Been a busy morning.

I airbrushed, the panel lines in Tamiya Nato Black (This is my go to color for highlighting) let dry and then gave Vader's fighter,  it's grey coat. I was worried it would be either too dark or too light. I think it came out spot on.

I didn't want the highlighting, to be too pronounced and it came out pretty good. I will give it a Black oil wash later.

It's sort of hard to tell but it looks pretty good, in person. I will get some better pics up. My daughter said "WOW"

I also gave the Dark Lord's helmet, a coat of Future, to get it nice and glossy, while everything else is satin.

Next up.....those Black Solar Panels

**edit** Tried to get a better shot:

Great work Eric!  Those panel lines really pop now!  Excellent idea on using Future on Vader's helmet, it really stands out.   

Ken

Son Of Medicine Man

Great work Eric!  Those panel lines really pop now!  Excellent idea on using Future on Vader's helmet, it really stands out.   

Ken

Thank you very much, Ken.

I really do appreciate all the comments.

So far, this build has really taught me, what / why we all really build for. The enjoyment along the way. I cannot tell you, the last time, I was doing a build and not worried about the correct color or what it should look like. This is the big reason, I am really enjoying this GB and getting things done quickly!

I took a break, from modeling a while ago, because I was so tired of counting bolts. If that is what makes people happy....enjoy. I love seeing those accurate builds and what people can make, out of pieces of plastic. Then, a few years back, we had a fire in the house and I was out even longer. Getting everything back into place. I swore to myself, my next builds, would be for me. If others enjoy them too...I'm happy. That's why we are here, in these forums.

Now, I am mostly OOB. I'll take what the manufacturer provided me and run with it. If I feel like it, I will get some accessories, but not just to please people. Just me.

So, with that out of the way (sorry for the rant BTW)

I have airbrushed the solar panels, with a mix of Tamiya Black & Tamiya Gunmetal and the next pics, will be of the completed model. Now, Lord Vader commands that I fire up the grill...he needs a weenie with stadium mustard!

To be continued......................................Enter the Imperial March Theme

Son Of Medicine Man

jimbot58

Son Of Medicine Man

Hi Everyone!

I have had a very busy day today!

I got up late this morning after going to bed late because of the storms last night.  There was a small tornado in the county just north of my county.  Like I said, I hate it when those monster storms hit late at night!

I started off this morning with the intention of putting a wash on the front wheel bay of my Phantom.  But I realized I did not have any light gray acrylic paint.  So it was off to the local hobby store to pick some up.

When I got back, I checked my email and found one from Russ talking about a Vietnam group build.  Well to make a long story short, I decided to bite the bullet and start one!  It is for only USAF aircraft that was used in the Vietnam War.  Here is a link to it:

http://cs.finescale.com/fsm/modeling_subjects/f/29/t/154521.aspx 

If you feel so inclined to join, please feel free to do so.  Crossovers are welcome.  It took me most of the day to make the badge (because my skills with Photoshop is limited).

Tomorrow I will get back to the workbench and add that wash to the wheel bay!

Ken

Ken, a couple of questions about the build. First off, it is for USAF only and does not include any USN or USMC aircraft? My 'in progress'  RF-4B is a Marine Corp bird, and did participate in 'Nam, but not on the list. The other thing is what point would a build be considered 50% completed?

If USN and USMC are not included, I could consider my F-105G as an entry: there are still a multitude of PE parts to go and it is still a fuselage only stage.

In any case, I barely keep up with one build, so I'll have to see. I do love Vietnam era aircraft.

Hi Jim,

Yes, it is a USAF only build so the RF-4B would not qualify.  But the F-105G does qualify and if it does not have wings yet then I would say that it is under 50% done.  It would be great to have you onboard Jim!   

Ken

The RF-4B is sad, but the F105G has become a bit excited, thinking perhaps construction may resume following a long hiatus! Don't be sad, little Phantom! Perhaps a day will come soon for you to be finished!

Ok, maybe I was out in the sun a bit too long......

No problem with that Eric!  That is what this group build is all about.  Having fun and enjoying each other's company!  You came to the right place!

So you had a fire?  That is a real bummer.  I hope that no one was hurt.  I can't imagine losing everything I own to a fire.

Ken

jimbot58

 

The RF-4B is sad, but the F105G has become a bit excited, thinking perhaps construction may resume following a long hiatus! Don't be sad, little Phantom! Perhaps a day will come soon for you to be finished!

Ok, maybe I was out in the sun a bit too long......

Don't be sad RF-4B, you can be built right here on Berny's group build!

