technique. The biggest problem will be the clear parts. They're thick and cloudy. I can't make my own vacu-form replacements and there are none available AM, so I'll probably wind up going with the kit parts there. I think the problem with my GA GB was the fact I made it so narrow in scope. Frank (Oldhooker) was the only one to finish what he started, he did an absolutely stunning diorama of a Cessna 172 landing. He has been using a picture of it in his signature. I think this one will have a chance!

roadkill_275 wrote:

Yep, it was me that had the previous Civil GB. It died a torturous death. I didn't have that many sign up for it, and then I lost my internet, Ah well, these things happen.

Hi Kevin & all,

  Thanks Kevin and Aaron!   Yes, the old GB died, but everyone sure was having a good time while it was going, weren't they?      As Kevin stated, I went ahead and finished the one I was working on for the GB... , and gave it to Lisa for our 20th Annversary.

  I too would like to be included in this one, if I may?     I've just finished sanding the panel lines from a 1/50 Heller Cap20L, and I would like to enter it into this GB, please. 

Nice seeing you all again!,

Frank

I am going to keep an eye on this one.  I want to join, but one of my New Year's resolutions was not to join every GB that I see.  If I can get some other builds completed in time, I may jump in then.

Your end date reasoning was very interesting.  Only 32 years seperated the Wright Brothers from the DC-3!?  Learn something new everyday.

The Cessna looks fantastic.  Very nicely done!
Is that a semi-gloss finish?  Does the float kit
also come with wheels?

Ah c'mon MPH34.  How often is there gonna be a civilian group build?
LOL /

That is a really fascinating fact about the DC-3. 
What a neat aeroplane that is. :)

mph34 wrote:

I want to join, but one of my New Year's resolutions was not to join every GB that I see.  If I can get some other builds completed in time, I may jump in then. Your end date reasoning was very interesting.  Only 32 years seperated the Wright Brothers from the DC-3!?  Learn something new everyday.

I've already broken all of my resolutions. And if you know you're going to join in anyways, you might as well join now.

Heres another tidbit, only 36 years seperate the Wright Brothers and the first jet engine (less if you count the Caproni).

IL2windhawk wrote:

The Cessna looks fantastic.  Very nicely done! Is that a semi-gloss finish?  Does the float kit also come with wheels?

Thanks windhawk,

   Yes; I rubbed the glossy finish with "0000" steel wool and gauze pads to achieve a reasonable depiction of what the real thing looked like.      And yes, the kit comes with Standard Landing Gear in addition to the Floats....  there are a few things that have to be modified on the kit to make it accurate, namely lowering the wing attachment surface and re-doing the post at the back of the aft-side windows.

   Oh yes, for those who didn't know, it was given as an Anniversary gift because the diorama scene depicts mine and my wife's first date.

 Oh yeah... speaking of Civil Aviation, have any of you seen the new Beechcraft B 200 Super King Air/C-12 release by RVHP?        The URL wasn't working this morning, but it usually does so check them out!    http://www.coopersmodels.com/RVHP.html       

They also have a Merlin Metro kit!

Take care,

Frank

I am trying to decide if I should try another GB, I have failed pretty miserably in the past.  Found this kit on the counter when I got home tonight.  I want to hang it from the ceiling so would be building it wheels up.  Natural metal finish and wrapping that old decal around the nose...hmmmm...maybe NASA decals...

Wow, this is much better than the sound of crickets and my own voice that I expected.

MPH34, I am the king of joining GB and failing to finish, I've made the same resolution 3 years running, each time it lasts until I start looking at GB's.  Well you are welcome to join anytime your self-control isn't looking. 

Old Hooker, sure the Cap20L is fine, I'm not going to hold people up over what is essentially prep work.

Thanks for the link to the King Air and others, I could find a use for a couple of those eventually, nice to know they exist. You wouldn't happen to have a site with an Aero-Commander hidden away somewhere would you?

Jeaton I've got you with a staggerwing

Model Grandpa, I'm going to go ahead and add you, you are welcome to bow out if you find you are over extended but I'm hoping to see the Super Guppy.

I'd like to do a L1011, MD11 or DC10. Bah I love commercial so I'll likely do a few.

Maybe a Beaver would be fun, I grew up around float planes.

I have some time to figure it out... just saying I'm in is all!

PROGRESS on the Do228-100

I scratch-built an interior with seat to meet my girlfriend's
specifications (this airplane is being built for her, since she's an
arctic & mountaineering nut).  It's pretty a roughly-made interior,
but it won't be very visible through the small windows.

Most of my effort went into the rear section, where I have cut out
the aircraft loading doors.  I'm going to put some equipment, boxes,
and supplies in here.  I made a set of skis near the door.  Gonan have
to scratch build the doors.

Model Grandpa wrote:

Oh no IL2windhawk...isn't it like a 15 yard penalty for starting a group build early...JK ...looks good so far.

Holy smokes.  I guess I should have read the rules a little closer

Sorry guys.  I'll put the kit away for the month.

Hi,

I've got a Hasegawa 1/200 767-338 that I'll do in Qantas colours.

Cheers

Tony 

Aaronw wrote:

Hooker, sure the Cap20L is fine, I'm not going to hold people up over what is essentially prep work. You wouldn't happen to have a site with an Aero-Commander hidden away somewhere would you?

 Aaron,

I done the prep work (sanding the panel lines) right after I got it about 8 months ago.  When I said "I've just finished", I meant *that's all I've done to it*...alas, it's been nestled in it's box in my to-do stack since then.

I've got one of the old Aurora 1/72 Aero Commanders... ....  found it on ebay for a whopping $45 a couple years ago, but as hard as they are to find, I got it anyhow.

There was a couple of boxes used for this release; here's what the other one looked like....

It sure would be nice to see one of these, and/or subsequent versions in 1/48 scale, but nobody's holding their breath.

