Hey guys, I just found this wonderful site last night and I thought I would join in on the fun! I have found some great threads to read already.
Anyways… I’m working on a Trumpeter 1:144 scale F-22 Raptor. I have found out that the model is all wrong for what I want. It seems to be modeled after the prototype YF-22 and I want to model one of the the first production Raptors for Edwards AFB. Now I’ve modifided the winds and rear avalons(did I get that right?) to match to real thing. So check that off the list. Now, I’m down to the nose and cockpit window. Here comes the question… is there a putty or clay I can cover the entire nose with and then shave back the putty to make the correct nose? I just need to add a layer to get the right shape. Good thing the proto YF had a smaller nose. I can just cut the tip off to shorten it and re build over it. My other question would be… does anyone make detail parts, a replacement nose or a canopy for the 1:144 kit? THANKS!!!
Now, I also have a Italeri 1:48 scale F-22 Raptor, that I’d like to start soon. Are there any detail parts out there? The cockpit is under-detailed and very plain. The entire model lacks the “wow” factor. So any detail parts or replacement parts would be handy! Thanks Again.
I hope I get to meet a few of you great modelers. I come from a Model Railroad background, but I model planes to release some stress and keep things interesting. I’d like to build more then one Airplane model a year that’s big scale. I love building the little 1:144th scale planes all the time! I’m just a big Plane,Train and Auto nut! [:D]
Thanks Again!
I did a similar conversion about 10 years ago for a snap-tite contest.
Use any good 2 part epoxy putty. (Modeling putty is too fragile.) Sand it smooth once it cures.
Milliput is often used but expensive. Hardware stores carry cheaper versions, I think it is sometimes called plumbers putty. You mix the two parts and when cured it is hard.
Also, you might want to move the cockpit forwards a bit, check your plans. I cut out the fuselage around the cockpit of my 1/72 raptor and moved it forwards,and filled in the gaps with putty. It was easier than I thought it would be.
Do you have photos of the cockpit move or the work you did? I don’t quite understand where you made the cut.
I’ll have to try out some of that Milliput stuff and see what happens!
Thanks!
No, sorry, no pictures, basically I cut around where the glass would later go and moved that section, along with the cockpit forwards a little into a hole i had cut. This is a minor detail, especially on such a small plane. The nose isn’t that hard to resculpt though.
What cockpit window did you use? I’m still looking for one that works.
Sounds like you need to take some photos… I’d like to compare models after they are finished.
I thought I was the only one crazy enough to modify 1:144th scale models. [:D]
So I found a detail kit made by Eduard for the 1/48th scale Raptor.
EDU - 48311 1/48 F-22 Raptor
Has anyone used this detail kit yet? Were you happy with it? It doesn’t look like it details the backside of the cockpit, but at least it’s a good start!
I just ordered a set with some putty! [:D]
There isn’t conversion parts for the F-22. I looked to see if Matador made a Raptor cockpit, but they don’t. You might can get a weapons load from Ozmods or F-RSIN. I’m curious about your conversion myself. There isn’t much military stuff done with this scale.
I’ll keep you guys updated with photos on the 1:144th scale Raptor. It should be a pretty fast build. I’m just waiting for the putty stuff to come in the mail.