jimbot58

Nice, Ken!

Hello all!

First, I found my little dudes hanging out in a box above my desk, and they are well! Perhaps when I want to get a better shot of the A-7, I will have them pose with it. I don't think I could get the pilot in there though,  as I would probably have to saw off his legs. I don't think he would find that to be very pleasant at all!

I cut out the rest of or the intake as I wanted and improved it. I tapered the edge as well to make it less visible. I also rounded off any edges to ease the sharp lines they would make.

Now something that really has me puzzled...I thought about a Hasagawa F/A-18E I had startd some time ago and dug it out of the "started and never continued" area to look it over. Several things I found were: the pilots seat is MIA, some of the PE parts from inside the cockpit seem to be missing-most likely knocked off in handing along the way, but the most disturbing thing I noticed was that I had cut out the intakes just like I did with the Growler, plus I see that I had put in some rudimentary ducting and at the back were compressor faces! The questions I have are, where did I scavenge the compressor faces from, and most importantly is this: WHY THE HECK DON'T I RECALL DOING ALL THIS WORK ON THE SUPER HORNET?

The F/A-18E:

I should have directed a bit more light in there-

I tried to get a photo up the intake, but there was no way to get light in there and have the camera there in the way.

**An update since I typed the above: I searched around a bit a before I posted this and I found the seat and the missing cockpit parts-again, I don't recall doing this. I know I have been in a bit of a fog at times with all that has happened over the last few years; Laid off 3 times, loosing 3 of my sisters, plus my Mom, a bankruptcy and everything else that happened in my personal life and out in the world, I guess it seems it wouldn't be too odd to lose track of a few things along the way.**

I'm considering if I should also continue to see what I can do with the "E". Might be intersting to have them as a pair, no?

Time for bed I guess with the new time change....

That F-18 is a real 'sharp' looking bird, PTP.

Forgetting you did work on an airplane? That seams to happen  to me all the time, I pick up a kit and I can't remember when or where I got it. I find a partial assembly in a kit box, and can't remember working on it, and the worst most recurring issue is where the heck did I put that kit or part i was working on. As for the little dudes, my pilots for my F-4P are MIA, they were sitting on the shelf for the longest time.....

Why does it happen? Why do we forget stuff that we should have at the tip of ours brains? Well, I used to know,,,,...uh....when I remember why, I'll pass it on.....

Dom

Jim: Nice work there! And yeah, done the same thing quite a few times, like starting to read a new paperback and start noticing that certain things seem familiar until about half way though I realize I've read this before!

And as to the Academy box cover issues, I've been told, haven't seen it myself that on one of the boxes of their AH-64 kit they printed a photo of a built model sitting there missing a wheel with the wheel lying there beside the model!

Ken: Good start, hope the metalizers work out for you there.

I've done a little work on my  kits, trying to finish two others and the Tiger tank has kinda been getting in my way.

Jim, I love the F-18; you must have been on "auto pilot" when doing that thus you can't remember.I have also noticed forgetting relatively important things from last week while remembering minutiae from 25 years ago!

On an unrelated note; speaking of metalizers, I think the next time I try it I will use it as an undercoat on a Japanese plane for chipping purposes. This way if I screw it up like the MiG: No Problem.....

Gamera

Jim: Nice work there! And yeah, done the same thing quite a few times, like starting to read a new paperback and start noticing that certain things seem familiar until about half way though I realize I've read this before!

And as to the Academy box cover issues, I've been told, haven't seen it myself that on one of the boxes of their AH-64 kit they printed a photo of a built model sitting there missing a wheel with the wheel lying there beside the model!

Ken: Good start, hope the metalizers work out for you there.

I've done a little work on my  kits, trying to finish two others and the Tiger tank has kinda been getting in my way.

Hi Cliff,

So far so good on the Metalizer.  I buffed it using a Q-Tip and it shined up real nice!  At least what I could get to, but that was the effect I was wanting.  I am adding color now using Model Master Acryl which is working just fine.  I will post pictures later.

