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 1 - AFV Club Stuart V

Well starting another campaign on Armorama for Allied Vehicles.  So I decided I wanted a smaller tank, after a search of the shelves at my local Hobby Shop, Hobby House, I came across a 1/35 M3A3 Stuart.  Knowing most allies used this tank during WW2, I decided I will build the Stuart V version, and will be applying Canadian 2nd Armor Brigade markings, for North West Europe.

Opening the box, I found a very well molded kit, very little flash.  The kit did come with a few PE pieces, but I did purchase the Eduard PE set.  Also the kit comes with rubber tracks, so I decided to order the link set from AFV Club.  One nice piece is the include aluminum barrel.

I started with making the bogeys, going together very well.  After which, the hull, this is where most of the PE goes.  All the individual tie downs, about 35 of them, were attached using CA, after having to scrape off the molded on ones.  The PE set really adds to the kit.  Work has started on the turret.  The breach required a little putty to fill the gap, but most went together pretty straight forward.

Next up to complete the turret and continue with the detail.

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.

Build Log 4 - Dragon Panzer IV Ausf G

Done!!! The model was weathered using Mig Washes and Pigments. One method I like to use to add pigment, is to mix the pigment with a little water, making a paste. I then apply this paste using a soft brush where I need it. When dry you can use a stiffer brush to start taking some off. By leaving some on, it looks more like caked on mud. After all the weathering, it was given a final coat of Testor Flat Clear spray.

Build Log 3 - Dragon Panzer IV Ausf G

I have no applied the winter paint scheme to my Panzer IV. I painted the model with Tamiya German Grey, then applied decals, with a coat of Future before and after. The winter paint scheme was done using the "hairspray method". I gave the model two coats of hairspray, allowing to dry for an hour. I then applied the paint, starting with a coat of a 50/50 mix of Tamiya Royal Grey and Tamiya White. The next coat was done adding more white to the mix, followed by a final coat of white, to hit the highlights. Then the scrubbing begins, using a wet stiff toothbrush and sanding stick, I removed paint till I achieved the desired effect.

Up next, picking out the detail and doing the tracks.

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

Have started my P-51 Mk. III. It is a nice kit from Tamiya, well detailed right out of the box. The cockpit and wheel wells are well done, and were airbrushed with Model Master Interior green. It was then washed with Vallejo black, and then drybrushed. Detail was picked out with Vallejo paints. I did add an UltraCast seat with belts to spruce it up a little. The kit did include a decal, but the Ultracast seats looks so much better. I did use the kit provide decal for the dash, and picked out each dial with Future, for the glass look.

The fuselage and wings went together well, a little putty to clean up the joints. Just finishing up before applying primer.

Build Log 2 - Dragon Panzer IV Ausf G

Construction has continued as per instructions after completion of the Verlinden interior. Most parts have gone together well. Now on to priming, wheels and hatches left off for easier painting, and due to the fact that I want to leave some hatches open. All opening were stuffed with kleenex, to avoid paint spray from getting to the finished interior. The model will now receive a coat of Tamiya Fine Primer, and get ready for paint. First color with be Tamiya German Grey, then followed by a winter paint scheme. I will detail the winter white in a future post.