MIG Killers II Group Build 11/08-11/09

Thanks and will do.

Andrew

Sorry I haven't updated more frequently than this, but the "new, improved" website has got dialup users pretty screwed. Meh. Anyhoo, this guy will be done shortly - need to clearcoat the decals, attach all the underside junk, then it's on to weathering!

Forgot to mention - if any of you are considering the Hobbycraft kit, another big plus - the decals laid down like the best aftermarket ones I've ever used. Superthin and laid down nearly perfectly with just a light application of Micro Sol underneath.

Now if they'd only improve their instructions so you actually knew where to PUT them all...

Fellas - the A-4C is all done. Need to set her up for a photoshoot, but will have pics by the end of the week for your viewing pleasure.

It's been awfully quiet around here lately...(*crickets*), but I'll post finished pics that I finally took of my bird over here anyway.

Enjoy!

Beautiful work Dupes! I know the story of this particular A-4 and MiG kill (Zunis), but did you have a source for the loadout on that mission?

Stik - thanks man!

As for the loadout, I found nothing "official", and most of the reference pics I found of this bird were post-kill (with slightly altered markings in most cases). So I ended up going with the primary source of info that I had - the box art. Showed tanks on the outside, zuni on the inside.

Well First update and shes about 95% done. This has been my first attempt at a NMF, and while not perfect I am well satisfied. Its also been my first go at tape masking canopies (and other bits) happy there to.

Decaling, undercarriage doors and wheels mainly to go.

ACADEMY DECALS SUCK EGGS!!!

Well it had to be said

After trying and trying with this builds decaling. and helping my oldest by decal his f6f hellcat (both 1/72 academy) today, I am well satisfied with the above statement. Decals didnt want to stay down (some of last nights effort went missing while continuing today , didn't want to conform to tight bends when they should and warped on slight bends. I ended up tossing in the towel after decals just started coming off while trying to finish the rest off. This surface was a gloss laquer while my sons hellcat was a semi gloss acrylic paint.

As a review of the build, for a cheap kit ($12-15AUD I think) It went togther very well, moderate cockpit detail, no real issues with overlaps, only a light sand needed. I think my second biggest issue (first being the decals) was not putting a flat/matt primer down to get all joins perfect, I was impatient to get the NMF on (humbrol polished aluminium) and while working getting the couple joins smooth I end up with a tacky work surface, that made the job difficult.

Once the laquer coat has had time to dry I will have a go at weathering her.

Andrew

Unfortunately, it's true that Academy decals suck eggs. I've learned after some near failed/failed decaling efforts to replace them ASAP. A lot of times I'll try to find aftermarket versions of the ones included in the kit, because they DO come with some great schemes!

Looks good to me.

I personally think you did a rather excellent job inspite of the decal problems. I recall doing an old monogram kit and the decals where just crap. I fixed this by brushing Future over decals edges until they sat flat on the models surface.

Dupes, I love your A-4! That looks awesome! I cant wait to see how the weathing comes out.

WELL DONE!!!

Hello all,

Sorry I have been away so long. I've finally broken my slump and have got some work done on my Phantom II but, I doubt very much I will be finishing it for this GB. Just want to let you all know this GB will be ending as of June 31, 2010.

June 31? Is that double leap year? I thought this had already ended, but with two more months, I can get my "Last of the Gunfighters" finished. I have mainly painting and decaling to do with just a tad bit of final assembly. Cool! One I may finish in time!

stikpusher

June 31? Is that double leap year? I thought this had already ended, but with two more months, I can get my "Last of the Gunfighters" finished. I have mainly painting and decaling to do with just a tad bit of final assembly. Cool! One I may finish in time!

LOL! I found it rather odd too that June had 31 days to the month. Anyway, glad you guys will have more time to finish your builds. I am considering starting a 3rd MiG Killers GB but not sure where to go with it yet... any suggestions?

Well I am a big fan of the fast movers and their air to air combat. But I just have too many kits going at the same time.... oh the temptation! I am just keen on June because my birthday is on the last day of the month.

My birthday is also in June, about six days before yours. I will turn 46 and I'm not looking forward to it. LOL.

I'll hit 45 Al I know is that I am not 25 anymore... mentally thats a good thing, but physically...

Remember... the eyesight is the first thing that goes. Glad I stocked up on reading glasses and Opti-Visor lens.

thankfully that has not beena problem.. yet... at least my close in vision.. have been nearsighted since at least grade school... now my hearing has taken the fast track out with some help from service to uncle sam,,, but everything else still works as it should... how did Indiana put it? It's not the years, it's the mileage...

stikpusher

 how did Indiana put it? It's not the years, it's the mileage...

Brother, 

That the truth!!!

Gents,

I made good progress on my Phantom this past week and its looking really good. I posted pics over on the aircraft forums if anyone wants to look. I may finish this beast in time before I close our GB here.

It almost looks as if I never gone through my slump. Nice to know I still have my MAD Skillz!

Glad to hear it AMM! I look forward to seeing pics.

Well here is my F-8 as of this afternoon. Gull Gray and White are done. Now I just need to mask off the rudder and paint that in insignia blue this week,apply a gloss coat of Future and she will be ready for decals.

Still plugging away, eh Stik? Nice!

What markings are you going with on this guy?

Dupes, Aesop's tortoise has nothing on me when it comes to slow and steady. All I need to do now is mask off and paint the rudder insignia blue then spray on a coat of Future and it will be decal time. The markings are for Cmdr. *** Bellinger's VF-162 MiG killer. He was credited with the US Navy's first MiG-21 kill.

http://mightyoriskany.blogspot.com/2008_03_01_archive.html

Dupes, Aesop's tortoise has nothing on me when it comes to slow and steady. All I need to do now is mask off and paint the rudder insignia blue then spray on a coat of Future and it will be decal time. The markings are for Cmdr. *** Bellinger's VF-162 MiG killer. He was credited with the US Navy's first MiG-21 kill.

http://mightyoriskany.blogspot.com/2008_03_01_archive.html

Well today I painted the leading edges of the wings and stabilators aluminum and the rudder insignia blue. Of course progress can not be made without some sort of setback. A very light misting of insignia blue managed to hit the forward half of the tail that was not masked... So tomorrow I gotta fix that. And I also found that I need to put on a flat black walkway on the upper rear fuselage...so more masking for another color. If its not one thing its another. But most likely tomorrow i can complete all primary painting and Monday I can get the Future coat applied for decals.

ITS DONE!!! FINALLY!

I am glad this BEAST is done. Here are the final pics.

Thanks for your support guys!

AMM Nice Phantom! Certainly not one you see every day in the Vietnam War MiG killers.

Here is my Crusader as of this evening. Almost ready for a gloss coat and decals.