Okay, so I was just looking for parts needed for one of my current in-progress builds and came across an otherwise unmarked Airfix Mosquito box. I open it up and found an old Scale-O-Rama/Phoenix Group Build model in progress which I had forgotten all about. I had put a great deal of time and effort into this concept so I'm not understanding how I could have so easily forgotten about it.
The build thread itself is actually from a prior incarnation of the What If site and can't be recovered so I'm starting that play-by-play description from scratch with reloads of my old photos, too.
All I remember is that there were several hurdles back then that I thought I could not overcome but that was then and this is "Whiffing Today." Stay tuned...
Ehm! Sorry but what?
JayBee
I hope this is what I think it is......;D
About two or three years ago, I was scavenging parts for one kitbash or another and, for some reason, looked at a 1:72 Airfix Mosquito and wondered what it would look like as a small 1:48 fighter instead. I quickly threw some parts next to each other and snapped a few pics:
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Intrigued, I wondered if I could move the cockpit position aft and enlarge it:
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I hacked off the Mosquito's wing engine mounts and chopped up the wings of another 1:72 Matchbox Mosquito for tailplanes:
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I drew a possible tailfin on cardstock and got a Monogram Mustang canopy out. I taped the rough-cut parts together into a crude mock-up just to see if it would be worth pursuing....and I got that happy little rush kitbashers always do when they've put something together that never existed in the real world before:
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It didn't matter to me if it was plausible or the right size or anything like that. I just wanted to glue it all together and FLY it round the house like I did when I was eight years old and, for me, that's what Whiffing is all about. :thumbsup:
Then Reality (that Mother-In-Law of Whiffery) kicked in and I knew I had my work cut out for me. Mostly it was a matter of modifying those bomber wings with the big ugly engine nacelle mounts to work as nimble fighter wings and they had to be completely repositioned, no less!
I drilled some pilot holes then used a nibbler to create wheel well apertures on the lower wings:
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I decided to hack out anything to do with the engine nacelle mounts and replace the leading edge with some sort of radiator airscoops. It was a lot of work.
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Primered up, the wings didn't look too bad:
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And, today, I scribed some panel lines (since the Mossie had wooden wings, I don't think Airfix erred by not showing any panel lines).
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Figured a modified Mustang office would do. Nothing fancy, just something painted up real quick and cut to fill the space.
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I filled the "normal" wingroot cavity with styrene and figured I'd use dual wingspars to hold the re-positioned wings in place so I cut some matching slots in both the lower fuselage and the wing chords.
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It was then time to scratchbuild a new tailfin to do justice to that cardboard test-piece. I started by shaping two halves of .030" styrene: a lot of work to get the airfoil shape!
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But, when you engrave some "Matchbox-quality" panel-lines, make a hundred rivets and slap the two halves together, it's magic:
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Hey, the fin FITS!
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The drought is over! I love seeing a JHM build on the board! ;D
YAY! :wub: I'd forgotten this one too! That does it, your not aloud to move anymore!
I too miss Barry's work. :bow: :bow: :bow:
Not a pic of somebody wrestling me to the ground then!!! Looks good Baz, I couldn't get past the idea it'd look like a DH Hornet, which it doesn't. Kind of looks like P-80 to me, which means I might fight it (not keen on the Shooting Star)! Don't get me wrong, it's looks like a great build.
Just a suggestion, maybe go for a single rather then a twin, that way you'll loose any likeness to the Mosquito/Hornet. Oh, & it looks like it'd fly to this eight year old! ;D ;D ;D
Hey, that tailfin is Grrrrrrrrrreat !
:thumbsup:
Nice ressurection, Baz !
Pop some corn and uncap a cold one boys... This is shaping up to be a real Baz bash. :cheers:
Cripes!...that's a whole stack of work there...but it's looking amazing!...So what kind of colour scheme do you have in mind?
Great tutorial going on here.
From the mock up, the wing shape reminds me a lot of a ww2 Yak fighter.
Looking forward to see this progress.
Top job. :thumbsup:
Uh, sorry... maybe my English is not good enough, but I have not understood the basic principle. If my imagination is right, your project JHM is WONDERFUL but maybe it is completely different (and a little worse for me):
Your pictures seem to depict a 1/48 SINGLE-ENGINED Mosquito with P-51D canopy, but I am not sure having seen no propeller nor exhaust pipes to confirm my guess. The title (and text) says this will be a fighter but the Bf-110 and P-61 were fighters while still 2-engined.
Please confirm, dear JHM, will this be a single-engined plane? (I would clap my hands) or a twin-engined plane? (I would cry, not seduced yet). Thanks. ;D
Great idea and I'm sure the execution will be excellent as well. This is exactly the opposite of what I did in the Spitfire GB, where I took a 1/48 single engine fighter and made it into a 1/72 twin engine bomber. Too bad you didn't think of this earlier. We could have swapped the Merlin engines.
