Had a little rest from the Refit. Klingon bird of prey is on the bench...

Chris_in_Japan

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

Had a little rest from the Refit. Klingon bird of prey is on the bench...

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Thursday, June 22, 2006 3:31 AM

Well guys.. As you may have noticed, my participation of late has not been great.. With Australia in the World Cup. Late nights, work and the family. I am a pretty tired little boy...

The Refit is still comming along, but I had a little trouble with the neck, and so when I start to have problems, it means I am rushing, and should clear the mind of it.. So, while it is sitting, I have been playing on and off with a few other projects..

One project that I am having fun with is my Buck Rogers Star Fighter.. .... Behind the Viper, and the X-Wing. This thing is the greatest design for a space fighter I have ever seen.. I loved the show as a kid, but not a fan of the cast or stories. But I did watch to see the Starfighter...

A simple little kit, the cockpit needs to be assembled before you can do anything else.. As there are no landing gear supplied, it seems strange to put a craft in a flight display with no pilot.. So I went through the spares, and with a little cutting and shaping, I now have a 1/35 pilot looking the right size in there.. I also didnt want my pilot to look like Buck Rogers with the whit jumpsuite.. I instead chose to go with a regular pilot with a grey flight suite.. H edoes have the same colored armband that Buck Rogers suite fashioned...

Anyways, just a few rough pics of where I am at.. At the momment, she is together awaiting sanding and detailing, and then I will begin painting!

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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J-Hulk

Member since
February 2003
From: Tochigi, Japan

Posted by J-Hulk on Thursday, June 22, 2006 11:00 AM

Hi, Chris!
The Starfighter is looking good so far. Nice job on the pilot!

I'm with you; that ship is definitely one of the best SF ship designs. I have one built back in the States and two unbuilt in the stash here!

Have you noticed how common this kit is here in Japan? Both the original Monogram boxing and the Tsukuda rebox...I run into them everywhere...for cheap, too. I just picked up the second kit about a month ago, for 1,500 yen (about US $10). There are at least two more I know of at two LHSs...for about 3,000 yen (about US $20). Cheap and plentiful! These buggers pull plenty of cash on eBay, do they not?

I've run into plenty of cheap Monogram Cylon Base Stars (Basestars? Definitely not Bay Stars! Wink [;)] ) recently, too...

~Brian

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Chris_in_Japan

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

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Thursday, June 22, 2006 2:51 PM

Thanks Brian.. Well grab them mate.. They are gold in the US.. Although my hobby stores never have any, I see the odd one on auction.. Just picked up a Basestar the other day.. Its the German Maschinen Krieger stuff that is hard to find here.. Anywhere actually.. Have a friend into that stuff, so I am always looking out for him...

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 Thursday, June 22, 2006 6:55 PM

I agree too, the Thunder fighter was one of the best designs. They just shot it kind of slow on the series. They should've moved like an X-Wing. I've got one in my stash along with a Hatchet fighter. And I picked up the SMT Scorpion fighter, luckily before they stopped production. Another cool bash/design. Chris, keep posting pics of this build/paint job/weathering.

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Chris_in_Japan

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

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Friday, June 23, 2006 12:39 AM

Ok Steve.. I am having a little trouble with the settings on the camera, and then the battery went flat, but I did manage to get one pic.. not 100% but it shows the paint that I have on it thus far.. Basically I am going to keep it pretty spotless, but with the usual weathering, but lightly done..

UPDATE: Finished.. Just a little bit of weathering as I wanted it to look used but clean.. Fun little build, and a great display piece.. I think I will build a decent stand with schematics for it next...

Cheers 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 Friday, June 23, 2006 7:35 PM

That looks outstanding Chris! Just the right amount of weathering. They were kinda clean on screen anyway. Nice job. You should submit that to the SSM Gallery.

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Chris_in_Japan

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

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Friday, June 23, 2006 9:38 PM

Thanks mate.

Sometimes its hard to know when enough is enough, and what is too much.. I am surprised with this little model.. It really has been fun, and it has come out better than I thought.. Plus its not something you see on many people's shelves..Its a great subject piece..

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 Saturday, June 24, 2006 12:15 AM

Looks great, Chris! The light weathering does look good.

~Brian

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

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

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Saturday, June 24, 2006 2:49 AM

Thanks Brian.. Appreciate the comments.. As I said early, surprising little kit this one...

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 Wednesday, June 28, 2006 12:41 AM

Here is a little something else that I did this week.. I had a guy that I have built a few models for in the past here in Japan ask me to do some Tie Fighters for him.. He also didnt want them to be small like the fine molds ones and so I suggested the AMT versions..

I had a set of the 2 pack AMT Tie Fighters, and the snap Tie Interceptor.. I placed them both on the Death Star Base that comes in the 2 pack, and mounted them for him..