Ken

Taps88

Been a busy morning.

I airbrushed, the panel lines in Tamiya Nato Black (This is my go to color for highlighting) let dry and then gave Vader's fighter,  it's grey coat. I was worried it would be either too dark or too light. I think it came out spot on.

I didn't want the highlighting, to be too pronounced and it came out pretty good. I will give it a Black oil wash later.

It's sort of hard to tell but it looks pretty good, in person. I will get some better pics up. My daughter said "WOW"

I also gave the Dark Lord's helmet, a coat of Future, to get it nice and glossy, while everything else is satin.

Next up.....those Black Solar Panels

**edit** Tried to get a better shot:

That looks great, Taps! You get a lot done quickly! I don't worry about rivet and bolt counters. The only person you have to please is yourself. If a peson want's to count them, let them. Exact color match? Close is often close enough for me. If I am happy sticking a model together with duct tape and coloring it with crayons.... then I would do it.

I remember when I was doing model railroading and most of them looked down their noses at you if you didn't build a layout that modeled a real-life line or road and if you had the incorrect era cars to match your locomotive. Heck, who cared if I was pulling a row of 1920's cattle cars behind a brand new GP deisel locomotive through the desert and the loco was from the eastern seaboard! I was just enjoying the trains!

Hi Everyone,

I finally got to spend some time at the workbench today!  I added some color to the front wheel bay of the Phantom.  Here it is:

After the enamel dries I will finally add the wash then it will be finished!

Ken

I used to have an N scale layout. My favorite was Southern Pacific. I still have the tops of the plywood..2 sheets in the garage. I may get them out in the future. Topped with that pink insulation foam, to carve out.

 I dismantled the legs but are still with the tops. I didn't get too far, after what went on. They are covered carefully in the garage.

Some day...

Son Of Medicine Man

Hi Everyone,

I finally got to spend some time at the workbench today!  I added some color to the front wheel bay of the Phantom.  Here it is:

 

 

After the enamel dries I will finally add the wash then it will be finished!

Ken

Looks good Ken! Where do you get references for that detail ? I never seem to find decent photos of gear bays in order add needed colors. I usually settle for a wash and leave it at that.

I'm still finding it hard to find time for the bench. Last week ended up with almost 17 hrs of OT. I was pretty much useless for the remainder of the weekend. This weekend has been busy as well. Saturday was mostly indoor chores and then today has been spent running errands, and then home again to give the yard a much needed hair cut. Plus I had two new children that needed homes, so I had holes to dig.... Ok, they're mini-roses! I gave up long ago on planting flowers and now keep several small roses.

Maybe this evening after I go out and run a few more errands....

Taps88

I used to have an N scale layout. My favorite was Southern Pacific. I still have the tops of the plywood..2 sheets in the garage. I may get them out in the future. Topped with that pink insulation foam, to carve out.

 I dismantled the legs but are still with the tops. I didn't get too far, after what went on. They are covered carefully in the garage.

Some day...

Mine was an N-scale layout as well. I was kept very busy with Mom the last few years and then the expense of trying to keep up two hobbies. I had to pick one or the other. Perhaps in my next lifetime, I'll be able have the time and money for both.

Oh, yeah. Most of my equipment was Sante Fe, pre-Burlington Northern merger.

There are even a few pieces with the yellow and red failed Southern Pacific merger.

jimbot58

 

Looks good Ken! Where do you get references for that detail ? I never seem to find decent photos of gear bays in order add needed colors. I usually settle for a wash and leave it at that.

I'm still finding it hard to find time for the bench. Last week ended up with almost 17 hrs of OT. I was pretty much useless for the remainder of the weekend. This weekend has been busy as well. Saturday was mostly indoor chores and then today has been spent running errands, and then home again to give the yard a much needed hair cut. Plus I had two new children that needed homes, so I had holes to dig.... Ok, they're mini-roses! I gave up long ago on planting flowers and now keep several small roses.

Maybe this evening after I go out and run a few more errands....

Thank you Jim!  I am using "The Modern Phantom Guide; The F-4 Phantom Exposed" by Jake Melampy.  It is the best reference book if you are going to model an USAF Phantom.  It has 1,069 full color images on 228 pages covering every version of the F-4 that the USAF used.

If you are interested Jim, Jake Melampy has one for your Growler, "The Modern Super Hornet Guide: The Boeing F-18E/F & EA-18G Exposed".  Here is a link to it on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Modern-Super-Hornet-Guide/dp/0979506476/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y 

If it is any where close to what the one for the Phantom book is, there is practically nothing that there isn't a close up picture of.  And he gives great detailed information along with the photographs!