PS. I think I still have the 1/48 Spitfire MkXIV 5-bladed prop if you would like it.
Ed
The Baz-man is back! :bow:
Man that is going to be one sexy fighter :wub: I'd fly it around my house :thumbsup:
Hey, who was it that said when you get back into it, you really get back into it --- brilliant Barry, I'm watching this one closely.
Damn, that one does look interesting, Barry. Seriously, that's a lot of work you're putting in, she'll pay off nicely. I'm guessing you're putting the engine in the nose? Or what're you doing to make this thing go? You've already carved out the original engine mounts, and you have Radiators, so this isn't going to be a jet job...
Popcorn smilie anybody ?
Ian
Thanks guys! It's good to be back and it's great to be able to share something almost-new with you all but, I must confess: I actually have three completed projects to show you folks----I'm still working on a new diorama base for my next photos which is holding those up.
Mossie/Tophe: yep, it's a single engine prop airplane. If you look close at the first mock-ups, you can just make out the 3-bladed spinner cone I swapped from somewhere. I was thinking of having Mustang exhausts but cutting down one pipe (I don't know what they're called) on each side to indicate a smaller engine.
The idea is that this is the Sunbeam Tiger (http://images.google.ca/images?hl=en&q=Sunbeam+Tiger&gbv=2) of fighter planes: quick/nimble like the Zero but even smaller and lighter. I even considered building it as some sort of fast recon aircraft without any armament but there's not much room for cameras, even the aft fuselage is very narrow.
As for markings, all I know is that someone's got to promise to put a contract out on me (Ron, I'm looking at you) if I start painting it in bare metal finish!!! I've ended up going from no BMF models to almost all BMF in the past couple of years. Maybe a nice grey and green camo like on Spitfires? Or non-specular greyish blue? One of my favorite schemes is the British Suez markings on Wyverns----would that work? I'll end up using fictional national markings (big surprise) from the "SHIGO AIR FORCE" (I've recently come up with a new insignia----Greg, stop reading my mind!).
Ed, I'd gladly take you up on the 5-bladed prop (for another project). Please PM me and let me know what I can do for you in return.
Thanks again, Whiffers. :cheers:
Bare Metal Finish = slap Baz in back of head .......duly noted ;D
Baz, you can pretty much fill your boots when it comes to Suez markings. RAF, RN, Aeronavale & IAF all wore the stripes during the Crisis. RAF & RN tended to have wide (2ft IIRC) stripes, IAF narrow & Aeronavale between the two. Some were applied neatly, some very roughly. RAF aircraft in particular had a variaty of markings as they ran out of yellow in Cyprus, some have part of the yellow missing, some were painted with cream. So lots of variations on the same markings, with several different camo styles & I'm sure you can come up with your own too!
I can dig out some references if you're interested.
Quote from: Mossie on February 08, 2009, 02:52:02 PM
Baz, you can pretty much fill your boots when it comes to Suez markings. RAF, RN, Aeronavale & IAF all wore the stripes during the Crisis. RAF & RN tended to have wide (2ft IIRC) stripes, IAF narrow & Aeronavale between the two. Some were applied neatly, some very roughly. RAF aircraft in particular had a variaty of markings as they ran out of yellow in Cyprus, some have part of the yellow missing, some were painted with cream. So lots of variations on the same markings, with several different camo styles & I'm sure you can come up with your own too!
I can dig out some references if you're interested.
If you have any examples of what you think might work on this little fighter, please PM me----thanks! :cheers:
Ohhh man is this ever tasty, Mr Howling Mouse! It's great to see you back at work again and this whiff is absolutely delightful!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Brian da Basher
Baz, if you're thinking stripey, how about a target tug? Not far off Suez stripes, although you could use any colour. Here's two stripey C-36's, a target tug & one in funky Swiss neutrality markings:
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http://hsfeatures.com/features04/ekw36tm_1.htm (http://hsfeatures.com/features04/ekw36tm_1.htm)
Some progress has been made, believe it or not.
Here are the wingspars that will hold the wings to the fuselage (there is otherwise almost no contact area between them and the cockpit is in the way of simple rods that I would have preferred to use instead):
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The wingspars in situ:
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The fuselage has been brought together and I shaped a piece of Forex for the top of the nose (won't be doing that again!). The scratchbuilt tail is on as well as the stabilizers modified from the wings of another Mossie kit.
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You can see the prop in this picture. Can't remember where the blade came from but I think the nosecone is actually from the Mosquito kit:
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And the wings are finally on!
