Charlie's Chop Shop

[Charlie_c67]

So small update. The swordfish is having some minor PSR on a few sink marks and an overlap on the lower fuselage. Hopefully there won't be the same issue when the upper wing and struts are added

Project W has now graced the table and the first cuts made to the fuselage to remove a superfluous frame. This will be my first go at fixing such a thing so wish me luck.

As an aside, has anyone built the Revell 707/E-3? This is my first airliner type model so any pointers on reducing the fuselage to wing gap when attaching them post painting (which is I believe the best way to keep your sanity doing such things) and who provides a good source of passenger window decals as this one's not earmarked to be a cargo plane would be very helpful.

[PR19_Kit]

Draw Decal are good for window sets, for all sorts of airliner decals.

As for the wing-fuselage joint, tough, it's a bitch of a job on that kit, and just needs lots and LOTS of filing and sanding for a PSR free joint.

[Old Wombat]

As for the wing-fuselage joint, tough, it's a bitch of a job on that kit, and just needs lots and LOTS of filing and sanding for a PSR free joint.

So, FSR instead of PSR ... Sounds like a frypan/fire proposition to me! 

[PR19_Kit]

So, FSR instead of PSR ... Sounds like a frypan/fire proposition to me! 

It is exactly that.

The issue with building airliner models is that it's usually a lot easier to build, paint and decal the fuselage and wings separately as they're rarely the same colour, as military aircraft often are. Thus gluing the wings on has to be a one-shot deal most times, puttying the joint isn't an option as it'd wreck the paintwork on both parts.

[NARSES2]

The issue with building airliner models is that it's usually a lot easier to build, paint and decal the fuselage and wings separately as they're rarely the same colour, as military aircraft often are. Thus gluing the wings on has to be a one-shot deal most times, puttying the joint isn't an option as it'd wreck the paintwork on both parts.

Interesting, I'd never thought of that. Mind you I don't think I've built an airliner model. However if some of these kits have bad wing/fuselage joins there might be an opening for someone with the necessary skills to design and print 3D join/gap fillets ? Just musing as I know B all about the subject.

[Charlie_c67]

You'd still have the problem of a degree of PSR being required plus touching up the paintwork though. Coupled to that, the older models can be akin to building a wartime Yak-1 at times making matching things up that little more....interesting. I realise there are more modern examples on the market, but £50 compared to the £10 I paid for this which is, lets face it, pretty much a tube with wings and a few dangly bits sticks in the craw a little. That's before you need to shell out for decals because the airline you want is often not the one the model came out in.

[NARSES2]

You'd still have the problem of a degree of PSR being required plus touching up the paintwork though.

True. As I said I've no experience of building airliners, so have no knowledge of how bad some of the gaps are, and I'll probably leave it that way. I've still enough Unicraft in the stash to get me committed 

[Charlie_c67]

You'd still have the problem of a degree of PSR being required plus touching up the paintwork though.

True. As I said I've no experience of building airliners, so have no knowledge of how bad some of the gaps are, and I'll probably leave it that way. I've still enough Unicraft in the stash to get me committed 

Yes, good luck with that! I've only got one wholly resin model and that's a Magna MB.2 which is safely hidden until I'm feeling less fragile...

[The Wooksta!]

Magna's MB2 is a bit rough and ready, but it's not a bad kit.  I've several tucked away, as well as the Merlin version.  Oddly, that's not too bad, albeit a bit on the slim side.  Quite enjoyed the one I did some years back.

[NARSES2]

I've never found Magna difficult as such, heavy yes, and requiring some work yes, but they are reasonable builds.

[Charlie_c67]

That's good to know and I would like to find one or two one day, but of course I gave the wrong aircraft. It's an M.20 I have to be whiffed 

Raining here so no chance to spray unfortunately.

[Charlie_c67]

With the weather being such that I have begun to paint the Swordfish, project W can begin and, as promised, here are the wings to warm Kits heart. The wheel...wells I guess you have to call them, are to be filled in, and a few judicious cuts need to be made for some bits going underneath. What I don't know is what the trench's close to the wing root on top are for, anyone know?

[PR19_Kit]

That's where there the stronger structure for the undercarriage mounting fits into the geodetic wing structure.

[McColm]

So small update. The swordfish is having some minor PSR on a few sink marks and an overlap on the lower fuselage. Hopefully there won't be the same issue when the upper wing and struts are added

Project W has now graced the table and the first cuts made to the fuselage to remove a superfluous frame. This will be my first go at fixing such a thing so wish me luck.

As an aside, has anyone built the Revell 707/E-3? This is my first airliner type model so any pointers on reducing the fuselage to wing gap when attaching them post painting (which is I believe the best way to keep your sanity doing such things) and who provides a good source of passenger window decals as this one's not earmarked to be a cargo plane would be very helpful.

I've built the Heller 1/72 E-3A/C model it has two sets of engines. The wings have gaps when fitted to the fuselage. When it comes to the rotodome (spin top) you need to reinforce the legs. You might want to do this before gluing the fuselage halves together, fine plastic or metal rods drilled from the inside of the fuselage. Plenty of nose weight, not much interior details apart from the cockpit and navigation desk. Plus the inside steps.
You can build the KE-3A or complete what I tried to do and convert it into an MPA which looked similar to the EC-135B Snoopy.

[Charlie_c67]

That's where there the stronger structure for the undercarriage mounting fits into the geodetic wing structure.

Sorry Kit, only just realised you'd answered my question, not sure how I missed that but thanks!    Also means they don't need filling for the final project. That said, movement has been slow for a few reasons. Christmas, stuff for treating my mental health and more importantly a job application leading to a phone interview have taken precedence for obvious reasons. Project W isn't shelved, but it may mean I don't give it full attention and other, easier, things jump ahead of it on the table.

One of those is the Swordfish who has received her matt black coat and looks rather sinister as a result. With little other external colour to paint, I hope to move on to the decals/stickers/whatever-you-call-them soon though I also have to put a little effort to reduce the silvering as much as possible and have the gloss varnish on standby to help. I will try and get a pic on later tonight.