Archive for Progressive Model Build
Project Update: Project Liberator
Posted by: | CommentsThis has been a slow progressing project, mostly due to too many other distractions. But as you read in the previous post I have the propellers now painted and ready for decaling. 
The ship has been given a new pet name…Eight Ball. I think it a fitting name since she isn’t going to be a typical B-24. Just a reminder, this aircraft is being finished with acrylic paints…including the NMF which my Talon Series NMF Paints!
I used an old school technique to create this 8 Ball marking. I simply masked the area to be painted white. Once the white was applied and had time to cure I applied a dry transfer 8 on to the surface. I didn’t burnish it down too hard but enough to keep it in place. Using a circle template as a painting mask (see in the image below), I place the template circle over the rudder (not yet mounted to the aircraft), aligning carefully where I wanted the “Ball” to be placed to hold the template snugly in place with some clothes pins. Be sure to mask any surrounding holes on the template that might let paint overspray hit the model.
I airbrushed on the Black holding the airbrush 90 degrees from the surface (square on) to keep the air from pulling and lifting the edges of the dry transfer. I applied it in light coats until I was satisfied with the coverage. Carefully I removed the clothes pins and the circle template from the rudder piece and set it aside to dry. After it was no longer tacky I used a piece of masking tape to lift off the dry transfer. Since it has less adhesion than the surrounding paint it lifted off leaving behind a white 8.
I could have used decals or white dry transfers for this but it gave me the opportunity to practice and share this technique. It is also easily and realistically weathered, including picking and scuffing to expose the NMF underneath. I have to touch up the other rudder because I forgot to pull some of the masking necessary to apply the white band. Oops. So the white area is incomplete…an easy repair.
The nose section has been painted and temporarily attached with some tape. I do have a couple of seams to address and clean up but that shouldn’t be too difficult now that I can see them! The whole nose section is make up of three clear pieces which make it hard to see the seam joints once cemented. Fortunately the fit is fairly good so it won’t be too hard to fix the minor seam issues.
The fun part will be filling the gap at the back side of the canopy where it meets the upper fuselage…I may have to insert a piece of cardstock to fill the gap. Nice thing about acrylics is you can use a little Windex on a Q-Tip to remove paint from the area that needs reworking.
I need to dig through the spares stash to see if there are any bits and pieces I might want to add to this project to emphasize she really is an Eight Ball!
NMF Hawker Hunter
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This model is from the original boxing of Revell’s 1:32 Hawker Hunter,which is really a sweet kit to build. It’s fit and finish is fantastic, requiring only minor adjustments and minimal use of fillers. This is a quick build project for the upcoming event EAA’s Family Flightfest. I wanted to take something new this year so I cracked open the Hunter and started building. It will also serve as a build to showcase techniques and use of my products.
Speaking of which, this one is finished using SnJ Spray Metal Aluminum. The yellow accent on the fuselage spine and tail is Model Master yellows…first I applied a base of Chrome Yellow followed by Insignia Yellow. The two blend well together and gave me the color appearance I was after. The anti glare patch in front of the windscreen is Tamiya Olive Drab.
After the SnJ Spray Metal was applied, I immediately applied a combination of Tamiya tape and Shuretape RazorsEdge to mask for the application of the yellow accent color. I used the Tamiya tape to set the demarcation line between the aluminum and area to be painted yellow. The covered the rest of the model with the Shuretape.
I experimented with washing it with ProModeller’s washes, specifically their Black. I found it less than satisfactory on the NMF surfaces. I’ll be doing a product review of all three of their colors soon. Instead I ended up using an archival pen to highlight the panel lines and inspection/access covers/panels. More about how I used these later. The ProModeler wash on the yellow gave me the right depth I was after but it did seem to stain the paint somewhat. At first I thought I was going to need to repaint the yellow, but after a little dry rubbing with a polishing stick it looks a little more acceptable. I still can rub it out more if need be.
Before anyone gets too excited about the scheme…it is going to be a civilian registered Warbird. I thought about doing one of three schemes, an all red one much like the one that EAA used to own. One from the kits decal sheet or one from the Dutch Air Force which I remember seeing flying over our home in the Netherlands. Instead I decided on this NMF with yellow trim scheme. Here are a few pictures from the process so far. I was meaning to take pictures during the assembly, just got busy and forgot about it.:o(
If you’re interested in writing review articles, you must remember to get yourself in the habit of documenting (both written and photographic) each step of the process. You never know what images notes will be useful until the very end.