 Take care,

 Frank

IL2windhawk wrote:

Model Grandpa wrote: Oh no IL2windhawk...isn't it like a 15 yard penalty for starting a group build early...JK ...looks good so far. Holy smokes.  I guess I should have read the rules a little closer Sorry guys.  I'll put the kit away for the month.

No build for you!!!!!!!

No problem, there are a couple of slightly started builds already in a holding pattern. The 228 looks good so far, it will be interesting to watch.

Tony, I'll add your Quantus build. 

Well at least there is an Aero-commander, I wonder if there is any chance the molds will turn up under another company, probably too much to hope for.

It looks similar but I wonder if Aurora did it if it is actually the same type we currently use for an air attack for wildland fires, I'm not too good on ID for small civilian planes.

Well at least there is an Aero-commander, I wonder if there is any chance the molds will turn up under another company, probably too much to hope for. It looks similar but I wonder if Aurora did it if it is actually the same type we currently use for an air attack for wildland fires, I'm not too good on ID for small civilian planes.

The picture is of a TurboCommander, perhaps a 1000.  Hard to tell because so many have been updated.  The Comet/Aurora kit is of an early Aero Commander, a 560E I think.  I have one, and even have gone so far as to make a mold from it for resin copies, but haven't cast any yet.  I also have literature from Aero Commander I got in the 50's, the 720 Alti-Cruiser was the top of the line then.

The TurboCommanders have AiResearch TPE-331 turboprops, the 520 had Lycoming IGSO-480 piston engines.  I flew a 500B for a while, a fine flyer.

This is an interesting story about a King Air mishap:

http://www.war-clouds.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=1924

Happy ending fortunately

Hi Everyone

Count me in on this one, I'll be building the venerable Airfix De Havilland Heron in 1.72 scale. Recently re-released in their Civil Aviation Pack.....

Simon

IL2windhawk wrote:

This is an interesting story about a King Air mishap: http://www.war-clouds.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=1924 Happy ending fortunately

Geeeeezzzzz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'd say if you were fortunate enough to be standing upright after something like that, you'd walk away with a whole new prospective of life.... I know I would!! <8-O

Thanks for sharing that...

Frank

Simon L & Solid, I've added you to the build.

Solid I've seen a few of your other wood builds and they are amazing, it will be interesting to see this one in progress.

Ok, so its a turbo commander, I'm guessing one of those aero-commanders might be a good starting point if I happen across one "cheap" someday? The overall appearance looks pretty similar.

The crew of that King Air are probably still finding bits of seat cusion, something like that would have to change your outlook on things. When I worked on an ambulance we responded to a small plane crash, the pilot of a small twin engine came in without lowering the landing gear, his passengers were a pair of congressmen. The plane was probably a write off but luckily no one was hurt. Afterwards we were talking about it and we decided that fraction of a second where the pilot knew he should have felt the bump of the wheels on the runway and just before the bottom of the plane touched down must have been the longest in his life, filled with a Homer Simpson voice saying "d'oh the wheels" over and over. We felt pretty bad for the pilot, that can not be a career enhancer.

I played around with some banner ideas for the GB....

Take care,

Frank

oldhooker wrote:

I played around with some banner ideas for the GB....   Take care, Frank

I like the Cub!

The TurboCommander would require a longer fuselage, different pointy nose, I think longer wings and a bit different tail, along with different engine nacelles and props.  The fuselage cross section and windshield is probably the same, at least.  It would be easier to start from scratch, more than likely.

jeaton01 wrote:

oldhooker wrote: I played around with some banner ideas for the GB....   Take care, Frank I like the Cub! The TurboCommander would require a longer fuselage, different pointy nose, I think longer wings and a bit different tail, along with different engine nacelles and props.  The fuselage cross section and windshield is probably the same, at least.  It would be easier to start from scratch, more than likely.

Reminds me of a comedian talking about his dad collecting junk.

This chair is fine, all it needs is 4 legs and a back.

Dad, it's a tray.

I like the Red & white cessna the best but the cub is nice too. If people want to vote for one I'm fine with that or we can just let people pick the one they feel matches their build best. Open to other ideas as well, if we let people pick one of several we will propably need a large commercial one as well. For some reason the other night I had the idea of a head on shot of a small private plane with an airliner right on its tail.

oldhooker wrote:

I played around with some banner ideas for the GB....   Take care, Frank

I love this!!!!  What aircraft better typifies civil aviation than the Super Cub?  You got my vote!

Brian 

jeaton01 wrote:

I like the Cub! The TurboCommander would require a longer fuselage, different pointy nose, I think longer wings and a bit different tail, along with different engine nacelles and props.  The fuselage cross section and windshield is probably the same, at least.  It would be easier to start from scratch, more than likely.

John & Brian,

Yes, I kinda favor that one also... the old Cub is kinda the grandfather of Civil Aviation.

Aaron;    As he said, it would probably be better to start from scratch, given all the cutting, stretching, and molding it would require to bring the old Aurora kit into the "turbo" era!

You mentioned a small plane sitting in front of a big plane...  I found this picture on Airliners.Net that also shows both planes in contrast.

These are just ideas...

Take care,

Frank

Great work on the badges. I prefer the top two...take your pick.

My 250th post, must be some  sort of milestone

Daywalker wrote:

Any chance of getting a badge with an air racer on it?

Here ya go Daywalker....

Take care,

Frank

gulfstreamV wrote:

On the Aero C, anybody ever get to see Mr. Bob Hoover shakedown his Shrike? He could fly the paint off that thing.

Absolutely....

Who could forget seeing the tall, lanky fellow in the green business suit and straw hat, stroll out to the Shrike, wave at the crowd, and begin an airshow performance that left everyone's mouth gaping!      Then during the height of the performance, watching him cut the engines, feather the props, and do things most of us wouldn't attempt even if the engines WERE running!

I've got a video that shows inside the Shrike, as Bob pours a glass of ice tea, while doing a barrel role! (you can see the earth rotating out the front window)      The man has "The TOUCH".

Take care,

Frank

oldhooker wrote:

I've got a video that shows inside the Shrike, as Bob pours a glass of ice tea, while doing a barrel role! (you can see the earth rotating out the front window)      The man has "The TOUCH".

