My Revell 1/35 Colonial Viper.... With a twist...

Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

My Revell 1/35 Colonial Viper.... With a twist...

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Sunday, March 26, 2006 1:29 AM

Hi guys.. Been a while since I posted in the sci fi section.. But I have been doing so many aircraft lately, that I needed something to get me interested again.. I came across this Revell Colonial Viper here in Japan on auction..

I am usually one person that always sticks to the rule book, and so thought about doing that with this Viper.. Only problem is, that although the TOS Viper is my favourite design. I am also a big fan of the Mk II Viper aswell..

So then I got to thinking.. I wonder how an original Viper would look with a Mk II paint scheme?.. Well. Not bad at all, and I am happy with the way it has come out.. I even decided to put a squadron insignia on the nose like the Mk II..

This is far from finished, and so I still need to tweek it a little, and I am still trying to figure out how to glass up the canope? Also, I was scratching my head about landing gear, as this kit is pretty basic.. And so just as a laugh, I placed the landing gear from my Joyride Viper to have a look.. Well I always thought they were way too big for the Joyride Viper, and they are a perfect fit for this one.. I now need to paint them up and scratch some bay doors!

This kit is perfect, because it is around 1/35, so a pilot shouldnt be hard to scratch for it either!.. I also have the Revell Cylon Raider arriving tomorrow. But I will be sticking to the book with that one, and it will be totally canon!

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

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LemonJello

Member since
February 2004
From: Green Lantern Corps HQ on Oa

Posted by LemonJello on Sunday, March 26, 2006 4:42 AM

Looks fantastic. Really a sharp looking kit, you've got there.

For cockpit glass, have you thought about using exposed film negative? Just a suggestion.

I'll be looking forward to posts on the Cylon raider.

A day in the Corps is like a day on the farm; every meal is a banquet, every paycheck a fortune, every formation a parade... The Marine Corps is a department of the Navy? Yeah...The Men's Department.

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maxx1969

Member since
May 2004
From: Oregon

Posted by maxx1969 on Sunday, March 26, 2006 7:22 AM

I like the markings! Very cool idea and great build up so far.

~Matt T Meyer

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, March 26, 2006 8:43 AM

Great job Chris. It feels very "New Show-ish". The landing gear seems to work great. As for a figure Millenia Models makes figures, carried at Federation Models. Either seated or standing. Can't wait to see the Raider. Going to light it? Again, nice job.

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Edit

terry35

Member since
May 2005
From: Dublin Rep Of Ireland

Posted by terry35 on Sunday, March 26, 2006 2:31 PM

Looks excellent, Really nice build.

Regards,

Terry

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Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Sunday, March 26, 2006 5:27 PM

Thanks guys..

I really was a little worried with this one as I love the original Viper and its paint scheme.. But I thought what the heck... The problem is, that I am actually still in two minds about it? And so, It may just be stripped and re-done as an original?.. I was also thinking about scratch building a Mk II and Mk VII to match the Revell VIper in 1/35....

Dont get me wrong, I like the way it has turned out, but I am a bit of a loyalist with the TOS stuff. So thank you for the kind remarks.. I guess if anything, it could be considered as the change over Viper, before they went to the Mk II's

As for the raider. Hopefully it should arrive today, and I will need to sit down and do a dry fit to see what I will do with it.. I have decided that I will do the Raider completely canon.. It is one spaceship design that I really dont like deviating from.. Its also a favourite of mine since I was a kid in the 70's..

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

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Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Sunday, March 26, 2006 11:05 PM

Update:

Well, I simply couldn't handle looking at it not being canon. So out came the thinner and I have just spent all morning stripping the paint.. Now it looks like it has just come out of the box!

I also spent about an hour cutting out clear plastic for the canope, and it looks great so far.. Will post pics again when I have it re painted..

Update:
Well, she has been stripped, cleaned up, and re primered..

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Hippy-Ed

Member since
December 2004
From: Stockton,Ca

Posted by Hippy-Ed on Monday, March 27, 2006 12:51 AM

Real nice there Chris! Sure, it's Sci-fi but, it flies... Looked good in the mkII markings and, I tend to agree with ya on being a TOS Viper guy... Lookin' foreward to the Cylon Raider. They were frakken awesome!! I can't recall how many Vipers & Raiders I did as a kid...

If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything

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Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Monday, March 27, 2006 2:25 AM

Thanks Ed as always!

Well the Raider didnt show up today, so I spent the day re-doing this Viper, and I am happy with the way its turning out.. The problem is that its hard to know what is too much, and what is just right, so the weathering will be at a minimum I think?

Anyways Ed, I will give details of the Raider when she gets here..

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Monday, March 27, 2006 3:30 AM

Update No 2:

The Raider arrived, and just looking at it, it is a funky looking model.. Lacking a little detail it still is quite a sweet looking model.. Not many parts either, and after the amount of aircraft I have built lately, I am happy for that fact!.. The decals I wont use, as for some reason the black wing decals have a red lining on each side.. Dont know why they did that. But from what I gather this is the original Monogram kit, where as my Viper was the re-released Revell kit..

Update No 3:

I have spent the whole day on the Viper, and I have just finished placing the decals on it.. The only thing left is the canope glass, and a little more weathering and I think I am done.. I must say that it looks much better in the original colour scheme!

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Hippy-Ed

Member since
December 2004
From: Stockton,Ca

Posted by Hippy-Ed on Monday, March 27, 2006 9:44 AM

Hey Chris, that Raider looks right for the original boxing IIRC. I seem to recall having painted the black wing markings on mine as I felt the red trim didn't look right.
I like the way you did the canopy glass on the Viper Smile [:)]

you're definately doing it justice my friend Thumbs Up [tup]

I have a question for you... Whistling [:-^]

which era are you doing this Viper up in? If it's the museum era the weathering would be very light. The late war era, the Viper would be heavily weathered from constant use in combat / flight ops not to mention many repairs & servicing to keep the thing flying. imho Blush [:I]

I look foreward to seeing this completed & the Raider being built.

If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything

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Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 5:48 PM

Hi again Ed..

Well to be honest.. I never thought of it like that. But I guess, slightly weathered, but still in good nik... I really hate the overly weathered Vipers that I see around..

I understand it would have been a tough time for them. But first rule of military is to keep everything spik and span!.. So I dont believe that although worn, they were very dirty!

If you also notice, I painted mine a little darker to look like fresh paint.. I have always put the lighter Vipers down to exposure, and so the paint has faided.. Also my decals were actually in great condition concidering thier age, and they still have the dayglow orange look about them on the darker grey paint.. So I guess mine is still relatively new!... I am still yet to put a dull coat on, and so that will bring everything down a little also.. SHe is a little shiny at the momment...

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

TANGO 1

Member since
December 2002
From: A secret workshop somewhere in England

Posted by TANGO 1 on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 6:40 PM

Great looking Viper you have there Chris, I love the paint job!

I'm trying to get my hands on a Mk.II Viper myself-so far I've had no luck. If you see any in your part of the world,be sure to tell us about it.

Darren.

Regards, Darren. C.A.G. FAA/USNFAW GB

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Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 3:44 AM

Update:

Well, I am enjoying a few days holiday, so I have had the time to put into my latest models.. Here are a few update pics.. I have been working a little on each and then changing over, so they are both still far from finished..

First pic is of my Raider.. I painted the main, and actually had to do the decals for the stripes and the insignia myself, as the Monogram kit ones were like a toy.. I still have alot of detail to put on this thing, and some rusting on the top, so here is how I have come along..

Second pic is of them desplayed in my entertainment room.. Very happy with the way they have come along!

Cheers Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Hippy-Ed

Member since
December 2004
From: Stockton,Ca

Posted by Hippy-Ed on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 10:56 AM

Alright Chris Approve [^]

The Raider looks great! So do the vipers. I hear what yer sayin' bout the weathering &
I do agree that some are too heavily weathered but, that's one thing about this hobby I like... To each their
own Smile [:)]

as for the 1st rule: Keep 'em flying Big Smile [:D]

then ya kin clean 'em up Laugh [(-D]

You're definately doing these justice my friend...

O/T what is that clear cube on the books? Just curious Question [?]

If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything

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archangel571

Member since
June 2005
From: NJ 07073

Posted by archangel571 on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 6:24 PM

Hippy-Ed wrote:
Alright Chris The Raider looks great! So do the vipers. I hear what yer sayin' bout the weathering &
I do agree that some are too heavily weathered but, that's one thing about this hobby I like... To each their
own as for the 1st rule: Keep 'em flying then ya kin clean 'em up
You're definately doing these justice my friend...

O/T what is that clear cube on the books? Just curious

something about some junior high school and kindergarten... i simply can't read kanji... =P

i am more wondering about if that's a BIG flag on your wall.

oh yea i think the refinished viper looks great.

-=Ryan=- Too many kits... so little free time. MadDocWorks

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Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 8:37 PM

Thanks guys..

I wasnt trying to offend anyone with my comment about overly done weathering, and so was just stating what I like and dont like.. So sorry if that came across.. Ed, the cube is a glass cube with a 3d lasered diagram of Higashi Fukuoka High School and its sports grounds.

Higashi (east) Fukuoka Junior and Senior High School are famous for thier Rugby Soccer and Baseball teams.. I teach there, and so thats why I am on holidays at the momment..

archangel, I really dont know how you could see what it was, but you were pretty close.. Its a Junior and Senior high school.... As for the flag. It's the state flag of Georgia...

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

archangel571

Member since
June 2005
From: NJ 07073

Posted by archangel571 on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 9:01 PM

to solve the mystery, it's 'cause i use a 42 inch plasma as my monitor / i am a clone of superman... ugh... nah, it's more because your third picture from the top was left unresized. i caught that the first time i was reading the thread. i had nothing better to do at work at that time so i tried to read the kanji. =P (the 42in plasma for pc monitor wasn't quite untrue though, it does have VGA in...)

-=Ryan=- Too many kits... so little free time. MadDocWorks

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Hippy-Ed

Member since
December 2004
From: Stockton,Ca

Posted by Hippy-Ed on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 11:39 PM

Thanks Chris, I could see part of the design in the glass cube (in the Raider shot) but, couldn't make it out. I collect
things like that Smile [:)]

Actually, just getting started on them since my g.f. has one of a unicorn.
As for the "weathering" comments, I don't think anyone was offended by that. I know I wasn't. Each person has their own tastes & that is what's so great about this hobby we have Approve [^]

gives one a "personal" view on a given subject.
I know that I like certain things heavily weathered (tanks, APCs, armour) and others lightly weathered such as "things with wings" but, then again, it all depends on the subject, and the time frame that it is being modeled in.
I haven't tried my hand too much at weathering or, even shading yet but, I want to learn. I know if it's done right it'll look great. If not done right, it'll look like a nightmare. Evil [}:)]

archangel, you lucky Censored [censored]

duck you... must be nice to have such a screen hooked up!!

Sign - Off Topic!! [#offtopic]

I just noticed I've hit the 1,000 post mark!! WooHoo!!! Shock [:O]

If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything

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r13b20

Member since
April 2014

Posted by r13b20 on Saturday, April 8, 2006 8:22 PM

Chris, Great job! I too like TOS. Keep up the great work!

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r13b20

Member since
April 2014

Posted by r13b20 on Saturday, April 8, 2006 8:26 PM

P.S., you might like my TOS VIPER thread. I did it as a "What if...". Again great work.

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Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Saturday, April 8, 2006 9:20 PM

Sorry I havnt been back for a while.. Congrats on the 1000 posts Ed!

13b20, thanks for your posts too.. Saw your pictures of your Stealth Viper.. Pretty cool I must say.. Interesting idea...

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Hippy-Ed

Member since
December 2004
From: Stockton,Ca

Posted by Hippy-Ed on Saturday, April 8, 2006 10:07 PM

Chris_in_Japan wrote:
Sorry I havnt been back for a while.. Congrats on the 1000 posts Ed!

13b20, thanks for your posts too.. Saw your pictures of your Stealth Viper.. Pretty cool I must say.. Interesting idea...

Chris

Thanks Chris, I just noticed you're getting close to it too Big Smile [:D]

Glad yer back Chris.

If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything

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Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Sunday, April 9, 2006 2:23 AM

Thanks mate.. Nearly there!...

I was just thinking to myself.. Its funny what can happen in two weeks.. Here I was posting about my Viper, and as we speak, I am in the painting stage of my 1/48 scale X-Wing fighter..

ps: I am in two minds about getting the Fine molds Millennium Falcon at the momment.. Had it in my hands on Saturday, but decided to have a bit of a longer think about it...

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Hippy-Ed

Member since
December 2004
From: Stockton,Ca

Posted by Hippy-Ed on Sunday, April 9, 2006 9:14 AM

Yer welcome my friend Big Smile [:D]

Hmmm, was that Millenium Falcon the cut-a-way version? I'd say go fer it! Mischief [:-,]

ps. didn't ya know,... thinking IS hazzardous to one's health?! Evil [}:)]

If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything

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mightymax

Member since
September 2003

Posted by mightymax on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 1:44 AM

Actually that is NOT the original boxing. That is the Bandai boxing of the original Monogram kit.

I have a Raider and a Base Ship in Bandai marked boxes. These were licensed from Monogram for release in Japan a year or two after they were released stateside.

Just usless model trivia for ya.

Cheers,

Max Bryant

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Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 4:49 AM

Huh.... Oh your talking about the raider....

Max, please dont think I am being smarmy, but actually I didn't mean it as the original-original Monogram kit. And yes, it does have a tiny little Bandai sticker on the side of it.. But you can't see in that pic the big Monogram in the top corner.. And as it is a fairly old looking and smelling box, and the kit still has the holes for the little firing thing, and has the old art on it.. By original I meant, not the re-released kit from the 90's.. Bandai released them here, but it's a Monogram...

Ed.. When I mentioned the Millennium Falcon, I was talking about the Fine Molds one, and its around Yen19000 here, I guess about US$170. So thats why I have had it in my hands on 3 different occassions now, and still going back, just for that look again.. I think I will get it tomorrow.. But I said that 2 days ago.. I went to the bank, got the money out (as the old Japanese lady that has her little dindgy model store doesnt have credit facilities) and I then walked up the street to the shop. Got to the front, looked at my car, and then couldnt go in.. I made myself get in the car!.. ha ha ha.. I am an idiot!

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Hippy-Ed

Member since
December 2004
From: Stockton,Ca

Posted by Hippy-Ed on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 8:57 AM

Chris_in_Japan wrote:
Huh.... Oh your talking about the raider....

Ed.. When I mentioned the Millennium Falcon, I was talking about the Fine Molds one, and its around Yen19000 here, I guess about US$170. So thats why I have had it in my hands on 3 different occassions now, and still going back, just for that look again.. I think I will get it tomorrow.. But I said that 2 days ago.. I went to the bank, got the money out (as the old Japanese lady that has her little dindgy model store doesnt have credit facilities) and I then walked up the street to the shop. Got to the front, looked at my car, and then couldnt go in.. I made myself get in the car!.. ha ha ha.. I am an idiot!

Chris

Yer not an idiot Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]

Chicken, or just plain Scared to tackle such a project Wink [;)]

C'mon Chris, I'm sure ya got the backbone to go and get it

If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything

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Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 6:01 PM

Ha ha ha, the problem is, although I can afford it. The fact of the matter is, that I have never spent that much money on a model....ever....

From what I hear, the model is absolutely perfect. And a retarded koala could build it.. (well maybe not) But if it is the same quality as the previous Fine Molds releases, then it would be easy enough to build.. Its parting with the money that I worry about..

Its scary!

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Hippy-Ed

Member since
December 2004
From: Stockton,Ca

Posted by Hippy-Ed on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 7:32 PM

Chris_in_Japan wrote:
Ha ha ha, the problem is, although I can afford it. The fact of the matter is, that I have never spent that much money on a model....ever....

From what I hear, the model is absolutely perfect. And a retarded koala could build it.. (well maybe not) But if it is the same quality as the previous Fine Molds releases, then it would be easy enough to build.. Its parting with the money that I worry about..

Its scary!

Chris

aww c'mon Chicken Shock [:O]

"if" like ya said and I quote "And a retarded koala could build it.." end quote need I say more Wink [;)]

Just shell out the yen and get it over with bro!! Grumpy [|(]

If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything

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