Thanks to all for thier kind words. I’m very happy with the way Little Miss Magic turned out . The colors (even the pink outlines ) really came together . It also helped that the old Monogram kit was at the peak of thier 1/48 scale kits .
Randy- May I suggest the second or third pics for the front page? I like the pic with my “Love Bug” in it , but the next two pics show the model better. BTW, I asked Emma if she wanted one the pet names I call her on the plane. That’s the one she picked. She is very excited her racer is finished and displayed with her collection.
I want to thank you Randy for leaving open the ‘what if’ option in this build. We so often pick a subject with specific markings and so on. But, what ifs can really open up the imagination. Especially on something like a racer or custom. Some modelers don’t care much for them, but, it’s important to stretch and exercise the imagination from time to time. It’s where creativity comes from.
Now to get Tantrum wrapped up. I thought the only tough challenge left on it is the prop blades. But, I’m trying to outline the yellow scallops with red and seem to be a little jinxed with painting nice straight lines. The hands arn’t quite as steady as much as they used to be ,I guess. I shot a coat of Future over the blue/yellow scheme so any crooked stripes wipe off with a little mineral spirits. I’ll get them straightened out, pun intended. Currently trying out cutting narrow strips of red decal. I’ll see how that works.
Should have some fresh pics of Tantrum in a few days. Until then, Go fast, Turn left, Don’t break anything!
Daddy1 Little Miss Magic is posted on the front page, hope you like the ones I chose.
Howard I am honored you and Emma chose this group for your Daddy Daughter build, it is no less than spectacular. Actually I think she and race #03 would look great on the pages of FSM, in the readers gallery or maybe even a nice write up. Truely a special build [:D[[:D[ And for little Emma [^][<:o)] well done little one.
Ok time for Doc Fermis to get some competition, not much of a race with only one fast mover ya know [:O]
This is the Testors F-5 Freedom Fighter kit, I have been working on it a bit at time for a while now so I didn’t figure pictures were really needed until now. Not much detail in these kits as you know, I did however add seat harness, and the instrument panel. Other than that its pretty much OOB, hopefully the paint job and decals will make up for other shortcomings. I haven’t really made up my mind if I want to use Race #13 or my old racing number 23, we will see what happens there I guess.
Quite a few gaps to fill and sand but not too bad as the Testors kits go.
Wing things are on [:P]
Gaps all filled and sanded, almost ready for some paint [::DD0]
Why cant some of the better kits have canopys as clear as these are ? [:|]
Thanks Simpilot but as far as racing the Eagle [:)] this F-5 is a race plane and does have the super secret Acme Race engines in it. They even keep the model number of the motor a secret. Oh and I do have a special pilot and ground crew too, however I cant reviel who they are just yet, might give Doc Fermis the advantage if I do. [cwby]
Randy, the F-5 looks great and should make for a heck-of-a pylon burner. I remember when I was with the 18th TFW on Okinawa in the 70’s. The aggressors would come up from Clark AB and turn circles around our Phantoms. We could always count on a few over-g inspections on our F-4s when they were in town with thier F-5s and even an occasional T-33 in aggressor camo.
Another thing about the F-5. You won’t have to clip the wings . Northrup already did that.
To those getting anxious for more of Tantrum, please be patient.
I wasn’t quite satisfied with how the paint turned out on her . Had some minor orange peel and pinholes in a few spots . Plus not quite as smooth as I would have prefered. Since I have plans on entering Tantrum in a contest or two ,I have no choice but to sand down, and repaint. It will be worth the effort. Currently have her sanded down awaiting a light coat of primer to fill scratches. Then I’ll recoat with white and lay on color. The colors will be the same ,but, the scheme will be a bit different.
The repaint requred a trip to my local Hobbytown for more True Blue pearl. While I was there I discovered these gems.
Reverse side of box
Reverse side of box
It’s great to see the Williams Bro.s label again. There also was a Gee Bee R-1/R-2 kit. I would like to build an R-2 someday to go with my R-1 but for now , these two will make great accompaning pieces for my current Gee Bees.