Man 17 hours of over time!  You must be wore out Jim!  I hope you get to return to normal hours soon.  But it sure beats the alternative!

Ken

Looking good there, Ken!

Lot's of details to work on, in those bays...

Taps88

Looking good there, Ken!

Lot's of details to work on, in those bays...

Thank you Eric!

Ken

Eric: I love the pre-shading! And nice work on those panel lines.

Jim: 17 hours of over-time!?! Wow, I have to say it does look good on the paycheck, if it doesn't kill you!

And then yard work, gee whiz.

Ken: Looks good! Great work on the detail there, looking forward to the wash.

Ken-as tempting as that book might be, it's a lot to invest for what most likely will be a one time build. On the other hand, the Phantom book might be worth having, just because it is a phantom book, and I have 4 or 5 other Phantoms yet to build.

I sat down and painted the other two wheel bays tonight. I had to mask each one individually as the curves were so complex, I couldn't mask both at once. I got a little carried away and paint went on a bit thicker than I would have liked. No big deal though as It's not that obvious to the casual observer.

I was going to shoot the doors as well, still on the sprues, but I found that when I pulled them out of the box, there were just gobs of ejector pin marks to deal with.

I also ended up doing a total breakdown of the airbrush. Found a lot of dried paint in addition to lots of fuzz from my use of q-tips and pipe cleaners.

Considering how I paid about 15 bucks on sale from Harbor freight and I have completed 3 or 4 kits with it, I definitely have gotten my moneys worth out of it. I was thinking of replacing it as several of the seals have gone bad (hence the teflon tape on some of the parts) and the needle is actually showing some signs of corrosion. Now they are 22 bucks on sale. I wonder if it would be worth investing in something a bit better?

jimbot58

Ken-as tempting as that book might be, it's a lot to invest for what most likely will be a one time build. On the other hand, the Phantom book might be worth having, just because it is a phantom book, and I have 4 or 5 other Phantoms yet to build.

I sat down and painted the other two wheel bays tonight. I had to mask each one individually as the curves were so complex, I couldn't mask both at once. I got a little carried away and paint went on a bit thicker than I would have liked. No big deal though as It's not that obvious to the casual observer.

I was going to shoot the doors as well, still on the sprues, but I found that when I pulled them out of the box, there were just gobs of ejector pin marks to deal with.

I also ended up doing a total breakdown of the airbrush. Found a lot of dried paint in addition to lots of fuzz from my use of q-tips and pipe cleaners.

Considering how I paid about 15 bucks on sale from Harbor freight and I have completed 3 or 4 kits with it, I definitely have gotten my moneys worth out of it. I was thinking of replacing it as several of the seals have gone bad (hence the teflon tape on some of the parts) and the needle is actually showing some signs of corrosion. Now they are 22 bucks on sale. I wonder if it would be worth investing in something a bit better?

I fully understand about the investment into the books.  On the Phantom book, remember, it only covers the USAF models, and none of the Marine or Navy birds.  He is supposed to be working on another book that will cover those models but it has not come out yet.

The wheel bays look good from where I sit!  Like our previous conversation, it is hard to cover anything with that darn white paint!

I have yet to totally break down my airbrush to clean it.  I always thoroughly clean it by running several cups of thinner through it and wipe it down externally using Q-Tips.  I figured if it ever stops spraying like it is supposed to then it is time to break it down.

I would say if you can afford it, you deserve a better model airbrush Jim!  As much as you use it, you would enjoy it a lot more.

Ken

jimbot58

I sat down and painted the other two wheel bays tonight. I had to mask each one individually as the curves were so complex, I couldn't mask both at once. I got a little carried away and paint went on a bit thicker than I would have liked. No big deal though as It's not that obvious to the casual observer.

Jim,

Looking good!

I wouldn't worry about the wheel wells, you can't really tell if it went on too heavy. Are you going to be doing a wash, on this? If so and you do the wheel wells, no one will notice. Plus with the gear in there and the doors...nearly invisible.

Also, I HATE taking my airbrush apart. It's about due for a cleaning though.

Son Of Medicine Man

jimbot58

Ken-as tempting as that book might be, it's a lot to invest for what most likely will be a one time build. On the other hand, the Phantom book might be worth having, just because it is a phantom book, and I have 4 or 5 other Phantoms yet to build.

I sat down and painted the other two wheel bays tonight. I had to mask each one individually as the curves were so complex, I couldn't mask both at once. I got a little carried away and paint went on a bit thicker than I would have liked. No big deal though as It's not that obvious to the casual observer.

