Sometimes I’m amazed at how long the so called “final assembly” takes. You know, all those little bits and pieces and touches that make a model look more like a miniature plane. Just when I think I’m over the hump on something I find out that it’s more like half way. So it was with this one.
This is Revel of Germany’s nearly thirty year old kit.
Many firsts come for me in this one. Filling windows so they are flush.
Rescribing panel lines. Adding rivets.
An experiment for the paint chipping.
MIG oils for some of the weathering.
All of these are things I’ve not tried until now. I figured why not try out some new stuff on this old kit? I was very nervous about fairing in the glass. The method I used practically destroys the nice clear finish, relying on sanding and polish to restore it.
I had no intention of building this kit at all until I saw this nose art. That’s all it took.
Another first was using heat to flatten and bulge the wheels. Ironically, I over did it and they ended up looking more like True Details wheels. Typically, I don’t use them because I think they look under inflated and to flat. Lesson learned on how much heat to use!
Probably the part that gave me the most trouble was the tail section. Those of you who have built it know what I mean. Those who havent, well, have plenty of putty and a few spare sanding sticks handy. A beer or two may help too!
This turrent was installed after the bulk of the build was done so prevent damage to the guns. Just about didn’t get it in!
The paint is MM enamels and metalizers with a few Tamiya acryls and Alclad tossed in here and there.
I’m still trying to get the hang of the MIG oils. I think the key may be using them on a glossy finish. I didn’t gloss this one before weather and decals and that decision caused some problems.
Some of the decals silvered and the MIG leeched out farther than I wanted.
I really enjoyed this build. A real break from the newer stuff, this called more upon my skills. It must have been a humorous sight, what with all the dust flying and putty and sanding gear all over the place. My jeans were covered with white and green powder for days! But it’s done and I’m mostly happy with it. And somewhere in my future lays the 1/48 B-29. I wonder how much putty that one will take?