3RD ANNUAL SECRET SANTA GROUP BUILD FOR AIRCRAFT

Bravissimo Dave !

Nice job on that interior and the G-brothers - man that looks crowded !

Here's the wrap up pics for my F4-C.  I'm not sure whether to add underwing tanks or ordinance.  I probably will at some point.  I just realized after taking the pics that I still have to add the antenna along the spine - but other than that - she's done.  I had a nasty time with the front windscreen.  The plastic underneath had to be trimmed down quite a bit in order to fit it on and make it sit down right.  Other than that and the intake issues - this went together very nicely.  The detail in the kit is great - everywhere.  I actually like the raised detail. It shows up nicely.     

A little blue food coloring mixed with future helped to dye the front windscreen panel light blue.

This was a very nice decal set too - went on like a dream, opaque and in register - you can't ask for more !  I added some weathering with some acrylic washes that were just a few shades off the base color.

So thanks again to Zipmeister who gifted me with this sweet kit.  Hmmmm.. and I've stilll got a Prowler that I have to start yet !

It's like Christmas all over again !

Chris 

You both made great progress on your models, Max and Dave.

And your Phantom turned out great, Chris!

Chris, Thanks!  The Phantom turned out great and I like the markings you chose. 

Klaus, Thanks also!

Was away for a couple of days but major assembly is now complete.  Rudder needs some minor repairs before it gets glued on and the elevators are not glued yet either.  Canopy dry fit looks promising!    Just got to sort out the seams and mask the canopy and then add the engines (more on that later ).

 Chris like I said "You've Got Talent" I can't get over how great it turned out. I may have to get me one! Great  job.

 Max.. super job buddy. Keeper going!

Zip

Great work Chris and Dave. Phantoms are my phavourite and yours is a beauty well done. Nice progress Dave its comming along nicely.

I was to start my build last weekend but only got to open the box and check it out and no build time yet. Guess its all Daves fault, hehehehehe

Steve

All buttoned up and ready for paint.  I was really worried about the engine nacelles as they are the type that you have to glue together  with the landing gear trapped between and then slide them over the wing an into place.  The locator pins were not too helpful but luckily everything worked out and they look like they are half decently aligned.  Engine cowlings are not glued on yet as they will be painted seperately to allow the engines to be assembled after the painting is done.  Anoter thing about the old Italeri kits is that the engineering really doesn't allow for easy painting.

I put the dark brown splotches on just a few minutes ago and managed to take some pics before I hit the sac. I'll let dry for a bit while I deal with the engines and landing gear and then slap some decals on.

Thanks Bossman.  Where is everyone???

Done!!!  Was a pleasant build, not Tamigawa pleasant but I certainly enjoyed it and I love the lines of this aircraft.  Enjoy.

Good thing I busied up that office because you can see EVERYTHING!!!

Many thanks to my SS this year, PaPa-John and of course to Jon for hosting as usual.  Thanks guys!!! 

Dave

Nice looking build. Glad you enjoyed it.  Hope the kit gave you many hours of enjoyment and little aggravation and hair pulling sessions.

Haven't been around much lately and not doing any model building, too many other things this summer.  But, hope to get started soon on trying to put some models together. 

John

Very well done Dave, enjoyed looking at it in progress over at Reggie also. That is one sharp build and that greenhouse is fantastic. Overall a great build.

I thought I was going to drag up this build as I have finally got some progress on my build. I have the Dragon JU-88A6 balloon cutter that I got from Warhammer. The kit is overengineered and has tons of PE. Havent done much work with PE before so this is a bit of a challenge. I have built all the main components as the cockpit take a lot of planning and work.

I have to cramm all this into the cockpit and thats not even half of it not counting the PE. The first four stages are cockpit assembly but then in step 15 it showes more going into it, very strange and confusing. I have it all painted now and started on the PE so more progress should follow soon. Thanks for looking

Steve

Dave,

With all the masking taken off - that kit is really impressive.  The canopies look great and you did a great job on the camo pattern.  I don't remember ever seeing one of these before - on this site or any other.  Very nice.

Chris

razordws wrote:

Holy Greenhouse!! That looks great!

Kevin

Anazing work, Dave!
I would have gone nuts, with that canopy!

Looking forawrd to see your progress, Steve. I'm sure it'll be an interesting build.

painklr wrote:

When do we sign up for the 4th Annual Secret Santa Group Build?  Should be soon

painklr wrote:

When do we sign up for the 4th Annual Secret Santa Group Build?  Should be soon

painklr wrote:

When do we sign up for the 4th Annual Secret Santa Group Build?  Should be soon

 Count me in!!

painklr wrote:

When do we sign up for the 4th Annual Secret Santa Group Build?  Should be soon

I'm in too .... I'm even eye-balling some kits over at Hobby Lobby's clearance rack ....

Hey guys,

I'm not going to be able to head this up this year, I'm sorry.

If someone would like to take over the reins, please PM me and I'll be glad to give you all the details and answer any questions.

I do thank everyone for their support for the last 3 years.

Jon

SECRET SANTA SHALL RETURN!

 That's right, people.  Rather than let this tradition fade away and be mothballed like a worn out B-52, it's coming back.  Watch these forums for a post later this afternoon with all the details.

Lofweir wrote:

SECRET SANTA SHALL RETURN!  That's right, people.  Rather than let this tradition fade away and be mothballed like a worn out B-52, it's coming back.  Watch these forums for a post later this afternoon with all the details.

Awesome!  Count me in.  Guess i need to work on the kit I got from Max last year, huh?

Mike

swingr1121 wrote:

Awesome!  Count me in.  Guess i need to work on the kit I got from Max last year, huh?   Mike

Uh yeah Mike. You haven't started yet?

Lofweir wrote:

SECRET SANTA SHALL RETURN!  That's right, people.  Rather than let this tradition fade away and be mothballed like a worn out B-52, it's coming back.  Watch these forums for a post later this afternoon with all the details.

Thanks for keeping the ball rolling, James! You'll enjoy it!

RadMax8 wrote:

swingr1121 wrote:   Awesome!  Count me in.  Guess i need to work on the kit I got from Max last year, huh?   Mike Uh yeah Mike. You haven't started yet?

Well, I've been doing things.  It's been a busy year I guess, with getting married and all.    Then the rain stopped and I was able to start fishing finally this summer, and the wifey got sick (don't worry, she's doing well) and things have been hectic.  Fear not, it is next on the build list.  Let's just hope that more stuff doesn't get in the way...

Hey Mike, I hope you've read up on the techniques and precautions for using resin stuff. I've built a couple resin cockpits and wheels, so let me know if you've got any questions!

 P.S. Check your PM!