More to come…
EC-97 Night Lark Chapter VI
Posted by: | Comments“Murphy.” The program director mumbled. He was referring to Murphy’s Law, when it can go wrong it will. “We’ve had to wait three stink’in weeks to get a replacement engine. All because someone didn’t think our requisition was completed correctly because he didn’t recognize the funding code numbers. This has really created a SNAFU for me to explain to those at the home office.”
“I told you we should have just had one of our birds pick one up from the depot in Kansas.” Said the Chief of Maintenance.
“Well its too late now. I sent a truck down to Osan to pick up the engine and bring it here. It should arrive in a couple hours. I want that aircraft flying tonight! Do you hear me! We’ve got good intel that our target is making the trip to Hanoi tonight.” The Director ordered.
The maintenance team worked at a feverish pace. It took some doing but they were able to remove the engine and install the new one in five hours. Given the primitive conditions and lack of proper equipment that was a feat in itself. All that was left was reinstalling the propeller and getting all the plumbing and the rest of the connections hooked up. They were going to run the engine as soon as darkness arrived. There was no time for a test hop to check the engine in flight, the crew would have to do what they could as they could during the mission. Murphy was watching this situation unfold with a smug expression on his face.
The aircrew was awaken by the EC-97’s engine barking to life. First the new engine was idled for several long minutes to warm up. Once the maintenance crew was satisfied it wasn’t going to seize the throttle was advanced and the engine roared. Once at the recommend setting to check pressures and flow rates, the mechanic in the copilot’s seat started to run the propeller through its cycle. All seemed fine until he cycled it into reverse pitch. The engine seemed to shake and buck feeling as if it was going to break free from its mounts. The mechanic quickly returned the lever to neutral but the propeller didn’t move.The whole aircraft shook and the engine protested against the propeller which was now fighting against itself.
“CUT!” Yelled the Maintenance Chief as he make a cut gesture across his throat. The mechanic in the copilots seat pulled the mixture control to full lean and the engine shuddered and went silent. The big propeller kept spinning until it couldn’t anymore.
It took the crew another two hours to find the cause, which meant pulling the propeller governor and replacing it with the one from the engine they had removed earlier. “Once we get this thing in the air, I want everything useful off that motor stripped off for spares.” The line chief said point to the old engine.
The next run up proved to be uneventful, so the crew started to close up the cowls and get the aircraft ready for its mission. Off in another area of the small compound the flight crew was also getting ready. Their gear was packed having been so for weeks. Sitting in the at a large table they were ready for their mission briefing.
“Intel in Japan says that the flight is scheduled to leave at midnight. You’re not going to be able to make it to the normal rondezvous in time so you’re going to have to take a short cut.” The Field Director said.
Everyone of the crew was waiting for the other shoe to drop and it did. “We think we have a route across mainland China that if you can get to this point here, you should be free and clear the rest of the way.” He stated he pointed to a spot on the map.
The Navigator scrutinized the map closely. Then he leaned closer over the map as he reflected back on another previous clandestine mission he had been involved with. He checked the distances between two know radar stations. “We’re going to need to be dragging our propeller tips in the water from here to the coast and not much higher than 100 feet AGL from here to we exit this valley here.” He said.
The Pilot and Copilot just looked at him blankly. The rest of the crew was exchanging looks with each other and groaning in disbelief at what was being suggested. Flying alone into Chinese airspace without the cover of a target to shadow. Madness.
The Field Director broke in. “Our friend here has some experience with this route. We discovered it by accident while watching Chinese cargo planes practicing low level training through that area. We were able to fly all the way into that valley and back undetected. We have since used it to drop supplies into a operative on the ground. It apparently is a blind spot in their air defense radar. If you can get in, you can fly the rest of the route as though you were one of their aircraft on a night training sortie.”
The Navigator asked. “Last time I was in that neighborhood there was speculation that the radars were being upgraded.”
“Our operative on the ground reported no such activity at or near the sites in the area. You should be fine. You’ll know if they have indeed upgraded as soon as you cross over their coast.” The Field Directer answered.
The crew continued with their preparations for the nights mission. Once everything was planned their attention turned to getting all their gear aboard the Night Lark. The maintenance team had everything ready, including stocking the galley. Which was a surprise to both of the galley rats. Preflight went smoothly, engine start up did as well. The pilot and copilot took a little extra time doing the engine function checks, finding nothing wrong they taxied into position for take off. Tonight to ensure their departure was stealthy, all ground and take off clearances were given by signal light. The big Boeing roared down the runway leaving K-13 behind yet again.
