plasticWerks_JL

Thanks for the idea Mike, I might have to fall back on that if I don't have any luck with my impromptu mold-making shenanigans. I realized just last night that I've been referring to the resin cockpit I'm using as the Pavla option, when it's (clearly, from my first pic) the one from Neomega. Fixed these in my previous posts. More updates coming soon -JL

Time for another update: First up, the Pavla Neomega cockpit parts. I kept it simple by airbrushing Tamiya NATO Black and dry-brushed with Testors Light Gray enamel. Detail paint is with enamels, and I dropped some future mixed with Model Master Acryl Clear Green onto the IP screen: Front fuselage halves were detailed with Eduard photo etch, and the nose gear well was painted and weathered. I've been slowly transitioning to using mostly Tamiya acrylic paints for airbrushing, but I picked up some Model Master Acryl Zinc Chromate for the gear bays: I ran into a problem trying to fil

Thanks for the welcome, fellas I've got some of the prep work and corrections sorted out so far, but I'll have to be away from the bench for a week or two, so I wanted to share where I'm at currently. Sorry for the low quality of the pics, my DSLR is out of commission for a bit. First up is the Pavla Neomega cockpit. I've got some more cleanup of the fuselage halves and the photo etch side panels to take care of, and I removed far too much of the instrument cover, as you can see. Nothing some Milliput can't remedy, and the windscreen should help hide some of the repair. The Master brass pi

Pappy, mind if I ask about your painting and weathering techniques? What paints/clear and flat coats/washes are you using, and how do you go about applying them? They look very smooth and the effects are subtle and realistic, especially in the cockpit photos. They look much more natural than I've been able to achieve. Thanks, and fantastic work! Can't wait to see the results!

Despite all my better judgement, I'm going to clear off all my in-progress projects and jump into this GB: 1:72 Italeri Jaguar GR.1 w/ centerline recce pod Model Alliance decals - 41 Sq Commemorative Scheme (XZ398) Pavla Neomega resin cockpit Eduard Photo etch Master Pitot/AoA If anyone has any tips or info about the kit or this a/c, any help is appreciated. Hopefully I can update soon, and good luck to the other builders

Going to give this one a shot with an Italeri Jaguar GR.1 with a centerline recon pod, Model Alliance decals, and some other goodies: Here goes nothin'

I appreciate all the replies, everyone! I'll rob a front IP and launchers from one of my Revell F-16Cs, but it looks like they don't have a D version. Rear cockpit may have to be "good enough" as is, and the Vingtor sheet is on it's way to be now, so that'll be the one I use. Thanks again, guys, I'm off to make use of this good info

Thanks for the reply, Gene, hmm... bummer about the Revell kit, but glad I asked. I'll keep an eye out for the Hasegawa E. I did mean the "unslatted" wings (forgot the terminology). I had to dig out the kit from my stash, but the Revell does have both slatted and unslatted included. It doesn't have the early centerline tank or empty outer hardpoints (they have the wing tanks attached), however. I ordered decals for "Chico the Gunfighter", so I'm going to put the gun pods on the outers. Hasegawa may be the way to go.

Thanks very much, Niels, I'll do some more research on the MLU vipers. F-16.net is very helpful, I just don't think I've mastered navigating it yet! I'm working with Revell's F-16B in 1:72, mostly OOB, so if you or anyone else knows things to watch out for, any help is appreciated. I plan on using updated wingtip and underwing launchers (LAU-129), not sure if I'll put some AMRAAMs on the wingtips or a Sniper pod underneath yet.

thanks, Andrew!

Struck out trying to find info on Norway's F-16s, was hoping someone may have some resources I've overlooked. I read the F-16BM cockpits were converted to black for NVG compatibility, but couldn't locate any pics. Would the ejection seats be black as well? Any info is greatly appreciated! Also, the configurations of the stiffener plates is mind-boggling. Anywhere to find airframe-specific info on those? If it helps I'm futzing around with building BuNo 78-0305. Many thanks, fellas!

Hey everyone, quick question... anyone know if a Vietnam-era F-4E can be had from Revell's Pharewell Phantom boxing? I thought they included the early wing style, but my boxing doesn't seem to have them. Any other areas to pay attention to, or better boxings out there in 1:72? Thanks in advance!

Don't want to hijack the thread, but I'm wtb the NJANG markings from the superscale sheet if anyone will not use them. Thanks

UPDATE bump

Haha, it needs to be cheap, but it also has to work, so I went a little crazy. ....and now I can save on strips too, thanks for the tip Dmanton

Can't speak to the issue at hand, but let's talk stingy ...

+1, just received a kit from him as well. Fast and well packed.

Thank you Arne, I understand you just fine! When you use watercolors for weathering, do you put a gloss coat down first? And are you using a thinner? Thanks again, looking forward to another update

Love seeing stuff displayed in interesting ways, and this is going to look awesome. Inspiring work, Falcon

Arne, forgive me if you already explained these, but could you share your process for painting and weathering the cockpit, and for using watercolors for weathering? I'm considering trying watercolors myself, but am wondering how you use them. Thanks for any explanation you can provide!

Extremely worthwhile, thanks for sharing!

Thanks murad (and great blog in your signature!) Seems to me with the little Fujimi scooters, you have to build one as practice and learn some lessons, then improve on the next one. I'm already on the lookout for more to add to my stash !

Wow Spad, that is a beautiful bug! You've set the bar pretty high, so I'll be shooting for mine looking half as good. Any chance you would have a WIP thread I might be able to use as a reference? Thanks! Very little work done, but I got started a couple days ago. First, I removed the IFF antennas ahead of the windscreen. It took some filling with CA and careful sanding, then I polished it up. I have to replace a small section of panel line (where some of the pencil marks are), but not too bad: I also drilled out the fuselage airbrake housing, glued in some styrene strip as a guide, and car

Thanks Alien. I'm not sure how I'm going to approach the base yet, but any extra info is appreciated!

Thanks, Adam. I fudged the gloss coat a bit and got pockets of air under the emblem decal that sits over the blue stripe. The overcoats of clear (and the pics!) hide it okay. The decals seemed fragile anyway, and my lack of practice certainly didn't help, but I'm always working at improving my skills and techniques. I really like the scheme on this one though, and I have to say the Fujimi Skyhawk kits really are great, if a little bit finicky to put together. I'm going to have to scoop up a few more for the future.