I think this is the video you are referring too...  
amazing flying

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZBcapxGHjE

IL2windhawk wrote:

oldhooker wrote: I've got a video that shows inside the Shrike, as Bob pours a glass of ice tea, while doing a barrel role! (you can see the earth rotating out the front window)      The man has "The TOUCH". I think this is the video you are referring too...   amazing flying http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZBcapxGHjE

Yes, that's the one!      

Take care,

Frank

I like the cessna flying in front of the airliner but it is a little hard to make out and would be practically impossible to see at GB badge size, Oh, well.  

Well since Frank seems to be happy cranking out GB badges, I guess everyone can select the badge that they like or best fits their build. If we can impose on him for one more, an airliner should round out the selection nicely.

I'm going to be out of town all week, but everyone here seems well behaved so I doubt there will be any trouble. If we get anymore "applicants" for the build I'll update the list next weekend (2/17).  

Frank-

Thanks a lot for the air-racer badge.  Woo-Hoo! 

Frank

Racedriver-

Welcome!  Hopefully this GB will help inspire you.  It looks to be a lot of fun!

Frank

Ok fellows...

Now that we're building our ranks and waiting to build our builds', I thought I'd throw in a little General Aviation material, involving the venerable (and versatile) Piper J-3.   Question: "What's going on here?"

Have fun!

Frank

Last person with a hand on the plane wins it?

How to turn a Cub around on a narrow airstrip? 

Thanks for all the guesses...      Dan's about the closest with his second guess... 

There's a lot of things that could be, but it's actually Mr. Charlie Kulp (in the J-3) as he begins his Airshow/Fly-In routine: "The apparent *pilot* chases down the runaway farmer,who rolls to a stop with the aft fuselage poised high in the air (breaks, a little power, and forward stick to hold the tail off the ground), the *pilot* pushes the J-3 180 degrees around".   

Many know him as "The Flying Farmer"!     For those unfamiliar with traditional old-time airshows, at some point in the activities an announcement is made about the winner of a free airplane ride....  this old man comes forward with the winning ticket!

He gets in the backseat of a pretty cub-yellow J-3 (his plane) to begin his ride, with the *pilot" in the front seat.      As they're taxiing out, one of the airport attendants points something out on the airplane, as if something's wrong....  the *pilot* stops the plane and gets out to see, when he does, the little old farmer goes full throttle, the Cub's tail up in the air, with the *real* pilot running along beside him....  

He rambles down the runway, first up on one wheel and then the other... sometimes they'll have a police car race out onto the ramp att his point... ....

He makes a low pass by the apparently dismayed *pilot*, watching from the runway...

He flies the old Cub as if he's never been in an airplane before, all over the sky doing low-level loops, heavy crabs, skids, slips, spins... ..... things you could ONLY get by with in a J-3!

Alas, it's all part of the show.     During one performance several years ago, a rookie police officer on duty at the airshow, thought it was all real and actually blocked the taxiway with his car and pulled Charlie out of the plane!  LOL!    He thought he'd saved the day.... but actually had messed up the routine!!  LOL!

http://www.theflyingfarmerofvirginia.com/

The old school

Frank

Updated the list, if I've missed anyone or have the wrong thing listed for you let me know and I'll fix it.

Aaron-

I'm trying to locate a Special Hobby 1/48 Super Corsair in race markings, but am having trouble locating one.  If I can find one, I may switch to that one.  Thanks!

Daywalker no problem just let me know if you change.

Ok, I'm waking this up since we are just a few days away from the start. If there are any last minute changes or new people wanting to join now is the time to speak up.

Aaron-

Can you change my entry?  I bought a Minicraft 1/144 B-377 Stratocruiser last week at the LHS, so think I'm gonna do that one instead of the Hughes racer.  If I can get it finished before the end, I may try to do the racer too.

Got it changed.

Its kind of ironic but I'm in the middle of changing jobs and moving so I probably won't get to start building until the 12th or so, I was supposed to have had this settled by now, but everything got pushed back 2 weeks.

I should at least get a little time on the 3rd to officially kick this off, but I won't be around much for the following week so behave yourselves and don't take my absence as abandonment, I'll be back.

Daywalker wrote:

I opened up that Stratocruiser tonight, and after looking at the horrible canopy fit, gouges in the plastic from packaging, misshapen parts, and general poor fit, immediately relegated it to the scrap box.  I only paid four dollars for it, and decided that the frustration I saved myself by NOT building it was worth the money I spent on it.  But, it will make a good paint hack for practicing my NMF skills.  I will check and see if I have anything else I can build for this GB.  Sorry to keep making changes!

 Hi Frank,

  That's too bad about the Stratcruiser; I done the same thing to a 1/144 DC-3 a couple years ago after seeing how many modifications that was going to have to be made to make it look halfway accurate.    It went the way of the "spares box" just like yours has!!    

  I've got a Heller 1/50th Cessna 337 "Skymaster" that I was going to build as one of the Army's O-2A's, until I found out Heller made a 1/50th O-2, which I bought.      The "Slymaster" doesn't have decals or an instruction sheet (I got it off ebay), but if you'd like to "wing it", send me $5 for the shipping cost and you're more than welcome to it.     Message me.

  Aaron,

  I'm at the double yellow lines and holding on the GB, looking forward to getting started.

Take care,

Frank

Well fellas, I think I'm gonna have to bow out on this one.  I have a couple of other Gb's going, and think maybe I should just keep it to two at a time.  Enjoy the Gb, and happy modeling!

Daywalker,

Frank, sorry you won't be participating in the GB, but understand.    You take care and don't forget to drop in and comment once it gets going.

jeaton,

Roger that, John!    I breifly went through your page yesterday, and returning there this evening to cover it better; you have some NICE walk-around pictures!!       You're the one who signed the Guns A Go-Go website guestbook a while back, and traded pictures of the CH-37 in another forum?      I see you're using the J-3 GB badge.... here's a "stereo image" of the picture I used to make that badge, I thought you'd like to see.      