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Whoa!! :blink: :bow:
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Daryl J.
Already making a bid for the 2009 Whiffie?
Looking forward to this one and your future projects for this year.
Micro-Mossie?
That's an awesome idea, and an awesome build, Baz!!!
I like the twin wingspars approach, makes it easier :wacko: to align the &()&%$ things on. and the bubbletop canopy is just...beautiful!. The vertical surface is a dream. That will she be carrying, weapons-wise?. Will she use drop-tanks, seeing that she's so small?
Rafa
Class is in and the Professor is at work! ;D
Work like this makes me feel like a kid playing with little plastic toys.
You never fail to show us how it's done or the incredible depth of your talent and skill, Mr Howling Mouse!
:bow: :bow:
Brian da Basher
Almost looks german which is odd considering the source materials. Looks very cool, glad to see you back at the bench Barry :)
Your builds are always an inspiration, and your step by step posts give me lots of scratchbuilding tips.
For this I thankyou. :thumbsup:
A great concept brilliantly excecuted! :bow:
For some reason (wings, I think), I keep seeing this with red stars, something Soviet vs the Nazis in the Great War Against Facism (or whatever it was called).
Waiting to see how it turns out.
Quote from: John Howling Mouse on March 01, 2009, 12:12:13 PM
The fuselage has been brought together and I shaped a piece of Forex for the top of the nose (won't be doing that again!).
What was the problem with the Forex? I quite like working with Sintra (same stuff-different brand name).
Your little fighter reminds me a bit of the DH 93 Don.
Jon
Thanks guys. I agree, it could be German, Italian, Russian....Japanese.
It's so small, I'm considering not arming it at all. Yellow air racer, maybe? Or an observation/recon aircraft?
Jon, the Forex was a gift sample from Wolfik (thanks, Peter!) but I found it did not reduce nearly as easily as resin or laminated styrene. And it became very fuzzy with filing: all sorts of fibres hanging on. I've got some Sintra that I bought: will try that on a future project. For this one, I should have stuck with the Aves Apoxie Sculpt for ease of shaping.
:cheers:
Quote from: Brian da Basher on March 01, 2009, 04:44:47 PM
'makes me feel like a kid playing with little plastic toys.
..... I'm sure that it does, but where 'you gonna find one at this time of night ? :mellow:
Ian
Like it or not, it was time to hit the Mossie fighter with Aves Apoxie Sculpt (2-part epoxy putty; pretty much identical to Milliput or plumbers putty). The first time I used this stuff was on my recent pair of Superbolts (http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,18835.msg265234.html#msg265234) and I figured I had ruined both of them. But then the Aves putty suprised me by sanding down like magic, leaving a flawless finish even though my initial application was quite rough. So, I'm seriously hoping to get just as lucky this time. Plus, I used some heavy applications of Aves on another project at the same time this afternoon (I haven't shared this one with you yet as I'm not sure it will turn out!). Here's hoping for a good finish in a couple of days when I can sand this all down!
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv727%2Fjohnhowlingmouse%2FMossie%2520FIGHTER%2FAvesPuttyHell2.jpg&hash=88a804febc902a06892c16c955cc42d74ed6965b)
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Dang that is a beautiful shaped plane :wub: :thumbsup: :bow:
Nice going so far Baz! I can't decide if it's got anhedral, dihedral, or neither on the tail. I think the forward swept trailing edged kind of tricks the eye.
Either that or I should get myself another :drink:!
Quote from: Mossie on March 09, 2009, 06:00:40 AM
Nice going so far Baz! I can't decide if it's got anhedral, dihedral, or neither on the tail. I think the forward swept trailing edged kind of tricks the eye.
Either that or I should get myself another :drink:!
Yes, from a lot of views, the angled trailing edge on wings and tailplanes really does confuse the eye, mine included. All surfaces have a bit of dihedral, btw.
Second time I've used Aves Super Apoxie Sculpt (a form of fine grain epoxy putty). Just like the first time (on my P-47 SuperBolts) (http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,18835.msg265234.html#msg265234), I figured "There's no way I'll be able to get a decent outcome from this mess" and yet, once again, the Apoxie sands down to a glass-like finish:
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Aves is great stuff and if it is like Magic Sculpt, and I think it is, it's also structural.
Beautiful JHM, simply beautiful.
Daryl J., wearing a suit
Must admit, that Aves looks more like plastic than putty, beautiful stuff. Daryl, what do you mean by the putty being 'stuctural', does it adhere strongly to plastic? I've occasionally had a problem when using large amounts of Milliput in a concave surface, 'dis-attaching' itself.
Looking really good Barry :thumbsup:
D*mn he's good !
