You have to practice what you preach. I had a project that had languished for far too long. And after the recent Region X I had scheduled the completion of my last single inprogress builds, an DH 2. I decided to press through without adding some “planned additions”. There were some already and as it was planned for a diorama, I thought it was time to get cracking.
Then, just as had finished most of the rigging I reached for my turn table to set up a couple of images. Then “BANG!!” a stored D cell battery crashed from the shelf on to the horizontal and vertical tail planes. Shearing the top tail booms, knocking off the tailplane surfaces into individual components. Fortunately they were not rigged yet. Crushed the tail skid and snapped 2 struts.
Believe me I was very surprised when I did not let loose a tiriad of anger. Instead I took a few minutes and wished I could buy back the last 3 minutes before the accident. It took me about and hour to get most of the damage fixed / repaired. Still more to do but I have to say I surprised myself. To have so much vested in a build but not loose my mind because of the damage (this close to being finished) is a bit of a milestone for me. It does not happen often but when it did I was able to keep my perspective. After all it is only a model.
Here it is at the moment much of the damage repaired.
Yeah she looks good! When stuff like this happens I tend to just shove it back in the box and walk away, kudos for buttoning down and getting to work on repairs.
most “front line” a/c had repaired damage to them.
It makes your model more realistic.!!!
Over the years as much as I like and appreciate the “right out of the factory” fresh look, I am more and more drawn to the “used” combat a/c look. A little dirty, some faded colors, winter or desert washes that are wearing off, a little damage. oil and exhaust stains, it looks very cool!!
[color=#990000]DH 2 5973 had a long career. Serving from about Late Sept. 1916 to early 1917. It went through several squadrons. RFC 24, 29 and maybe 32. In its service time the the upper right main plane was replaced at least twice. I’ll be adding some Model Celler figures to this in a few days. But lets call her done![/color]
Thanks for all the positive comments. Model Cellar figure combination set #48007. WWI British RFC Pilot and mechanic. Though this set could include RAF as well.
As you may note I have changed the poses of each befitting my story line of the DH 2.
Stephen, I applaud and appreciate your attitude of patience and determination. It is something I share with you. As the saying goes, " It’s not about the mishap but, rather it’s all in the recovery". I’ve had major mishaps with my paint or clear coats on my last two builds and each case I refused to get dismayed. Rather, I just took some time to step back and think about a solution and then dive in and fix it. Your efforts turned out fantastic. Your recovery was beautifully executed and thus you have yourself one very fine looking aircraft. Kudos to you. Excellent work.
[color=#990000]A bit of a follow up here, this diorama took “Best Aircraft Diorama” and Best Diorama in yesterday’s “Region X IPMS Convention”.[/color]
