jgrease Posted January 16, 2009 Share Posted January 16, 2009 Here's the Trumpeter RA-5C in 1/72. I built the kit with Eduard's PE and Super Scale decals for RVAH-11. This was quite a learning experience for me in terms of using washes, as well as using a full set of PE. My biggest problems were the fuselage shape (much like the 1/48, but less pronounced) and the lenses for the flash pods (I'm still trying to get them to fit). I used a spare Hasegawa pilot for the rear seat, and I may do a standing pilot next to the plane. I had a lot of issues with the PE hinges for the main gear doors (I lost a hinge as well as the wires I cut for the doors, and I don't think I'll replace them). Now I can see a lot of things I would change- perhaps a 1/48 build down the line... Your observations and comments are welcome. Oh, and the reason I referred to a "dirty bird" is because I think I went overboard on the wash. I don't think a carrier-based bird would get this grimy. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sebastijan Posted January 16, 2009 Share Posted January 16, 2009 Your Viggie turned out very good... I plan to build mine OOB - any fit issues? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jgrease Posted January 17, 2009 Author Share Posted January 17, 2009 Sebastian, the biggest problem areas in terms of fit were the fuselage halves and the flash pods.When assembling the fuselage, try to use something to press the top and bottom out flat - mine has a slight bow inward on the top. I also suggest placing the clear lenses in the pods as you assemble the halves and then mask them off. The Eduard masks were terrific. Other than that, the wings, cockpit and other items went together like a charm. I had some minor sanding to do on the forward canopy, but the windscreen and everything else almost fell together. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ChernayaAkula Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 (edited) Outstanding build! When I finally get round to building my 1/72 Viggie I plan to get the WOODEN BRACE for the 1/48 kit and scale it down. Edited January 17, 2009 by ChernayaAkula Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jgrease Posted January 17, 2009 Author Share Posted January 17, 2009 Moritz, definitely a great idea for the brace. I hadn't thought it would be an issue in 1/72 but it turned out to be. Lessons learned for the future... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Aigore Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 Great build!!! Just gotta love that Viggie!!! About the braces....I´ve seen ppl get away with just plasticard bracing inside with good result! it´s really only that rear section of the viggie that is troublesome and in 1/72 I don think you need the whole bracingset as the one for 1/48th scale Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gearheadrandy Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 I filed a square of sheet plastic roughly to size, shoved it into the fuselage half, squirted glue on it. Repeated for the other side. Cheap, easy, took about five minutes. It was a surprise gift for a former RVAH-9 maintenance guy, I figured he'd prefer it clean. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Spooky 01 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 Sweet looking Viggie. I'm sure if she would be photographed in the right setting, she could easily pass for a 1/48 bird. "Check Six....." Spooky. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jgrease Posted January 18, 2009 Author Share Posted January 18, 2009 Thanks for all the kind words guys. Much appreciated! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Aggressor Supporter Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 Dirty? Nonsense. It looks great! I like how the panel lines are accentuated. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hippy-Ed Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 Great job on the Vigi!! And yes, they did get dirty while out on the Carriers... RVAH-9 aboard USS Ranger 1966 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Aigore Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 Oh my, interesting pic..... looks almost too symetric for plain dirt, did they putty the panellines for some reason? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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