Regia Aeronautica GB II (06/15/09 to 06/15/10)

Guy, that islooking SWEET!! Very nice work as always!!! I would love to see the smoke rings myself!!

Aaron, glad to see you are doing ok, cept for work!!!

Dave that is beautifuk work on the paint job mate!!!!

Bondo, looking forward to seeing her together very soon!!

razordws wrote:

Aaron!!!  Good to hear from ya buddy.  Hope things lighten up for you soon. Well with Aaron out getting munchies in the middle of the night I guess it's up to me to post some progress pics.  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.

Geez Louise, how did i miss that? Dave Shes looking great bud, the splotches have come out just right for the scale. You must be feeling shes almost there. I absolutely love that stage of the build. I see youve got the mansized hands back. Good man. Either that or the monitor on the Desktop is bigger than my phones screen....probably is come to think of it,

...Guy

razordws wrote:

soulcrusher wrote: Ooooo...  I think Jeremy should do that camo scheme on the SM 79 in the background!

If you fellas think for one second that I can perform an airbrush ballet for that camo, you're wrong... and crazy!

Dave - She's lookin' great! I can't wait to see her all finished up!

Aww come on Jeremy, that is probably one of the simplist, Difficult, camo's you could do if you understand. Im not saying its easy but its doable. I dont consider my self especially great at AB'ing but but its all down to practise, I even still practise on a piece of paper. The 2 tjhings that are vital are Pressure and mix. With intricately tricky camos, set the pressure to about 18-22 PSI and spray for about 1min then using an old brush dipped in whatever thinner you using, wipe the tip to prevent paint buildup. Always set your hand against he bench for stability. The mix, as has been said loads of time, should be the consistantlcy of milk. I mix the paint in the cup with a paintbrush. This makes it easier to check how thick the paint is by touching the side of the cup with a loaded brush to check thickness.

Go on man, be brave. Whats the worst that could happen? You flat it down and redo. We have faith in you.

Anyhoo, ive been finishing up the pit, Ive still got to add the seat belt buit that comes up between the pilots legs but apart from that,

I do the usuall base coat, then detail the odds and sods, then oil wash, but now ive started highlighting the raised sidewall ribs with a lighter version of the base. It looks pretty good to me,

...Guy

Yes Guy it does look good!!!! Great actually!

I'd give that camo a go in 1/72!!!! Come on Jeremy you have a 1/48!!!! When the time comes I plan on someday doing 1/72 smoke ring camo! I have a .2mm AB it can be done!

Well, ive been struggling today with the fit of the wings and the bulkhead. The instructions on this kit were very vague as to the placement of the bulkhead within the wheel well. It turns out that it should protrude into the well cavity of the wing and not butt against it. Anyhoo, all this prattle means nothing without a pic or 2. Ill be on that later. Just got in from Geri buyiong me food at the local. Sort of like a 'We dont have to go back to work, do we?' Meal. Ive been off fopr a fortnight and its back tomorrow.

More later,

...Guy

Hi all, heres the pics. The problem with the destructions is they seem very vague on where to position the bulkhead bit. I was almost tempted to glue it butted to inside of the wing, which was wrong. It has to poke out of the hole. And yes, theres no location pins. Boo,

in this one you can see where the bit has to be positioned. Perhaps its obvious to the rest of you but not me. I can be a dunce

I had to use al manner of bodges to get the thing to sit right, mainlty for the centre of the wing to pull it up to meet the bulkhead spar,

Right thats where im at. The seams are done ish and as im on an early start tomorrow i should be able to get some more done tomorrow,

...Guy

Cheers Richie, Im going to keep this going if all the other slackers have lives lol. Anyhoo i got on a little after work and set aboput the tailplanes. These special hobby kits are great IMO, but they do suffer a bit from flash,

no sweat really but it has to be smooth if its to get a good bond to the fuse,

Next up i attacked the Vacformed canopy....Thats vacformed in no sense that i know. These suckers are nearly as thick as injection molded canopies,

i tried to use a scalpel to remove it from the waste part but a scalpel was having none of it. So i used this beauty

and heres the token mock-up shot,

More soon,

...Guy

Hey, look at this... she's starting to come together!

