I am trying to pose my Revel 1:48 A6 Intruder in flight - with the wheel well doors obviously closed. Of course, the wheel well doors and openings do not match since this model was intended to be on deck. What is the best way to modify things so that I can get the doors closed and pose her in flight? I have been thinking and tinkering with this for too long and need help! Thank you!!
Welcome to FSM,lots of knowledge here to be had
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Hello Nicholas_Goeders, welcome!
I can tell you how I’ve done it in the past. My processes have worked for panels that cover open compartments and speed brakes, too.
The easiest way to do it is to use a filler in the bay that can be compressed to hold the door/panel flush in place while the glue sets. I’ve used wet tissue paper, Silly Putty, and even clay. The trick is to fill it to a point that it will compress to a level that allows the door to sit level with the surrounding parts without “falling into” the bay or squeezing out and/or interfering with the gluing surfaces.
Another way is to drill holes into the bay or cut it out completely. This way, you can access the door from the “inside” to help push or hold it flush while the glue sets. This is easiest if it’s done before major assembly.
Of course, you could use a combination of both techniques. I’ve successfully used them both independently and in conjunction. Hopefully my explanation makes sense, and it helps. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
Good luck!
-O
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Hi Nicholas
You mentioned that the wheel well doors and openings do not match. So, the doors are either too big or too small.
If doors are too big, you will need to trim or sand them. Go slow while fitting them, to avoid making them too small.
If doors are too small, they should first be glued in place with support in the wells, as mentioned by Oortiz10. I use epoxy putty for this support. The gaps will then need to be filled, either with plastic card, sprue goo or epoxy putty, depending on how wide the gaps might be. Finally, scribe the door’s outline if this got obscured by the filler.
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Thank you! I have been a modeler and a reader of FSM for many many years. I have been trying to solve this problem on my own and thought, why not ask!
Hi “O”. Thank you for responding. What you suggest is along the lines of what I have been trying, but I was not actually trying to compress the filler (tissue paper!!) - I just “stuffed” some in there. I appreciate both of your suggestions and cannot wait to try them. Thank you so much! 
Nick
Dear Edwin,
Thank you for your thoughtful response. Yes, I have been trying to modify the doors since they are too small and do not fit the opening. Your suggestions are very helpful!!
Looks like I have to acquire some “scratch building” skills. This is actually something I want, and I am happy to entertain any and all suggestions.
This is fun! Thank you!!
Nick
Nicholas, I’m curious as to what method you’re going to use to pose this Intruder in flight? I always liked the look of plane models being displayed in flight and that Revell 1/48 A-6 is a pretty big kit when it’s completed.
Thank you Mr. Tom. I am still considering my options, but I have some ideas.