(for those who don't know how to view a stereo image: position yourself directly in front of your computer screen about 2 - 3 ft back and look at the little DOT between the two pictures.  Now begin crossing your eyes slowly until a "third" image appears in the middle.    Now put your wrist and fingertips together about 6 inches in front of your face, looking at the "Third" image through the hole between your hands.)

 Tomorrow's the day it starts!       Oh yeah, remember the story of the 172 that me and my wife first met?    Well, that airplane was in a crash later which removed the front end, nose gear, and half of the right wing.     It was bought as scrap and sold to someone who restored aircraft.... I had heard it was undergoing restoration, but that was a long time ago and the subject eventually died.     I always wondered what happened to it, as N number searches returned a No Longer a Valid Registration.       Anyhow, I get a phone call from this guy out in Little Rock who'd seen my pictures of N9690H on the web, who currently OWNS & FLIES it!     He does aerial photography with it, and said he'll send a good "plane to plane" photo of her, restored in the original colors even!!     I can't wait to see it.... and I'll let you all see too!

Take care,

Frank

Is it too late to join this GB?

I would like to do AModel's PZL-104 Wilga in 1/72.

Frank-

Thanks for understanding.  I will keep an eye on this GB, and look forward to seeing everyones progress!  Good luck!

Guys

The Heron is under way !

Here are some early pics. As stated the molds are in pretty good shape for a 40+ yr old !

The kit has large transparencies down either side of the fuselage, so I scratchbuilt a floor and some passenger seats, to give an impression of an interior - you won't be able to see much through the fairly thick transparencies anyway. I have dipped all transparencies in 'klear', and they aren't too bad. Also  there is a solid bulkhead between the flight deck and the passenger cabin. References shouw an arched doorway , so I have carved that in as well.

The kit features movable ailerons and retractable undercarriage - with a nifty feature on the mains that 'clicks' the wheels in place when 'up' so they don't sag. However, I will be cementing them in the 'down and welded' position. Ailerons, whilst posed to indicate a slight roll, will be cemented. The kit also comes with an 'air stair' and some standing crew and passengers.

Box Art

Fuselage halves, festooned with rivets - ahhh memories.

Kit flight deck and scratchbuilt cabin floor seats.

Installed in fuselage halves

Fuselage persuaded to come together and wings assembled.

More progress pics to come !

Simon

Looks like your off to a great start Simon. 

Nice choice for the build gulfstreamV.  Someday I want to build a DC-3 model after one still flown today by MFI, it has been updated and is powered by 2 two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65AR turbine engines.

Well, this is what I was able to get done today, not much but far enough to see how strange looking the Super Guppy really is.  Doesn't look like it has enough wing to lift itself.  Wings halves are cemented together, the rest is just a mock up.

Model Grandpa wrote:

Looks like your off to a great start Simon.  Nice choice for the build gulfstreamV.  Someday I want to build a DC-3 model after one still flown today by MFI, it has been updated and is powered by 2 two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65AR turbine engines. Well, this is what I was able to get done today, not much but far enough to see how strange looking the Super Guppy really is.  Doesn't look like it has enough wing to lift itself.  Wings halves are cemented together, the rest is just a mock up.

Looking good on the Guppy so far Grandpa ! Gulf - I've never built a DC 3, and I just got one on ebay. It's the airfix ( ex Italeri) one in 1/72 with BEA circa 1950 markings. I may get it done in time for this GB also as I intend to pose it alongside the Heron with a refuelling tanker.

Sort of 1950's/60's airport diorama.

More progress on the Heron - it's pretty basic really ;the nacelle/ wing joints leave a bit to be desired - but hey, it's an old airfix kit ! Anyway basic airframe is done, sanding joints etc is proceeding and intend to spray on the main paintwork tomorrow .

Thanks guys, hope to find some time today and get some progress made. 

I could see opening the front of this kit and scratch building an interior but that's a little out of my skill level. The kit comes with no cockpit or interior detail.  My Guppy will have the infamous "black" interior for this build. 

Looks like I'm not the only "tail dragger"!  I thought I'd have my 1:48 F.M. PV-1 Ventura done by now , but it has gone from being a challenge to trying the patience of a saint.   If I don't make some significant progress in the next day or so, it goes into the closet and I'll be starting the Amelia Earhart Lockheed Electra tribute. Pics will follow!  All the builds look great so far, and what kit is the Heron?  I'm not familiar with that ac, but I'd like to build it one day!

Brian 

The Heron is now more or less complete.( Brain 44 , it's the airfix kit, originally issued in 1959, and recently re-issued as part of their Civil Aviation set - see my post earlier with pics) Missed out on a few progress pics as my wife was out with the kids and camera.

The wing/fuselage joint was surprisingly good.

Painting basic - silver all over, and a white fuselage top. I applied the kit decals which were good and include the curving cheatline on the nose, I then brush painted in Humbrol midnight blue in between the two decal lines.

 All it needs now are the doors ( undercarriage and cabin) installed and it's finished. More pics soon.

I started on the Staggerwing this evening.  I think I am going to build it in flight.  The Staggerwing in the air is like a shark in the water, to be groundbound is just cruel!  I was going to write beached, but that is too close to a very bad pun...groan.

So far I have been fitting the stabilizers to the fuselage and workiing on the fit of the cockpit tub.  It sort of reminds me of a car model.  I am a little curious as to the order of painting things, I suspect there is going to be a lot of back and forth on the interior. paint, glue, fit, paint, glue, touch up, etc.  Blue grey carpet, mohair seats.  I'm thinking a blue grey with some brown mixed in for the mohair, does that sound right?

Chugging right along here.....

I put the base white stripes on the blue-flake base coat this week, but not exactly sure I'm going to keep it that way.... maybe dress up the stripes with red.... or move the diamond on the cowl to the wheel pants?