Ken

mikeymize

Jim, I love the F-18; you must have been on "auto pilot" when doing that thus you can't remember.I have also noticed forgetting relatively important things from last week while remembering minutiae from 25 years ago!

On an unrelated note; speaking of metalizers, I think the next time I try it I will use it as an undercoat on a Japanese plane for chipping purposes. This way if I screw it up like the MiG: No Problem.....

Hey Cliff,

I don't know if you have tried painting over the Model Master Metalizer before, but like I was telling Cliff, the Model Master Acryl seems to go over it just fine.

Ken

I almost forgot. Here's a pic of my "task" for this GB. I have some of the actual model and will post shortly. In doing my research, I found out during this time period: circa Kursk, many Soviet tanks had steel road wheels or a combination of those and rubber due to the shortage of raw materials. The box art shows all steel but apparently these ended up causing too much stress to the frames and they had to put some rubber ones on. Long story short, I'm going to do 3 steel in the middle with fwd and aft as rubber. Just some gee whiz stuff I thought I'd share.

Son Of Medicine Man

mikeymize

Jim, I love the F-18; you must have been on "auto pilot" when doing that thus you can't remember.I have also noticed forgetting relatively important things from last week while remembering minutiae from 25 years ago!

On an unrelated note; speaking of metalizers, I think the next time I try it I will use it as an undercoat on a Japanese plane for chipping purposes. This way if I screw it up like the MiG: No Problem.....

Hey Cliff,

I don't know if you have tried painting over the Model Master Metalizer before, but like I was telling Cliff, the Model Master Acryl seems to go over it just fine.

Ken

Oops, I meant Mike, sorry about that!

Ken

mikeymize

I almost forgot. Here's a pic of my "task" for this GB. I have some of the actual model and will post shortly. In doing my research, I found out during this time period: circa Kursk, many Soviet tanks had steel road wheels or a combination of those and rubber due to the shortage of raw materials. The box art shows all steel but apparently these ended up causing too much stress to the frames and they had to put some rubber ones on. Long story short, I'm going to do 3 steel in the middle with fwd and aft as rubber. Just some gee whiz stuff I thought I'd share.

That is interesting Mike.  I have never done any armor so I had no idea about the wheels and tracks.  I guess it makes since now that you mention it.  Sort of like tires on wheels of a car or truck.  A little bit of insulation would be necessary.

Ken

Nice pick Mike. I tried to do a tank, but kind of lost it when it came to those links for the track and what seemed like billions of pieces. I may try again someday.

I did a little work on the 18 tonight:

Then I got wrapped up in a few organizational projects.

All the little pieces are in the plastic tubs and labeled. Since I got the 18E located and back in one place, I created and labeled a bin for it.Some of the other 'W-I-P' projects are here as well. And yes, that is 12:18 A.M. What can I say, I don't sleep much anymore.

I also finished my note book for all the PE sets. I usually download and print copies of the instructions off the Eduard site as they are much easier to see being larger, plus the downloaded versions have more colors.

Yes, perhaps I am a bit anal-retentive because I create labels instead of writing them. I hate hand written labels.

Inside pages are in plastic holders. Shown are the original instructions on the left.

I'm already getting ready to copy some compressor faces off another kit, using a mold made of modeling clay and 5 minute epoxy. I forgot where I learned to do this, but it was cheaper than a bunch of resin materials. I know I said i wasn't going to add ducting and compressors, but it seems I was wrong.

jimbot58

Nice pick Mike. I tried to do a tank, but kind of lost it when it came to those links for the track and what seemed like billions of pieces. I may try again someday.

I did a little work on the 18 tonight:

Then I got wrapped up in a few organizational projects.

All the little pieces are in the plastic tubs and labeled. Since I got the 18E located and back in one place, I created and labeled a bin for it.Some of the other 'W-I-P' projects are here as well. And yes, that is 12:18 A.M. What can I say, I don't sleep much anymore.

I also finished my note book for all the PE sets. I usually download and print copies of the instructions off the Eduard site as they are much easier to see being larger, plus the downloaded versions have more colors.

