A Short Break from WWI

[Ian from Doncaster]

Having finished my Fee I wanted to hit my stash ahead of the next WWI project, which could either be the WNW EII/III (if I get one soon) or the WNW Roland, or my Mirage Halberstadt for the new GB...  I've just about finished a very quick build of the Hasegawa large scale Le Rhone engine (pics to follow) as my experiment using different metal paints.

My next model is the Trumpeter English Electric Lightning in 1:72.  I've cut out a few of the parts for test fitting and so far am very impressed.  One of the reasons I shy away from later aircraft is the fit issue - leading to filling, sanding etc that is often required pre-painting  and which can make the build less effective.  This kit, however, looks like there should be no filler required, or the minimal amount.  The detailing is sharp and the plastic surface is uniform and smooth and should take metal paint well.  Some reviewers have criticised the kit for inaccuracies from the original however I'm not that fussed, will just do the best I can OOB.

I'll put occasional pics here, as it is off topic.  Given the cutting out I have managed tonight, it shouldn't take too long.

[WarrenD]

Looking forward to it Ian.

Warren

[Whiteknuckles]

Always liked that particular aircraft, so I'll also be looking forward to it

Andrew

p.s. looking forward to seeing the results with the Le Rhone.

[pepperman42]

EE Lightning is a big machine even in 1/72. Sounds like fun. When people get really micrometre happy I remind them that the model is a lot smaller than the real thing too.....

Steve

[Ian from Doncaster]

Simple pit, painted grey and black with the instruments dry brushed.  There was a control panel decal but it looked like a cartoon quite frankly, and at this scale in a closed 'pit the dry brushing is good enough for me.

Nose cone done too, but I forgot to take pics







Edit:  'pit sat on nose cone assembly:

[Chris Johnson]

Looks like fun Ian and I can't think of a better way to recharge your WWI battery than by building a model from a different era just for the fun of it.

Cheers,

Chris

[Ian from Doncaster]

Fuselage halves joined up around cockpit and inlet/nose cone assembly.  Inlet ring is only resting in place for the photo.  There are not many parts to this kit, but the decals will take much longer than the build I guess!



With a first coat of Mr Metal...

[Ian from Doncaster]

Inlet ring repainted in a more contrasting metal shade, and attached.  Spine and anti-glare paint done, but a few minor touch ups needed, although difficult to see here.  Tail decals applied - some paint will need to be added along the leading and trailing edges, and the red squares do not match exactly the spine paint colour.  Tail resting on the model just for the pic.  Wings and elevators next, then undercarriage, weapons and canopy etc and done - apart from a myriad of stencil decals

[pepperman42]

That is a sharp looking machine. RAF  a/c in the 60's were just as flashy as any USN,USAF types!!!

Steve

[Chris Johnson]

What did you use for the natural metal Ian?

Cheers,

Chris

[Ian from Doncaster]

Hi Chris, the NMF is Mr Metal chrome silver, handbrushed on.  It would look better airbrushed but I am reasonably happy with the finish.  The inlet ring is humbrol metalcote gunmetal.

[Ian from Doncaster]

The fuselage is complete bar the air brakes and the canopy.  Paint done and decals on, perhaps will need to touch up some paint.  Fin is resting just for the pic, I will need to put a sliver of plasticard under the fin to fill the gap.

The kit moldings are good, fit quite well with excellent detail, but the decals are disappointing.  They are thin and delicate, and I have had to miss a few this time, although not enough to spoil the model.  There's a few additions to make, pitot tube, undercarriage, engine jet pipes etc, but the myriad of stencil decals was a chore I was glad to finish.

[pepperman42]

Very flashy!!! She will really stand out in a crowd!!

Steve

[Ian from Doncaster]

The top half is now done, well I could tidy up some paint work and occasional glue spots but I'm more likely to damage it by trying too hard.  I may just leave it as is, to show a bit of wear.

I made a sliver to fill the gap under the fin, and extended the fin colours onto the filler.  Canopy was masked with tape and cut to the frames before painting.  When dry fitting the canopy I found it would not fit over the seat - I am sure the seat is fitted properly but this forced my hand to leave the canopy open.

I also added the tail pipes having painted the exhausts in metalcote gunmetal.

[Whiteknuckles]

She's a smart looking bird Ian and a type I'd really like to catch in real life. I know they aren't active anymore but are there any still flying?

Andrew