Kit made by Revell in 1999. The odd thing is though, the bottom of one of the wings had RE-MO 1977 stamped into it, guess its just an old mold they re-issued from. Anyway it was a pretty good kit. This is only the second aircraft kit I ever tried, the first one was also an older prop-style plane but I was about 15 years younger so it died before it got good started. So this is pretty much the first aircraft I’ve completed, and honestly I like it. There are a few flaws I know, and I didn’t weather it (mostly cuz well I dunno how haha… also didn’t wanna mess up all my work) but I still like it.
Welcome to your new plastic addiction you can look forward to fewer flaws as you go along, of course. Heck, I dont care for too many details myself, just takes longer to build and no one ever sees them except for a picture or two here!
Looks like the re-issue of the Monogram J… It came out as the B-25H about that time (77), and Monogram added a couple different “J” noses in the 90s… They most likely added the RE- stuff to the mold after taking over Monogram…
At any rate, you’re on yer way… Don’t be scared to start covering up those seams and painting the canopy frames… It gets easier with practice… If you want to, paint the frames in acrylics so if you make a goof, you can wipe it off easy… BTW, I like what you did with the demarcation lines… Good work splittin’ the difference between brush and airbrush…
Yep, it’s alotta fun. Isn’t it? Especially for your first aircraft, I have to say you did really well! I wouldn’t worry about weathering or anything like that for right now. That’s a more advanced skill that you can try later. I for one haven’t gotten to that point yet[:I] But definately read through the boards and stay active, and you’ll pick up on all sorts of tips, tricks and overall good ideas and you’ll find vast improvement in a short period of time. But most of all is persistence. Looking forward to seeing more of your work![tup]
Nice build and keep up the good work! Try masking and painting the canopy frames on your next build. Its as simple as using some green or blue painters tape, some tooth pick’s to “burnish” the tape into place and a fresh blade on your hobby knife. I used to leave mine un painted like you even up untill just a few months ago, but now masking canopies is one of my fav. parts of building aircraft.
It takes some practice and a light hand with the blade, but you’ll catch on quick. The best part is its just tape so if you dont like how the mask came out you can just peel it off and start again. The above post about using acrylics is another great tip also, if you don’t like how the paint on the frames turned out you can just wash it off and try again.
bspeed - yeah I know lol, though honestly I think sometimes people won’t pay attention to the models you do unless you’re a good super detailer with like every little dot and spot painted and everything wired if it can be wired, especially over in the car part of the forum [B)] of course sometimes even just seeing some of these kits that everyone does with all the amazing detail, so much so it looks almost real gets discouraging in a way… hmm…
Hans von Hammer - Really covering the seams I didn’t know how to, I tried painting over them but well they still showed through really badly in some places, especailly on the front of the wing between the engine and main body. And when it came time to paint the demarcation line I ended up feeling like even though they probably had a set pattern and maybe even machines to do it (I dunno how it was done back then), each one was probably a little diff so I decided to just wing it and see how it would look.
Higgy - That should definately help with painting some of the smaller bits.
Thanks everyone for the comments. I definately enjoyed building it but I really only have two problems now. One is well aircraft are large, even at 1:48 scale, especally when you get into the larger ones so room is a problem. But really 1:48 is the scale I like, I thought about 1:72 but I’m kinda thinking I’ll get all of them at 1:48 and that way it would all be close to realistic comparison. Plus the detail parts were small enough at 1:48, my fingers would never be able to hold them at a smaller scale [8-] The other is when they won’t sit right. This one is tail heavy so I have it proped up with a half-squished paper cup under it’s tail [sigh] Which kinda looks bad lol
Nice Build, I’m applying the decals to my Jaunty Jo right now. Well, not actually now since I’m typing this note. Anyways, I found the kit to be a nice build. Its my third build and I’m using it to help with refining my skills before I dive into the higher priced kits with PE and resin etc… Since mine will be hanging from my sons ceiling, I decided to go with retracted gear. Other than the hassels of making gear doors fit that weren’t designed too, it is a nice kit. I would recommend it to anyone.