Instead of climbing high the EC-97 settled at an altitude of three thousand feet. It was on a west southwesterly course. The navigator was busy taking directional beacon plots from three Korean coastal stations to verify his course and location. In the back of the aircraft the crew each took turns fixing themselves a quick snack. The two who were assign galley duty made coffee and filled thermoses, delivering one to the flight deck with some sandwiches. The copilot ate his quickly, he needed something other than just coffee in his stomach, it was feeling somewhat nervous tonight.
The pilot poured himself a fresh cup from the just delivered thermos and nibbled on a sandwich as well. The aircraft was on autopilot and he watched the sky ahead and scanned the instruments. They had about 90 minutes before they would be making the attempt to enter China’s airspace unseen.
“Bring your speed up to 300 knots and take a heading of two seven five degrees, standard rate descent down to fifty feet.” Stated the navigator.
“Roger.” Acknowledged the pilot as he switch off the autopilot and took a hold of the yoke and throttles. He didn’t ease the throttles back at first, he let the airspeed build a little in the shallow dive. “Radar Altimeter ON.” He said.
The copilot dutifully switch on the radar altimeter to use as secondary method to check the aircrafts height above the ground. Once it was on the needle kept bouncing ten to twenty feet. “Looks as if the ocean is rather rough tonight.” He said.
“Yeah, I’m feeling a little chop too.” Said the pilot.
The navigator exited his seat and grabbed a flashlight which was mounted on the wall next to his station. He pressed it up against the glass on the pilots side and turned it on making sure it was pointing downward. The bright light dimly illuminated the ocean below. “You can drop her down another twenty and hold her there.” He advised, then returned to his seat and strapped in tightly.
The pilot didn’t hesitate, he let the big Boeing ease down a little lower. “Set the altimeter bug!” He commanded. The copilot moved the little reminder indicator on the altimeter until it matched up with the needle on the gauge. The pilot did the same, using his right hand while concentrating on not letting the needle on the altimeter drop any further. Fortunately the Night Lark had been fitted with a very special altimeter, one that was more accurate than the standard one it had been originally equipped with. This one was accurate to plus or minus ten feet above 5o feet. So they didn’t have any fudge room, especially over a rough sea with swells up to fifteen feet.
“Landfall in two minutes. Firewall it now.” The nav said.
The pilot pushed the throttles to their stops. He didn’t worry too much about balancing them because speed was necessary. The Chinese radar would have a harder time pulling them out from the ground clutter even if they had spotted them. The big tail of the EC-97 was like a billboard as it reflected back the radar signal. Speed and course changes were necessary to remain undiscovered as well as avoid obstacles on the ground. The unsynced engines sent vibrations through the aft cabin area. All the crew could do was endure it. Fortunately they were already closely monitoring their equipment.
“Left ten, hold altitude.” The nav said as he followed his course plot on his map. Though it wasn’t there, he knew each turn of the route in his mind. He’d flown it twice before and had practiced it hundreds of times in his mind. His stopwatch was ticking away the seconds. “Right twenty and climb to nine hundred fifty.” He shouted.
The Night Lark’s nose quickly turned and pitched up to pop up to the altitude the nav had given. Both the pilot and copilot were sweating, they didn’t bother to look outside to see what was ahead, they just watched the instruments. It took another forty minutes, but they had reached the end of the valley they first saw on the map during briefing. “Fly a heading of three zero zero, climb to nine thousand feet, ease back to a cruise speed of one ninety.” Said the nav and all three left out a sigh of relief. They were inside China and no one knew they were anything but a Chinese Air Force cargo plane on a routine flight.
An hour later a high pitched voice on the intercom got everyone’s attention…”WE’VE GOT A MIG OFF OUR LEFT WING!”
To be continued…
I’ve pretty much got the kit buttoned up. I added the flaps and the remaining engine nacelles. Installed the horizontal stabs and touched up the paint as necessary. Now all I need to do is settle on some minimal markings and install a few antennas. Then I’ll shoot it against a couple different backgrounds and work a little photo editing magic to make it look somewhat realistic in flight.
EC-97 Night Lark Chapter V
Posted by: | CommentsTime to back up just a wee bit to cover some of the stuff I left out about this project. The kit is Academy’s 1:72 Boeing 377 Stratocruiser. The kit is of fair quality for fit but lacks detail. Academy uses these same sprues to do the various variants of the airframe. So you’ll find pieces for other aircraft included.