Speaking of the wheels, I removed the wing mounted kit gear struts in favor of a raised gear installation which I scratch built, but used the kit wheel pants after sanding off the strut tabs.    I'm going to mount a 4 bladed prop and an enlarged spinner, and have to finish furnishing the cockpit.

I'm thinking about mounting the model diorama style when finished, as if it's taxiing out, passing near a fence line.     Two little boys are standing on the other side of the fence (one holding a model plane), waving at him as he goes by.... the pilot looking to the left and returning the wave.    Here's a sketch I did of the idea....

Are we having fun yet?

Take care,

Frank

Here it is Friday; the slick stuff's on and the masking tape's off!      

I removed the flag and diamond from the forward fuselage, applied a red with white trim lightning bolt decal down the side, the diamond shape to the wheel pants, added a red stripe between the two white ones on the wings and vertical stabilizer, and a tail number!

**the canopy is dry fitted for the pictures**

Now it just needs to hurry and dry!!

Take care, and looking forward to seeing more in progress coverage from others,

Frank

Some nice work coming along there !

Here is the Heron. Still without doors and exhausts, tranparency masking still in place as I haven't sprayed any varnish as yet.

Next to a 1/72 Mini van I found.

Wow...you guys are fast!

Looks great Frank and Simon.

I've made a little progress on the Guppy.  Fuselage is joined and seamed filled. I am working on the engine nacelles and wings.  Should have a picture update by the end of the weekend.

telsono, sure you can join in, I don't know what a PZL-104 is but if its a civilian aircraft welcome, I'll add you to the list.

Frank (Daywalker) sorry the stratocruiser didn't work out, you are still welcome to re-join if you find a project that works for you. 

Some great builds so far, hopefully I'll get to start mine Sunday or Monday night.

Thank you Aaronw;

The Wilga is a four place sport aircraft that PZL started production in the early 1960's. It is also used for liason purposes in several military organizations. If my Polish is correct, the name means "Thrush" and it has a compact shape, but much versatility.

Here's some links to some more information on it.

http://www.swaviator.com/html/issuema03/Wilga3403.html

http://www.thaiflyingclub.com/linkwilga.html

http://www.kiwiaircraftimages.com/wilga.html

I started the kit, it was my first from this company (AModel). Its a short run kit with all the problems associated with that. Fit and flash are problems, also out of scale parts. Some of the parts I scratch built are control sticks, and wing balance weights from thin copper wire. Dabs of superglue were used to make the bulbs for the wing balance weights. Of course fill and sanding is ongoing, but it is starting to take up shape ok.

I'll have photo's next week. My digital camera doesn't have good focus up close and I might try my old 35mm to do it. For thast camera I have diopters and such for close in photo's.

Mike T.

I did get my old 35mm camera to work and my local Walgreen's has the ability to throw the pictures onto a disc. Here we go. These are early views, the cockpit is enclosed , the wings are dry fitted.

Note the wing balance weight, this was metal wire with a spot of superglue to make the bulb.

The model has be given a primer coat of semi-gloss white and sanding and filling is in progress.

The Wilga is coming right along, telsono, and it will be great to finally see one of these kits come together!       I got to see a Wilga do her maximum performance thing in Knoxville several years ago, and always thought that would be an awesome bird to fly!

My Cap20L is still under the box curing from it's fresh coat of slick stuff, in the meantime I'm busy modifying a Heller 1/72 T-28S Fennec, into an early T-28A in Test Pilot School livery.

Take care,

Frank

Looking AWESOME guys.

Great idea for your diorama, oldhookster.
Love the dog!  The whole thing just seem to
fit the lightheartedness a sport plane to me.

Frank,

Thanks for the encouragement. Good luck with your Cap20L. Short run kits like this Wilga can be alot of work, constant dry fiting is needed to make sure everything fits right. I did see on used in a movie, but I forget which one, some spy movie, but it was flown in the states. California to Nevada if I remember themovie plot at all.

IL2windhawk wrote:

idea for your diorama, oldhookster. Love the dog!  The whole thing just seem to fit the lightheartedness a sport plane to me.

Thanks!      I think I'm going to go with that layout.... (although a Staggerwing or J-3 would really crank it up a notch!!)

-----

Speaking of the Wilga, have a go at this airport in Fan Rock, WV!

(taken from http://www.airfields-freeman.com/WV/Airfields_WV_SW.htm)

You'd think you'd need a Wilga to get in and out of there, aye?     Mr. Swope reportedly operated a Beech Baron from there for years!     Wheeewww!!!

Frank

Hi Everyone......... Here is a drawing of the SM-71. Last night I started it and will soon send some pics.....This plane was the first Italian Transport to fly from Rome to Argentina in 1932.

Ok, I am in with a 727-200 flown by Braniff Airways in the mid-70's.  But this will not be the normal 'flying colors' that you think of with Braniff.

mph34, added you, what scale & company is the 727 kit?

Well I've got the bench set up so I'll be getting started tommorow night after work. Never seen one of the Wilgas before, looks interesting.

Do228-100 UPDATE: Painted scratch-built interior. 

A set of skis, a fire extinguisher, and first aid kit mounted to rear wall.
I focused most of my efforts on the rear section, where the doors
were cutaway to be displayed open.  The shag carpet is a felt material.
As you can see, I have some touch-up painting to do on the aft bulkhead.

The view looking forward, with some sort of scientific equipment crate.
Basically, I'm just trying to fill the space with stuff you'd see in a
National Geographic documentery, or something.

I didn't focus much on the forward faces of the seats, because they
will barely be visible through the small and rather-opaque windows.   

The interior of the Do228 is looking NICE!     Little details like that really make it stand out, thanks!!

 Take care,

Frank

Aaronw wrote:

mph34, added you, what scale & company is the 727 kit?   Well I've got the bench set up so I'll be getting started tommorow night after work. Never seen one of the Wilgas before, looks interesting.

It is a 1/144 Acadamey Kit of the 727-200

AARGH! I ran into a problem with my Wilga. I lost the front canopy. Luckily, I had an extra kit and the sheets to slam a new one. After careful trimming I was able to get it to fit. I'll let it cure well before trying to mask it and paint.