The Interceptor is just OOB, and although I would have liked to accurise it and fix the join for the back door, the guy was more than happy with the result...And said that he liked that it was a little different from the original Tie.. Plus no one would be looking at the back when it is displayed.. Ok then....

I must say though, that the AMT Tie Fighter is a great version of this fighter, and if you can get your hands on them, then they make a great model if you are looking for something a little larger than the Fine Molds offerings... I have the Fine Molds sitting in my pile, and so I am left with one of the AMT Tie's.. If anyone wants it, let me know and we can talk....

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, July 6, 2006 4:54 PM

Ok, the refit is definately on hold until I can get the mood back for doing it.. So in the mean time, here is another set that I did.. Just finished the base yesterday..

Its the old Star Wars B-Wing and Y-Wing snap kits.. I thought they looked great in this combination...

I am going to use the spare decals from my Fine Molds X Wing for the astro droid on the back of the Y-Wing.. I did the same thing the last time I built this little Y-Wing kit, and it looked great.. Better than me having to hand paint him....

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 Thursday, July 6, 2006 7:02 PM

Two cool fighters, nice job Chris. The B-wing really makes for sweet little ship. The kids got ahold of mine. Sad [:(]

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Edit

Cpt.Sponder

Member since
June 2006

Posted by Cpt.Sponder on Friday, July 7, 2006 7:27 AM

in one word: WOW! (on all models!)

REVELL F-15 strike eagle

AMT USS Excelsior:

AMT Deep Space Nine

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Chris_in_Japan

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

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Friday, July 7, 2006 8:01 AM

Thanks Capt.. Appreciate it...

Chris

On the bench:

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

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

Reply

Cpt.Sponder

Member since
June 2006

Posted by Cpt.Sponder on Friday, July 7, 2006 9:58 AM

as you guys prob. know, i was trying to get a RGB-led controller developped, but today i found out it was there all along, and, to make things even better, the designer of the card, is thinking along with me on the how etc.

also, we are brainstorming for scripts, to create cool effects/simulations of a ship in different situations.

maybe you guys would like to participate in this? or, maybe even use the card yourselves?

anyway, if you are intrested have look:

http://www.rgbled.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=72&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

sander.

REVELL F-15 strike eagle

AMT USS Excelsior:

AMT Deep Space Nine

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

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

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Saturday, July 8, 2006 5:29 PM

Thanks Steve.. The B-Wing is a cool little ship, and simple to put together.. The Y-Wing is also so simple, and with a bit of work can also make a great little subject...

Well, for an update, the Refit really is being neglected.. And the reason this time is this....

Went shopping with the wife and kid the other day, and while I was looking at toys with my daughter, I could here this calling me from the modeling section.. Only one there, all by itself.. I cant remember, but I think it just jumped into my arms?

These are really hard to find now here in Japan..(well, where I live anyway).. But like my wife said. You cant live in Japan, and not build a YAMATO...

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 Saturday, July 8, 2006 8:07 PM

Definately a fun build there. That brings back memories, There was a store in the Little Tokyo section of downtown LA that had all the Star Blazers stuff, and alot more. I had all the SB minis and a few big ones. Have fun with it.

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Edit

Chris_in_Japan

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

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Sunday, July 9, 2006 3:12 AM

Well in all honesty Steve.. I kinda sort of remember the show.. But cant say very well, I have always remembered the ship.. What actually got me interested, was here in Japan, every Sunday evening on Fuji TV's cable channel 721, they have a show that features 3 or 4 top model builders here in Japan.. About 2 weeks ago, they had a guy that did the Yamato.. It was simply amazing to watch, and this thing looked great when finished.. I enjoyed it so much, I simply had to have one for myself!.. It should be fun!

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, July 9, 2006 9:22 AM

They ran the show here back in the 70's. I was able to catch most of it, but haven't seen it since. That should make for a nice display, be sure to post pics.

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Edit

Chris_in_Japan

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

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Sunday, July 9, 2006 9:49 PM

And so it begins....

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, July 10, 2006 8:14 AM

UPDATE:

Well it has taken me basically all afternoon and into the night to get one side of the seams done.. Just the other side, and the middle seem along the bottom to go..

First pic is the side I havnt done yet, to show what I am dealing with..

This second pic, is the side I have filled and sanded.. The big long gap in the middle is supposed to be where the wings come out.. But they looked a little funky, so I have decided I will fill it in, and have a smooth hull!

The instruction state that you should build the top before adding it to the hull, but it simply couldnt work as you have to fill the seams and smooth them out.. The stuff on top wouldnt last the pounding. So the bridge and guns will be done last, after I have done the wooden deck..