Ian
That is a sexy AC. :wub: :thumbsup: :bow:
Quote from: Mossie on March 20, 2009, 12:28:05 PM
Must admit, that Aves looks more like plastic than putty, beautiful stuff. Daryl, what do you mean by the putty being 'stuctural', does it adhere strongly to plastic? I've occasionally had a problem when using large amounts of Milliput in a concave surface, 'dis-attaching' itself.
Whereas Milliput will sometimes crack on its own just from the inherant flexing of, say, a wing-to-fuselage-joint----Aves seems to be stronger than the plastic to which it's attached. It's like an epoxy glue with substance. I give a light polishing to the plastic with an emery stick where I am going to apply the Aves and I can't imagine it coming off styrene once dried. It takes quite a bit of extra pressure and speed to sand this stuff down and the only thing really holding my wings onto the fuselage is the Aves at this point (the little wingspars are more of a positioning device than a firm anchor). I was pretty rough with the little airframe but it all held up. :drink:
Aves stuff is expensive but worth it. I curse it everytime I use it, only to marvel at how it looks once sanded down. :thumbsup:
Thanks Barry, I'll have to look out for it, a quick web search shows you can get it in Blighty. :thumbsup: I've sometimes wondered about Green Stuff, but I've been put off by it's price. Aves doesn't seem badly priced if you get it in the 1lb tub, price compares favourably per oz to Milliput.
By structural, it is an actual building material. Someone made the baseball glove for the Giants out of Magic Sculp that is huge and has no metal armature inside.
http://www.magicsculp.com/Gallery_01_%20Pages/Miis/Miss_Main.htm (http://www.magicsculp.com/Gallery_01_%20Pages/Miis/Miss_Main.htm)
And here is Janine Bennett's figure out of Magic Sculp that I personally judged at the IPMS RECON 7 show in McMinneville, OR. The leopard skin carpet had a scale texture to it; the entire thing is Magic Sculpt so the material will hold tremendously subtle detail.
Warning: "Adultish" content so you're on your own with this one:
http://www.magicsculp.com/Gallery_01_%20Pages/Figures_01/Figure_Pages_01/Nov_01/Rick_Bennett/rick__bennett.htm (http://www.magicsculp.com/Gallery_01_%20Pages/Figures_01/Figure_Pages_01/Nov_01/Rick_Bennett/rick__bennett.htm)
Ave's is a simple 'reboxing' of Magic Sculp according to someone 'in the know'.
So for us whiffers, Aves is a fantastic product.
And now back to regular programming.....
Daryl J.
Wowza!!!! I agree, it is very Yakkish...mmm can't wait to see how this one turns out!
RON! Help! I keep seeing this is a natural metal finish-----remember what you promised?
I was also considering a bright yellow racing finish with b/w checkerboard flash but then I thought it would look too much like a NYC taxi.
Look you paint the danged thing green or blue or purple...... no ,no , not purple that's my next project
Checkered control surfaces would look pretty damn cool on it, JHM. Side thought, white/black checkers is good, what about a nice rich blue, with either gold-yellow or canary yellow racing stripes?
Just some food for thought.
Quote from: John Howling Mouse on March 21, 2009, 08:43:19 AM
RON! Help! I keep seeing this is a natural metal finish-----remember what you promised?
I was also considering a bright yellow racing finish with b/w checkerboard flash but then I thought it would look too much like a NYC taxi.
Nay, nay and thrice nay!
This is a "Mossie" fighter, ergo it should wear a Mosquito scheme. I know you don't often do real world camo & markings, but I think it is appropriate in this case.
If you insist on an NMF finish then there are several options. Best IMO is the SEAC with the blue roundels and ID bands, but there is also Israeli, Dominican Republic....
Thing is, I'm not even sure it should be military anymore. Just seems way too small to carry either guns or cameras. I was thinking of maybe some sort of new class in air racing: Sport-Mini Category or similar. My next Scale-O-Rama will be the same treatment to a 1:72 Avenger made into a 1:48 Sport-Mini. I think it would look cool to show these on a tarmac diorama with 1:48 figures nearby to convey just how small they really are.
Hmmmm...Yellow with black and white markings including sponsor dEEcals...
Is it true that some people paint a very pale pink as a basecoat for yellow instead of just using white?
Quote from: John Howling Mouse on March 21, 2009, 02:18:31 PM
Thing is, I'm not even sure it should be military anymore. Just seems way too small to carry either guns or cameras. I was thinking of maybe some sort of new class in air racing: Sport-Mini Category or similar. My next Scale-O-Rama will be the same treatment to a 1:72 Avenger made into a 1:48 Sport-Mini. I think it would look cool to show these on a tarmac diorama with 1:48 figures nearby to convey just how small they really are.
Hmmmm...Yellow with black and white markings including sponsor dEEcals...