Mike T.

I'm still plugging away on the Guppy too.  I build slow (see sig). 

One thing someone might be able to help me with.  I'm looking for a good picture of the Allison Turboprop engine from the back.  Preferably in its nacelle mounted on a wing.

All right!!  I finally have something to take a picture of for this group build.  I have the interior pretty well together, except for a little needed touch up which I of course couldn't see until my goofs were immortalized in photos..I'm thinking I need to photograph all of my work so I can see where I've messed up, it is so much more obvious in the pictures.  It may not work if I don't expect other people to see it, though...

It is the 1/48 AMT Staggerwing.  I added a film instrument panel drawn in Corel and Autocad, based on scanned photos of instruments, and a rear bulkhead behind the seats so that in the unlikely event that the windshield is clear enough to allow it, will prevent seeing the back end of the fuselage.  I've done a lot of trial fitting and filing so far, but the fits are much better than the 1/48 MPM P-63 I just built.

A little more on the Staggerwing.  I'm putting an Engines and Things R-985 in it, and spent a few hours today putting push rod housings on it.  Now it's on to the ignition wiring.  The airplane is assembled and I'm working on seams and gaps, trying not to lose the fabric detail.

Next step, and bumping.

John,

The Staggerwing is looking GOOD!!     ... and what a nice job you done on the engine and the Spinner!!   (that's REAL nice!!!)     There's just something about those old classic aeroplanes, and I certainly am enjoying seeing yours come together!

My camera's being used by my offspring this week, so in-progress shots of my Cap20 will have to wait, but I will show the other project I'm doing; kitbashing a 1/72 Heller T-28S Fennec into a T-28A of the Air Force Test Pilots School.   

(my first time using aluminum foil as the finish)

Take care,

Frank

IL2windhawk wrote:

That foil job looks amazing.  More pics please :D

Thanks.... it did turn out a lot better than I had expected!     You can follow the progress of that particular build (along with more pictures) on the other thread in the Aircraft Forum here: /forums/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=771826

The foil sure does add to the realism of the whole thing, and opens up all kinds of possibilities on future builds where metallic paint just won't do!

Take care,

Frank

Aaronw wrote:

When you say foil are you using bare metal foil or actually aluminium foil? It looks very good.

It's regular household aluminum foil, not the "heavy duty" kind.     It's kinda cool.... you get your greasy fingerprints all over it, and all you have to do is buff it with a kleenex and it shines like new money!      

Already, visions of the old Monogram Cessna 180 in natural metal are dancing in my head!

Take care,

Frank

I've heard of people using gum wrappers or aluminium foil, but never seen it done. How do you get it to stick?

Well I finally have something to post, got started on the Twin Otter

as a bonus a Twin Beech (C-45) I bought on ebay finally showed up, I thought I'd been had since it had been a couple of months, but it showed up in the mail the other day. Since this is what I originally wanted to build I'm going to do both. The Twin Beech was used by smokejumpers until the 70's.  

Aaron,

Your two builds are looking good, it would be a lot of fun having them two to work up!     And the Beech 18, that's the Aurora kit?

When applying the foil, I masked off the area of application and used the tape line to trace the lines.... then using that tracing, I carefully cut out a piece of aluminum foil to maych it.    Then I sprayed on a thin layer of Testors Glosscoat to the bare plastic.     After an hour or so (plastic is tacky from the glosscoat), I applied the piece of foil, smoothing it as I went.   

How well dose it hold?    Well, I actually got to see..... I accidently damaged part of the surface on the right side beside the canopy...

     I removed the foil from that area and will patch over it... but, I had to hold my hobby knife sideways and scrape the foil from the plastic!

Take care,

Frank

Well the foil looks great, it doesn't sound as hard as I expected either but I think I'll stick with BMF for now.

The Beech is actually a military C-45 which is a slightly modified Beech 18. The kit is 1/72 made by Pioneer 2, not a great kit but actually looks a little better than the reviews I've read of the Hobbycraft kit. At least the canopy is clear and almost fits (there is a slight gap I will have to fill) I think I payed $10 so I can't complain and it should look ok when its all done.

Just letting everyoen know that I haven't flaked on the group build - I am finally NEARLY finished with that F.M. PV-1 Ventura kit (I've been working on the @#!##& thing since before Xmas!) and I'll be starting the Williams' Amelia Earhart kit soon and I'll post prog pics, I promise!  Everyone's work is looking so great!

Brian 

Don't feel bad I started this build and didn't really get any building done until we were almost a month in.

I don't hear much good about FM models, some good subjects but sound like frustrating kits to build.

jeaton01 wrote:

Next step, and bumping.

Oh yeah... back to that beautiful SPINNER!!     It really sets off the engine and will really look classical on the front of the Staggerwing!       How did you do it?

Take care,

Frank

bump

The yellow is drying.

Yea, it lives.

Still plugging away myself just not as fast as I'd like to be.

We're just so busy modeling there's hardly any time for the computer... {yeah right} LOL!     I've added 2 more coats of the slick stuff to the Cap20, and she's been under the box for a while now, as I got side-tracked bashing the Heller T-28!

Our youngest daughter will be leaving home Monday, for California.      Kevin (her hubby) has been in training in the Marines since just after they were married last August, so she stayed here with us.     He got orders for Camp Pendleton for the 18th, so we're kinda spending our spare time with her/them this week.

They'll be all kinds of time next week to model I imagine...     Which kinda scares me a little....      Had kids around since 1978, 3 daughters... they all will live away now, it's going to be awfully quite here, the key word being "awfully"!    

Ya'll take care,

Frank

I sprayed a gloss coat on the Staggerwing this morning.  It was Model Master Bright Yellow, on top of two or three coats of Tamiya Flat Yellow which had cured for 10 days or so.  I'm liking it!

There were some beasty seams, especially on the trailing edge of the upper wing to the fuselage, but with shiny enough paint I hope to disguise, if I can't hide, my mistakes/failures to pursue perfection.

