I have the great joy to get for Christmas (and my birthday very soon), as double-gift from my brother, the Unicraft 1/72 resin kit of Junkers EF.109 (http://www.unicraft.biz/germ/ju109/ju109.htm ).
As never built nor used, scale 1, this is a what-if subject in itself, but my goal is to transform it into a personal creation of mine (version "B"), reducing its size mainly, as I lack room in my shelves. For the name, I imagine this would have become the Ju-109B, sending to garbage the Bayerische Flugzeug Bf-109 and Messerschmitt Me-109 projects (and their later Nazi actions, this change into my Ju-109B without weapon is rather good for ethics). Of course, there will be no markings (no swastika but also: no other nationalistic sign), just a sky-blue overall paint (as dreamy bird, with discrete camo in sunny sky), and black canopy (from a P-51D Heller kit with 2 injected canopies, as I am so bad in holding thermoformed canopies, sorry).
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kristofmeunier.fr%2Fr_IMG_6622.jpg&hash=155168eb8d96d225085e3dd6285590eb8955f581)
= link http://www.kristofmeunier.fr/r_IMG_6622.jpg
Removing interesting parts from plastic:
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kristofmeunier.fr%2Fr_IMG_6627.jpg&hash=c6487e6e777c2d1487ef7bf2b206590598b488b2)
= link http://www.kristofmeunier.fr/r_IMG_6627.jpg
Now ready to build: <_<
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kristofmeunier.fr%2Fr_IMG_6631.jpg&hash=2a27d132beaefe2bba4312cdd26dfc9f58697e23)
= link http://www.kristofmeunier.fr/r_IMG_6631.jpg
The main change will be: no internal wing (fuselages close to one another with a T-T-tail)
and the fuselages will be shortened (no engine and related fairing, truncated rear)
Concerning propellers, I hesitate between a pure glider (with much putty) or an asymmetric motor-glider (with blades on one side), I will see.
Quote from: Tophe on December 25, 2022, 01:57:29 AMfuselages
truncated rear
or an asymmetric motor-glider (with blades on one side), I will see.
or the truncated fuselages rear would be rocket exhausts and the front single propeller (passive, moved by the airflow) would provide electricity for the pilot's tasks (or the brain of the bird)... :unsure: ;)
Enjoy it Tophe and have a good birthday as well as Christmas :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Thanks!
Here is my project, illustrated: <_<
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kristofmeunier.fr%2FJu-109B_e.jpg&hash=929eef65693b3daaff132321a018c875f7807193)
= link http://www.kristofmeunier.fr/Ju-109B_e.jpg
My model, as usual, will have no undercarriage, sitting on its low wing, so the 3-blade propeller is a problem. I will remove the blades then glue them back as 2-blade propeller, horizontal. ;)
The parts are raw, building a Unicraft kit is allways a challenge "for experienced modellers only": <_<
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kristofmeunier.fr%2Fr_IMG_6634_ju109.jpg&hash=c719e21a53ceee8ce99ebd28ed88ae65028c200f)
= link http://www.kristofmeunier.fr/r_IMG_6634_ju109.jpg
Reinforcing the half-fuselages that were not joinning strongly, and starting to add putty: :unsure:
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kristofmeunier.fr%2Fr_IMG_6642_ju109.jpg&hash=1825166a113318ea27fe034d1e32ade1a6719b96)
= link http://www.kristofmeunier.fr/r_IMG_6642_ju109.jpg
Quote from: Tophe on December 26, 2022, 12:13:37 AMThe parts are raw, building a Unicraft kit is allways a challenge "for experienced modellers only": <_<
They also need to be feeling in a good mood ;D
Good to see your progress Tophe :thumbsup:
Good luck with this model! i have finished one Unicraft model and it was horrible.
Quote from: UhuFin on December 27, 2022, 11:03:41 AMGood luck with this model! i have finished one Unicraft model and it was horrible.
Thanks.
