I mentioned in my intro post that I am starting back after a long break. I enjoyed modelling, but was not particularly skilled at it. I look forward to learning and improving as I carry on.
I stopped for a variety of reasons…birth of our son, postings, other hobbies etc etc. At that time, I’d started a Tamiya 1/48 Mosquito, and my ambitions exceeded my skill level for sure. I merrily hacked off the control surfaces, and had all sorts of grand plans in place - HA! Here I sit back at it, looking at some of the problems I left myself years ago.
Onward.
Wing
I cut out the control surfaces, and in the process had an X-Acto slip, leaving a big gouge in the wing. As well, reattaching the aileron was a mess; not aligned properly and glue everywhere. There’s a repair job waiting to happen.
Flaps
The flaps I cut out and filled with putty (Squadron white if I remember correctly). I’m assuming that is the cause of the big sink marks.
Cockpit and Fueselage
I started back last month, and began with the cockpit and fuselage. So far I’m pretty happy with my progress. The decal harnesses look cheesy. I tried my hand at a bit of dry brushing after watching a couple of YouTube tutorials, but I’m learning. I would also like to “grime” things up a bit, (machine gun mags for one) but am unsure of how exactly to do that at this time. Should I have treated everything with Future before I assembled, or is there another technique?
That’s it for now. I will keep posting as I progress, and welcome any critiques, advice etc.
I should mention that it is destined to become the night fighter version. I had originally planned to build the FB VI, but my 9 year old son thought the NF II looked “cooler” so I changed stride. Of course, after having switched, I read about how difficult it is going to be to paint an all black plane and that every little flaw will show up…Super! [:D]
Looks good thus far with the cockpit! I see what you meant with the sinkholes in the flaps, the tourene in Squadron putty will soften the plastic, but you should be able to fix it. I must say that I’m intrigued with your holding rig; quite ingenious!
I’m doing the NF version now too. Just came out of the paint booth. Black’s not too bad. I just use multiple coats and I add a bit of gray here and there to each coat to break up the monotany of just solid black.
Have made a bit of progress this weekend and managed to get a few coats of paint on.
Here is the starboard wing after working on that messy aileron. I’m pretty happy with it.
I used XF-69 NATO Black, as I recall reading somewhere that it wouldn’t look as harsh as regular black. If anyone has any input either way, that would be great.
All in all, I think it’s coming along pretty well, and I hope to be able to carry on making positive progress.
Thanks for the compliments on my stand - I never figured it would be a hit. [:)] I use those Dollar Store bamboo skewers for everything.
Looks like good progress, Chanter. I’ll follow this build, as I have one stashed in the closet I intend to get to (someday), plus two of the Monogram kits I intend to use as “practice” for the Tam. [:D]