I was going to shoot the doors as well, still on the sprues, but I found that when I pulled them out of the box, there were just gobs of ejector pin marks to deal with.

I also ended up doing a total breakdown of the airbrush. Found a lot of dried paint in addition to lots of fuzz from my use of q-tips and pipe cleaners.

Considering how I paid about 15 bucks on sale from Harbor freight and I have completed 3 or 4 kits with it, I definitely have gotten my moneys worth out of it. I was thinking of replacing it as several of the seals have gone bad (hence the teflon tape on some of the parts) and the needle is actually showing some signs of corrosion. Now they are 22 bucks on sale. I wonder if it would be worth investing in something a bit better?

I fully understand about the investment into the books.  On the Phantom book, remember, it only covers the USAF models, and none of the Marine or Navy birds.  He is supposed to be working on another book that will cover those models but it has not come out yet.

The wheel bays look good from where I sit!  Like our previous conversation, it is hard to cover anything with that darn white paint!

I have yet to totally break down my airbrush to clean it.  I always thoroughly clean it by running several cups of thinner through it and wipe it down externally using Q-Tips.  I figured if it ever stops spraying like it is supposed to then it is time to break it down.

I would say if you can afford it, you deserve a better model airbrush Jim!  As much as you use it, you would enjoy it a lot more.

Ken

Now on Friday I`m going back for a Badger 150, if it`s still there, and a bunch of tips and needles that go with it...all marked down almost at 90%!  I currently own a Badger 150 and love it. I also have several of those Harbor Freight A/B`s....seem very similar to the Vega 2000. I use those for Future and Dullcote...not bad but no 150 either.... 

It may be worth your while to check out an AC Moore near you to see if they`re doing the same thing. The salesperson said that the hobby sections will be going away slowly......

Len

troublemaker66

Not sure if you have an AC Moore`s store near you but, I went into my local store and come to find out they`re liquidating their airbrush inventory and it`s going away for good. Now for the good news....I`ve been eyeballin` an Iwata in the display case for quite awhile now and, today I noticed a little sale tag hanging in the window...."All Airbrushes $49.99" ....... !  It goes for $219 regularly....so guess what I got?....heehee....plus I snagged a Vega 2000 for the same price.($175 price tag on that one)...and found that there were actually 2 complete airbrushes in the box! So I got 3 A/B`s for $90....they even let me use my wife`s NJEA card for an extra $15 off...couldn`t believe it! 

Now on Friday I`m going back for a Badger 150, if it`s still there, and a bunch of tips and needles that go with it...all marked down almost at 90%!  I currently own a Badger 150 and love it. I also have several of those Harbor Freight A/B`s....seem very similar to the Vega 2000. I use those for Future and Dullcote...not bad but no 150 either.... 

It may be worth your while to check out an AC Moore near you to see if they`re doing the same thing. The salesperson said that the hobby sections will be going away slowly......

Len

Wow Len, I am so jealous!!  Those are some really great deals!  I am happy for you!  It is great to find a bargain like that.  We don't have any AC Moore stores in this area.  It looks like it is only on the Eastern United States.  The closest one to me is Knoxville, TN, which is a 7 hour drive from me!

Ken

Finished!

I wish I could get better pictures, that really show off the pre-shading of the panel lines. I took quite a few and then the camera batteries died. So, these are the best. I have to run to the store later on. Hopefully, I can get some outdoors, with natural lighting.

I talked myself out of doing a wash, I didn't want it to look dirty, so I left it alone.

All in all, It wasn't too rough of a build. Sanding and filling but nothing over the top. Getting the parts off the giant sprues, without ruining them, was a challenge.

For an older kit, the outside is pretty detailed. The inside office, not so much. I can see someone doing a lot of scratchbuilding, to liven it up. I am now wanting to do an X-Wing, sometime down the road.

As for this GB...I didn't know Berny, but I hope he would have approved, of what I have done. It was a break from the norm, not the usual aircraft or armor build. I had fun working on it. I hope you guys forgive me for all the posted pics showing some less than exciting progress.

Ok, Eric, shut up already....let's see some not so great pics

2 with more of a "movie feel" :

Eric: Wow, she looks great!!! Nice reminder of what nice models you can build out of the old kits we used to slap together back thirty years ago without paint and using half a tube of glue!!! The pre-shading and solar panels came out beautiful!

Len: Congrads on a great deal there on airbrushes!

Jim: Nice clean job! I've used a few airbrushes, my favorites is the standard Paache and my Grex, but pretty much any 'name' brand airbrush will give you years of trouble free service. 

