Here are a few pics of my most recent build. Up until now, I would “slap” together a model without using some of the techniques that are commonplace to most of you guys (e.g. filling seams, decal settling, etc.). I tried to use this plane as a test for some of these more advanced techniques (keep in mind I am still learning the craft after a lengthy absence[:I]).
The kit was a Heller CL415 super scooper finished straight OOTB and decaled with the Securite-Civile (France) decals that came with the kit. The overall yellow finish was with a model master rattle can and all other painting was accomplished with brushes using Humbrol colors. I made some boo-boos such as sanding away rivets after filling seams (live and learn [:o)]…LOL) and had problems with some of the decal wrap around the nose (Floquil’s Polly Sol really helped a lot).
Overall the fit of the kit was horrible [xx(] and really forced me to use some of the more advanced techniques. Although the kit was a bit of a nightmare, I am now awaiting delivery of Heller’s CL215 which I plan to finish in my home province’s forest fire fighting livery as shown below using decals courtesy of Dave from Leading Edge Models. I don’t hold much hope that the 215 kit will be any better to build than the 415 but hope my ability has been bettered.
Although you guys will undoubtedly see some of my errors, I really appreciate all the information, tips and techniques that is offered through the forum that has helped to minimize the mess I would have otherwise had without the advice. Without the input and assistance, my transition back to the world of scale modelling would have been much more difficult.
Thanks for the build report on this kit, Rod, I’ve been putting off geting me one.
I’ve shown models, sure that the viewers would see the little mess-ups that seemed so obvious to me, but very rarely does anyone notice them. Like your build; Looking at the pictures (and in real life too I’m sure), it is an excellent representation and I appreciate you posting them, thanks! [:)]
I’m a bit surprised by the fit problems you mentionned Rodc, but I still haven’t built mine and have only read reviews that were pretty good. I knew the fit between the fuselage and the wing assembly would be a problem and that sanding away some of the rivet detail would be necessary. This was the major problem in the CL-215 kit. However, rivets can easily be recreated with dimensional fabric paint.
Despite the troubles you encountered, it does seem you did get a very decent finished model, and it looks quite stunning from here! Go on, get that CL-215 started!
The kit looks great. You are right it is a difficult kit, and you picked a difficult paint scheme to do. Yellow is a bear to paint, especially gloss yellow. You did a great job.
As for criticism, it should always be constructive, especially our own. My personal philosophy is that if I ever build the “perfect” model it is time to quit. So keep building and enjoy the hobby. Thanks for sharing your work with us. rangerj
Rod, if there’s one thing I know from a lifetime of making my living by putting one word after another, it is that ourselves, and only ourselves, see every single tiny error (such as the major syntactical gaff I made in the last clause). It amazes me when another modeler comes into my apartment and oohs and aahs over a build that I am ashamed of. Then I realize that he or she weren’t there during the build, didn’t see where I cheated here, and covered up mistakes there, and so forth. Your model looks great to me, and what’s more, it is a fascinating, difficult subject.
The people who are truly insufferable, are those who are always satisfied with what they have done, whether they are writers or odelrs. Always quick with the tiniest, most trivial slags of another person’s work, they are inevitably angry and defensive if someone has the nerve to criticize their work. (My sereotype model critic: The fat guy in a dirty tee-shirt and a dentists mirror or, as many call him, The Rivet Counter. I wish we had an artist to do a caricacature of him.) In a room where a writers group is meeting, there is an exact version of this fat guy in the dirty shirt. He’s the one show refuses to read his own work, but more than ready to rip into anyone else’s hard work.
Be proud of what you have done. It is something, for sure, to be proud of.
tom
Would you mind elaborating on how you put back raised detail like rivets once you sand them off? That is a problem I have encountered many times and usually have to decide whether to leave the blemish or lose the rivets. Thanks
As to the CL-415 looks great, I plan to build that one eventually but as one of the ones used in Los Angeles county (still yellow and red though), also a 215 but I haven’t looked into one to replicate since so far as I know they are not used in the US. Canada is still using some interesting aircraft that went out of service down here in the late 1980’s, such as Avenger’s and the A26, I may have to take a trip up there some summer so I can see them still working.