Yes, perhaps I am a bit anal-retentive because I create labels instead of writing them. I hate hand written labels.

Inside pages are in plastic holders. Shown are the original instructions on the left.

I'm already getting ready to copy some compressor faces off another kit, using a mold made of modeling clay and 5 minute epoxy. I forgot where I learned to do this, but it was cheaper than a bunch of resin materials. I know I said i wasn't going to add ducting and compressors, but it seems I was wrong.

Nice organizational skills Jim!  It cetainly will make it a lot easier to work.  And thanks for the tip about the Eduard instructions.  Since my computer is right next to my workbench, I will just download them and leave them up on the screen.  It will leave me more room on the workbench.

And that is another cool idea about how to make parts out of epoxy!  I will have to file that away for future reference.

I am sure you will be more happy with that added ducting and compressors when you are finished, and it will look great!

Ken

Mike: That's cool! I built that kit years ago, it gets pooh-poohed now by since it's not a Dragon kit but it does go together really well and looks like a T-34.

Jim: Wow, that's super organized. If I did that I probably wouldn't lose so many parts. On second thought they'd still find some way to vanish...

Hi Everyone,

Man I tell you, this daylight savings time is for the birds!  I am so tired right now I can hardly keep my eyes open.    There is no way I am going to attempt to paint any of the intricate details tonight.  I hope I can get caught up on my sleep tonight!

Some good news, it looks like the Metalizer paint I ordered may show up tomorrow.  It finally showed up in Hazelwood, MO, which is usually the last stop when coming from the west before arriving here.

Ken

That's good news, Ken. Gettin anxious to see how that Metalizer looks

Russ

Ken, thanks for the metalizer info. I don't want to be too afraid to use it again; just a little gun shy after my last adversity Jim, killer organizational skills my friend. Also as Ken had mentioned I too didn't know about the eduard site having those instructions but I'll certainly be doing that hereafter. I always seem to have leftover PE stuff as I suppose most do and have always just kept them in the original bags in my junk drawer.

Gamera, I never understood the big deal with only building certain brands. I, personally am partial to Tamiya but still build many others. I've never built anything by Dragon though; only know they're considered top notch just a tad bit expensive for me.

Son Of Medicine Man

Hi Everyone,

Man I tell you, this daylight savings time is for the birds!  I am so tired right now I can hardly keep my eyes open.    There is no way I am going to attempt to paint any of the intricate details tonight.  I hope I can get caught up on my sleep tonight!

Some good news, it looks like the Metalizer paint I ordered may show up tomorrow.  It finally showed up in Hazelwood, MO, which is usually the last stop when coming from the west before arriving here.

Ken

I hear that Ken! I worked a bit over again this evening, and I was so tired I struggled to even get home safely! I hit Wendy's on the way in because I figured I too was tired to even raid the icebox for dinner, sat down in front of the tv to eat, and I no sooner finished that when the lights just sort of went out. Woke up after midnight, so I am up just in time to go to bed! No Hornets for me tonight!

Jim

Mike: The Dragon kits are nice, the older ones kinda fiddly but the new ones are top-notch. They're funny though in that about 1/3 to half the parts are not for use! Hey, more stuff for the spare parts bin! Still the Tamiya kit is still a goodie and much cheaper- unlike the new Tamiya tanks which are crazy expensive.

Jim: I know what you mean, I keep wanting to come home from work and take a nap...

jimbot58

I hear that Ken! I worked a bit over again this evening, and I was so tired I struggled to even get home safely! I hit Wendy's on the way in because I figured I too was tired to even raid the icebox for dinner, sat down in front of the tv to eat, and I no sooner finished that when the lights just sort of went out. Woke up after midnight, so I am up just in time to go to bed! No Hornets for me tonight!

Jim

Wow Jim, I am glad you made it home okay!

Ken

Hey Cliff, I keep forgetting to mention that I really like your new avatar!  Pretty cool man!

Ken

Hi Everyone!

I got some rest last night, so tonight I was able to get some work done at the bench.  The Metalizer showed up today as well so tonight was a good night!

