Kitbashing a Vampire Into A Rocket Plane Pt II
By
Last evening after writing the latest chapter of Night Lark I needed to step away from the computer for a while. So down into the Man Cave I went, to work on my little “Rocket Rod.” I touched up any of the areas that needed sanding and secondary applications of glazing putty. After that had cured I gave it a good filing, sanding and polishing to blend everything together as best I could.
I opened a fresh bottle of Mr Surfacer 500. I mixed it 50/50 with lacquer thinner, just enough for a quick overspray using my airbrush. This allowed me to see a few glaring imperfections as well as a few minor ones. Both I filled and dressed up using some Mr Surfacer 1200. One that had a chance to dry I gave it a quick dressing with a fine sanding stick followed by a polishing stick.
Just enough time to finish fitting the ailerons to get them installed before applying the camo scheme. I drilled two small holes in each the aileron leading edge and the trailing edge of the wing. I inserted a piece of copper wire to act as a way to connect the two together. This also allows me to position the ailerons in various positions.
Using Tamiya acrylics I free handed a camouflage scheme using three colors. After painting I left the project to sit until the next session to cure. When I return to it I will use a polishing stick to (dry) rub out the paint gently. Wipe it down in preparation of sealing the paint to protect it while I continue to handle the model to do the final tasks.
I’ve decided to use the kits landing gear with some minor modifications/changes to give this ship legs to stand on. I did find some skis, but they were too small for this application. I’ll install them near the end so as not to break them.
I need to mask and paint the canopy, insert the instrument panel and joystick (maybe a pilot figure too), then install the canopy to button up the cockpit. I’ll utilize two of the four machine gun ports under the nose to hold cannon barrels. The other two will be turned into cooling inlets for the cabin/avionics.
Some detail painting such as the rocket nozzles, gear wells and highlighting of a couple of panels subjected to temperature extremes (such as those covering a cryogenic tank). Add the decals and weather and it should be done…with the exception of another story to accompany it.
As far as national markings I haven’t decided whose insignias to put on it. Suggestions?
I think this project could be used in either an alternate history setting or as SciFi drama. Could you picture this being used to attack aliens on another planet?
Missed Part I ? Ready for Chapter III?
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Gerald,
I am a faithful follower of Hawkeye’s Squawkbox, but in my humble opinion, this is not scale modeling, but is a waste of modeling supplies and bandwidth. Just my $0.02 worth. Maybe it’s a good way to hone one’s skills without risking a good kit.
David C.
no modeling is ever a waiste if you (the modeler) are enjoying what you’re making. Keep up the great work Gerald. Getting back to the important stuff, It looks to me like it should be a U.S. Marines Machine. Maybe even hang some bombs &/or missles from those little wings. I’ve never had a desire to kitbash anything until now! this is cool!!!!!
This looks great. I love kitbashing a model occasionally. It gives one a chance to stretch the imagination. I can’t draw or paint, so this is my medium. Maybe you have to be a bit of a sci-fi fan to appreciate it.
I’d love to see more Gerald!