Rhinolover Posted May 8, 2012 Share Posted May 8, 2012 I have been on a bit of a modeling hiatus the past few months but finally managed to finish off a kit. First, I know what you all are saying....It's not a Tomcat or Super Hornet!! You are correct, I needed to get out of my TPS gray colorless world and this was just the answer. This is the stellar AFV-Club F-5N 1/48 kit. For anyone not familiar with it and looking to build one sexy little jet, this is just the answer. The construction took 4 days and didn't require a bit of putty. Just a bit of Mr. Surfacer 500 smoothed over with a Q-Tip finished off any small imperfections with the seams. The camouflage was painted freehand (first attempt) with Vallejo Model Air acrylics sprayed at 40psi for a wicked smooth finish. The sunburst tail was taped and painted to avoid using the large decal. Alclad steel and Pale Burnt Iron finished off the rear. It was topped off with Future, and Steel Beach aftermarket VFC-111 decals were applied. They were sealed with Future, and a final dead flat coat of Vallejo matte varnish sealed it all up. The panel lines were enhanced with black Pro Modeler wash. The reference pictures show these jets to be very clean and in immaculate condition, so I did very little weathering. The base is a standard 8" x 6" cherry plaque. After scouring the internet for the perfect base image, I found the one you see. It is an image of the same squadron, VFC-111, breaking away in the brown camouflage colors. After contacting the photographer, he was kind enough to allow me its use to complement my model. My sincere thanks goes out to Jose Ramos-Navarrete for allowing me to use and tweak his beautiful photograph to include in my display. The photo was covered with a custom made 3/16" acrylic frame with the stand holding the model bonded to it. The model is held in place by its own weight. Hope you enjoy it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jinxter13 Posted May 8, 2012 Share Posted May 8, 2012 Superb build and the finish is what most modelers dream of. I am definitely getting one of the AFV kits, and I might just have to give vallejo paints a try. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
xavi84 Posted May 8, 2012 Share Posted May 8, 2012 Awesome as usual rhinolover! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Midway Sailor Posted May 8, 2012 Share Posted May 8, 2012 (edited) An incredible Tiger and a spectacular display base! I know it's too late for reference shots and I don't intend to hijack this thread, but I thought you might like to see the original aircraft as I photographed it at the 2007 Deke Slayton AirFest in La Crosse, WI. A link to the full gallery is here: F-5E Tiger II, VFC-111 Sundowners at the 2007 Deke Slayton AirFest in La Crosse, WI Again, you did a beautiful job and I can only hope my next Tiger is even close to the quality you've presented here. Edited May 8, 2012 by Midway Sailor Quote Link to post Share on other sites
phantom Posted May 8, 2012 Share Posted May 8, 2012 Beautiful finish!!!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
skidbuggy Posted May 8, 2012 Share Posted May 8, 2012 Sweet build! A friend of mine did his retirment flight with that unit last year... I'd love to see more pictures. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bearmatt Posted May 9, 2012 Share Posted May 9, 2012 Superb job! Love it Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ChernayaAkula Posted May 9, 2012 Share Posted May 9, 2012 Wow! That came out great! Super-cool display, too! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Diego Quijano Posted May 15, 2012 Share Posted May 15, 2012 Beautiful F-5. the display is also gorgeous. Q Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JesniF-16 Posted May 15, 2012 Share Posted May 15, 2012 A very creative display!!! The pilot looks great in there, nice work /Jesse Quote Link to post Share on other sites
scooterbuilder Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 I have sent a PM regarding your display. Please PM me if you have a chance. I have questions about obtaining a similar stand. BTW...as usual another great looking display. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gonzalo Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 You did all that in four days!?! It takes me four days just to get the shrink wrap off! Great job. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Vultures1 Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 That really is a beautiful build ... and great presentation too! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JohnS Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 Another great job, John. :thumbsup: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bulldog 09 Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 Absolutely outstanding Sir. Nothing better than a well done bandit, I really like the presentation to. Excellent work all the way around. Dave Fassett Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Neo Posted August 27, 2012 Share Posted August 27, 2012 Wow real nice job Quote Link to post Share on other sites
HOLMES Posted August 28, 2012 Share Posted August 28, 2012 Rhinolover.. :wub: :wub: .....Is what I think...speechless. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fly-n-hi Posted August 28, 2012 Share Posted August 28, 2012 That's fantastic! Is the base supposed to be like a mirror or is it supposed to look like two planes that are breaking away from each other? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rhinolover Posted August 29, 2012 Author Share Posted August 29, 2012 That's fantastic! Is the base supposed to be like a mirror or is it supposed to look like two planes that are breaking away from each other? Look at this old thread. The image and the display are meant to look like the two aircraft in the break. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fly-n-hi Posted August 29, 2012 Share Posted August 29, 2012 What old thread? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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