I might just make it, though it will be very close thing. I’ve spent many hours (I’m not saying how many, for fear of ridicule) trying to get the “vent” or whatever that little box right in front of the canopy right.
I wish I had given up weeks ago trying to fix it with putty and just did what Iended up doing and used a piece of evergreen (photo #1)
Tonight I reached the “That will do.” stage and though it isn’t perfect, and I’m sure some judge will decide it is an elimination offense (assuming it ever sees a contest table), I’ve reached the point where I don’t know if I have the skills to make it perfect. NMF is a very unforgiving finish.
Sooo, now I just need it to cure, rescribe some lines, add some rivets, do final running gear assembly, clear coat, add about 100 decals, and final clear coat by midnight Wed.
It’s going to be a very close thing, and I can’t promise I’ll make it, but I’ll try.
Your perseverance is admirable! I would have given up on that part long, long ago. However, I never intend to enter any of my models into a contest. I’ve already realized that they would be eliminated by the judges.
Don’t push yourself. What I mean by the GB ending is just that no new builds will be accepted, not that people have to finish what they’ve started by that date. Take as long as you want. I’m still not close to being finished on the Corsairs, so I’ll be here for awhile.
Meanwhile, did you ever figure out what that panel is for?
Sadly, I have to report that John Eaton, our fellow modeler and forum member, has passed. John was a great friend, knowledgeable and kind. He will be sorely missed around here. As he was working on a Skyraider for this GB, I’ll just mark him down as “Completed” with this photo.
Thank you for that,I did read that in other places too,he was a great modeler and contributer,didnt know him personally,but always had something good to say.
Very sad news about John. I will miss the input and knowledge he gave over the years.
I have been having a struggle finding time for painting since my last update, and finding enough shades of green to off enough variations on this figure. Finally solved both problems this week and have most of the basecoating done. On to the boots, gloves, details, and then muddying him up!
Wow, this is sad news, and makes me think about whoever reached out to let this community know, it was a very thoughtful thing. Pretty sure it wouldn’t occur to my family to do that. I’ll have to add it to my instructions page of the will.
Not sure if anyone from his family is reading this, but just in case… Sincere condolences to you, John seemed a good man.
A quick update on the Corsairs. I’ve been detailing parts, though there is not much to do about that. The ordnance is next, and that should go pretty quick. You may not be able to tell, but I’ve removed and lengthened the inboard cannons on the Revell model to match what was historically accurate. A rocket underneath the outer cannon needs to be brought forward (to clear the cannon discharge chute). Not much, but it’s progress.
Here she is at last! 1/700 USS New Jersey, BB-62, 1953. Started with Fujimi’s model. Scratch-built both masts (main had to be, foremast wasn’t in the kit and I couldn’t get a replacement from Japan due to current policies of my national polity). Replaced the 5", added details from various sources - 40mm, various directors, other bits and pieces to adapt to 1953 appearance. PE for the radars and aft crane. Helicopters are from L’Arsenal - a Sikorsky HO3S and a Piasecki HUP Retriever. (Tried to find a H-13 like in MASH, but no luck.)
Still working on the Corsairs, but have a slight setback on the Academy. Somehow I’ve misplaced the decal sheet. I’m sure it’s around somewhere, but I’ve searched high and low and it’s nowhere to be found. This means I’ll have to cobble some together, but it is annoying. Meanwhile, the Revell is approaching completion so I’ll concentrate on finishing it up. One of those mysterious disappearances that plague model building!
Which version of the Corsair is it? I’ve got the 1/48 HobbyBoss F4U-4B and I won’t be using the kit decals as I purchased aftermarket kits to do Hudner or Browns bird. Happy to send them to you if they work for you.
I’ve already realized that they would be eliminated by the judges.
