Fleet Air Arm Group Build

TANGO 1 wrote:

Just remember Frank...........you've signed the Secret Workshop Official Secrets Act.

Thanks mate.

Well its Friday again and I've been busy in the secret workshop-yes I do actually build models as well!!

I feel like I'm steaming ahead with my B-25 now and hopefully I will be finished this weekend. I  have finished all the weathering and the last dull coat is bone dry so I am now in the process of adding all the fiddly bits and correcting all those bits I missed earlier...........

I will paint up the upper turet this evening and remove all those canopy masks.....I hope that the forward canopies will come out ok.

TANGO 1 wrote:

DesertRat wrote: Just a slight bit of an update for me here with the Monogram Dauntless. With the exception of the flaps, landing gear, propeller, and canopy, i've gotten it all assembled. Can't quite explain it, but i honestly swear the fit of the parts somehow changed after applying the glue to the wing halves. But, no matter. with a little extra glue, and a dozen clothespins holding the wings together, i think that should do the trick. Then it's on to filling seams. I'm gonna need alotta putty for this thing. I'll throw up some pictures once the clothespins come off, and show ya what i'm looking at. Roger, sorry to hear of your fit problems mate, but you are making progress and I'm sure all your hard work will pay off in the end. Chin up!

Ehhh, no worries Darren. I ran into a post somewhere here that says the old Monogram kits tend to warp with age. I think this is probably just a prime example. I'll make it fit! Even if i have to nail it shut!

Well I don't about you chaps, but I'm ready for a drink!!

Whatever you are doing this weekend, in whichever time zone you find yourselves.....

Have a great weekend!

CHEERS!

Well, I am starting my decals on the '46 today!  One problem, these Aeromaster decals are HORRIBLE to work with!  This is the second time I have used them, and they really stink.  Very thick, impervious to decal solutions, etc etc.

Any tips?  I put down some micro set first, then more setting solution on top.  Waited a while, then smoothed them down.  So far, THREE applications of micro sol over the course of two hours and they have not even begun to pull down yet.  They look more like stickers than decals to me. 

Frank,

those decals sound really bad! I really cannot understand why they are like that-I have used Aeromaster decals many times without any trouble. What did you use for a gloss coat? 

How about using a pinpoint needle to put lots of holes in the decal so the fluid reaches underneath, that sometimes works.

I have heard that Mr. Mark Softer is pretty good with difficult decals, maybe thats worth a try? 

Darren-

Thanks for the tip.  I have some Mr. Softer to try, hopefully it will help.  I had this exact problem with the Spitfire Mk.I decals for my Tamiya kit.  Ended up redoing the paint and tossing the decals in the garbage.  Used the ones from the Monogram kit, worked like a charm.  These Aeromaster ones look like they have a few dozen coats of clear over the top of them. 

TANGO 1 wrote:

Well I don't about you chaps, but I'm ready for a drink!! Whatever you are doing this weekend, in whichever time zone you find yourselves..... Have a great weekend! CHEERS!

Prost!!!!!

Frank, you must have gotten some bad sheets.  I've used AeroMaster decals for years & always found them to be first rate, far superior to most kit decals.

Regards,  Rick

Mmmmm.................Frank you must have just been unlucky with these decals. Wish I had a set to give to you mate.

I wonder if you email Aeromaster perhaps they may help out? Just an idea. 

Frank, are you holding your mouth right (falls of chair laughing)

I hope you can get things to work for you.

Roy

Men of FAA GB, I have PM everyone their name for the 1st FAA GB Christmas gift exchange.  Any questions please email me.

Roy

Hey Roy I have received my PM and I'll be buying for XXXXXXXXX

I've sent my details and kit preference back in a PM, as Frank said are there any special rules and when does the kit need to be there.  I need to know because it's going to take me a while to wrap up the 1/35 Dora Railway Gun

http://www.modelers-paradise.com/dora35/dorarailwaygun35.htm 

Thanks 

darson wrote:

I need to know because it's going to take me a while to wrap up the 1/35 Dora Railway Gun

Somebody's been a VERY good boy to deserve one of those for Christmas!

After a day of decaling, I can say that I successfully applied the Aeromaster decals to the '46.  They aren't quite as nice as I would like, but I think they look OK.  Especially when I consider that I had no back-up plan!  The major markings and squadron markings are on, but I have to wait for my stencil decals to arrive from Squadron.  So far so good!  Here's a couple of shots with the markings on:

And you guys thought all I did was lay around drinking rum...

Frank, the pics look outstanding  See, holding your mouth the right way plus laying off the rum for awhile does help  Really, it looks great my friend.

As for the gift exchange, just make sure it gets to the person in time for Christmas.  We can all post who we have on Dec 24/25.  As for any other rules...have fun  The group that we have built up here will do right by each other.....now where to put that Railgun when it's finished

Roy

I just looked at the link for that kit.  At the bottom it said USD 799 plus shipping  My wife would have her day in court if I purchased that  But boy would it be cool.

Roy

Thanks Roy, appreciate the kind words! 

Looks good Frank.  Glad the decal problem got sorted out.

Regards,  Rick

Thanks Rick, that makes two of us!

Well, I just got back from shopping for XXXXXXXXXX, and he is really gonna be excited when he opens up his Christmas gift exchange present and sees a XXXXXXXXXX. 

I had the wife do the drawings and the emails so that I would have no idea who has my name  I have not gone shoping yet but I have some great ideas for him

Roy

Hey Frank-

great to see the Mk.46 with her markings on. No doubt about it fella-you are doing a bloody good job there. Decals look flawless from where I'm standing.

Looking forward to seeing this one completed. 

Well guys I got my signal from our Roy and I know that I'm getting a present for XXXXXXXXX!

I will be going to the IPMS UK Nationals next weekend-as well as mixing with the UK's hobby great and good and seeing the wealth of talent on display, I will also be doing a little shopping.....

Gentlemen, this place is like the worlds largest model shop!!!! I think I will be able to find something very nice for my exchange buddy. In fact, I think I know just what to get him............

Glade to see you guys getting into the spirit of giving.  Here it is the first of Nov and already everyone is jazzed about giving, as our cousin across the pond would say, "smashing good show chaps".  Did I get it right Darren?

Roy

Darren- Thanks buddy!  I appreciate the kind words.  It was touch and go for a while there...

Sounds like a wonderful show!  Don't forget to give those Airfix fellas a hard time about some of their moldings on that Mk46/47 kit.  Also, please tell 'em to ramp up the 1/48 Spitfire early Mk.I production.  I want one and they are bloody hard to find on this side of the pond!

Frank, that looks awesome, my friend! Those suckers look like they were painted on from where I'm sitting!

....and boy is my recipient XXXXXXXXX in for a suprise this Christmas!