Airfix Group Build 2011-2012

Nice progress RRB On new tecniques too  

I actually don't mask canopy because don't use airbrush (and really tedious ) but a normal coachbuilder tape can be work, just put a piece on the matt and cut one by one the clear rectangles needed (and this is really tedious, if you build a b-29 for example) and place on the canopy frames.

A tip for simply detailing raised panel lining kits (then 80 or 90% of airfix kits)

Last night re-found an old article into an old italian modelling magazine:

after the camouflage is finished and before the decals gloss coat, with very fine sandpaper and water, sand gently the whole subject and the raised panels appear as a draw or normal panel lining. Naturally more the plastic is darke better will be the result. Naturally not needed pieces as antennas ,gears etc will be glued after.

I'll try this option on the scout.

The Buffalo is looking really nice, and the Henschel's coming along well!  Such good builds, makes me feel embarressed.  A scratch-built cockpit for the Hurricane?  Pity can't see it, but, what little I can see looks good.  Your stuff is really good Vance, can't wait to see it finished!

As for me, well, I've stopped on the Widgeon, to allow me to finish the Camel.  However, as the wife pointed out, the lower wings aren't on square on the Camel, so, no matter what I do, it just won't look right.  I also found I was missing some of the lower struts.  Using stretch sprue made two more, only to find I put it on backwards (Farman style).  So, I'll treat this Camel like a training exercise and quickly finish it, and use it to practise rigging (never done before), and move onto the Widgeon.  I'll post a picture of the Camel later.

RRBaron:

Here is an example of an Airfix Hurricane I did last year for the BoB GB.  Hopefully it will illustrate what you can do, but I didn't have a good camera back then.

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I masked the canopy with narrow strips of tape, cut from regular old masking tape.  They need to be very narrow.  Then you "box in" each window panel, leaving the frame uncovered.  I use liquid Micro Mask to fill in the clear area, but sometimes you can do the same thing with tiny, square pieces of masking tape.  That takes longer and is tedious, but either process can be boooorrring.

For the camouflage, I use masks made from masking tape.  If you go over to the Spitfire group build, I posted photos using the same type masks that I did on the Hurricane along with an explanation for how to use them (except of course I used Hurricane masks for the Hurricane).  I'm no good at free handing camouflage with an airbrush, especially not in 1/72.

I did a Google search through the web for 1/72 Hurricane masks at that time and came up with several pictures of masks various people had created.  You might find some that way.  Alternatively, I can look through my stuff I saved on CD roms, and see if I still have the masks I used.  Only thing is, I have to be out of town on my job till Friday, and won't be able to do much till then.

Anyway, this gives you some ideas, I hope.

Quick update on the Mirage - reinforcing done to allow me to reposition the elevators; cockpit/seat finished up; fuselage halves joined, nose cone & exhaust cone attached; elevators attached; wings attached...

For the reinforcing, I laid a thin strip of styrene to close off the open slot, then backed that again with a thicker piece. I "drilled" a hole through this area from the outside with a thick needle that I heated over a candle, melted right through exactly where I wanted it.

She's shaping up now. I didn't realize how, uhh, "pointy" this Mirage is! The fit has been really good so far, the ony issue so far is the wing-to-fuselage join. Lower portion seems alright, and the tabs actually kep everything aligned at the proper angles, but leaves a noticeable gap on top. There is also a slight step on the lower fuselage joint near the tail, I'm guessing that is either "pilot error", or one fuselage half may be a little bit warped. A little putty will take care of both issues.

The verrry empty exhaust cone. I really should have done something more here... maybe I can find a picture looking inside a tailpipe, print that out on some card stock & glue it in with white glue - what does everyone think of that?!?!

@ Vance and the F-1.

Just a tip, when I did the 1/72 Heller F-1 I also made ejection handle, but the canopy fouled when I tried to close it.The same thing on the Super Etandard I am now building.

I recomend you do a trile fit so you can trim the bottom of the seat to fit better if needed.

Theuns

Thanks Theuns, I was wondering if I should have checked the canopy fit - after I glued everything in... 
I think I'll be leaving the canopy up on this one anyway so I can see my ejection seat better!

Here's the latest position on the Camel.  The underside color is of my own mixture, using RLM 65 and yellow.  These colors were scientifically chosen by seeing what mini-tubs of paint I had opened (acrylic dries out quickly once opened).  Seems OK though, actually pleased with the result.

Some touching up of paint needed, and the undercarriage is very wrong!  I used Humbrol 86 for the fuselage, and it seems to be good.  The wood is 118, and both of these used the same scientific method mentioned before!  Again, they look OK.  The metal is no.27 as the instructions say.

Centhot the camel looks pretty and really little? It's really long time not see in my hand a wwI fighter

Vance the f-1 shapes looks really good more than an usual delta mirage good luck with the canopy 

Those decals!  On one hand they settled in nicely, on the other, thee tail sections all were a fraction too large, whilst one roundel had a two spots that had glued themselves to the backing paper.  The red dots were also slightly out of register.  More than ever, this is a kit for testing purposes only...

