List of my models

Something new I have created, a list of models, past and present.  I did this using Google docs, what a amazing tool.  I will try to keep this list up to date.  Hopefully it will be helpful, ie if you are thinking about buying one similar or need advice on a particular model.

Kevin's Model List

I have also but the link on Currently on my Workbench section, so it will be available all the time.

My Work Frame

Ever try to work on the bottom of your model, plane flipping back and forth on the tail?  Or break off an important piece?  Well I have done that, and have muttered a few curses.  Recently while looking at pics online, at my one of my favorite sites, AeroScale, I saw pics being displayed of the bottom of the aircraft, on what I would say resembles an overhead crane frame.  I thought, now something like that would be great to support a model while working on it.  So I open my drawer with my extra stryene to see what I could do. 

Well after a little cutting and gluing....this is what I came up with

Using some plastic i-beams and strip pieces I constructed this handy tool.  I just glued some scrap felt on the top to protect any paint that may have been applied.  I can see this as a good use for applied decals to the bottom.  So another tool to clutter the model desk and provide that extra hand when needed.

I will have to give credit to BlackWidow from AeroScale forums for providing the idea.

Do you have any ideas?  Give them a try and let me know how they work out.

Build Log 2 - Tamiya 1/48 P-51 Mk. III

Well I managed to finish my P51 Mustang. Model was painted using Tamiya Paints(RAF Sea Grey, RAF Dark Green, RAF Royal Light Grey). I tried something new this time in terms of masking, I used the "blue" poster tack. It was easy to use, I cut out flexible clear masking to shape, then used the poster tack to hold the edges down.

After dry, usual coat of future, then kit decals. I was not too impressed with the Tamiya decals in the kit, they were thick and difficult to get to settle, took several coats of SolvaSet to get them down. After decals, another coat of Future, then used Mig Dark Wash into the panel lines. Weathering was completed with Vallejo pigments between a couple coats of Testors Flat Clear Spray.

I was not totally happy how this one came out, I was kind of distracted by my Panzer IV build, and should have put this off till I had more time to concentrate on it. I may have to do another one in the future, maybe a P-51D in Canadian markings or even the new Tamiya 1/32 P-51D.

Bf 110D-3 - Build Log 1

Well I have started on my CyberHobby WingTech (Dragon) 1/48 Bf 110D-3. Upon opening the box I was in awe with the amount of pieces. The kit contains photo etched, as well as good cockpit, gun bay, and engine details. The instructions looked well laid out.

So on with the build. I started with the cockpit, straight forward, and pieces fit well. One issue was the pieces that mount the magazines to the 20mm cannons(F11) were not on the sprue, not in the bag, and not in the box. Upon examining the sprue, it looks like an issue with the molding process. I just scratch build(carved) a couple more, and moved on. Photo etched seat belts were bent and glued into place with CA. Cockpit was airbrushed with a dark grey, then weather with a silver pencil crayon, black was, and dry brushing with lighter shades of grey.

Fitting the cockpit into the fuselage was a little tricky, fit not perfect. I would suggest to glue the sides of the cockpit walls on just before you mount in fuselage, so there is a little play in the glue to get a good fit.

The forward gun bays went together very well, no issue. As the included engines. It should be note that they do give you two engines, but they are from the same molds, thus the piping and all are on the same side for both engines, this becomes an issue when mating up to the firewalls, one fits good, the other is backwards. Since I only plan at showing off on engine, it was not a problem for me.

One to right wing. The instructions for the engine nacelle lists the wrong pieces, so be careful and dry fit as you go. Also, there is a major issue with mounting the nacelle, wheel well; the upper half of the wing was a little warped and there was some fit issues. A few clamps and tape and I will let you know how it went next update, as it is drying as I type this.