AIRCRAFT - Natural metal finish group build (ends 10/31/04)

wibhi2, actually, the fit problem isn't the cockpit. It's the aircraft itself. There's a huge gap between the intakes and the fuselage. I'm using plastic strips to fill it in and sand it down.

Also, the Falcon missles in the kit are awefull. I really need to do something with them. Either that or replace them.

Oh, and the F-89 you're referring to with the falcon missles in the retractable wingtip pods is an H model. As far as I know, there isn't a kit out there for one. I do recall seeing someone do a scratch conversion to an H model though.

Mine's going to be an early J model which retained the D model rocket pods. That was the kind of F-89 my father worked on. It's nice to have someone you know who was around them.

DOH!!! getting my versions mixed up. If you can get them , use the falcons in the hasegawa air to air set - they are by far better.

K, on they cockpit. IRC, that gap was prevelant on the 72nd scale version as well.

Here's a question for da group mod: Does the build have to be a kit model or can it be more of a visceral model but with the same effects? Just asking out of curiousity.

got my aftermarket (true details cockpit, 2 vacuformed dallas canopies, aires cockpit set, blackbox cockpit set, eduard cockpit set, 2 resin seats) parts today to start my collection of P-51Ds. i think im doing 2 P-51Ds for this GB. i wanted to try the different brands of detail sets to see which one i like the best. i plan to start a collection of european P-51D aces as well as the pacific theater D aces. i have been in the hobby only for about 8 months so far with only one "completed" model and about a half dozen that i slapped together just to have some airbrush fodder. i puchased an omni 5000 as soon as i decided to get into this hobby and figured theres no use in going through all the trouble of trying to get everthing perfect and then ruin the model with a crappy paint job. im really into fine detail and this is my first venture into aftermarket parts. but, you cant learn sitting on the side lines, so here i go. thanks for inviting me into the group build james. this is my first group build as well. hope to be involved in some more later on. i guess ill post my progress pics when i make some progress. my favorite detail set so far is the true details cockpits set with the eduard pe cockpits set coming in at a close second. there all cool though. the only problem is, i got to go the HS and purchase a razor saw and maybe a hold and fold. any suggestions are welcome as im an up and coming rookie modeler. i feel that my airbrushing skills are up to par enough to get serious now. i have an iwata hp-c and an omni 5000. i also have 2 single actions that collect dust since ive learned the double action methods. anybody looking for a paashe H and a badger 200G? ill sell both for $45 and ship them to you if you are inside the US mainland. thanks guys, later.

Just saw the thread, & was interested. I'm working on an RF-80A from the 45th TRS in Korea...BUT I'm having a problem trying to find a way to install clear windows in the C&H Miniatures resin nose conversion. It has a somewhat rough shape to the camera ports, and a sheet of clear acetate type plastic for the glass. If I just cut to shape and plug in the pieces, the glass won't be flush & C&H didn't include a ledge or brace to support them. Anyone have an idea? Please?

Thanks!

Welcome to the group build. Are you interested? Sorry I can't help you out any on your question, but good luck.

I just found this thread. I have a couple of planes that would do well in this build. The only thing is: I aint used to doing things that leave the ground!

Welcome to the NMF Group Build and welcome to the FSM Forum JL. Great to have you. Due date for this build is Halloween, so take your time and build one or more winners.

QUOTE: Originally posted by jpriceusmc Just saw the thread, & was interested. I'm working on an RF-80A from the 45th TRS in Korea...BUT I'm having a problem trying to find a way to install clear windows in the C&H Miniatures resin nose conversion. It has a somewhat rough shape to the camera ports, and a sheet of clear acetate type plastic for the glass. If I just cut to shape and plug in the pieces, the glass won't be flush & C&H didn't include a ledge or brace to support them. Anyone have an idea? Please? Thanks!

Can you lay-in some thin styrene strips along the back edge to form the ledge or backing? It'll take a little doing I'm sure. Do you references so the glazed area to be slightly recessed or flush with the fuselage exterior?

I am building Heller's Lockheed Constellation in 1/72 and want to do polished NMF on it, like the old American Airlines style. My questions are: 1. Is it EASIER to do BMF or use a burnishable paint? 2. Which LOOKS better? 3. How do you avoid overlapping foil lines if using BMF? Thanks-

Still trying to shove other things aside for my work! I have 2 B-52's and the B-58, all in 1/144, on a sort of "assembly line". F-101 needs a lot of work to get it that far. Not sure if all will be silver/natural metal, but at least 2.

wibhi2, Thanks for the info. References show flush installation of the windows, but references on the RF-80 are pretty scarce. I'll give the stips a try.

I did not know that they had F-101's in natural metal Finish.

The A's and early C's, I think. Maybe a Canadian B.

Update on my F-89J: I've had to put it away for now. I'm nearing time to paint it and I have not yet heard back from Mike Grant on the decals. I sent him some pics in hopes he could give me a quote. Maybe I'll hear from him soon.

