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Variable Geometry: the Swing Wing GB

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  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: Buffalo, NY
Posted by macattack80 on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 8:12 PM

For a recap of the build.

I chose to do an OOB build but the kit decals were even less so I had to buy an aftermarket set from SuperScale.  The decals I used were for the "Trilogy of Terror" of the 96th Bombardment Wing based at Dyess AFB in Texas.  This particular plane, tail number 85-0065, was renamed "Texas Armor" and ultimately "Lil Chief"

These decals were very brittle and did not perform as I had hoped so many of the decals are out of place as I had to move them around a lot due to them breaking apart.

The SAC camo scheme is why I chose the era of B-1.  I haven't done a 3 tone camo scheme yet so I figured I would give it a go.  I used a Paasche VL with the fine tip and freehanded it.  I am very pleased with the results.

The loadout consists of 24 SRAM's (Short Range Attack Missle) and fuel tank.  The fuel tanks used looked all beat up and stained so I used some burnt umber oil paint and a dot filtering techinque to achieve the streaks.  I think it turned out OK.

I kept the weathering to a minimum as these planes in this camo looked quite clean.

The vortex generators, radar cross-secting vanes, pitot tubes and various antenna were made from styrene sheet, rod, and strip where needed.  I never added any detail using stryene so I learned a thing or two there.

This build lasted 7.5 months.  I have tinkered with a few other kits while building this one so I wouldn't get tired of looking at the same model on the bench.  It took a lot of putty, CA glue, patience and beer Big Smile  I learned a lot on seam filling, a little on scratch building, and that I shouldn't put anything off because a build seems out of my league.  It may be, but I can't learn anything if I don't try.

Would I build another 1/48th scale Lancer........believe it or not....yes. 

Kevin

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  • Member since
    July 2008
  • From: USA California
Posted by vetteman42 on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 8:32 PM

Macattack man thats a great looking Bone ! Bow Down I can sure see the time and effort you put into the build. Love the camo and markings. She sure looks mean and aggressive with beautiful lines to her all at once. My hat is off to you Sir. Toast

Randy So many to build.......So little time

  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: Louisville, KY
Posted by pordoi on Thursday, February 10, 2011 3:41 PM

macattack80

This build lasted 7.5 months.  I have tinkered with a few other kits while building this one so I wouldn't get tired of looking at the same model on the bench.  It took a lot of putty, CA glue, patience and beer Big Smile  I learned a lot on seam filling, a little on scratch building, and that I shouldn't put anything off because a build seems out of my league.  It may be, but I can't learn anything if I don't try.

Would I build another 1/48th scale Lancer........believe it or not....yes. 

Yes, this one is officially done!  The wash on the burner cans brings out a little of the detail.  Glad that you decided to take the extra step.  And the more recent photos are a big improvement.  The slow shutter speed used in the first set was what blurred them.  I've updated the front page; always a chore to choose pics that show all aspects of teh build.  Especially one of this size.  So I cheated and merged several.

Said it before and will again; this has been really interesting to see three 1/48 B-1Bs built as part of this GB.  Each in a different style.  We've got alot of Bone history covered with these builds, with desert, strategic and modern forms of the aircraft.  Thankls for joining in with Trilogy of Terror.

 

Don

  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: Louisville, KY
Posted by pordoi on Thursday, February 10, 2011 3:46 PM

Flyhigh

Is it too late to join? I'm a new member and am almost completed my first model. I have a Revell 1/48 F-14D that i'm about to start. I've learned so much from this site I can't wait to start work on it!

 

Flyhigh,

never too late to join in  Yes.  We go until the end of April so there is still over 2 months remaining.  Certainly enough time to get in on the fun.  Let me know if you're going to start and I'll add you to the list on the front page.

 

Don

  • Member since
    October 2009
  • From: Houston, Texas
Posted by Medicman71 on Thursday, February 10, 2011 4:10 PM

pordoi

 Flyhigh:

Is it too late to join? I'm a new member and am almost completed my first model. I have a Revell 1/48 F-14D that i'm about to start. I've learned so much from this site I can't wait to start work on it!

 

 

Flyhigh,

never too late to join in  Yes.  We go until the end of April so there is still over 2 months remaining.  Certainly enough time to get in on the fun.  Let me know if you're going to start and I'll add you to the list on the front page.