Is it true that some people paint a very pale pink as a basecoat for yellow instead of just using white?
Call it a kit plane and make it an entry in the Sport Class:
http://www.airrace.org/classSport.php
Flat yellow over white primer also makes a good base coat for gloss yellow.
Also I've had pretty good results in the past using an ocher or German tank
yellow as a base for a bright yellow gloss.
Jon
QuotedEEcals...
Don't you mean
deckles? ;D
ALLRIGHT DANGIT that is enough of that >:( Now you get some guns and camo on that plane......don't make me come up there ;D
Quote from: Mossie on March 20, 2009, 05:55:54 PM
I've sometimes wondered about Green Stuff, but I've been put off by it's price.
Green Stuff (or Kneadatite to give it it's other name) is frankly crap for scale modelling. It doesn't dry hard, sands very badly, and isn't especially strong. It's much more suited to sculpting. There is also a Brown Stuff that is better - dries harder, holds sharp edges nicely - but again it's pretty expensive, and there's better stuff around. :)
On-topic, that's looking gorgeous, JHM - I'm very impressed by the way you did those new radiator inlets. I'll have to try that some time. :thumbsup:
As for the racer/fighter dilemma, what about a "sport fighter"? Mount a laser on there somewhere, and have these aircraft fight a laser-tag match!
Thanks Alun, glad I haven't plumped for it! I always wondered if it was really worth the price. I guess it is, for a niche market, but the rest of us can make do with good old Milliput at half the price!
:party: :party: :party:
It's good for sculpting, like I said - if you want to modify pilot figures or something, it's very good stuff. Nice and easy to work with, and holds fine detail well. But yeah, doesn't sand well at all. If you do fancy getting some, then for gawd's sake don't buy if from Games Workshop. Andy Foster over at Heresy Miniatures sells it in much larger quantities, at a much better price: http://www.heresyminiatures.com/putties.htm
Good guy, Andy. He makes some very cool monster miniatures as well (check out his Netherlord and his upcoming dragon! :o )
Most of my Whiffery gets to exactly this point and usually dies a withering, dust-covered demise: the attachment of a mismatched canopy to the main assembly.
I knew it going into this build, too. I've considered doing a build-up with Aves Apoxie Sculpt over the partially-fitting canopy but it's hard to keep the delicate canopy from getting damaged (I normally apply Tamiya modeling tape with a top layer of aluminum heat tape for protection but the canopy still takes a beating).
So I thought to myself, if I'm a real modeling fool (and I am), I should be able to carefully cut and curve small bits of styrene sheet into just the right gap-filling pieces to blend into the fuselage. Let's see if I pull it off!
Here are the gaps in question including some close-ups so you can see just how big a challenge this will be:
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Best bet would be some strip, cut to fit into the gaps, to join the glass to the fuse, and then some putty to smooth it over into a proper blend. Especially with a gap like that. Use the strip's edge to link to the glass and the fuselage, wrap it around the curve, use two angle-cut pieces to fill the base gaps by the canopy, it should fit well after that point.
How would a Focke Wulf canopy be like?
Barry, I agree, this is just too sleek not to be a racing plane, give it a nice two or three tone paint job ala Reno Air Racer and it would be a real knockout.
Baz, if you trim/sand the sill that main canopy is sitting on so that it sits lower, you might have less of a gap to fill for the windscreen? Depends how much play you have with the seat I guess
If your going for a racer, I'd clip the wing back to at least the panel line nearest the tip. That's a big wing & the unlimited warbirds often have their wings slashed drastically. They're looking for high maneouverability low down & as little drag as possible, short wings suit this.
So, I did pretty well at cutting and bending the required shapes to form a sheeted canopy shroud out of 20-thou styrene (I got lucky, in other words):
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv727%2Fjohnhowlingmouse%2FMossie%2520FIGHTER%2FMossiecanopyshroud2.jpg&hash=69d8f54e7dca1de21d3c320ed3d07b4301a673bf)
The shroud pieces all taped into place:
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The canopy re-masked to protect from the next putty stage (the yellow Tamiya tape you see here was covered with a second layer of regular, heavy masking tape):
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The plan was to use very small amounts of filler to blend in the shroud edges (which were already sanded down to tapered edges) to the fuselage. Well, so much for subtlety!
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That is some sweet blending your doing right there Baz :wub: :thumbsup: :bow:
Oh come on, Baz, it's subtle... it's a subtle job... subtle like a sledgehammer of course.
Keep up the work!
