1/35 Zeon Mobile Scout in desert colors - W.I.P.

Ok, so we decided to start a group build in which we would build a sci-fi model, and then paint it in WWII colors.

I decided that the (first) kit I build for the GB will be the U.C. HardGraph Zeon Mobile Scout:

http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN945937

Mostly because I already have one in the stash. I intend do it in D.A.K. desert colors, w/ appropriate markings.

Ok, so I stated by opening the box and checking out all the pieces. Many of the parts are quite delicate, and there were special structures on the sprues to protect them. Very nice.

Next, I began test fitting parts. I wanted to see if this was going to be a difficult build, or if it was just going to fall together. I also wanted to get an idea of the models "footprint"; that is, how much space would be required on a scenic base to display it.

Here, some of the parts have been glued, but most are just push fitted together. Engineering on this kit is really nice. You can see how delicate it is. I've got to decide where to drill a hole for the brass rod that will support it when it's done. Hmmm.

Since this will be an ‘in-flight' display, I really should have looked at the figure first, since he will be a focal point for the model. Looks ok, but I'm going to have to build him to really know. I don't like the helmet, so I may replace the head altogether.

I know the model will be mostly stock, so now I've got to get the base ready.

I set the model on a piece of thick paper, and added about an inch to either side for terrain and incidentals. (In hindsight, I should have added the legs to the piece before deciding how big it's base should be. Ah well, if there's not enough room, I can always make another. )

Once I had a rough idea how much space it would take up, I cut a piece of the approximate size from the paper. Seems about right.

Then I used that guide to make a mock up of the base from paper and tape. I decided to make the base ¾ of an inch thick, for no other reason than it looked about right.

Next, using the pieces of my mock up as a template, I scribed and cut pieces of 2mm sheet styrene, and used those pieces to assemble the base. I end up having a box shaped display, w/ a 2mm tray in it to contain whatever I use for ground work (celluclay or mold-a-scene most likely). Notice I added a ¾ inch border on the front. This is a place for the model's title, and maybe the scale.

I'm not done yet though. The base is too lightweight, and I'll want to drill into it so I can mount the model on a brass rod, so...

I flip the base over, and run superglue into the corners. I then swept the scriber shavings and the plastic dust from sanding the pieces into the tray, shaking it around so that it sticks to the glue. Waste not, want not.

For years now, whenever I finish a kit I've saved the excess sprues. I chop them up into manageable pieces and store them in a bag.

Here's why; First I take the extra sprue and shake it into the tray, using only enough to fill in almost to the brim, but not quite.

Then I break out the casting resin. This particular batch is getting old, and is only suitable to the purpose I intend for it.

I mix up the last of it, and pour it into the tray over the sprue bits.

As it hardens, it expands slightly, and it gets very hot. The old plastic bits act as heat sinks, absorbing some of the heat and keeping the tray from melting. The plastic also takes up space (volume) and therefore I can use less resin.

When it hardens, it turns white. It didn't quite fill up the base, but that‘s the last of it. It works for what I needed it to; It makes the base solid, gives it some weight and also gives me a foundation to drill into.

After filling the outer seams w/ superglue and sanding everything flush, I check to see if I still like the size. It's all good, so now it's ready to be drilled and painted.

Continuing w/ the model, I cleaned up most of the parts in preparation for assembly. I added some hex bolts to the landing gear because I thought they looked a little plain.

After building the base, I needed to figure out how I wanted to mount the model on it.

I had already decided on an "in-flight' style display. To that end, I drilled a hole in both the base and the model to accept a brass rod. The holes were not at the perfect angle, so I had to tweak the rod a little.

That looks about right.

Then I decided to improve the intakes on the rear fan. The kit has screens that are molded solid, but they don't look very convincing, especially when the fan's cover is on.

I started by drilling out the fans w/ carbide drill bits I got from Micro Mark.

Then, w/ a motor tool set on the lowest setting and some needle files, I hollowed out and trimmed the opening to shape.

Lastly, I used some mesh screen I had left over from a Tamiya Marder A1 kit. I carefully glued the screen in place w/ super glue, and then trimmed it w/ some sharp scissors. Looks much better.

Next up, the figure.