Eye in the Sky GB

Here's the Wood Pecker from the 501st Recon Squadron! Yep their mascot sure looks like the Woody Woodpecker I remember from cartoons as a kid. This RF-86F was a JASDF bird from 1961 to 1977.  I was really interested in these after seeing the Haymaker Sabre at the National Museum of the USAF. They flew missions over Russia and China fast and high during the Cold War. The guns were replaced with cameras, thus the bulges in the nose to make room, and the gun ports were covered and shadowed so it only looks like they are there.

This kit fit well and had lots of detail. There's a few pics below of the nose and the air brake that highlight this. I'm also excited to say I got every part on it, including one of the smallest pieces ever, that little horn on the nose...

You can maybe see where I hollowed out the nose like the real thing and used clear parts glue to make the cover. Then I dusted it with Nato Black to try and give the feel of a dark translucent glass.

Ed that's awesome, love it! 

Actually not as bad as building the Testor?Italeri Phantom kits.

68GT those look tough. Love the design so it’ll be worth it in the end. Should really stand out as well on that paint scheme.

Chugging along here with the decals.  They are supposed to be sized for the Testors RF kit but there is is matches.

That looks really good. I don't think I have ever seen an f-86 in those markings. Very cool.

BK

Looking good for a strong finish here in the last week. She's all set except for settling down the decals, a final gloss coat and some weathering. Will finish her up this weekend. Every step of the way I like this Fujimi kit. Decals don't fall apart and with a little SOL they settle down in 2 applications of it. Almost all the carrier film has disappeared. Will have to watch that before I clear it to make sure they are gone. This feels like an OOB contest entry in the future. Here's how she looks right now...

Mongoose, I too have the lift off issue with Alclad II. I am not having good luck with that and tape. I'll be keen to see how yours works out. The 86 looks really good.

68GT, the f4 is looking pretty sweet. Can't go wrong with any version of that one.

BK

This heat wave was good for something.  Too hot to go out so I got some build time in.  First time at the bench in over a month.

Ok gang, it’s time for paint! I’ve returned to Vallejo after casting it off last year. So many problems keeping the tape from ripping up the paint. possibly my painting has finally improved enough to feel comfortable not ripping up my hard work. So here goes.

My inspiration was the RF-86F I saw at the USAF Museum last year. The vertical surfaces were like chrome, the gear bay doors more flat, and the wing tanks were more of a grey color. I’ve used duraluminum for the inlays and aluminum for the major panels, especially on the sides. Fro the tanks I used semi matte aluminum to try and capture the look. So far so good. Here’s a preview

Here she is with primer applied! Seams look really good. I may have a little more cleanup on 1 of the lower wings joints and thats about it. This model assembled really nicely! 

She is starting to take shape now. Looks like the fit is pretty good too. I'm looking forward to seeing this with some color. 

BK

Decided to spend a hot summer Sunday just working on a model. All the major bits are assembled at this point. I really like the detail on this Fujimi. Will buy another of their kits for sure. Wait till you see the air brakes, prbably be done with them in a couple days at the latest.

These decals seem a little over-zealous on the color don’t they? They are for sure resistant to microsol. Will be another hour before they will lay down based on how the instrument panel has gone. Once everything dries I think I’ll try a black wash so the colors on the seat will blend together better. Time for a lunch break, otherwise I’ll mess with those decals to soon and screw something up lol

 I've read where some builders use tin foil and tamiya tape to make seat belts. I haven't tried it yet but I think its a great idea. Those tin foil only belts look the part for sure.

BK

I like the idea of using foil for the belts. 

Progress:

The interior of the plane has parts in it now and the gear strut parts have been glued...

The seatbelts were made from tin foil, painted, and placed inside. 

Looking forward to seeing that one come together Mongoose!

No worries Castel, I hope your move goes well and good luck with the shaking.  I went through the shakes last year when I was sick.  They are still there but not quite as bad.

castelnuovo

Brandon, that looks absolutely FANTASTIC

My build is on hold until further notice. Almost finished but my hands are trembling so much that I simply can't build anything, even few touch ups with the paint are a no go for me. We are moving soon anyway so no time to do anything, will see how it will be when the move is over. Maybe I'll just do somehow those few thing and call it a career.

 

BK

TheMongoose

I’m finally getting around to mine. Determined to finish before the deadline. Barring any serious honey-do surprises it is possible. This kit has some nice detail for sure. I’ve decided to spend some time detail painting the wells, electronics bay, and the air brake. Gonna leave everything they gave me open. Here’s that first pic of box art and such. Will have some pics of progress going into the weekend.

 

Not sure if i want to paint the nmf or use foil? You be the judge. Any requests?

 

 

BK

Brandon, that looks absolutely FANTASTIC

My build is on hold until further notice. Almost finished but my hands are trembling so much that I simply can't build anything, even few touch ups with the paint are a no go for me. We are moving soon anyway so no time to do anything, will see how it will be when the move is over. Maybe I'll just do somehow those few thing and call it a career.

I’m finally getting around to mine. Determined to finish before the deadline. Barring any serious honey-do surprises it is possible. This kit has some nice detail for sure. I’ve decided to spend some time detail painting the wells, electronics bay, and the air brake. Gonna leave everything they gave me open. Here’s that first pic of box art and such. Will have some pics of progress going into the weekend.

Ed, SB and Chad, thank you muchly for the kind words. She came out to my satisfaction. I appreciate the chance to play along with all these skilled builders. It was fun.

BK

Thank you, Silent Bob!

Here are some photos:

It was a four-piece canopy...

More to do still...and lastly, the display base I sanded and stained... :)

Brandon, WOW.. just WOW!

John, you're more than welcome!  I've gotten you added to the roster.

Brandon, all I can say is wow!  I wouldn't have guessed you had such problems to start with.  She looks great and she's up on the front page.  Thanks for participating!