 

Don

Oh wow. Two months left??? I'm sooooo in trouble. Lol.

Building- (All 1/48) F-14A Tomcat, F-16C Blk 30, He 129

 

  • Member since
    February 2011
  • From: Ontario, Canada
Posted by Flyhigh on Thursday, February 10, 2011 4:14 PM

Those B-1's look beautiful. Such a nice looking bird!

  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: Buffalo, NY
Posted by macattack80 on Thursday, February 10, 2011 4:16 PM

pordoi

Said it before and will again; this has been really interesting to see three 1/48 B-1Bs built as part of this GB.  Each in a different style.  We've got alot of Bone history covered with these builds, with desert, strategic and modern forms of the aircraft.  Thankls for joining in with Trilogy of Terror.

 

Don

You chose the pics I hoped you would!  Thanks.

I also like that we were able to show the develpment of the B-1 in 1/48th scale. 

Thanks for the kind words also.  My build may not be as good as yours but I am happy with the end result.

I will see if I can get that F-14 going here too. 

 

Kevin

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  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: Buffalo, NY
Posted by macattack80 on Thursday, February 10, 2011 4:21 PM

Vettman, thanks again sir!  The box makes the kit that much more daunting of a project.   Now when I walk past the completed Bone I get a grin on my face.  Such a good lookin plane!  As Don posted earlier, it will be the highlight of my completed builds.

Flyhigh, thanks for the comment and welcome aboard!  Looking forward to seeing your build take shape. 

Kevin

[

 

  • Member since
    October 2009
  • From: Houston, Texas
Posted by Medicman71 on Thursday, February 10, 2011 4:22 PM

Ok so here are some pics!!! Got the cockpit all painted and done. I hope it'll fit in the fuselage but i'm not holding my breath.

 

 

 

Building- (All 1/48) F-14A Tomcat, F-16C Blk 30, He 129

 

  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: Buffalo, NY
Posted by macattack80 on Thursday, February 10, 2011 4:27 PM

Medicman, awesome job detail painting  Bow Down  Keep up the good work.

Kevin

[

 

  • Member since
    October 2009
  • From: Houston, Texas
Posted by Medicman71 on Thursday, February 10, 2011 4:57 PM

macattack80

Medicman, awesome job detail painting  Bow Down  Keep up the good work.

Thanks. Not bad for my first resin cockpit.

Building- (All 1/48) F-14A Tomcat, F-16C Blk 30, He 129

 

  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: Louisville, KY
Posted by pordoi on Thursday, February 10, 2011 6:06 PM

macattack80

Medicman, awesome job detail painting  Bow Down  Keep up the good work.

 

Ditto that!  Nice job.  Hope that you don't encounter any fit issues when installing them. 

And *more* than 2 months left!  Plenty of time.  You're part of a late flurry of action that will keep the rest of us tuned in for the duration.  Now, where did I put my bag of popcorn...

 

Don

 

  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: Louisville, KY
Posted by pordoi on Thursday, February 10, 2011 6:16 PM

Hey, everyone.  Let's welcome Flyhigh to the GB.  He's got a Revell F-14D in 1/48 scale on the starting blocks and will be a part of our late flurry of activity.  WooHoo!  Show us what you've got!!!

In fact, many if not all of our current builds are Tomcats and even Kevin seems to be joining the F-14 contingent after the Bone.  Looks like there are lots of interesting WIPs left in the last mongths of this GB. 

Go gents!!!

 

Don

 

  • Member since
    July 2008
  • From: USA California
Posted by vetteman42 on Thursday, February 10, 2011 6:18 PM

Medicman wow I would say a stellar job on your first resin pit so far. That is some fine detail painting YesYes

 

I am calling my F-14A Tomcat finished, but First a brief history, I had a blast finding the facts about what ended up being two differant airframes on this build. The airframe you see here, BuNu 162592 of VF-154 and, the one it is painted as BuNu 160403 of VF-41. 


   On the morning of August 19, two VF-41 "Black Aces" F-14As, "Fast Eagle 102" (CDR Henry 'Hank' Kleeman/LT David 'DJ' Venlet) (BuNo 160403) and "Fast Eagle 107" (LT Lawrence 'Music' Muczynski/LTJG James 'Amos' Anderson) (BuNo 160390), were flying combat air patrol to cover aircraft engaged in a missile exercise. An E-2B Hawkeye from Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron VAW-124 made radar contact with two Sukhoi Su-22 Fitters which had left Okba Ben Nafi Air Base near Tripoli.

