UPDATE: My new Polar Lights 1/350 Refit

Hippy-Ed

Member since
December 2004
From: Stockton,Ca

Posted by Hippy-Ed on Thursday, June 1, 2006 4:17 AM

Chris_in_Japan wrote:
Hey, I just realised that I have passed 1000 posts.. Yay!

God I am a dork!. he he he

Chris

can't find the "dork" smilie. Oh well, this'll just have to do Dunce [D)]

Yer catcjin' up fast Chris Wink [;)]

Those pics look real good Thumbs Up [tup]

especially the tummy. Man, you are doing it justice!

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

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

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

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Thursday, June 1, 2006 4:03 AM

Ok, so its been about a week since any real progress..

So since then, I have finally finished the panelling and aztec on the whole secondary hull.. Alot of cutting and measuring, and I am happy with the way it turned out.. Here are a few pics...

First one is of the aztec completed at the back.. I have only dry fitted the neck and nacelle on to give you some depth..

Other way around.. Please forgive the fingers...

Last one is the tummy.. and that makes it done...

Next I will be adding the back end and shuttle bay doors, The atrium window's, and the main windows for the hull... And then I will start the decal process..

After that, it will be the neck, and nacelles, and the the saucer will be left for very last!

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 Thursday, June 1, 2006 1:28 AM

Hey, I just realised that I have passed 1000 posts.. Yay!

God I am a dork!. he he he

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, May 29, 2006 5:10 PM

Yup, That deflector Dish looks good Chris. I'm sure it took some practice to get it looking so good.

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

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

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

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Monday, May 29, 2006 5:04 PM

Yeah, slowly as we go.. But I really like the look of the deflector on this one.. Back to work today, so today will be a none event also..

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, May 29, 2006 11:05 AM

Alright Chris, looks like your still pluggin' away at this Big Smile [:D]

Maybe your daughter's sitting there watching & offering her own opinions on this one? Wink [;)]

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

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

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

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Monday, May 29, 2006 8:16 AM

A little update...

Dryfitting a few parts..

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, May 28, 2006 11:32 PM

I've seen the dark colors on this (grays) but, with your color scheme it looks much more "vibrant" in my honest opinion. You are doing this refit justice Chris

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

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

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

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Sunday, May 28, 2006 8:33 PM

Thanks Steve..

Well as I mentioned earlier. I decided with the bright colours for one reason, and one reason only.. I wanted my Enterprise to look like the day it was shipped out from space dock..

I know we see it in the movie being shipped out, but this is my take on it.. I also believe in the duck egg colours being canon, but for me, the lighter shades done with duck egg blues was my thinking of how she would look after prolongued exposure to space.. My colours were deliberately chosen brighter, to give her the brand new look!

Anyways, it is a rather slow build for me this one, as I am usually a speed builder, and do alot in a day when I have the time. But I conciously decided to take my time with this one, and so have been slow getting anything done.. I have also decided to build the atrium and landing bay outside of her, as when I did it on my first refit, you simple didnt see much.. this way, all the extras will be seen as a reference..

Chris

On the bench:

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

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

Reply

Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, May 28, 2006 7:05 PM

I rather like the out-of-the-ordinary color scheme, not so run of the mill. Nice build so far, Chris. I may not get to mine for some time, so its nice to see these in the process.

Reply
Edit

Hippy-Ed

Member since
December 2004
From: Stockton,Ca

Posted by Hippy-Ed on Sunday, May 28, 2006 5:53 PM

Chris_in_Japan wrote:
Thanks Greg..

Well, I have really decided to take my time on this one.. I know it wont be to everyones tastes, but I guess I am building it for my own tastes... The end result is a long way off, but I have enjoyed it thus far.. Hopefully an update in a day or so!

Appreciate the comments..

Chris

That's the way to do it Chris. Take your time & do it right & to your satisfaction. That's what I like about this Hobby Big Smile [:D]

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

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

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

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Sunday, May 28, 2006 5:25 PM

Thanks Brian,

Its slow as she goes at the momment.. Its funny how life gets in the way of what we enjoy..