The aircraft features several blisters and domes, which contain sensitive transmitters and receivers. On the underside of the fuselage there is a large radome type blister which is from my spares stash. It fit almost perfectly though I did need to insert a styrene (.020) piece of card stock in between the two halves to get it to better mate with the fuselage curvature. The other small blisters underneath the belly were also sourced from the stash, though you could use fuel tank or bomb halves in a pinch.
Out the tail you’ll see a boom antenna aka a stinger. On naval patrol aircraft this would house a magnetic anomoly detection device (MAD) for hunting submarines under the surface of the ocean. In this case it is a highly sensitive stereoscope receiver used to measure multiple targeting radars. I made my stinger from a piece of oval and square brass tubing, which I roughened up with some course sandpaper and glued together using CA. To give a uniform shape I then covered it liberally with Acryl Blue glazing compound and left to cure for several weeks as the project took a backseat for a while. The stinger also houses a reel mounted HF antenna, which has a cone shape device on the end to cause sufficient drag to unreel the antenna and keep it taut while in flight. This antenna (a heavy reinforced wire) when fully deployed stretches 500 feet.
Picking through my spares I found two window blisters from what I believe to have come from an old 1:72 B-29 model, probably the old MPC kit. These fit nicely in the lower deck windows just aft of the wings. Here a pair of observers would sit (one on each side) to observe for any SAM and enemy aircraft should they be encountered while on a mission. In the case of the Night Lark, these positions are manned by the assigned crew chief(s).
Once the model nears the end of its completion, several dozen pointy and blade antennas will be added. These will be for eavesdropping/navigation/communication and electronic countermeasures. These will get added after any decaling…which will be very minimal.
As the landing gear found their way into their wells the three landing gear indicators indicated them up and the doors closed as the Night Lark was swinging onto a due south course. Every step of their journey tonight was preplanned down to all but one variable. One that could change everything, the departure of the aircraft they were to shadow. If it failed to depart, the primary mission would be scrubbed. Should that happen then the crew was prepared to do a little snooping along the China and North Korean coast lines. A triangle orbit from Weihai to Dilian to Inchoen circumventing North Korean and China’s airspace. Knock on the door but don’t bust through it. Save that for the primary missions.
“Level at nineteen thousand skipper.” The copilot reported. He was flying the “peaceful legs” of tonight’s mission.
“Radio, you have any word yet on our friend?” The pilot asked.
“Not yet, sir.” He replied.
“I’m taking bets he’s late and we’re going to be zigzagging until we hit the magic time window to abort and proceed on with our secondary.” The navigator stated.
“No bets from me on this first one, I’m just glad to be up here instead of back there in that closet they call a barracks.” The copilot retorted.
“Radio to pilot.” A voice broke in.
“Go ahead.” The pilot answered.
“Sir, looks like our target has departed, we’re just now able to pick up their side of the conversation. They are switching frequencies to another radar controller…one of ours believe it or not.” The radioman reported. Apparently the target asked for a special clearance departure, which put him in the airspace controlled by one of the military radar stations at a nearby base. “He’s, he’s asking.” There was a long pause. “He’s having some sort of trouble getting his landing gear up. Looks as if they are going to fly a couple of laps in the bases IFR holding area to see if they can solve the problem.”
“Good thing you didn’t take that bet.” The pilot laughed.
The navigator was busy with his whiz wheel plotting out a route to eat up time until the target resumed its course heading towards its destination. Meanwhile the copilot set the big Boeing on at a cruising setting to minimize their fuel consumption on the off chance they were going to be running the full circuit of the primary mission tonight. The Night Lark really didn’t like this anymore than the crew did but it was necessary.
The rest of the crew had all of their equipment up and running, some were listening to radio chatter from China and North Korea. The radar operators were were not allowed to power up their radars, so they tinkered with the auxiliary radios tuning into Armed Forces radio out of Japan to get the latest sports scores. “Think we can pickup KMOX outta St. Louie on this thing?” Asked one of the radar operators to a radio technician.
“Sure, if we can let out some of that trailing wire antenna and switch it over to this box here.” He said pointing to a very sensitive AM receiver. “Atmospheric conditions are pretty good tonight, if we can get onto a southerly heading it would be best though. Guess we have to wait to see what happens. Who won today?” Returning to his receiver to listen in on conversations from the Chinese miltary
Each of the radio technicians were fluent in Chinese as well as other languages such as Vietnamese. Everyone had graduated from a Defense Language Course after completing Radio School. One even knew Russian, something that was going to prove useful before the end of their time in the region.