I apoligize for not updating the list of who is doing what. I am having to use three internet programs to visit the sites I normally visit so I have not been able to. That along with the fact that I just got my Drivers license this last week has taken a lot of my time. I get my car by this next weekend so I will try to have that finished by then. Cheers. I am also hoping for a last minute large project suprise for this build but no promises. Good Luck to all and stay in touch. Great job on your Mig Bones I am sure Mike will answer you sooner or later. Good Luck.

Hey, guys! It's great to hear everyone's progress... but did you guys know that we're featured in the FSM Newsletter? Hehehe... Rather cool, i think. Oh, and I couldn't resist, so i started on the B-17G!

QUOTE: Originally posted by Gerarddm I am building Heller's Lockheed Constellation in 1/72 and want to do polished NMF on it, like the old American Airlines style.

Firstly, welcome to the forums, Gerarddm! I've always wanted to build a Heller kit, but never found one on a subject that interested me. That constellation would make a great addition to the group build! Are you joining?

QUOTE: Originally posted by Gerarddm 1. Is it EASIER to do BMF or use a burnishable paint?

Hmmm... I think this is a matter of prefference. I'm currently working on an F-86 for this group build, and I originally intended to use BMF on it, but after getting through the first section, i wasn't all that sure if i had the patience to do this panel-by-panel... I don't get burnishable paint here, but i'm told it looks fantastic, though, you aren't supposed to touch the stuff after painting for fear of leaving fingerprints.

QUOTE: Originally posted by Gerarddm 2. Which LOOKS better?

This too, is a matter of preference. Another reason why i didn't pursue BMF for my F-86 was that i wasn't completely happy with how the recessed detail showed through, so i opted for a rattle can instead. An airliner is a different story, however. Smooth lines and clean panels would be ideal for BMF (IMHO).

QUOTE: Originally posted by Gerarddm 3. How do you avoid overlapping foil lines if using BMF?

Can't help you with this one, though i did remember reading a thread here in the forum of someone who figured this out. Do a search for BMF here in the forums and see what you turn up. Sorry I couldn't be of more help!

There was also an article in FSM last year on BMF. I tried it on a thunderbirds F-100, it's an interesting experience to say the least and time consuming. There was also a guy who did a BMF finish on on a B-58 that I read through.

jpriceusmc

You could try using the special cement that Testors makes for gluing clear pieces....if you apply it around your port, it dries clear...there are instructions right on the back of the bottle for creating windows with it....

Seems like a cool build...too bad I couldn't use the same plane for 2 builds...as my SBD-1 I am building for the USMC build has a nice smooth Alclad NMF on it

Jeeves how is the Alclad or the SNJ stuff, is SNJ still available?

I do believe SNJ is available, but I've never used it.....before my airbrush-- I used to paint NMF with just Testors enamel Silver......this was when I was less careful and caring about modeling.....but I've grown more meticulous and in starting to use an airbrush-- went the Alclad route and will probably never turn back...

Shrikes, thanks for your feedback. I am still undecided as to BMF or paint. I really love the flowing lines of the Constellation,almost like a boat. My gut tells me that the BMF would be shinier and more polished than paint, which is the effect I want. I am not so concerned with historic accuracy as turning out an elegant polished sculptural shape.
As for the Heller kit, it seems very nice.. the plastic seems surprisingly soft to me, though. This is my first Heller kit, so it's all new to me- although they have agreat reputation in the ship modeling community for therir incredible version of HMS Victory.

Speaking of planes that cry to be modeled in NMF, I would kill for an accurate plastic or resin kit of the Hughes H-1 Racer, surely one of the most fluid sculptural shapes ever to fly.

Gerard, I am not sure I am familiar wiht the H-1 can you send me to a link? Welcome to the group build and to the forum. No photos of finished models before Haloween. You can post progress pics though.

SnJ can be had through thier web site
http://snjmodelproducts.com/index.html#H
I am sure that it can be gotten a number of other places as well.

Thanks wibhi2

Well I just looked at the SNJ site, Jeeves can you give me a link to the Alcalad site? Thanks. SNJ does not seam to be to difficult. Thanks.

Here ya go bro:

http://www.alclad2.com/index2.html

Thanks Jeeves seams like about the same. Not too bad. I have to make a tough choice though. Maybe try them both and see which one I like. I will also explore the wrapping method that was in the FSM a few years back on that real nice P-38.

Will a P-47N count?

Just remember with the Alclad-- it's the thinnest stuff out there it seems... and goes fast in an airbrush-- which hurts on the wallet. If you're doing a good sized plane, it may make sense to pick up two bottles.....

Well I have four smaller planes to do the F-100, the F-86D, the F-84G, an A-26 and a large scale suprise so maybe I would need at least six to eight of them. I don't know?

Yes a P-47N would be acceptable if it is in a NMF. Go for it!