Don’t sweat it, Wingform… Learning how to fill and sand seams takes time and practice… There’s a number of techniques and materials to use and master… It’ll happen when you’re ready to take that step, and we’ll be right here to help ya…
Don’t even worry about details at this stage of the game. Filling seams is still the most trying aspect of building for me. It takes alot of time and practice to get it to look right. Pick up some modeling putty and some sand paper and needle files from your LHS if you dont already have them. Those are the basic tools you will need to fill a seam. I recomend you read as much, and use the search button as much as posible before you start your next build. You will be amazed at how much you can lean in just a short time on these forums.
Don’t get discouraged by the quality you see on the forums here. We are lucky to have these masters of the trade here to help us. Remeber they had to start some where to and you can bet that it has taken them hundreds of builds and many years to achieve the quality builds they show here on the forums.
Each build I try to focus on one area of building I am not so good at and make that my main goal. An Example would be what you posted above, to build your model, and regardless of how it turns out do your best to get the seams filled properly. It may take a few builds to start seeing results but in the end it will make you a better builder. It can be verry frustrating trying to work on improving every aspect in one build. Once you have mastered one goal, move on to the next.
As for the tail heavy aircraft, try adding some weight to the foward section of the inside fuselage that will not be visable to anyone once they halves are put together. I use pennys glued together if there is enough space or some times I will use fishing weights or even wheel weights from cars. They work like a charm =)
Heh, ain’t many trike-geared planes out there that AREN’T tail-heavy… So… What Higgy said about weights… M’self, I use #4 buckshot and #6 birdshot to weigh down the noses of those planes to keep 'em on the nose wheel, as well as fishing sinkers and such… The shot fits in more of the nooks and crannies in the plane. Also, for multi-engine planes, you can add weight to the engine nacelles as well to put more weight on the mains and to keep it invisible from the glass nose… If you decide to put the plane on a base to display it, you can also trap a machine screw in the nose wheel and drill a hole through the base, then spin a nut on to hold the nose down… Just counter-sink the nut…
On your particular model, it comes with the boarding ladder and a set of steps that work really well to prop the tail up as well… Is it possible for you to salvage it? Here it is on my WIP PBJ-1H (It’s the Monogram B-25H. Same kit as yours except for the nose):
I’m using the steps and ladder for a different reason (it’s going on a diorama and will have a crewman entering it), but it works just as well as weights if you can’t add them now…
Hey Wingform, nice job fella. I applaud you posting the model, warts an all. We all started somewhere and I for one, wouldnt dare post it here.
Hammer is spot on with the Book advice. I have that title and its a cracker, and cheap too. I also have many of the Osprey ‘How to build…’ eries and they are always giving me new ideas to try. Theres also a host of online sites with loads of help and information for the new builder.
Hans - Thanks for the book link, I ended up buying it, especially with it being such a good deal. And I’ll have to remember putting weights in it next time, I really don’t feel like ripping this one appart haha. I do still have the ladder, but those hatches have been sealed in and I’d have to open the whole plane to get them out so that’s outta the question. I ended up being able to to prob it againt the back of the shelf its on and that holds it up pretty well so its not too bad now.
Luftwoller - Thanks, and I figured I’d show what I can do now and try to get more erm targeted advice that way, I’m terrible at describing what I need when it comes to models. Oh, and hawkeyehobbies seems to be down now, though I dunno if thats a temporary problem.
Yay! Another airplane modeller! Nice job on your B-25 I like it. Keep on building. You’re among friends here and many are extremely talented builders* that just happen to be very generous with advice… really good advice. (that’s how I’ve learned tons!)
*understatement (I mean jeez! Like museum quality, some of these guys!)
you can look forward to fewer flaws as you go along, of course. Heck, I dont care for too many details myself, just takes longer to build and no one ever sees them except for a picture or two here!