Nicely done! The frame around the canopy looked pretty daunting, you pulled it off beautifully! :bow: :bow: :bow:
I give you a lot of credit for taking the extra step and applying the putty, Mr Howling Mouse. I'm sure that after some nice, refreshing PSR the canopy will look like it was made for that bird!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Brian da Basher
Just think of PSR as a modelers version of going to the Gym, It's a great workout! ;D Sure you show us all that putty but you know it's going to be incredibly perfect once you sand it down. Speaking of which, I've got some PSR to do today on my sovietize it group build project :banghead:
I'm going to buy you a caulking gun full of putty ! Yipes !
Well, the canopy's blended and, in the smug style of Larry David from Curb Your Enthusiasm, I'd have to say "It looks pretty, pretty good."
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See now that worked out beautifully :wub: :bow:
I just knowed ya could do it ;D Looks el perfecto! :thumbsup:
Masterful job fitting that together. Looking forward to more of this one.
Ed
>I'm going to buy you a caulking gun full of putty ! Yipes !<
Been there, done that! (see photo)
You might be able to fool some folks, but I know a Master at work when I see one. Ancient Chinese secret, indeed. ;) ;D
Quote from: sequoiaranger on April 03, 2009, 02:51:11 PM
>I'm going to buy you a caulking gun full of putty ! Yipes !<
Been there, done that! (see photo)
Ha! Priceless!
Quote from: cthulhu77 on April 03, 2009, 11:04:45 AM
I'm going to buy you a caulking gun full of putty ! Yipes !
A pneumatic one, of course.
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;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
all of a sudden that takes on a completely new look with just a bit of putty ;D ;D
Very nicely done Barry :thumbsup:
Canopy masked, ready for magic-primer;
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And primered she is:
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The canopy blends are not too bad but they're not exceedingly great, either. Meh, it will have to do 'cause I'm not sanding anymore! :rolleyes:
It's amazing how a coat of primer brings it all together. I love the shape of this creation!! ;D
And this WAS a Mosquito, incredible... :bow:
Just... will you have a "normal" Mosquito to put close to it, for visitors to appreciate the amount of work done (and remaining similarity)?
Outstanding, Mr Howling Mouse! I knew you'd be able to pull it off! I love the racy look that P-51 canopy gives this bird!
:wub: :wub:
Brian da Basher
That's really a top-notch model you have there, JHM! The primer finish looks so smooth!
I hope you will accept this in the spirit intended--to me the whole purpose of the primer coat, after repeated PSR's that sometimes drives even patient modelers to distraction, is to expose areas that need just a touch more work. I don't think I have EVER had a model that went directly from primer coat to the next paint coat. There was always some un-anticipated spot that needed some extra work, and though at the time I REALLY wondered if it would be worth the extra hassle to fix, I have NEVER regretted the extra work once the model is finished.
You have set a high standard for yourself in this model and the putty work has paid off. The canopy looks great! I would just implore you to spend an extra ten minutes to sand the "bags under the eyes" ridge under the canopy (If I am reading the shadows right) to flatten out the fuselage there. You certainly can be "forgiven" if you don't, but smooth lines there will show off the complicated canopy work to best effect.
Then the real fun of decorating can begin.
Cheers!
Quote from: Tophe on April 03, 2009, 11:50:36 PM
And this WAS a Mosquito, incredible... :bow:
Just... will you have a "normal" Mosquito to put close to it, for visitors to appreciate the amount of work done (and remaining similarity)?
Hmmmm...that's kind of a smart idea. It would have to be a 1:48 Mosquito but it would show the similarities....hmmm
Quote from: sequoiaranger on April 04, 2009, 08:33:40 AM
That's really a top-notch model you have there, JHM! The primer finish looks so smooth!
I hope you will accept this in the spirit intended--to me the whole purpose of the primer coat, after repeated PSR's that sometimes drives even patient modelers to distraction, is to expose areas that need just a touch more work. I don't think I have EVER had a model that went directly from primer coat to the next paint coat. There was always some un-anticipated spot that needed some extra work, and though at the time I REALLY wondered if it would be worth the extra hassle to fix, I have NEVER regretted the extra work once the model is finished.
You have set a high standard for yourself in this model and the putty work has paid off. The canopy looks great! I would just implore you to spend an extra ten minutes to sand the "bags under the eyes" ridge under the canopy (If I am reading the shadows right) to flatten out the fuselage there. You certainly can be "forgiven" if you don't, but smooth lines there will show off the complicated canopy work to best effect.
Then the real fun of decorating can begin.
Cheers!
Heh, heh, I know. That's
exactly what I
should do. That's what separates the "pretty good" from the "WOW" models. And the telltale ridges and other flaws will always bother me later when it's finished and up on the shelf (this has happened before) but...I'm...too...darned...
LAZY to bother with it! First coats of white have already been applied. :cheers:
Baz, you're an insane genius !