Sorry I didn't post progress pics but I figured it would just lead to more complaining (by me) about the kit and I'm sure you guys don't wanna here any more of that. The worst part is over and I'm looking forward to the rest of the build. I think I'm going to take a little break from this bird and get some work done on my helicopter... we'll see.

simpilot34 wrote:

I'd give that camo a go in 1/72!!!! Come on Jeremy you have a 1/48!!!! When the time comes I plan on someday doing 1/72 smoke ring camo! I have a .2mm AB it can be done!

If ya need some practice before you try that in 1/72, stop by and you can have a go on the SM79... I'll even throw the base color on it for ya! We can just pretend that I did it! I actually use an Aztek A470 and while I love it, I haven't quite mastered fine lines with it. If I set my pressure and mixture just right, I can get fine lines all day as long as I constantly have paint flowing. It's the initial burst of pressure when I first push the trigger that screws me all up. After the pressure drops to what I have it set at, I'm fine as long as the juice is flowing. I would imagine that a paint job like that would require much starting and stopping. Until I can safely master that technique I'm going to stay with my first choice of paint schemes... unless you send SC up the street with a baseball bat to persuade me otherwise!

And Guy... you're on fire! The 200 is looking great! Some nice resin in that kit. Resin is one of my weaknesses. I love the detail it adds but it takes me forever to prep it because I'm so afraid that I'll break it. So far I've never had to thin any out to the extreme you have but you make it look natural.

Sorry boys for my long absence. Heath problems still keeping me away from the bench and making any progress. Migrane headache has been slowly sucking the life out of me the last two weeks. Doctors appointment Thursday hopefully will bring some answers and relief.

Guy what can I say you are a machine. Some top notch work you have done there on the Machhi 200. i am jelious of all you have been able to acomplish in the last two months. You should be receiving a visit from the Royal Post sometime soon with some DVD's. It has been quiet here probaly because it is a holiday weekend here in the states. I am sure it will pick back up agian soon.

Jeremy nice work so far. Sometimes taking a break from a tough kit is the best thing to do. I had an Aztex airbrush a while ago but I did not like it. It was good for general coverage but nothing beats the Badger model 200NH for superfine detail. I have two of them and I do all of my detail work with them. They run around $75.00 and for that price they can really improve your airbrush skills. If your missus is making meatball sandwiches I would be happy to come up there and take a couple of whacks at you with the bat if thats what it takes. Seriously though I like the way the first camo scheme looks so your of the hook with me

                                                                                      Soulcrusher

Jeremy that is a beasty!!!! Nice and big but not too big. Yes take a break, we can wait to see a fine finish. You have done well so far mate!! Looking forward to seeing that Hind finished too!

SC hope all will be well with you soon!! We need more of your building pics to grace our pages!!! Seriously hope the docs can giveyou some answers with an easy enough fix with no bad news buddy!!

Guy, looking good!   Keep the pics coming.

Jeremy, better clear that break with Guy first or he'll likely set you some homework if you don't!

Quick update, put some markings on the beast.

Oh and I suddenly realized I had changed the bulb in my desk light from an incadescent to a flourescent but hadn't changed the setting on my camera.  Was wondering why my colours were so off lately. 

Well, the ballots are in and it's official- the GIT of the week award goes to....

Bondoman!

several days, er late nights ago, I glued the lower wings and the horizontal tails to the fuselage halves, and oh I was so proud of meself for drilling and pinning all that bitty resin. So by the dawn's early light, I taped the halves together and squinted at them from end to end over my first coffee. Lo and behold, but you smart'nmetypes saw this coming, the tails dint align. So in a blast of self loathing, I snapped the worst of the two off, at which point a shout from the captains quarters beckoned me to go do something or other, and I fergot what I was doing. Come home that night and the cleaning girl's been through and swept up. No tail plane and it's no where to be found either.