Uh raw kits like that are kinda "middle way between scratch building and simple classical model ready to mount perfectly". Like to invite us in a whif spirit. That is the way I do feel it anyway, other people may feel differently. :unsure:
Quote from: NARSES2 on December 26, 2022, 05:39:58 AMThey also need to be feeling in a good mood ;D
To keep my enthusiasm in model making, without being bored by hard work (huge-PSR), I made the much easier plastic models F-16 double-canard ( https://www.whatifmodellers.com/index.php?topic=51124.0 ), and maybe now the micro-Mustang (https://www.whatifmodellers.com/index.php?topic=51125.0 )... :unsure: <_< ;) ;D
I have truncated the rear fuselages, as planned for my reducing size: :unsure:
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kristofmeunier.fr%2FIMG_6759_ju109b.jpg&hash=a6959db4ade8c6167d9e4ab9807bf9e04099fcd3)
= link http://www.kristofmeunier.fr/IMG_6759_ju109b.jpg
After first sanding: :unsure:
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kristofmeunier.fr%2FIMG_6776_ju109.jpg&hash=39a1ff8cc42ce9562957e4033d1cedb34d314820)
= link http://www.kristofmeunier.fr/IMG_6776_ju109.jpg
Starting to add putty again: :unsure:
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kristofmeunier.fr%2FIMG_6782_ju109.jpg&hash=545926c5de12d59d3e2162319188db1e70499a45)
= link http://www.kristofmeunier.fr/IMG_6782_ju109.jpg
Stop! Running out of putty!: :unsure: :-\
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kristofmeunier.fr%2FIMG_6784_ju109.jpg&hash=54dbf09031d652e2722de28dda21801d8f601c70)
= link http://www.kristofmeunier.fr/IMG_6784_ju109.jpg
Fortunatly I ordered one more tube a few days ago, and it should arrive today (if the postman works a December 31st, without strike as this is in France)... :unsure: :-\
The extra putty has been well received today!
(https://i.imgur.com/MHI0yf4.jpg)
So putty addition goes on, before sanding: :unsure: :-\
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kristofmeunier.fr%2FIMG_6786_ju109.jpg&hash=58af872cda0fa89b2bae263521099093bf9fcd2c)
= link http://www.kristofmeunier.fr/IMG_6786_ju109.jpg
Nice work on a cool looking project :thumbsup:
BTW is that putty what you use on all your models? If so what is it like to use? Doe's it shrink much over time?
Thanks.
Yes, this is the putty I use on all my models for maybe 5 years. I like it. When covered with final paint, I see no further evolution, but I am not sure I have the same high-quality standards as all modellers here.
After another sanding, and gluing the P-51D canopy: <_<
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kristofmeunier.fr%2FIMG_6788_ju109.jpg&hash=374786de6c7cd9ff922d8d39bd84fc1d9a4d2042)
= link http://www.kristofmeunier.fr/IMG_6788_ju109.jpg
Then adding putty again. The canopy's transparency will not be kept, but replaced by black color: <_<
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kristofmeunier.fr%2FIMG_6792_ju109.jpg&hash=882602fc52481b908ab5b806f2029e767601ba1c)
= link http://www.kristofmeunier.fr/IMG_6792_ju109.jpg
Quote from: Tophe on December 25, 2022, 01:20:34 AMI imagine this would have become the Ju-109B, sending to garbage the Bayerische Flugzeug Bf-109 and Messerschmitt Me-109 projects
I discover today that there "was" also a Focke-Wulf Fw-109, see: <_<
(https://i.imgur.com/1TJzOfo.jpg)
After a new sanding, OK: <_<
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kristofmeunier.fr%2FIMG_6797_ju109.jpg&hash=1fbdeca90a59d10f8bc36d511efa50437e2f5109)
= link http://www.kristofmeunier.fr/IMG_6797_ju109.jpg
With superglue needed for resin, the Ju-109B is quickly taking shape, ready for paint: <_<
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kristofmeunier.fr%2FIMG_6800_ju109.jpg&hash=fa0f8212d949d0d9d998b4c535411af85597aba1)
= link http://www.kristofmeunier.fr/IMG_6800_ju109.jpg
:thumbsup:
Thanks !