   The two F-14s were ordered to intercept. Only a few seconds before the crossing, at an estimated distance of 300 m, one of the Libyans fired an AA-2 "Atoll" at one of the F-14s, which missed. Then the two Sukhois flew past the Americans and tried to escape. The Tomcats evaded and were cleared to return fire by their "rules of engagement", which mandated self defense on the initiation of hostile action. The F-14s turned hard port and came behind the Libyan jets. The Americans fired AIM-9L Sidewinders; the first kill is credited to Fast Eagle 102, the second to Fast Eagle 107. Both Libyan pilots ejected.
The official United States Navy report states that both Libyan pilots ejected and were safely recovered, but in the official audio recording of the incident taken from USS Biddle, one of the F-14 pilots states that he saw a Libyan pilot eject, but his parachute failed to open.

   Less than an hour later, while the Libyans were conducting a search and rescue operation of their downed pilots, two fully-armed MiG-25s entered the airspace over the Gulf and headed towards the US carriers at Mach 1.5 and conducted a mock attack in the direction of USS Nimitz. Two VF-41 Tomcats and one VF-84 Tomcat headed towards the Libyans, who then turned around. The Tomcats turned home, but had to turn around again when the Libyans headed towards the US carriers once more. After being tracked by the F-14s' radars, the MiGs finally headed home. One more Libyan formation ventured out into the
Gulf towards the US forces later that day. BuNu 160403 is on display at the CAF museum in Texas.

   F-14A BuNo 162592, painted as Kleeman and Venlet's F-14 Tomcat (BuNo 160403) on display at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.
  
   Although not as famous a career BuNo 162592 had an interesting career all it's own. Assigned to VF-154, the " Black Knights" on the USS Independance in Febuary of 1999, she was the first to arrive in theater for Desert Storm, but called away before the war broke out. She later returned to fly among 1,356 sorties and combat missions in Iraqi Freedom from the USS Independance along with USS Kittyhawk. When 162592 was taken out of service somewhere after 2003 she then went to a museum in Topika Kansas, then came to the Ronald Regan Library on Augest 22, 2005.

Here is a picture of the F-14 I tried to model

Now for the model, I hope I did it justice

Have to tell you guys I had as much fun researching this build as I did building it. I found a wealth of information at this site, http://www.anft.net/f-14/f14-history.htm  I still plan to build a base for it but that will have to wait a month or two.

Randy So many to build.......So little time

  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: Buffalo, NY
Posted by macattack80 on Thursday, February 10, 2011 7:40 PM

Medicman, Great build my friend!  Yes  I really like the preshading.  Looks fantastic.  Nice touch adding the history of that particular jet too.  Good reading.  I like that you kept the tinted windows.  Big Smile    Inert missles and all, she still looks menacing.  Once again, great job.  Bow Down

Kevin

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  • Member since
    February 2011
  • From: Ontario, Canada
Posted by Flyhigh on Friday, February 11, 2011 12:07 AM

Medicman, nice detailed cockpit!

 

I started work on my Tomcat tonight. It is only my 2nd model ever so it is no where near the quality of most of the models on here. 

 

I started painting the cockpit like the manual said. I also tried drybrushing for the first time but I don't think i was patient enough. It did add some nice weathering I thought but the buttons don't really stand out as much as I would have liked.

Then after doing some more research and being inspired by the cockpits I have seen on here I decided to try it a 2nd time. I noticed the actual cockpit is not all black where the buttons were and it was a lighter color. I tried brushing it over and it turned out like this:

 

The camera makes it look a little worse than it does to the eye. I tried my best to make straight lines but boy that is tough. Some of the darker colour shows through in some parts but luckily most of it will be covered by the seats.

 

These are the other parts of the cockpit I did. I tried dry brushing here as well but I don't think I did it long enough again. I guess I need to learn some patience. I still need to add the green to the screens but since I'm a new modeler, I need to go buy some!

I plan on going over them tomorrow with a fine brush or toothpick to make the buttons "pop" a little more.

 

Thanks for sharing all your work. It really inspires a beginner like me to improve! Hopefully I can get near some of the detail I've seen in this thread one day!