Now it so happens that the Dragon Rapide donor carcass has a pair, of course, and they are kinda the same looking and if I trade out both no-one'll be the wiser, and

Gawd I hate myself sometimes.

bondoman wrote:

...and the cleaning girl's been through and swept up.

You got a cleaning lady!!!  Cool!

Jeremy, The SM, is really starting to look like a proper plane now. And whatever you think, I really dont mind people posting loads of irrelevant pics of..say..a sanded tailplane So post as much as you like. As for your short hiatus, its ok with me, just as long as you look in here and say 'Hi' now and then, oh and post your finished Hind.

SC, i cant believe your selling your services for meatball sarnys As for a great airbrush, I have one from a cheapo company around here called http://www.everythingairbrush.co.uk/ for a about £40, it has a .2 tip and its fantastic. Cheap gets the job done, and hell, im cheap. Sorry to here about those headaches. I know you pain as i had an ex-missus Lufty who suffered greatly with em. Hopefully the Docs will get to the bottom of the problem and youll be back modelling in no time. Looking forward to those DVD's buddy.

Dave, thats looking like a must have purchase. I cant wait for the masks to come off. I think its awfull you giving Crusher the headaches. I think you should appologise and as for losing Bondo's tail and hiding Aaron. Geez man, let up. Be nice....Support the super reds. Errr, anything else i can blame you for....let me think.

Bondo, If your cleaning lady looks anything like the pic. Id lose more stuff and set up a webcam!!!

Thanks for the compliments everyone!

Dave - Looking real nice!

Mr. Bondo sir - I once lost an entire fuselage half to a Monogram T-28. Impossible you say... nope! Been 3 years now and it still hasn't turned up! Maybe the dog ate it?

Guy - I was only thinking like a week away from the Sparviero if I can even keep away for that long! I know it will be very hard for you without my beauty, charm and wit... even for a day. I promise it will go by fast and you can type loving responses back to me soon.

SC - Get better soon or I'll get fat from eating all those meatballs by myself!

Crusher, you demi-God of a man. Guess what my day off slumber was broken by? Yuppers, a beautifull CR.32 and my Adult litterature course (Godfather Pt's 1-2) I checked the CR out and the glorious resin pices, vanes on the nose and all, have all arrived safely to blighty. Remember my offer. If theres anything that I can get for you over here, ill do my damnest. Your a shining star. And as for the rest of you, send me stuff, im needy....and ace an all, and you all want me to be your Dad, but no socks..Yey, up the Super Reds. Im a happy bunny as you may have guessed....that and still half asleep. You should have seen the postmans face when i lurched downstairs in Geri's Dressing gown (Its pink and small) The things we do for our hobby.

Im off now to visit a local Railway Modelling shop. Its a whopper and i never knew it was there. Its ok im not changing hobbys, im just going to see what 'Stuff' they have that i can get.

Ill post a pic of the CR later, but not in the dressing gown.

...Guy

I am happy to hear it arrived safely. That must have been a bit of a shock greeting you at the door in a nice pink robe Guy! Glad you like the kit. Now Bondo and me can give you homework and quiz you on the Godfather movies .! I am not in need of anything at the moment Guy but if Hannants has something that I can not get over her I will let you know. Doctor visit tomorrow. Hopefully some answers as to why I have been feeling more dead than alive lately and some sort of fix to go with it. No worries Guy you are in for a good a good part of the stash should anything go really bad for me!

                                                                                           Soulcrusher

You are definately a star, my friend and i really hope you can make it over here one day. Ill get the beers ready. See if you can drag the Sarge with you as well. Wherever he is.

As for the Godfather (S) questions, bring it on.    





...Guy

SC, hope the Doctor's visit went well.  I have had migraines in the past and I wouldn't wish them on anyone.

Just a quick teaser pic of the CA 311 with the landing gear and engines installed.  Hope to get it all finished up this weekend.

Where's Sarge!!!   I know it's my fault but that is no excuse!!!