:ph34r: :dalek:
Nope, no good. Now that it's in white primer, those blending flaws stick out like the proverbial sore thumb. And, with the paint-scheme I envision, the bumps are going to show up even more.
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So, it's up to PS-14 ("putty stage fourteen"). To avoid too much contrast, I considered using Squadron's White putty but that stuff has hideous grain so I'm using Revell's light grey "Plasto" Putty for the first time, instead. Which is probably not too smart on my part, anyhow, as I don't even know what it's like to work with or if it's even compatible with the Bondo putty underneath: :banghead:
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Been there ,done that ,have the scars on my forehead to prove it :banghead:
You'll pull her off BAZ :thumbsup:
Baz, could you use Squadron Putty, but overcoat it with Future before you put paint on over the top? Might help negate the grainy texture? :unsure:
Or, as I do, lightly brush on Liquid cement over the puttywork--it tends to melt the little "crystals" on the surface and blend them in enough so that a few layers of paint takes care of all the minute blemishes.
I also often "thin" Squadron putty by putting a few drops of lacquer thinner in a paint jar top with a "drop" of putty and swirling the stuff around until its consistency is almost like white-glue. You can spread it very thin and fill in small imperfections without a big glop to re-sand (it'll be a small glop).
You have come so far, so well. I just KNOW this is going to come out OK!
Mr Howling Mouse, this project would be a contender for the Perseverance Whiffie (if we had one). I have no doubt you will overcome any challenges and finish up with something that just knocks our socks off!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Brian da Basher
P.S. Didn't someone say once that PSR "builds character"? ;)
Well, I sanded down the Revell Plasto Putty. It's, um, weird. A bit grainy, I found it nearly turned into an elastomer sort of thing when wet-sanded. Almost like the mastic you use around a sink drain. It also coated my sanding sticks until they ended up with some sort of ceramic finish.
And so much for the idea of using a light-colored putty in the first place. By the time I sanded down enough, all sorts of prior colors were showing through. Looks like something from a Latvian autobody shop now. Since these pics were taken, I'm up to Coat Number 7 for white paint to re-cover the sanded finish.
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And, IMHO, the only appropriate place for Revell's Plasto Putty:
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I hate learning the hard way :banghead:
Looks cool though ;D
Baz,
I highly recommend tracking down the Spies-Hecker Permacron Fine Putty 7715,
you'll need to go to an automotive paint supply.
Fairly pricey, but it comes a decent sized tube and its great stuff.
Jon
Sorry to hear about the putty problems Baz, these things are sent to try us! Looking at the way different colours are revealed underneath, it's looking very much like a winter distemper, maybe inspiration for a scheme? Similar to how Ron's paint problems actually provided a soloution, maybe this can do the same???
Give it a nice coat of Polly Scale Reefer White and those blemishes will disappear my friend.
I give you a lot of credit, Mr Howling Mouse. Usually I throw in the PSR towel after the third session and call it good.
:cheers:
Brian da Basher
Quote from: John Howling Mouse on April 10, 2009, 01:25:04 PM
Well, I sanded down the Revell Plasto Putty. It's, um, weird. A bit grainy, I found it nearly turned into an elastomer sort of thing when wet-sanded. Almost like the mastic you use around a sink drain. It also coated my sanding sticks until they ended up with some sort of ceramic finish.
That's strange Barry, I've not experienced anything like that when I used it except when I hadn't left it long enough to dry one time. I've noticed that if large amounts are used to fill in spaces it does take a while to dry solid. I'd agree with the plugging up of sanding sticks though, but my solution for that it having a small piece of old carpet and using it to clear the sticks/files
Actually, it turned out not too bad (just took 79 coats of white primer). There are still two flaws unrelated to the canopy but I'm willing to call them panel-line dents.
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Well that turned out beautifully Barry :wub: :thumbsup: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: Can't wait for the paint :party:
What he said! :thumbsup:
Whoa :o :o
Ah, Soviet Winter camo. Are you going to add the red wing tips? :wacko:
Like, smoooth, man. :ph34r:
Quote from: philp on April 11, 2009, 05:12:21 PM
Ah, Soviet Winter camo. Are you going to add the red wing tips? :wacko:
Y o u ' l l s e e . . .
Hi Baz,
Trying to guess what color scheme you'll choose for this bird and the suspense is killing me!!
Allan in Canberra
And now, a word from our sponsors on "How to be not-brilliant"
Well, here's something you seldom see clever people do: using yellow (Tamiya) masking tape on a yellow subject. :banghead:
And, compounding the fun is that I have brand new prescription in my glasses---I'm about 2 years or less away from requiring bi-focals. Sigh. Have to hold the model a full foot away from my face now.