Nice job on the CL415, and good luck on the 215 when you do it.
According to Bombardier’s site, North Carolina has a 215 and Minnesota has 2 of them in service as of 2001. I assume both to be in a firefighting capacity.
Up until about 5 years ago, the Newfoundland waterbomber force was comprised on PBY Cansos (Catalinas). Douglas DC-4’s and C-54 Skymasters are common place in western Canada as are the 215’s, 215T’s and 415’s.
On a different note, did anyone see the movie Always with Richard Dreyfuss and John Goodman? Although a little hoakie (i.e. chick flick), there were some amazing aircraft in the movie being used as waterbombers. It is actually worth watching - not with your wives or gf’s though if you want to concentrate on the aircraft.
As for restoring the sanded rivets, I have read from the forums of using a little dab of white glue or applied with a toothpick to make the missing rivets. Of course, I never bothered with that for my 415…
Really nice, I especially like the paint job you did.
For all of you who wish to build this kit here are some details that need to be corrected on the kit. This was forwarded to me by a very nice gentleman working at Canadair; Mr Alexander Grekov. ( Rod do not consider this a negative comment please)
“Since the cockpit layout and the fuselage halves are unchanged, the model really represents a CL-215T, which is basically a re-engined CL-215. The Spanish Air Force and the Government of Québec are the only users of this version.
So, in order to convert this CL-215T into a CL-415, the following work will have to be done:
· Rebuild the cockpit in accordance with the new layout (instrument panels, central pedestal, side consoles and cockpit to forward cabin bulkhead).
· Re-engrave each water tank door contour to create 2 separate doors on each side (total of 4). You can use the decal #30 as template.
· Reshape the 2 water tanks headers located in the mid section of the cabin floor. This is necessary only if you choose to open one (or both) cabin access doors.
Correcting the mistakes:
Once you have selected the version you want to build, comes the time to correct the major problem on this kit, in other words, the engines nacelles installation:
· The kit’s PW123AF centerline should be 5.5 mm more inboard than the former R2800 piston engine centerline.
· The Oil Cooler located underwing will have to be relocated inboard, accordingly. This is the most critical part of the build-up since the bulged leading edge fairing on the outboard side of the nacelles will also have to be moved.
· The kit’s nacelles have a “nose up” attitude. After joining each nacelle halves together, you will cut them to insert a shim and tilt the forward section (engine section) downwards to meet the 3 degrees down orientation.”
Thanks for the accolades Zokissima. I can’t take credit for the caption though since I read it on an Intruder website a long time ago and it just stuck with me…now if I can only scratchbuild an Intruder to show her as a waterbomber (I love Intruders almost as much as waterbombers)!!!
Louis, no offence taken. I’m ecstatic about all the positive response I have received. It really builds my enthusiasm for a hobby I deeply treasured as a kid and one that I now find just as rewarding. I just wish I had more time to dedicate but juggling work, family, hockey, and home renovations, my builds take me a lot longer than I would like.
Based on your comments about the Heller kit, it sounds as if there would be quite a bit of kitbashing involved to make a true 415. Given my limited kitbashing skills at the moment, I think I will build OOTB for now but thanks for the input. Maybe Djmodels may be able to make use of the info since he has one on the shelf that he is going to build as well.
Another tidbit. There is a company in BC (Canada) flying two Martin Mars Flying Boats (they originally had four from the US Navy but lost two to accidents) as airtankers. They contract them out and have used them all over the place.
Now that would be impressive to build as a waterbomber…very biiigggg subject. All in yellow and red, Canadian livery, pant, pant…
Czechmaster will be releasing 1/144 kits of the Martin Mars both the US Navy and the Flying tankers versions. Don’t know the date they were listed as "future releases " on Hannant’s site.