This first picture is a shot of the avionics bay after I buffed it.  It really shines up pretty good.

 In these next pictures I show the work I put into masking the auxiliary air intakes.  It takes a lot of patience, tweezers, and more patience!

 Here is what they look like after I painted the Meatlizer:

 I will have to do a little touch up but not too bad.  I will buff them tomorrow night.  Then I will add a little color and contrast to bring out some detail.

Ken

Ken: Nice work there! You might toss a light wash in there to pick out the details, or just leave things as they are. 

And thanks, I've always liked the recruiting poster and lately I've been playing a bunch of US tanks and tank destroyers on World of Tanks so now I'm on a big US AFV kick. As soon as I finish off some more aircraft I've been working on I'll probably start doing some US armour, assuming I end up distracted by something else... 

Son Of Medicine Man

Hi Everyone!

I got some rest last night, so tonight I was able to get some work done at the bench.  The Metalizer showed up today as well so tonight was a good night!

~

Ken

 

Very nice, Ken! I'm keeping copies of your tips so I can apply them to my F-4 someday

Gamera

Ken: Nice work there! You might toss a light wash in there to pick out the details, or just leave things as they are. 

And thanks, I've always liked the recruiting poster and lately I've been playing a bunch of US tanks and tank destroyers on World of Tanks so now I'm on a big US AFV kick. As soon as I finish off some more aircraft I've been working on I'll probably start doing some US armour, assuming I end up distracted by something else... 

Cool avatar, Cliff! That's the first time I've ever seen a poster for the US Tank Corps.   I tried WOT but I'm too imbedded in Call of Duty 2. Between that and IL2, and model building, I just don't have the time .

Cheers,

Russ

Russ

Thanks Russ, this is I think a First World War poster hence the huge British 'landship' style tanks. My reactions are too slow for FPSs like CoD, WoT is a lot slower. I've been playing IL2 but I'm going to need a lot of practice before I'm even a so-so player though.

Gamera

I've been playing IL2 but I'm going to need a lot of practice before I'm even a so-so player though.

Thanks Russ, I've only been playing off-line so far. I'd at least like to develop some rudimentary skill at the game before embarrassing myself online.  

But I am impressed with how realistic the game is and all the attention to detail with so many options. Last flight simulator I played was Aces Over Europe years ago, - it's almost an arcade game compared to IL2. 

Lol, I know what you mean , but don't worry about that - everyone understands and are very supportive. I'll PM you with some controls and joystick settings that may make it easier for you.

Cheers,

Russ

Gamera

Ken: Nice work there! You might toss a light wash in there to pick out the details, or just leave things as they are. 

And thanks, I've always liked the recruiting poster and lately I've been playing a bunch of US tanks and tank destroyers on World of Tanks so now I'm on a big US AFV kick. As soon as I finish off some more aircraft I've been working on I'll probably start doing some US armour, assuming I end up distracted by something else... 

Hi Cliff,

Thank you for the compliment!

So you can safely apply a wash to the Metalizer?  I was afraid of it "washing" off when wiping the access off.

Ken

Striker8241

Son Of Medicine Man

Hi Everyone!

I got some rest last night, so tonight I was able to get some work done at the bench.  The Metalizer showed up today as well so tonight was a good night!

~

Ken

 

Very nice, Ken! I'm keeping copies of your tips so I can apply them to my F-4 someday

 

Russ

Thank you Russ for the compliment!  I appreciate it!

Ken

Striker8241

Lol, I know what you mean , but don't worry about that - everyone understands and are very supportive. I'll PM you with some controls and joystick settings that may make it easier for you.

Cheers,

Russ

You guys have peeked my interest!  What is IL2?

Ken

Gamera

Mike: The Dragon kits are nice, the older ones kinda fiddly but the new ones are top-notch. They're funny though in that about 1/3 to half the parts are not for use! Hey, more stuff for the spare parts bin! Still the Tamiya kit is still a goodie and much cheaper- unlike the new Tamiya tanks which are crazy expensive.

Jim: I know what you mean, I keep wanting to come home from work and take a nap...