More updates to come..

Chris

On the bench:

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

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

Reply

Cpt.Sponder

Member since
June 2006

Posted by Cpt.Sponder on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 4:47 AM

starting to look great chris! Can you tell me how you handle seams in general? i read some articles, but would like youre expertise as well..

as the model is almost the same size as your monitor there, are you going to build some kind of construction which allows you to mount the model on your screen? would be nice.

Are you going with real life colors or are you going to paint it to your own immagination?

REVELL F-15 strike eagle

AMT USS Excelsior:

AMT Deep Space Nine

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

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

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 4:55 PM

Cpt, I do seems in different ways.. If they are major, I will putty and sand.. if just small, or a spot needs to be filled, I will use super glue.. No matter the size.. I always seem to do alot of sanding..

As for painting, it will be as its meant to be, but I will bring it up to a "now" kind of look.. And I wont be going for a cartoon type look, I will be going more for a real world look with shiny pieces, and rusty pieces ect.... Alot like a modern war ship.. Brand new but a little worn!

Chris

On the bench:

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

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

Reply

Cpt.Sponder

Member since
June 2006

Posted by Cpt.Sponder on Thursday, July 13, 2006 3:00 AM

sounds great chris, you got a pic which gives us an idea?

REVELL F-15 strike eagle

AMT USS Excelsior:

AMT Deep Space Nine

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

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

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Thursday, July 13, 2006 7:43 AM

Nup... Its all in my head! Smile [:)]

Chris

On the bench:

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

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

Reply

Cpt.Sponder

Member since
June 2006

Posted by Cpt.Sponder on Thursday, July 13, 2006 8:24 AM

thats too bad!.. oh well, guess i should be patient then..

i will be moddeling myself tonight, no other options: fed up with computergames, and the worst thing EVER happend: while i dont have money for a new one, my TV died on me! poor me.. no tv.. sniff...

my F15 doesn't seem to mind though, since it's allready layed out on my table..

REVELL F-15 strike eagle

AMT USS Excelsior:

AMT Deep Space Nine

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

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

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Thursday, July 13, 2006 9:03 AM

Ty was talking about computer games on the other board? Hhhhmmm....

Taped Shut [XX]

Chris

On the bench:

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

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

Reply

Cpt.Sponder

Member since
June 2006

Posted by Cpt.Sponder on Thursday, July 13, 2006 10:51 AM

yeah, not every1 here is a gamefreak eh?

well, i am! love it for over 15 years! for me games and computers go hand in hand... build a new pc for being able to play that one game..half a year later you need a new VGA card, etc. it never ends.

Most people see that as a bad thing, for me, the games are a nice excuse to keep myself up to date with the latest hardware. (allthough, i fell a year behind, and dont have money for a new nice board..)

i also build a lot of pc's for friends; help people with overclocking their machines, etc. love it!

i probably get the same satisfaction the moment i run successfull benchmarks on a selfbuild new (overclocked) machine, as you get when you finished youre best model till now.... (cant compare myself yet, as i didn't finish my first model yet.. lol..)

REVELL F-15 strike eagle

AMT USS Excelsior:

AMT Deep Space Nine

Reply

SNOOPY

Member since
December 2002

Posted by SNOOPY on Friday, July 14, 2006 5:32 PM

J-Hulk wrote:
Have you noticed how common this kit is here in Japan? Both the original Monogram boxing and the Tsukuda rebox...I run into them everywhere...for cheap, too. I just picked up the second kit about a month ago, for 1,500 yen (about US $10). There are at least two more I know of at two LHSs...for about 3,000 yen (about US $20). Cheap and plentiful! These buggers pull plenty of cash on eBay, do they not?

J-HULK, if you ever get in the mood to pick up another BR star fighter and wish to sell it, I would be willing to talk about it. I have tried to get one off of ebay but always get out bid. Twenty bucks is cheaper than all the ones I have bid on ebay.

-Scott (U.S.A.)

Reply

SNOOPY

Member since
December 2002

Posted by SNOOPY on Friday, July 14, 2006 5:39 PM

J-Hulk wrote:

Have you noticed how common this kit is here in Japan? Both the original Monogram boxing and the Tsukuda rebox...I run into them everywhere...for cheap, too. I just picked up the second kit about a month ago, for 1,500 yen (about US $10). There are at least two more I know of at two LHSs...for about 3,000 yen (about US $20). Cheap and plentiful! These buggers pull plenty of cash on eBay, do they not?

J-HULK, If you ever get in the mood to purchase one to sell, I might be inclined to buy it from you. I alway bid on them on EBAY but always get out bid. They can get pricey for my budget.

Chris, nice jobs on the Starfighter, and SW models. The extra TIE model also sounds interesting:)

-Scott

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