Wow.... that's a beautiful classic yellow finish, John!       A real head turner!

The last time I saw a real Staggerwing was at the old Blacksburg airport in Virginia in the late 70's, and I remember as it taxied by, you could tell who the "flying nuts" in the crowd were by the dreamy SMILES that appeared as it rumbled past!

Kind of like the smile on my face as I looked at your progress!

Take care,

Frank

Thanks, Frank.  I had some doubts about the AMT kit because the surface detail is overdone, but enough sanding and enough layers of paint are seeming to give the model the look I remember the real Staggerwings have that I remember.  The first time I saw one up close was a real eye-opener, at the Merced EAA air show about 1964.  I had made the flight down there in my '46 J-3, in formation with a Champ and another J-3.  Had to fly formation, since I had never been signed off for cross-country flight.  Not sure I logged that 2 hours, maybe I should check....

Anyway, no matter how close I looked I couldn't see any fabric weave on some of those Staggerwings, there were several there.  No Cadillac ever looked that good.  They must have had 20 coats of dope on them, hardly any rib tape visible, just gloss everywhere.

The last time I saw a Staggerwing fly was about 10 years ago, it was a red one with black trim.  A thing of beauty.  I can see it now in my mind's eye.

Glad to hear you saw a Staggerwing aloft.  Hopefully there will be Staggerwings in the air for many years to come.

Take plenty of pictures at Chino.  Wish I could make it.

This one flew into the Mariposa airport last year so there are a few around. Yours is looking good so far.

I am getting quite an urge to attempt to foil my Beech C45. 

Sue is a lot of good looking work going on here - hopefully I can get my first prog pics posted tomorrow!  I actually HAVE started my Amelia Earhart tribute, I swear.....

Brian 

brain44 wrote:

Sue is a lot of good looking work going on here - hopefully I can get my first prog pics posted tomorrow!  I actually HAVE started my Amelia Earhart tribute, I swear..... Brian

As promised, a few early project pics......finally!!!!!

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Comments and constructive criticisms always welcomed!  I chose not to hyper detail the interior, since little can be seen through the tiny windows and I could find no interior reference pics for Amelia's aircraft.  The paint is acrylic silver.  Thanks for looking!

Brian 

John;

The Staggerwing is a classic and you do it justice. I really can't say that my Wilga is top notch, it became a problem child. This AModel kit is short run and shows it. There was a lot of fit diffilculties in the end that I am glad that it is finished even though I could have done some more to it. It is still presentable.

Mike T.

Congratulations on finishing, Mike.  It looks lika a Wilga, the real ones I've seen look like the designer wasn't concerned with drag.  Some of the limited run kits (maybe all of them) are difficult builds.  It looks fine to me.

I put most of the decals on the Staggerwing today, but production at Eaton Modelwerk is going to slow down for a few days, ALL THE GRANDKIDS ARE HERE! 

I guess I lied a little....while the grandsons were playing IL2 Stormovik blow 'em up, I managed to nearly finish the Staggerwing.  After the decals and little bits I painted and stuck on cure a few weeks I'll put a final coat of Future on, if I remember.  The rigging was done with 6 pound monofilament, and the decals are from the kit, could be 30 years old, overcoated with decal film before use.  The blue on the nose of the cowl is Testor's square bottle dark blue with a little black added, matches the decals pretty close.  There is a narrow gold stripe edgeing the blue which is also painted on.  I did the blue with half thinner/half paint, and a very soft bristled 1/4 inch wide brush.  Without a doubt the best brush finish I've ever gotten.  Don't know how that happened, but I'll take it!   

jeaton01 wrote:

Without a doubt the best brush finish I've ever gotten.  Don't know how that happened, but I'll take it!

When I grow up, I want to paint as well as you!   I don't know if I can return to the model bench now, I feel so unworthy.

You have a plane that you can be mighty proud of your work.  This is a contest winner!

Beautiful job on the Stagger Wing, John!  Truly a classic aircraft!

Brian 

Great work on that staggerwing! 

brain44 wrote:

brain44 wrote: Sue is a lot of good looking work going on here - hopefully I can get my first prog pics posted tomorrow!  I actually HAVE started my Amelia Earhart tribute, I swear..... Brian  As promised, a few early project pics......finally!!!!! ">  ">  ">  Comments and constructive criticisms always welcomed!  I chose not to hyper detail the interior, since little can be seen through the tiny windows and I could find no interior reference pics for Amelia's aircraft.  The paint is acrylic silver.  Thanks for looking! Brian

Finished at last, finished at last!  Here are the final pics of the Amelia Earhart L-10!

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This is the Williams Bros. kit, and it had it's challenges!  The plastic was VERY soft and the fit of the wings to fuselage looked like th grand canyon!   I needed .10 styrene sheet to fill before I could even start puttying!  At any rate, here she is for your perusal!

Brian 

jeaton01 wrote:

Congratulations on your finish, Brian.  The Williams Brothers kits can be some work, but it looks like you came out on top.  Someday I may finish the C-46 that always lies in wait partly done.

Skip the floor, and the landing gears are shown switched in the instr. I really like this a/c.

Gulfstream- beautiful detail at the smallest scale.

Bondoman

Yeah, Gulfstream, that's going to be a sharp looking 172.  The panel and engine are beautifully detailed.

Bondo, yeah, that's what I need, inspiration on the C-46 front.  I'm trying to put a natural metal finish on mine, and there is a lot of filling and polishing left to do.  I wiped out a lot of detail getting the wings and tail to fit and so I'm also trying to get that back.  Maybe I'll make some Logair decals for it and add it to this GB.  Thanks for the tip on the landing gear, I haven't got to that yet.

A year ago, there was an obit in the Chronicle about a pilot named Norman Spitzer, with a pic of him standing in front of the tail of a Commando. It described how he flew the Hump and the article claimed his aircraft was named the Rockpile Express. I was intrigued, so I worked it over on the www.