On another note, some struts are missing.  As with the undercarriage, I'll need to make some.  Oh dear, this isn't a great build!

Thanks Bysmato!  Coming from such an excellent builder as yourself that's fantastic!  The aircraft is just over 3" long, or in European, around 7 centimeters.

I just got back from Vegas and will hopefully have an update on the Buffalo later today.I am definately liking what I see around here.Centhot,I feel your pain on those decals.What a PITA!

"The verrry empty exhaust cone. I really should have done something more here... maybe I can find a picture looking inside a tailpipe, print that out on some card stock & glue it in with white glue - what does everyone think of that?!?!"

That sounds like very creative way to address the problem.  Progress is impressive so far.  Good to see.

Wow those decals suck. Have you looked for any aftermarket? Or possibly painting them on?

These look awesome.

http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/BR225

heres 3 sets that i found.

http://www.hannants.co.uk/search/index.php?adv=1&product_category_id=&product_division_id=&manufacturer_id=&product_type_id=all_decals&code=&scale_id=956&keyword_search=camel&setPerPage=25&pictures_only=1&save_search_name=&save_search=

I think you've done well with the paint colors, Centhot.  Nice smooth application, too.

Ah, decals.  One of the last things that can still go wrong on an otherwise beautiful model.  I still haven't got the hang of them enough to assure consistently good results.  It's always a nail-biter waiting to see how they'll turn out when dry. 

You probably know this already, but it looks like you might be able to shave that excess with a sharp x-acto blade.  Hope whatever you do turns out well for you.

picture is a good idea;

course you could  just cut small strips of styrene and lay 'em in a circle to represent the internals

Shutterstock has a nice picture-abit costly, but ....... might do

http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-15093571/stock-photo-view-inside-jet-engine.html

Thanks guys!  I used a sharp blade to trim back the decals.  However, the decals also began to break up, after application!  I've seen decals break up and shatter before application (or stick the moment they touch plastic, no ability to move them), but never after application.  Anyway, I found spruce I'd stretched for the undercarriage, and will use some of that for the missing strut (one of the small ones above the engine.  It's not quite right, but I've given up on accuracy already.  The main exercise will be rigging an aircraft for the first time...  Yikes!

In Airfix's defence, it is an old kit, with old decals, maybe from the 1980's?  New kits, even of the Camel, will have decent decals.

Centhot

...These colors were scientifically chosen by seeing what mini-tubs of paint I had opened

I love the method Centhot, I hate throwing out paint that has simply dried out! Making good progress on the Camel despite the problems. Those decals - I'd rather have them too large than too small. I'd trim them & then do a little touch-up to wrap the colours around the edges as needed.

Exhaust pics for my Mirage - I was actually able to track down a good-sized photo looking back into the exhaust can. Now I just need to scale it down & cut it properly, one of the last things I'll be doing.

Current progress.

I lost count of how many thin coats of paint I used for this stripe.I hate working with white paint.More to follow later.

That Buffalo looks fantastic!

Here's the latest on the Camel.  Yes, one strut bent, and looks weird.  The wings are in the correct location, but the struts are looking, well, weird.  As this now just a throw-away to test rigging, I've left the wheels and gun loose (and the tires badly painted!).  So, for this GB, the Camel is finished and dead!  If the rigging goes nicely I might post it, else, that's it, finito!

Are you sure? Do you want me to post that pic on the front page? or do you have another one you would prefer?

FINALLY!!! I start annual leave tonight after I finish my shift I might be able to get some things done

traveller

FINALLY!!! I start annual leave tonight after I finish my shift I might be able to get some things done

LOL no you wont, it will start with "I wonder whats on TV?" and end with "OH GOD ITS MONDAY AGAIN!"

That really sucks about those struts,Centhot!

Current progress on the Buffalo.The decals aren't the worst I've worked with,but the yellow and white portions are very opaque.I'm glad I went with spray paint for the stripe.A decal is included,but I'm sure it would have sucked!

These decals sure aren't the same quality as those on the Walrus!

They just don't want to lay down! I poked a few holes in 'em to take care of some bubbles as well.

progress has been halted on my hurricane, im sorta well.... 'out of thinner'

will alcohol work as a thinner?

the real red baron

will alcohol work as a thinner?

Is that pure alcohol?  For acyrlic or enamel?  Actually, why not just experiment?  Try a tiny bit of paint, some alcohol, and see what the color looks like?

Scorpiomikey

Do you want me to post that pic on the front page? or do you have another one you would prefer?

the real red baron

progress has been halted on my hurricane, im sorta well.... 'out of thinner'

will alcohol work as a thinner?

For which paint? Brand? Enamel? Acrylic?

The Buffalo is in the home-stretch! Can't wait to see that one finished up.

[quote user="Scorpiomikey"]

traveller:

FINALLY!!! I start annual leave tonight after I finish my shift I might be able to get some things done

 

LOL no you wont, it will start with "I wonder whats on TV?" and end with "OH GOD ITS MONDAY AGAIN!"