The kits are reissues of thier old 1/32 scale line with a little fine tuning in the decals. Some minor flash to deal with ,but nothing too major. Detail is nice and both will build into very nice models OOB , but would also be wonderfull starting points for super detailing. I like the larger scale as the golden age racers were small planes with big engines, so the overall dimensions aren’t overwhelming on the shelf, but large enough for some presence. Same reason I like 1/48 scale warbirds.
While probably too late to complete either before the end of this group build and not really sure when I will build them ( part of me is ready for some OD and neutral gray), but I will post build threads for both when I do. The Wedell-Williams I most likely will build as the Gilmore Special. I like the markings and the personality of the pilot.
Howard that’s a nice lil score you have their!!! Did you remember the paint???[proplr] Looking forward to seeing Tantrum in the new scheme!!![t$t] Will be looking forward to seeing those Williams Bros. beauties come together when you get to them as well!!
Yes ,I did remember the paint. Also scored Acadamy’s 1/48 Glacier Girl P-38F, and Revells Reissue of the 1/28 scale Fokker Dr1 Triplane in Red Baron colors. The Hobbytown in Lakeland ,FL is having a buy three get one free sale. The racers were an easy choice. On my wish list for a long time . Harder was deciding what the third and free one of “equal value” were going to be .
Have to resist urge to go back and spend the national debt on model kits.
After sanding smooth and fresh Testors white base coat , I masked the new pattern with low tack 3M blue tape. Then shot the blue pearl.
A couple days drying then mask off the blue and shoot the yellow pearl.
Final pic is current stage of progress.
Adding a thin stripe off dark red to bring the graphics to life. Also note the name and number decals.
First printed on clear decal paper , then given a coat of Testors orange, then Testors neon orange. Finally outlining with extrafine tip black Sharpie. Those are great pens and can be found in a number of colors. Even found a huge multi-color pack ( 34 I think) at my local staples.
I think this paint scheme better fits the name Tantrum than the previous one. Definately an aircraft easy to spot ,even on the backstretch at Reno.
The prop blades are coming along as I’ve waiting for paint to dry. I will post a how to ( or how I did it) when I get them finished.
[::DD0]I am soooooooooo loving this build Howard!!! Honestlly as I said when you first showed us the concept drawings, I REALLLLLLLLLLLLY wish I had the know how to make a flightsim model and take her up for a virtual spin around the pylons!!![:'(] Man I would love that!!! Just asking to be flown setting there isn’t it!!!
Glad you guys like the new paint . The original scheme was too swoopy for the name Tantrum. This one’s jagged, more attention getting , much like a kid’s tantrum might be. Got the idea while going over my daughters drawings of her feelings when she’s having a tantrum. Many jagged ,sharp angles ,almost explosive looking.
Jeremy- The thin red strips really do add depth. Even though they are very thin , you can see the difference where I stopped on the wing. Flames espesially need a thin outlining stripe to add depth and bring them to life. Always bothers me when I see a beautiful street rod with some great flames , except they look flat without that outline.
The sharpies work great . They’re a permanant marker but I still overcoat with gloss or flat dullcoat. Experiment on some scrap to get the feel . I find light pressure works best for me.
Another striping trick I learned from Scale Auto years ago was the use of a quill pen and india ink. Another tool requireing some practice but very useful .
Daddy1 a HUGE [dto:] to all that has been said above !! Those red strips really do make the design pop. Hand painting stripes like that is a real art I think [:D[
I got the base color on the F-5 today, the mancave finally cooled down from 110 for the past week and a half to a cool 93 degrees. I will post a pic or two in the morning.
Well after seeing Daddy1’s TANTRUM and feeling totally inadequate, here is a WIP of my build. Got the base color on yesterday and futured it this morning, it needs a bit of wet sanding then on to the fun and games masking the beast.