Recommended book: "Flying the Hump" by Ethell and Downie, which includes the same photo of Norm as in the fishwrap. A metal finish. page 48

This photo shows the one thing you NEED, besides a figurine of Norm with a 38 in his holster, and I can't find; the ATS badge. If you have knowledge, and I've got printers, maybe we could figure this out.

I learned that Williams Bros. has been purchased by a new owner. So I wrote him and offered to do research in return for a decal run of this plus yellow codes. The old kit somehow manages to omit the most common markings used, in favor of, well you know. Also the insignia blue is just wrong, which I told him. And never heard from him again.

They are promising a re-release, which I'd buy and do a NMF as you plan, and to be like Normans. But we're not communicating anymore, so I have no idea what is afoot. He sent me the draft box art:

Norm Spitzers house burned in the 1991 Oakland fire and he lost all of his photos. I would wish that Williams would honor his memory and run the decals for the silver a/c. They're showing Smiley's Airlines, which is shown in the Squadron "..in action" which I can't recommend.

According to all of the sources, ATS pilots flew what ever was on the line on a day to day basis, often switching a/c on the ramp if there were problems.

Research first, model later.

Bondoman

gulfstreamV wrote:

Well OK, The work continues on the little 1/48 Modelcraft 172. Slow progress here trying to get the interior buttoned up. The kit is not all that detailed, so I attempted some scratchbuild stuff to make it more interesting. It's not nearly 100% accurate, just trying to make the best of it? Back to the Bench!

What a beautiful job on the interior of the Cessna, gulfstreamV!  The level of detailing and scratchbuilding makes me VERY envious!  That is gonna be aone special bird when it's done!

Brian 

Here is the ATC badge from Microscale 48-236, for a C-47.  I do believe it is the only sheet I have with a good rendition of the badge.  I've erased the surrounding blue background left over from the decal paper backing, but it is still there on the area behind the badge itself.  On the C-47 there was a yellow stripe behind it.  Looks like the silver showed through on your photo.

Aaronw wrote:

Glad to see this is still going, sorry to have abandoned the GB I started but its just been crazy busy at work. I'm still trying to keep up with things (changes in builds etc) and will be continuing my build when I get some time. Everything is looking great so far.

) Then maybe I can put the wings on and put a coat of primer on it with my trusty badger lg. Took it out of the box for a WIP pic...

Hey Guys,

I like the builds here in this group build.  It has Cessna's, a Super Guppy, and all kinds of cool stuff.  Can I join in?  I have a 707-320B going.  I'm not sure how I'm going to paint it.  I have a few ideas.  Do you guys have any suggestions?

Semper Fi,

Chris

Cool with me, but I'm not the admin of this build.

I've been coasting lately: working on other builds.  But I'm
almost ready to get back on track with my Do228-100 build.

ridleusmc wrote:

Hey Guys, I like the builds here in this group build.  It has Cessna's, a Super Guppy, and all kinds of cool stuff.  Can I join in?  I have a 707-320B going.  I'm not sure how I'm going to paint it.  I have a few ideas.  Do you guys have any suggestions?   Semper Fi, Chris

Sure you are welcome to join in but you only have a little over a month left.

I'm finally getting a couple of days off so I think I'll be able to finish my twin beech at least. Where does the time go.

Great,

A month limit shouldn't be a problem.  This one's pretty basic and I'm going wheels up.  It's kind a diversion between big expensive kits with aftermarket goodies.  The landing gear doors didn't fit very well.

Semper Fi,

Chris

Uh yeah.
I wasn't gonna say anything.. but that kit looks like a nightmare!

IL2windhawk wrote:

Uh yeah. I wasn't gonna say anything.. but that kit looks like a nightmare!

Yes, Yes it does.  It'll look better shortly

Semper Fi,

Chris

Dan,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  Take care and keep fighting it. 

Semper Fi,

Chris

So sorry to hear about your illness, Dan.  I wish you and your family all of God's blessings.

Update on the Do228-100 arctic explorer.
Should be done in less than a week.

My 707 is done.  I underestimated building an airliner, and I didn't give it the attention it needed to be a great model.  I think I could've done better if I hadn't rushed it.  However, it looks nice on the shelf.  I put it next to a poster from work which makes them both look nice. 

Semper Fi,

Chris

That is a beauty, Ridle.
You really did a nice job on her.

I don't see enough airliner models.  Someday I will try one :)
The 707 is an excellent choice.  Such an elegant design.

Hey, one idea that you might try:
If you haven't already clear coated the wood base, you
can apply a water-based wood stain.  Here's a Mig that
I just did recently.    Then clear coat the base.

Cheers.
gotta go put another coat of Matte on the arctic birdy.

You're absolutely right.  I know I have to do it, but I just haven't had a chance...

Excuses, excuses right?

BTW Great looking Foxbat.  Those engines are HUGE.

jeaton, You should finish one of those airliners.  They look so good with their glossy finishes and clean lines.  Someday, I'll do a 747. 

My plan when buying the kit was to build Led Zeppelin's Tour plane, "The Starship," from their '73 and '75 North American tours.  However, the Pan Am colors looked much better than the Maroon and Gold LZ plane.  Gears were shifted quickly. 

Chris

I just need to touch-up a couple areas, then she'll be done.

Sharp looking except for those big feet!  Those are some serious skis aren't they.  You got a nice gloss on the paint, I like that.

So I suppose you are a fighter jock in IL2?

Yep.  IL2 is the best prop sim available.
I'm a regular on the WarClouds server, in the HyperLobby.

You?

Here's a few screenies from the sim;

jeaton01 wrote:

Need to get that head sensor thingy, though.

Track IR?  Oh yeah... that's a must.

If you want to save a little bit on it, you can probably pick
up the older TrackIR3pro, which is almost as good, and much
cheaper now that is the older model. 

Feel free to look me up when you're ready to go flying online.

Completed!  One day before the deadline.

more pictures here:
/forums/873239/ShowPost.aspx

I regret that I could not build more aircraft for this GB.  It was fun.