The radio operator who was monitoring the air traffic conversations was having some difficulties, something was bleeding over onto the signal. “Radio to pilot, I’m having a hard time picking through the noise to hear what they are saying…can you give me a fifteen degree turn to the port? I need a better angle on the antenna.” He requested.
“How ’bout it nav, or will that cause you to wear that little wheel out too soon.” The copilot asked.
“You make the turn, leave the rest to me.” Said the navigator.
The copilot didn’t even turn around to see the look on the navigators face. He knew he was the best in the business and much more experienced than he. He did catch the pilot exchanging glances with the nav out of the corner of his eye, even in the dimly lit cockpit. As the Night Lark steadied on the new course the radio operator was happy as it helped clear up the signal.
“He’s cooked. Gear will not retract, they just made a low pass over the base so the tower could visually verify. He’s being given vectors for an landing back where he started.” The radio operator reported.
“Well keep orbiting here for a while, just to make sure he doesn’t do a fast turn and head back out again anytime soon.” Stated the pilot. “Think I’ll go get some coffee, anybody want a cup?” The nav shook his head no, he was busy working his wheel to set up an orbit plot for them to use. The copilot held up his empty cup for the pilot to refill. “I guess I’ll just bring back a full thermos instead.”
After two hours of waiting the pilot decided it was time to head for their secondary mission route. He also had the radioman send a predetermined coded message to his superiors advising them of his intentions. “Okay crew we are going to proceed on with our secondary tasking, we’ll spend a few hours flying our preplanned route then slip back into Suwon before the sun starts to rise. Go ahead and get your gear warmed up, we’ll be starting out track in fifty minutes.” The pilot advised the crew.
“Steer a heading of two nine five and lets drop our altitude down to seventeen thousand. Keep you airspeed at two seventy.” The Navigator directed. “That will put on the IP on the top of the hour. “
“Turning to two nine five, descending to seventeen and hold at an airspeed of two seventy.” Answered the copilot.
“You noticed the oil temp on number three?” Asked the pilot as he sipped his coffee.
“Yes, it seems to be running about fifty degrees hotter than normal. Cylinder head temps are normal. Pressure is good.” He replied as he tapped the gauge faces to see if maybe the needles were sticking.
“One of you whiz box operators want to take a stroll down stairs and peek at number three from the right blister?” The pilot asked in a suggestive tone.
“I’ll go. I need to take a leak anyway.” One said.
The radio operator made a quick stop at the lavatory then headed down the ladder to the lower cabin where there was just barely room for the two observers positions. It was noiser down here but tolerable. First he looked out the left window, scanning the forward watching the exhaust plumes twinkling from engines one and two. Then he climbed over into the right observation blister and glanced at number four but what really caught his eye was three’s longer yellow white flames instead of the yellow blue that the others were emitting. He quickly ran back upstairs to brief the pilot.
As he reached the flight deck standing behind the navigator he reported his findings. “Sir number three is kicking our some really wierd looking exhaust flames. They are lighting up the whole right wing.”
“Check the mixture.” The pilot commanded as he too reached for the levers. He and the copilot both checked and it appeared to be set properly for the altitude they were at.
“What do you think?” Asked the copilot of the pilot who was rubbing his chin in thought.
“I have the aircraft.” He stated taking the yoke. He took the aircraft off autopilot and increased the power on all four of the engines. The big ship gave a slight shudder. All four engines started to roar as their propellers sang indicating they were biting hard into the air. With the airspeed building to its near maximum the pilot pulled back on the yoke to convert some of that speed into altitude. At first the big Boeing climbed quickly but as the air continued to get thinner and the airspeed slowed it loss its momentum to climb.
The pilot eased back the power slowly back on all four watching the gauges as he did. The nose began to drop. For a brief moment they were level again but the nose slowly started pointing down and the airspeed despite the lack of thrust from the four large propellers started to increase.
The crewmen in the main compartment were not ready for these sudden aerobatic maneuvers. Paper, cups of coffee and even crewman were flung around the cabin. A guy in the lav felt the aircraft change pitch suddenly he raised both hands to brace himself leaving a bodily function in progress. Needless to say it was an unpleasant and messy experience from that point on.
As the Night Lark increased her descent rate and speed everyone on the flight deck was watching the oil temp on engine three. It didn’t keep pace with the other engines as they slowly indicated a slight cooling due to the lack of power and increase airflow through the individual oil coolers.
