So I began working on the Dragon/DML YF-23 last night and have decided to change my entry.  Looking at all thelse parts ( was an open box eBay purchase), I realized that I don't have the canopy pieces at all, and that the lower wings were very warped.  

I looked again on ebay, to see if I could pick up another one cheap,  but  nope.  Did a little more research and and found that this kit is the least accurate of all offerings.  With all that being said, I did manage to get it mostly built in about two hours.  Would have lots of sanding, filling and so on.  Was planning on using some 1/72 scale F-16 decals to depict an operational fighter.

I'll let you all know what I'll be replacing it with shortly. 

<Matt

blkhwkmatt

So I began working on the Dragon/DML YF-23 last night and have decided to change my entry.  Looking at all thelse parts ( was an open box eBay purchase), I realized that I don't have the canopy pieces at all, and that the lower wings were very warped.  

I looked again on ebay, to see if I could pick up another one cheap,  but  nope.  Did a little more research and and found that this kit is the least accurate of all offerings.  With all that being said, I did manage to get it mostly built in about two hours.  Would have lots of sanding, filling and so on.  Was planning on using some 1/72 scale F-16 decals to depict an operational fighter.

I'll let you all know what I'll be replacing it with shortly. 

<Matt

 

BK

GH, that cockpit looks super nice and that IP, WOW!!! That is simply stunning. 

BK

Thanks, but I can't take credit for the IP, it is all Eduard, 2 layers of their PE. 

Screwed the pit in the upper fuselage and started on the intake trunks......not liking life much right now. These things have more seams than a pair of Levis's, and after spending about 5 hours on decaling Miss America, just not in the mood.  Got the back halfs filled and sanded with 220, will finish up and get the seams where they attach at the front tomorrow.

Goldhammer,

That PE really makes the 'pit look nice.  Keep up the great work.

<Matt

Decals are done. I love the Canadian roundels done to resemble British roundels. Very clever. Unfortunately, the artwork on the vert stabs was not printed very well and it's not super crisp. other than that, the decals went down well.

I'll let that set up overnight with the dull coat and pull the mask off tomorrow.

Rob, It looks awesome.

BK

Great to see those decals on Rob, looks really nice.

She's lookin' good Rob! I too love those roundels, very clever! 

Rob, 

love the scheme and the roundels!  Looking forward to seeing her completed!

<Matt

BrandonK

 

 

blkhwkmatt

So I began working on the Dragon/DML YF-23 last night and have decided to change my entry.  Looking at all thelse parts ( was an open box eBay purchase), I realized that I don't have the canopy pieces at all, and that the lower wings were very warped.  

I looked again on ebay, to see if I could pick up another one cheap,  but  nope.  Did a little more research and and found that this kit is the least accurate of all offerings.  With all that being said, I did manage to get it mostly built in about two hours.  Would have lots of sanding, filling and so on.  Was planning on using some 1/72 scale F-16 decals to depict an operational fighter.

I'll let you all know what I'll be replacing it with shortly. 

<Matt

 

 

 

 

NP Matt, just let me know.

 

BK

 

So I think I've narrowed it down to an F-16.  Not sure which one yet, will post pictures of the box art later on today and ask for assinstance in picking one out.

<Matt

Thanks folks, I'll post the completed pix later tonight.

Well Matt if I can barge in here probably the best F-16 in 1/48th is the Tamiya kit which is incredible. The Academy one isn't half bad and much cheaper. The Kinetic one I'm working on is pretty good but the instructions do leave a bit to be desired. 

I have the Tamiya, have built one a while ago as well.  Great kit.  Think I have a couple of the Kinetic kits (don't recall right now which ones) as well as the skunkworks F-16xl. Kinda torn between either the Tamiya F-16 done in 354th Agreessor colors or the F-16xl.  

So, the CF-18 is done. Easy when you don't have a single under wing store to do!! It was a straight forward build with no issues. Not exactly the best idea to have the front fuselage of a jet fighter split horizontally, but, it went together with little seam showing. It was a re-boxed Academy kit, so, I expected good things. The decals were 'ok'. The star decals featured on the vert stabs could have been clearer, but, i'm satisfied. Overall, fun kit. I always, as a Canadian myself, like to do Cdn subjects. Shout out to BrandonK for hosting!

Thanks for lookin'!! On to the Japanese/Amphibious aircraft GB....

Nicely done after the issues that popped up.  Kudos.

Great work Rob, lovely finish and a great choice of scheme.

Rob,

The bug turned out fantastic! I really like the camo scheme! Great job!

Brandon,

I have a question.

Would a MQ-1 Reaper drone be eligible for this GB? I think yes because it is modern, but, also think no because it has propeller propulsion.

I will let you be the judge.

hogfanfs

Brandon,

I have a question.

Would a MQ-1 Reaper drone be eligible for this GB? I think yes because it is modern, but, also think no because it has propeller propulsion.

I will let you be the judge.

 

BK

Rob, that is quite a stunning build, and rapid too. Very very nicely done!!! Which photo would you like on the front page?

BK

BrandonK

 

 

hogfanfs

Brandon,

I have a question.

Would a MQ-1 Reaper drone be eligible for this GB? I think yes because it is modern, but, also think no because it has propeller propulsion.

I will let you be the judge.

 

 

 

 

Yes it does qualify, the restriction is no PISTON drivin AC. So, props are fine as long as not piston. But, even it is, I'd still permit it. Bring it on.

 

BK

 

Brandon, 

Thank you, put me down in addition to the F-16, a 1/48 Bronco MQ-1 Predator (I apologize, I said Reaper in the orginal post). I'll get some WIP pictures posted once I have a little more progress.

Brandon, the first one would suffice although I'm a cruddy photographer!!

Rob, she came out beautiful! I love these schemes and you did a fantastic job on it.

Thanks Gam, it was a fun build!

That hornet turned out pretty dang good !

Rob, Great looking CF-18.  I really like the BoB schemes applied to the modern aircraft.  One to be proud of for sure!

<Matt

Well, as mentioned here are the three kits that I can choose from for this build. 

The Tamiya F-16C/N Agressor, will be marked as on the box art.

Kinetic F-16D blk52

or the

Skunkworks F-16XL

Which one would you choose if you had to.  If only I had the time to build all three...

<Matt

Thanks guys!!

The Tamiya F-16, IMO! Looks like a beauty!

Those all look awesome Matt. I gravitate more toward the XL since it's just so cool looking, kinda wish the USAF had went with that design.