Luftwoller wrote:

You are definately a star, my friend and i really hope you can make it over here one day. Ill get the beers ready. See if you can drag the Sarge with you as well. Wherever he is. As for the Godfather (S) questions, bring it on.     ...Guy

Got the tailfeathers put to rights, also bought Squadron's SM79 in action pulp, prep for the next build which will shrivel yer bollocks. The Rapide donated a landing gear set and we are close to being done, hopefully this weekend.

Good you are in Dave's weekend GB folks.

Geez Bondo meister. Thats a goodun. Havent got a clue but its a great question LOL. Does Crusher know the answer, i wonder?

We need pictures Bondo, Pictures i tells ya!!!

...Guy

Dave the Caproni is looking so cool. I really need one in my stash. As for Aaron, i shot him a PM and he replied nearly straight away. Hes just being overworked. Too many 11 hr days, getting him down. I say you should all PM him and tell him how ace i am.....oh and if hes ok, and that we all miss him LOL. Hes up for the Weekend Madness though. Homework accomplished Mein Feuhrer.

As for my MC.200 ive gotten a bit further on with it. After finishing off the seams, I decided to have a go at the canopy. Ill tell ya's, its the thickest vac formed canopy ive come accross. I reckon they vacformed bullet proof glass for it,

but using my favoured WMD, it was beaten into submission,

Heres a gratuitous shot of the plane mocked up...and yes i was making brumming noises at the time,

I started on the painting of the underside with the usuall black pre-shade and then the grey lightly misted on till the pre-shade was just visible. After thats gone off, i use a coarse towel and rub the finish to get it flat again. After this i set about the centres of the panels with a lighter mix. Youll notice that the grey doesnt extend to the fuselage. This will be green,

Im going with the box art for the camo,

I then attacked the U/C. As per usuall there was a fair bit of flash and seam lines that needed whittling away. Look at the lovely tail fork in resin,

Heres a Lufty tip of the day. Use Bare metal foils Ultra bright chrome for Oleo legs. Works a treat and only takes minutes,

Oh and Soulcrusher (Michael) Is a God in my eyes, Look at the beauty he sent me. I checked the resin goodies and theyre all there and in good shape. Even those pesky thin vanes around the cowl,

...Guy

Guy that is looking great mate!!! Love the pre-shading!!! Looking forward to seeing that camo!!!

Will send Aaron a note!!

Ah got yer notes  thanks for the concern. Been working as has been said and my oldest boy returned home to stay for a while to catch up on bills and car repairs.  All that makes for a neglected computer as something had to give and it was unfortunately my hobby time. Had a day off and have been sitting around quietly reflecting on the events of Sept 11, 2001.  Probably the most significant event to ever effect my life. Was chatting with a friend on AOL that morning about the freakish plane crash when the other one struck as I watched on Television.  Then as he was answering he sent a message that simply read. We're hit.  About 5 minutes later I saw where the Pentigon had been struck. To some it is history but to me I have yet to shake those emotions even as time passes. Left a big scar on my innocense and you all know how the Military life was changed from that day forward.

 Anyways on a brighter note I did break out the styrene and have been working on a 1/350 Italian Cruiser. Sean (Summit sent it to me and we agreed Sept was a good month to tackle them as he has one as well. ) The Pola I had already done so I chose to turn his gift into the Gorizia which was the only one of her class to survive the British pounding at the battle of Cape Matapan. 3 others were sunk there in a lopsided night battle with British Battleships.

The Gorizia survived only to be sunk in harbor years later by a joint Italian/ British midget sub action during the Italian Civil war which followed the surrender in 1943.

 Got the hull cleaned up and all the basic colors painted on it except for the water line black strip. Starting on the decking. Having some fun with it.

Yey, Aarons here. Do you know of all the major events in my life, the one that i remember exactly, where i was and what i was doing at the time was on Sept 11 2001. It has to be the singular most memorable event in history. The world is now a very different place.

Sarge that is one cool camo scheme on the boat. Ive seen some gooduns before to disrupt the viewers eye and yours is perfect and a copy of the original. Nice job. How long will it take to finish. I havent a clue on the timescales of that type of floater.

...Guy