Hi Guys - well I'm a mite surprised but very pleased to see your interest. Plastic modelling can be seen to not being PC with some
As said I find the painting the most interesting and absorbing and am usually inspired by something that needs a deal of 'weathering'. This particular model is low key in that respect as it is intentionally 'stylised' with everything open but that's how I wanted to do it.
'Zee' - Strangely enough I do not post on any 'plastic' forum nor visit them very often and the only time the models get an airing is at the odd show I attend throughout the year. Most of the time they stay hidden as you can see.
Anyway for those who asked and those who might like to see a bit more I've taken a few detail shots this morning. No lighting set up so the pics are not brilliant but good enough I hope.
The jet exhaust is an aftermarket addition - difficult to paint internally (with an airbrush) but really adds that bit extra.
Attempting to replicate all metal finishes is another challenge. As with other models made this was done with Alclad paints which are designed for this effect.
The main undercarriage bay is an aftermarket part too which a small amount of self detailing. These cast resin parts are a marvel of the model makers art - to see the original masters must be something else
The speed brake bay internals are entirely scratch built - like many times when making these models the work put in is never visible in it's entirety - but the effect hopefully is.
This next couple of pics is a case in point. When the wing is raised on the full size aircraft there are some pretty prominent caphead bolts visible under the wing along with some pipework and a fair bit of details on top of the engine. Though most of it would not been seen I particularly wanted to try to replicate that effect.
A small punch and die was made and the 'heads' punched out of styrene sheet before being added one at a time to the (as far as could be ascertained) correct pattern. The pipework was from copper wire stretched to straighten it then bent to shape.
The kit detailing on this engine bay part was removed and replaced with scratch buiilt parts from a variety of materials - stretched wire, etched brass, plastic rod, silver foil etc. Not everything is there but what is is not artistic license but as close to photographic info as I could get. Perusing photos must consume about 35% of a build time - a lot of time is spent on that aspect - as nothing is added without firm confirmation
The cockpit is also an aftermarket resin part. 'Prop Forward' - The seat belts are etched brass as is the dash - I tried to get a pic but it's too dark
There was etch included with the main kit most of which was ditched but this ammo feed is one thing that got used
Apart from that very small stencilling here and there all the markings are masked and sprayed. This way the paintwork can match the faded paint of the aircraft. Using decals it is very difficult to achieve that effect uniformly
Jason, no I'm afraid I didn't - I very rarely take pics of these in progress. This one was nearing the end though in it's jig on final assembly.
Finally, in case you are wondering, this is where it will live for most of the time - under a protective cover made from mountboard to keep off the dust.
It will get taken to the odd show - usually about four a year get attended but for the rest of the time it will sit with these made previously.
Well that's it - you've seen my other side. I find it immensely relaxing and I do enjoy it but it does cause conflict at times. I have found the best way to deal with it is to
try to concentrate on one aspect of modelling at a time - don't think too much about the road ahead but rather the path I'm on - stick with it then move on to the oppostite side when it's finished - that said of course, it doesn't always work like that
Thanks for you interest and very kind comments, as always much appreciated.
Now, it really is time to get back to those Eta drawings
regards - Ramon