  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: Louisville, KY
Posted by pordoi on Friday, February 11, 2011 2:40 PM

Flyhigh

I started painting the cockpit like the manual said. I also tried drybrushing for the first time but I don't think i was patient enough. It did add some nice weathering I thought but the buttons don't really stand out as much as I would have liked.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/galea/F-14D%20Build/IMG_2039.jpg

 

I plan on going over them tomorrow with a fine brush or toothpick to make the buttons "pop" a little more.

 

Good start, Flyhigh.  I would agree that the drybrushing was a little light, but the good thing is that you can simply do it again until you get the desired effect.  Than again, your alternative using a toothpick will certainly work to add "pop" to teh buttons and switches.  Experiment with different approaches;  that's most of the fun.

 

Don

 

 

  • Member since
    July 2008
  • From: USA California
Posted by vetteman42 on Friday, February 11, 2011 3:06 PM

Flyhigh first off welcome to the forums and the group, I look forward to seeing your progress. I am not an expert here but I agree with Don you are on the right track with your dry brushing. Looks pretty good to me, wish my hands were as steady as yours to paint those straight lines freehand too Toast

Randy So many to build.......So little time

  • Member since
    October 2009
  • From: Houston, Texas
Posted by Medicman71 on Friday, February 11, 2011 6:56 PM

Flyhigh....Welcome to the madness!! Lol.

Thanks everyone for the comments on the cockpit. It came out a lot better than I thought. I'm really happy with it. It was easier than it looks. I used Sharpie Paint Pens. They come in 6-8 different colors and come in acrylic or enamels. They're the same size as a regular Sharpie. They work great painting details in the cockpit such as buttons and such. Oh and they also have different size tips as well. Here's a pic.

As far as the fit of the cockpit. The front pit fits well but the back is really bad. Gonna take some work. I'll post pics of the problem later. Oh and the ejection handles on the seats are from the kit seats. 

Building- (All 1/48) F-14A Tomcat, F-16C Blk 30, He 129

 

  • Member since
    February 2011
  • From: Ontario, Canada
Posted by Flyhigh on Saturday, February 12, 2011 1:11 AM

I added some more detail tonight. Not too much work done but I got the cockpit glued together and one seat together unpainted.

 

Heres what I got for the cockpit:

 

Sorry for some of the blurry images.

  • Member since
    October 2009
  • From: Houston, Texas
Posted by Medicman71 on Saturday, February 12, 2011 2:25 AM

Looking good Flyhigh!! Keep up the good work.

Building- (All 1/48) F-14A Tomcat, F-16C Blk 30, He 129

 

  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: Louisville, KY
Posted by pordoi on Saturday, February 12, 2011 4:24 PM

That's really nice progress, Flyhigh.  Looks like you paid alot of attention to detail and that bodes well for the remainder of your build.  This will be fun to watch come together.  Were the consoles painted using the toothpick?

Don

 

 

  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: Louisville, KY
Posted by pordoi on Saturday, February 12, 2011 4:34 PM

vetteman42

Here is a picture of the F-14 I tried to model

http://i712.photobucket.com/albums/ww122/randysmodels/F-14%20Tomcats/F-14A%20VF-41/F-14AVF-41ReganLibuary.jpg

Now for the model, I hope I did it justice

http://i712.photobucket.com/albums/ww122/randysmodels/F-14%20Tomcats/F-14A%20VF-41/30F-14Tomcat.jpg

 

Wow, my apologies Vetteman.  With the flurry of activity, I completely missed your post showing the completed Tomcat.  Yes, I'd certainly say that you did the Reagan F-14 justice.  You picked a unique subject in a 1:1 static display at the Reagen library.  And thanks for the history.  I also find that researching the aircraft and its history is a really fun part of every project.  Can't wait to see it mounted for display.

I'll look through your pics again and choose one or two fro the front page.  Grab the badge.

 

Don

 

  • Member since
    February 2011
  • From: Ontario, Canada
Posted by Flyhigh on Saturday, February 12, 2011 5:40 PM

pordoi

That's really nice progress, Flyhigh.  Looks like you paid alot of attention to detail and that bodes well for the remainder of your build.  This will be fun to watch come together.  Were the consoles painted using the toothpick?