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Sweet Jesus, Baz, you masked a good 90% of the plane. It took me getting close to the screen and taking a real good look before I realized the so bloody subtle difference between the yellow paint and the yellow tape. You left the upper fuselage, the wing and tail tips bare, and maybe a few other places? At least when you peel she should come off rather clean with a sheeting coat like that. I guess you'll peel by feel in this case?
Quote from: Sauragnmon on April 30, 2009, 04:58:23 PM
Sweet Jesus, Baz, you masked a good 90% of the plane. It took me getting close to the screen and taking a real good look before I realized the so bloody subtle difference between the yellow paint and the yellow tape. You left the upper fuselage, the wing and tail tips bare, and maybe a few other places? At least when you peel she should come off rather clean with a sheeting coat like that. I guess you'll peel by feel in this case?
Yep, 90% sounds about right.
What's this about peeling it off-----aw, man----I completely
forgot about that part! :banghead:
You should call it "Lemon Meringue" and put a hottie on there for nose art ;D For a blind guy you sure build a mean model! :wacko:
A new class of whiff, mixing B-Movie horror & aviation, the Mummy Fighter!!! Dracula, Wolf-Man & Zombie next then....?!?!?
I just spewed beer all over my lap in laughter...man, that is friggin YELLOW !!!!
Wow...... now that came as BIG surprise ! - Every future response to this thread will now come with a 'Shades' alert.
:mellow:
Ian
Outstanding piece of perseverance Sir, and looking damn good for it!
I have absolutely NO idea where this colour scheme is going now...... :unsure:
The future's so bright I gotta wear shades! :ph34r:
Will soon be sporting my own designed/homeprinted decals...
I wanted to improve on my original idea for a spinner so:
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Oh, and I didn't want to give away the decal masks before but here is how the white was strategically covered up for the homeprinted decals prior to hitting her with the yellow:
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This is how she looked once the masked were all pulled: all dressed up and ready for decals! Notice how the red walkways are a
slightly different shade of red, matte finish, and a little scuffed up.
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Well here is a full walk-around of the Crown Racing 007 Mossie Racer, guys. Hope the wait was worth it.
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She's a little too long in the nose---makes for hot and fast landings!
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And a couple of shots with the Lang Austin SP-7D Caroma (you know, for scale reference :thumbsup: )
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Another beauty. Nice bright colors on this one. Looks like a racer. Good job.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Ed :cheers:
What a beauty! :mellow: :wub: :thumbsup: :bow:
>Hope the wait was worth it.<
Ya Think??
This is really amazing! The origins are WAAAAY too cleverly disguised! -_-
Wow...you're a modeling god!!
Please tell me you'll show more of the SP-7D!!!
Hot damn that is good!!!!
you really are the masterclass when it comes to whiffing! :bow:
wow a fantastic looking build John, amazing colours and finish, wasn't sure early on but you've made a real beauty :o :ph34r: :drink: :tornado: :thumbsup:
Lovely Baz, you'd hardly believe it started as a Mossie! And you say you can't do clean finishes....
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Unbelievable !!!! :o it's gorgeous :bow:
--------- um! what's it's racing number Barry ------ ;D :lol:
Quote from: Damian2 on May 24, 2009, 12:00:27 PM
Wow...you're a modeling god!!
Please tell me you'll show more of the SP-7D!!!
Thanks, guys! For the Lang-Austin SP-7D Caroma, see this link (http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,23661.msg343968.html#msg343968).
I'm planning on uploading a few new pics of the Caroma, too. I think they're better than the first pics I showed.
Simply Stunning! :wub: :wub: :wub:
Excellent job - looks fantastic! :bow: :bow: :bow:
Im in love! Gorgeous! I love it! Im serious about it, thats the best thing i've ever seen, well almost :wub:
Beautiful model :thumbsup: :bow: :bow:
And if I hadn't read the thread, I wouldn't believe that it started life as an Airfix Mosquito. In fact, I'm not sure that I do believe it - - - :rolleyes:
I'm with McCreig :bow:
Quote from: Mossie on May 24, 2009, 05:16:34 PM
And you say you can't do clean finishes....
So not only does he produce simply incredible What If masterpieces, he is also "Economical with the truth" - D*mn Barry you just keep churning out one eye-popper after another. Brilliant work, sir.
Ian
I'm astounded and completely in awe of your limitless talent and skill, Mr Howling Mouse. This one is a prize winner in every sense and very easy on the eyes too! I love the racing paintjob and markings and I'm amazed at how you got all those diverse parts to work so well together and make the finished product appear so flawless. I'd say this is my favorite of all your projects, but you somehow manage to top yourself with each successive model.
Bravo, Baz!!!
:bow: :bow:
Brian da Basher
I bow to the master
:bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: