I’m curious is 1/72 scale too small to add all the small copper wires I see in 1/48 and 1./32 scale models at conventions? I mean I’m just wanting to know with a 1/72 Tomcat should I go into more detail for the landing gear with small wires or will they be too minute and the judges bypass them?
Another thing that bothers me a lot is I use the cockpit that came with the Revell kit and didn’t get an Eduard cockpit so the one I have with a closed canopy, is the one I’m stuck with, and am afraid I’ll see others at a show with more detail. Or do modelers just add more detail if it’s an open cockpit?
Burner, I’m not much for entering contests, but I am building a group of 1/72nd Tomcats, so I thought chime in.
With a closed canopy, I wouldn’t bother with lots of added cockpit details, they simply can’t be seen. The seat tops and main panels could use some detail, drybrushing, etc. Stuff like shading the cockpit floor, would obviously be a waste.
Regarding brake lines on the gear, I’d say it is up to you. They are visible in 1/72nd, but I don’t believe it would detract from the model if you don’t add anything.
One thing I’ve learned is that as scales get smaller, (I like 1/700th scale ships too) details become more critical, not less. If the wire is the wrong gauge and looks out of scale etc., I believe such added details can hurt, not help.
Thanks for the advice Mike. SO what you are saying is that it’s really up to the builder for how much detail to put in. And as you said if you detail the gear itself then brake lines wouldn’t really hurt its detail.
As always, it is really up to yourself as to exactly how much time you want to put into it. I would say that well excecuted detailing in 1/72 does look very impressive, although you obviously cannot do it to the same extent as you can in larger scales.
Just personal opinion here, but I figure a 1/72nd kit with a medium amount of extra detail can often look better than a 1/48 kit with a large amount on it.
Here is a detailed 1/72 kit that has always impressed me - it is larger than your F-14, but still shows what can be done;
Burner I myself have to chime in and say that I agree that it is totally up to you how much you want to put into it. I entered a contest this year in June here in Oz and added just the float rigging and an antannae wire and got put into a higher category than intended. I had no hope of winning anything, however the feedback from the judges said I had an excellent finish on it and was quite pleased nonetheless. So, in a nutshell, put as much detail as you want and hope for the best. If you have the perameters of a certain category you are going for then build accordingly. As said before have fun with whatever you do.
But 1 question while looking at the TU-160 only a small amount of extra detail was added, plus those gear wells are larger. But looking at these pictures of a Tomcats gear well I can’t figure out what type of either electrical or hydraulic wiring in cause there is so much?
You can use the copper cores from electrical wiring, which you can get from very thick, right down to way thinner than a human hair. Copper is pretty good at keeping it shape as well.
I’ve completed two, of at least five Tomcats, for this project.
The first is a Hasegawa kit OOB build of a B in VF-143 Pukin’ Dogs from their 2004 OIF cruise. The second is an Academy A in overall gull gray, of a Dogs’ bird in the early-mid 80s. I’ve “bashed” decal sets for this one.
I’m currently working on a Fujimi D in 2004 VF-32 markings. I’m using some Eduard cockpit details on this one since the Fujimi kit’s cockpit isn’t a D cockpit. I plan to have this one displayed with an open canopy. The first two are closed.
I mount my models in individual display cases, so I don’t usually bother doing any landing gear bay detailing. I’ve got some Squadron flight deck base prints and some Verlinden tow bars and chocks for each one. I’ll post photos when its all done.
As everybody has said, detail as much as you want and are comfortable with. I don’t enter contests, but I do like to post photos of my models on this forum and learn from the comments and feedback. I tend, on my planes, to raid the spare decals and try to do an aircraft from a photo, etc., that isn’t from a given kit or AM decal set. That’s fun for me.
If a contest entry is what you are going for, then try and check as many model entries from similar contests/categories to gauge the level of detailing. Try to match that to the kit you’re doing and the detail skill level you are aiming for.
I have been trying to find a site that shows model entries that re put into a contest just to see how much detail to put in, but can never find a site like that?
I have pics from the last 3 yrs of contests here in Oz and must say that in one instance, the 1/72 modified category, That the second place entry won and it was a HobbyBoss Mig-3 that was in a flying attitude. the gear was not down but still managed 2nd!!! It simply comes down to the judges. They don’t miss much let me tell you. In a nutshell my advice would be, no matter how much detail is added, build cleanly and make the final finish as flawless as possible. I have seen many VERY detailed models lose because the finishes were appalling and overdone. The contest I enter you get a pass to get into the show which is 3 days for entering. I do the model to the best of my ability and patience, yet am still rewarded with entry for as many times as I wish for the entry cost of $5. I’ll try and find some Tomkitty pics from the shows and post them here for you.
Burner, ask and thou shall receive. Hope these help. First one is a mate’s 1/32 that he got a first place with. The amount of detail is awesome, but it can be done in this scale.
and his 1/72 on the left
said second place finish
here’s a couple 1/144
some 1/72’s
a 1/32 and 1/48
Sorry bout the quality on a couple. Hope these help some.
If you want to compete read the rules! Most times great detailing can be be a diferentiator but it won’t compensate for a gap or misaligned wings. The basics
The details should look right to you. It’d be impossible to add all the wires and lines in the wells but you can go for the thicker more visible ones. As others mentioned there are cooper wires of different gauges and you can also try wire-wrapring wire. It’s thin (30 gauge), strong and comes in various insulation colors.