Don

Thanks Don. I started with a toothpick and then started using a 00 Paintbrush. I just bought it so I had to try it out! I liked it a lot!

 

Today I glued the cockpit into the body. I also painted the ejection seats, ejection handles and control sticks to be added soon. I'm pretty happy with the cockpit so far. 

I noticed this kit has a lot of "overspill" from the manufacturing process. It's requiring a lot of cleaning up and the ejection handles didn't even have the hole in the middle and there was no clear attachment to the sprue. Sad I also did a dry fit and found out this is going to be a toughie and it's only my 2nd model! The halves don't align very well at all. I might have to try that candle trick or hope i can glue it and clamp it properly together. I guess that is why this is a cheaper kit and it should help me further develop my modeling skills.

Here are some pictures so far:

  • Member since
    July 2008
  • From: USA California
Posted by vetteman42 on Sunday, February 13, 2011 2:21 PM

Medicman I will have to check out those Sharpie pens, thanks for posting the way you use them.

Flyhigh yes I would say you have the idea down pat YesYes A very very nice looking pit you have created there.

Don thank you for your complement on my build, after seeing your skill level it means a lot. I am going to try and get the base finished before the end of the build, I feel it will really top off my model and will post a picture here if that's ok with you.

I know how builds can sometimes be over looked so no worries here. To be honest I got preoccupied with Flyhigh's build, its really nice to see a new builder doing so well.

 

Randy So many to build.......So little time

  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: Buffalo, NY
Posted by macattack80 on Sunday, February 13, 2011 9:12 PM

WOW!  Nice work on the cockpit Flyhigh!!!!   Dont worry too much about the alignment there.  Some glue and some clamps should fix it.  Keep up the good work.

I still hope to get an F-14 going.  I have to get a different kit though.  I have a couple of the Hasegawa F-14A's but the Aggressor Squadron flew the F-14A+ (plus) which had the upgraded gun gas vents.  I am going to order a couple of Academy's F-14A Bombcats which will fit the bill.

 

Kevin

[

 

  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: Louisville, KY
Posted by pordoi on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 7:31 AM

macattack80

WOW!  Nice work on the cockpit Flyhigh!!!!   Dont worry too much about the alignment there.  Some glue and some clamps should fix it.  Keep up the good work.

I still hope to get an F-14 going.  I have to get a different kit though.  I have a couple of the Hasegawa F-14A's but the Aggressor Squadron flew the F-14A+ (plus) which had the upgraded gun gas vents.  I am going to order a couple of Academy's F-14A Bombcats which will fit the bill.

 

 

OK!  We're going to finish off this GB with a couple of F-14 builds. Nice!

Flyhigh: take your time and as Kevin said, some clamps, glue and a little patience are what you need to deal with those fit issues.

 

Don

  • Member since
    July 2008
  • From: USA California
Posted by vetteman42 on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 8:23 AM

Flyhigh yes indeed a job well done on the cockpit you are well on your way I say.

 As has been said above having just finished a Revell Tomcat and having had the same troubles you are having. Take your time gluing the halves together, took me a couple of days as I remember. I started at the nose and worked my way to the rear. I glued the leading edge of the wing cuffs, slid the wings in from the rear then glued the rest together. Took some time and a lot of fiddling but it worked out fine.

On hindsight I would have painted the base color on the wings and the area under the wing on the top of the fuse before mounting the wings. It would save a later headache I think.

Randy So many to build.......So little time

  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: Buffalo, NY
Posted by macattack80 on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 10:55 PM

I have another idea.....A 1/48 Revell F-14D in VX-9 markings.  I will attempt to get that done in time.  I know the rear instrument panel will a little work as it is for an "A" model.  The canopy will be closed to keep the sleek look of the all black jet. 

Here's hoping I can get to this in time.

Kevin

[

 

  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: Louisville, KY
Posted by pordoi on Thursday, February 17, 2011 5:34 PM

macattack80

I have another idea.....A 1/48 Revell F-14D in VX-9 markings.  I will attempt to get that done in time.  I know the rear instrument panel will a little work as it is for an "A" model.  The canopy will be closed to keep the sleek look of the all black jet. 

Here's hoping I can get to this in time.

 

OK, is this the version that I should add to the front page?  And what's this about getting to this on time???  Priorities, man... priorities!!!  Stick out tongue

 

Don

 

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