Pulling back on the yoke as he push the four throttles forward he asked. “Give me a course for home. Get ready to shut down and feather number three.” He instructed.
“Engine shut down checklist…lets see…here it is.” The copilot replied flipping through his checklist binder.
“Suggest a heading of zero three zero and contact Osan approach for vectors. We’re just west of the Kunsan beacon.” The nav stated.
The copilot did just that while the pilot tweaked the aircraft’s control trim to ease the yaw to the right due to the lack of thrust from the now idle engine. At every radar control center on the South Korean peninsula sat a nondescript observer whose job it was to ensure aircraft such as this were given no notice as they flew in view of the radars scanning the skies. Should an emergency arise a generic call would be broadcast to warn such “nonexistent” aircraft of a problem. Tonight was no exception. “Dark Star control to Dark Star lead, suggest immediate break left! ” The observer called over all frequencies.
Inside the Night Lark the pilot reaction was lighting quick, rolling the control wheel hard left to initiate a forty five degree turn to the left. Again those in back were not ready, but several did have the foresight to buckle their seat belts while sitting at their stations. “Radar light ‘em up I want to see what is out there.” The pilot commanded.
These old tube sets were slow to warm, but in a matter of a few minutes the scope came to life and started painting radar returns in nearly every direction. Some were surface contacts while the rest were aircraft. Most were within specific approach and departure corridors over the Korean countryside, but a few others were “free” ranging. Probably military fighters patrolling or on night training exercises. Either way it was a busy night in the sky.
The mysterious gentleman that night at the Osan radar approach control issued instructions to the controllers on duty. “Clear them some airspace, I want a clear lane into Suwon for them to fly.” He ordered. He then transmitted another message over the air. “Dark Star observes no problems, resume previous course.”
No sooner had the radar come up and began painting returns, the pilot ordered in put into standby mode. This would cease any radiate energy from leaving the aircraft, but still be alive should it be needed again. Fifteen minutes later the Night Lark was turning final, lining up with Suwon’s runway which was minimally illuminated, unlike Osan’s and Kimpo International airport which were clearly visible and brightly lit.
Again the big aircraft met up with the Follow Me truck and taxied back to its lair on the west side of the field. As it was shutting down its engines the canvas tent like hanger was being raised into place over it. The support team was already there waiting to learn why the aircraft returned early. Their only indication it was returning was the call from Dark Star who called on a secure phone line to advise they were inbound. The line chief, flashlight in hand was inspecting the aircraft once the tent was securely closed. Immediately he knew why, the number three engine’s propeller was feathered. He and his crew would now spend the next several days resolving this problem.
To be continued…
Kitbashing a Vampire Into A Rocket Plane Pt IV
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It was a long day yesterday, ended the work day up writing another segment of Night Lark which is close to being complete and should be appearing here shortly. After a late supper I ventured downstairs to put a little more touches on the “Rocket Rod” taking it one step closer to being finished.
The main gear legs were attached, and I applied a little white paint to the upper surfaces to simulate where the cyrogenic fuel vents off overpressure. To do this I needed a way to mask to allow me to spray a very slim line of white from two of the vent portals. I accomplished this after looking at the resources on my workbench. Foam! It was a perfect medium to easily cut that would produce a soft edge mask. This particular foam is used for furniture making and crafts. Easily sourced at craft and fabric stores.
Using a sharp #11 blade I cut a beveled wedge out of a thin slice of the foam. Once I had the angle of the wedge shape cut I used a T-Pin to align the end of the mask to the location of the vent hole on the model. Then I simply gave the open space in the center of the foam mask a couple light passes with the airbrush containing the color I wanted…in this case I used flat white thinned down to almost transparent in consistency.
This technique is also useful for applying streaking from machine and cannon cordite residue, hot gas and exhaust streaking along surfaces. I suggest wearing a protective glove when doing this technique, as I use my fingernail to check the paint flow from the airbrush before beginning to apply paint down the gap in the foam mask.
Decals. What markings to use? I laid out a few choices, though I haven’t completely decided yet but you can see which direction I am leaning. I guess I’ll know for sure when I apply the first national insignia as to whose aircraft this is going to be.
The canopy has been painted and I have the dash panel painted and ready to be inserted as well. Once those are in I will place the joystick inside and probably a pilot figure, at least an upper torso since you won’t see much else anyway.
I’m hoping to wrap this project up over the coming weekend. That is if other obligations allow me to spend several hours of quality time at the workbench.
Back to Chapter III.