Taps88

Finished!

I wish I could get better pictures, that really show off the pre-shading of the panel lines. I took quite a few and then the camera batteries died. So, these are the best. I have to run to the store later on. Hopefully, I can get some outdoors, with natural lighting.

I talked myself out of doing a wash, I didn't want it to look dirty, so I left it alone.

All in all, It wasn't too rough of a build. Sanding and filling but nothing over the top. Getting the parts off the giant sprues, without ruining them, was a challenge.

For an older kit, the outside is pretty detailed. The inside office, not so much. I can see someone doing a lot of scratchbuilding, to liven it up. I am now wanting to do an X-Wing, sometime down the road.

As for this GB...I didn't know Berny, but I hope he would have approved, of what I have done. It was a break from the norm, not the usual aircraft or armor build. I had fun working on it. I hope you guys forgive me for all the posted pics showing some less than exciting progress.

Ok, Eric, shut up already....let's see some not so great pics

Hi Eric,

I think it turned out great!  Nice job!      And you can always post more pictures when you get fresh batteries.

Yes, I am sure Berny would approve 100%.  He said that you should enjoy what you model, no matter what it is.  I know he modeled quite a wide variety of different types of models, hence the reason why anything goes on this build!

You know Eric, you can always stick around with your next project, whatever it is.  We don't have a limitation of only building one kit.

So do you have a favorite picture to use for the "Wall Of Fame"?

Ken

Hi Everyone,

I didn't get a whole lot done tonight, but at least I did get to visit the workbench.

One of the aftermarket add-ons I purchased for my Phantom F-4E was the Eduard Brassin Exhaust kit.  And along with the exhaust they added as a bonus the tail hook and mechanical up latch shown here:

 As you can see, much better detail than what is offered by the Hasegawa kit.  Anyway, this of course necessitates cutting off the old tail hook which is what I did, shown here:

Tomorrow I will tackle the mechanical up latch which is going to be a little more complicated with that curved surface.  I will need to cut a hole (hopefully square!) where it is supposed to mount.

Ken

Eric, the kit looks great! I would agree with not adding a lot of weathering. After all, this is Lord Vader's personal fighter and if his maintenance crew left so much as a spot on it, they would no doubt feel the full effect of the 'Dark Side'! 

Someday I would like to do a 'Sci-fi kit. I just don't know what subject I would want to do.

As to an airbrush, I've kind of had my eye on the Badger Anthem. Has has good reviews, simple design, easy to clean, needle/tip made to spray a variety of mediums, and great for modelers. They will replace the needle bearing inside for the lifetime of the brush, with the owner only having to pay shipping.

Obviously, I have thought about it for awhile.

Ken: Nice! That replacement tail hook and equipment is lightyears ahead of the old one in detail.

Jim: If you ever want to a SW specifically I've heard nothing but good stuff about the new FineMolds kits. A bit pricey but recently Dragon had a couple marked way down on their Memorial Day sale (not sure what starfighters have to do with Memorial Day though). Or just take an oldie but a goodie like Eric and dress her up.

Taps88

2 with more of a "movie feel" :

Please use the top one for the Wall.

Thanks!!

jimbot58

Eric, the kit looks great! I would agree with not adding a lot of weathering. After all, this is Lord Vader's personal fighter and if his maintenance crew left so much as a spot on it, they would no doubt feel the full effect of the 'Dark Side'! 

Someday I would like to do a 'Sci-fi kit. I just don't know what subject I would want to do.

As to an airbrush, I've kind of had my eye on the Badger Anthem. Has has good reviews, simple design, easy to clean, needle/tip made to spray a variety of mediums, and great for modelers. They will replace the needle bearing inside for the lifetime of the brush, with the owner only having to pay shipping.

Obviously, I have thought about it for awhile.

Hi Jim,

I think as much as you use the airbrush, it would be a wise investment for you.  You need to have quality tools to do a quality job.

Ken

Gamera

Ken: Nice! That replacement tail hook and equipment is lightyears ahead of the old one in detail.

Jim: If you ever want to a SW specifically I've heard nothing but good stuff about the new FineMolds kits. A bit pricey but recently Dragon had a couple marked way down on their Memorial Day sale (not sure what starfighters have to do with Memorial Day though). Or just take an oldie but a goodie like Eric and dress her up.

The tail hook and mechanical up latch was just a bonus to the exhaust kit, which was pretty cool.  It does add a lot more detail.  And there is more.  I didn't mention the photo etch that goes along with the mechanical up latch!  I just have to figure out how to bend it and apply it!

Ken