I have painted the underside: <_<
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kristofmeunier.fr%2FIMG_6802_ju109.jpg&hash=aaa2e7669e030f98bd7992bc92bf639d3ddef23d)
= link http://www.kristofmeunier.fr/IMG_6802_ju109.jpg
(the model should not be seen from this angle: don't look under the skirt of a lady!
then hours later, I painted (started to paint) the side above: <_<
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kristofmeunier.fr%2FIMG_6807_ju109.jpg&hash=8b1ec4def24e20f617ab93f3c7a0c6b36a6978a1)
= link http://www.kristofmeunier.fr/IMG_6807_ju109.jpg
yes, a blade of the propeller has fallen down, but not lost somewhere in the dust, I will glue it back soon, even if fragile.
The Ju-189 model is finished! without weapon at all, replacing all the evil Bf-109s in my (crazy) mind: <_<
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kristofmeunier.fr%2FIMG_6830_ju109.jpg&hash=499867f6f1ea3608a71a64a9fd301b696fbfade2)
= link http://www.kristofmeunier.fr/IMG_6830_ju109.jpg
Featuring the small size of the model (which was one of the mail goals of mine): <_<
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kristofmeunier.fr%2FIMG_6815_ju109.jpg&hash=1a0c08f10b5399747d4f990526613f42d1d42a07)
= link http://www.kristofmeunier.fr/IMG_6815_ju109.jpg
With this P-51D canopy, this is a true 1/72 model, but that has become a tiny little plane... ;)
From 4 angles of view: <_<
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kristofmeunier.fr%2Fr_IMG_6810_ju109x4.jpg&hash=0e550dbc838c9c370db737ce54c2a333a8a8ec3b)
= link http://www.kristofmeunier.fr/r_IMG_6810_ju109x4.jpg
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Your models always look "alive" to me Tophe. I can see them starring in some Disney/Pixar cartoon.
Good job Tophe.
:thumbsup:
Thanks both of you.
Quote from: NARSES2 on January 08, 2023, 01:42:13 AMYour models always look "alive" to me Tophe. I can see them starring in some Disney/Pixar cartoon.
Maybe this is because of the way I paint wind screens: not 2 frames with a clear center for the pilot to see, but a middle frame separating 2 black eyes, of a bird or other cartoon animal. ;)
Like the EF.109, the Ju-109A had been twin-engined, then came the single-engined Ju-109B (see the model above) but then the requirement changed back for a twin-engine plane, and twin-seat now. Thus the project of Ju-109Z (below). It was solid and small, but rejected because (pretended) poor visibility for the pilots. I suspect the decider to have judged: "4 booms, this is too much"...
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kristofmeunier.fr%2FIMG_6830_ju109Zx2.jpg&hash=8f8fa5b1143e7492348f0ff1f08127ac7e4759ce)
= link http://www.kristofmeunier.fr/IMG_6830_ju109Zx2.jpg
But Junkers proposed an improved Ju-109Z-2 with improved visibility. Anyway it was rejected too, as "too big", the decider having not enough room on his bedroom shelves... :unsure:
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kristofmeunier.fr%2FIMG_6830_ju109Z2x2b.jpg&hash=fc43d8ec7a039e385907f19585f7a54dacbecac5)
= link http://www.kristofmeunier.fr/IMG_6830_ju109Z2x2b.jpg
Quote from: Tophe on January 08, 2023, 02:57:31 AMThanks both of you.
Quote from: NARSES2 on January 08, 2023, 01:42:13 AMYour models always look "alive" to me Tophe. I can see them starring in some Disney/Pixar cartoon.
Maybe this is because of the way I paint wind screens: not 2 frames with a clear center for the pilot to see, but a middle frame separating 2 black eyes, of a bird or other cartoon animal. ;)
I've never really thought about it, but yes that probably is one of the reasons. ;D
Quote from: Tophe on January 03, 2023, 12:04:24 PMI discover today that there "was" also a Focke-Wulf Fw-109
Well, as a twin-boom fan, maybe I should have preferred the Bf-109 (with its Bf-109Z version!) rather than the Fw-109, but... all changes if there has been a Fw-109Z also: <_<
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kristofmeunier.fr%2Ffw-109zw.jpg&hash=a73ad036e6da92716e67ddec0181c25dd2d37298)
= link http://www.kristofmeunier.fr/fw-109zw.jpg