Cheers Chris

On the bench:

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

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

Reply

J-Hulk

Member since
February 2003
From: Tochigi, Japan

Posted by J-Hulk on Sunday, May 28, 2006 10:46 AM

She's looking great, Chris! You're doing her up just fine!

~Brian

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

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

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Sunday, May 28, 2006 8:26 AM

Thanks Greg..

Well, I have really decided to take my time on this one.. I know it wont be to everyones tastes, but I guess I am building it for my own tastes... The end result is a long way off, but I have enjoyed it thus far.. Hopefully an update in a day or so!

Appreciate the comments..

Chris

On the bench:

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

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

Reply

cthulhu77

Member since
January 2003
From: arizona

Posted by cthulhu77 on Sunday, May 28, 2006 8:05 AM

Chris:

That pale blue that you are using looks perfect on the hull...really sets the whole thing off quite well. Looking forward to more pics as work goes on ! I've never been bold enough to model one of these things, the amount of time spent in the aztecing, etc. really produces some stunning results though.

greg

http://www.ewaldbros.com

Reply

Hippy-Ed

Member since
December 2004
From: Stockton,Ca

Posted by Hippy-Ed on Saturday, May 27, 2006 11:14 PM

Chris_in_Japan wrote:
Thanks again Ed.. Also, happy to help with F-91, he is a great fella! I look forward to seeing your progress on the NX...

As far as my refit is concerned, been a bit busy here of late, and have just finished setting up my new blog.. And as you might notice, my shamefully plugging it in my latest posts..

http://modsjapan.exblog.jp/

Cheers Chris

Oh the shame..... Whistling [:-^]

I do not know when I'll tackle the NX but, I will certainly let ya know. Got several other things in the works.

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

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

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

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Saturday, May 27, 2006 10:55 PM

Thanks again Ed.. Also, happy to help with F-91, he is a great fella! I look forward to seeing your progress on the NX...

As far as my refit is concerned, been a bit busy here of late, and have just finished setting up my new blog.. And as you might notice, my shamefully plugging it in my latest posts..

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 Friday, May 26, 2006 12:18 AM

Yup, that looks real good Chris Thumbs Up [tup]

especially with the Vipers in the background for a comparison Big Smile [:D]

I just did a search for NX-01 & it come up empty but, went into my forums & started at the last page
& worked my way up. Seems I found your mate's build Big Smile [:D]

I got it bookmarked & will contact him tomorrow

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

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

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

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Friday, May 26, 2006 12:07 AM

Still have the back top, and belly to mask and paint, and then she will be ready for decals and dull coat...

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 Thursday, May 25, 2006 11:05 PM

Thanks Chris. Much appreciated

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

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

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

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Thursday, May 25, 2006 11:00 PM

Forr privacy, I will pm you his email address..

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 Thursday, May 25, 2006 10:05 PM

Just ran thru the Members list. No F-91. I tried.

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

Reply

Hippy-Ed

Member since
December 2004
From: Stockton,Ca

Posted by Hippy-Ed on Thursday, May 25, 2006 9:53 PM

Thanks for the run down on that Chris. I had seen a build of the NX-01 on one of the other forums which iirc had all the lights & such. The guy who built it did a fantastic job of masking the aztec pattern with tape! Shock [:O]

That had to take forever!!
I'll check out F-91 and see what I can discover. Thumbs Up [tup]

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

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

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

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Thursday, May 25, 2006 6:48 PM

Well, I decided to make my template with folder plastic, although its only 2mm thick, because I knew that it would have been durable.. As you can see in that pic, I am holding it and it isnt bowing or anything, its very strong.. This is important as you will have to do about 5 runs to get around the saucer..Plus do both sides..

Well, I could do 100 refits using this thing, and it saves me from having to sit down and cut the aztec out using tape... Just place it in the desired area, spray, release, dry, next section.. Very simple...And I have found that my aztec is sharp and the layer is bright enough to be more than noticable, but more importantly, it isnt raised and double the thickness.. It leaves a very smooth finish...

I find when I use tape masks, I tend to spray a little too much and so when you peel the tape away, you have a raised section of paint.. I have found this guy doesnt allow that..

As for the NX-01. I havnt built one, and so really couldnt help you with that guy.. But a mate of mine has built it, and today its the best I have seen, lights and all.. If you look in the members list for a guy named F-91, then he is the man to talk to about doing that bad boy! Just tell him I put you onto him!

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 Thursday, May 25, 2006 6:06 PM

Thanks for sharing that template with me & I see what you mean, the aztec pattern is a subtle one. iirc the pattern on the NX-01 is 3 shades of gray. Would I have to make 3 seperate templates? I just got my dixieart order yesterday & I got some Frisket just to get the free shipping. I can use it to make the templates I need right? Or, would I be better off with soemthing a bit thicker?

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

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

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

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Thursday, May 25, 2006 5:36 PM

Well Ed, I am glad that I have you giving me encouragement.. Seems like your the only one! he he he...

Anyways, the mask's that I made were very simple, as I made them out of a clear plastic paper folder that was about 2mm thick.. I transfered the aztec pattern supplied in the kit on to the plastic, then with a bread board and a sharp stanley knife, I spent about 2 hours cutting it all out.. Here is a pic of what it looks like..

You will notice that it is just a section piece.. The reason I did it like this was because it is easier to handle. Plus it makes you do one section, and then wait for it to dry before moving on.. I sometimes get a little impatient, and so am known to rush.. SO this way forces me to take my time..

Here is another 2 pic's of my first refit.. The result of the aztec mask..

Forgive the quality of the pics.. I didnt have my new camera when I built that one, and had to use my video camera to take shots..

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 Thursday, May 25, 2006 2:32 PM

Didnt do anything last night, but will start on the aztec for the hull tonight.. I will be laying down pearl white over the flat.. It gives the Refit that almost cream colour, but white enough not to be.. Hard to explain! But it changes colour at different angles..

Yup, that Pearl White will add a nice touch to it. I'm familiar with it from helpin' my step mom with her ceramics yrs. ago. I'm definately following this build Chris Thumbs Up [tup]

You are doing a fine job on it.
Glad to hear the Aztec patterns are reusable... I was curious about that.

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

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

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

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Thursday, May 25, 2006 8:35 AM

UPDATE:

I have started the aztec on the seconday hull.. Only done the one side for now to see how the pearl went down.. Top, bottom and other side will be done tomorrow..

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 Thursday, May 25, 2006 1:42 AM

Thanks Ed.. Its lucky that I hung on to my aztec mask from my first Refit.. Couldnt see myself measuring it all out and then cutting all the little pieces out again..

Didnt do anything last night, but will start on the aztec for the hull tonight.. I will be laying down pearl white over the flat.. It gives the Refit that almost cream colour, but white enough not to be.. Hard to explain! But it changes colour at different angles..

Here is a pic of my first refit from last summer..

As you can see the pearl aztec is different in certain areas because of light.. I will be doing a similar aztec, but have decided to spend twice as long, and make it alot more detailed than that one.. Also in that pic I had only put down the base colour blue on the deflector.

On that Refit, I basically did all the aztec and hull paint first, and then did the engineering deflector colours next.. It was ok, but masking the whole thing and taking it on and off became a problem, and it showed in the paint.. So this time, I am going to do the aztec last..

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, May 24, 2006 9:43 AM

Looks good Chris, I like how you're bringing them colours together on this Thumbs Up [tup]

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

Reply

THE MAGAZINE

CONTACT US

RECENT ARTICLES

POPULAR TOPICS

RECENT REVIEWS

POPULAR TOPICS

RECENT REVIEWS

POPULAR TOPICS

RECENT VIDEOS

POPULAR TOPICS

RECENT THREADS

CATEGORIES

NEW PRODUCTS

OUR STORE

CURRENT ISSUE

SEARCH FINESCALE.COM