let_models Posted February 27, 2014 Share Posted February 27, 2014 (edited) Thank you for the effort to create the subject of ‘Bare it All’ group build. I would like to enter my build with Classic Airframe 1/48 scale F-5A kit in silver with VNAF color. Here are some of her pictures during the time of late war (72-75) I guess… let_models :)/> [/url] [/url] Edited February 27, 2014 by let_models Quote Link to post Share on other sites
falcon20driver Posted February 27, 2014 Share Posted February 27, 2014 Welcome, we are glad to have you. I certainly look forward to seeing this build come together. A NMF F-5 will look great! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
let_models Posted February 28, 2014 Author Share Posted February 28, 2014 (edited) I got the kit last year on a model show, it was a bag kit no decal but I had a very good deal, that would make me thinking I have to build it very soon. My plan is going for a VNAF F-5 but not decide what is the color yet...some thing with a simple marking I can get, because I have to find other decal source to deal with it. I started the kit last Nov/2013 and until now the progress up to this much… hope it should be OK for the group build, also I did take some other built record pictures during the works for last of couple of months like: the cockpit, and fixing some of the issues when I go along... I will show you next! let_models :) Edited March 20, 2014 by let_models Quote Link to post Share on other sites
falcon20driver Posted February 28, 2014 Share Posted February 28, 2014 That kit is more than welcome. The biggest thing this group build is focused on is learning about natural metal finishes. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
let_models Posted March 1, 2014 Author Share Posted March 1, 2014 (edited) First thanks 'falcon20driver' for accepting this is my entry on the group build, first I would like posting some WIP on and off during last of coupe months ago, then I'll continue working with the kit...here they are: Trim off the angle on the rudder little, recommended by some fellow ARC members. Make the area of bottom side engines more deeper. Test fit the kit resin cockpit tub and replace with early ejection seat, I think from AMS resin? Complete painting cockpit and seat, the seat look fantastic with seat belt include! Edited March 1, 2014 by let_models Quote Link to post Share on other sites
let_models Posted March 1, 2014 Author Share Posted March 1, 2014 (edited) Some more pictures for cockpit area... Final test complete cockpit to fuselage half and installed nose gear wheel well. Edited March 2, 2014 by let_models Quote Link to post Share on other sites
falcon20driver Posted March 1, 2014 Share Posted March 1, 2014 Looking good! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
let_models Posted March 8, 2014 Author Share Posted March 8, 2014 I did have some work on the kit, here is some up date: Resin bit of main wheel wells and speed brake installed, check and sanding to flush with the fuselage, also I cut the slat and flap on both wings. I did manage to open the air scoop slot on top both sides of the fuselage, it's very delicate work on them. CA kit doesn't have those parts, I scratched this chute door and modify some vent on bottom of the engine exhaust. Try fit the kit resin engine exhaust, note: some styrene sheet using for seaming on some gaps. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
falcon20driver Posted March 8, 2014 Share Posted March 8, 2014 The work your doing is looking great. I know its tough dealing with some of those smaller items, but your doing great! I can't wait to see this one all finished. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
let_models Posted March 9, 2014 Author Share Posted March 9, 2014 (edited) after review the reference photos of the F-5A, I saw the wing tip tanks has little bit with downward angle position, I decided to modify the kit tank mounting slot with the small angle as well... here is the modification for the kit wing tip tank. I try to tackle some other small issues, one is bring to my attention: I find out later the kit was missing one of the wing pylon, I look through my spare parts box, and lucky enough found one for replacement, clean it up and here it is... I think the process so far so good as in this stage, I painted black color for anti-glare of the nose yesterday, then start masking the area to be ready for overall painting the whole model next. (note: I installed the landing gears before painting) Edited March 10, 2014 by let_models Quote Link to post Share on other sites
let_models Posted March 13, 2014 Author Share Posted March 13, 2014 (edited) Here we go, I painted the model with Tamiya XF16 flat aluminum, it's very good for fast dry and easy to handle the model, I got a total of 2 coats and let it dry for whole day... it's shaping up with 'bare it all'... Just checking, looking good on main wheel wells resin bit, it was a big fit issue and night mare process. here's again look like 'bare it all' to me! note: it bring an attention to me, the kit center tanks look really an odd shape, little small I guess. May be this version for different F-5A variant? I'll get back with this later. Next step will be making the custom decal. It's a fun process! Edited March 13, 2014 by let_models Quote Link to post Share on other sites
falcon20driver Posted March 13, 2014 Share Posted March 13, 2014 Thats looking great! You've really put in some hard work on this kit and it shows. I'm excited to see how it looks all finished up. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
let_models Posted March 28, 2014 Author Share Posted March 28, 2014 (edited) I start using the profile drawing of this aircraft as you seen on the top of this thread to make the decal. I put the file on Photo Deluxe program and editing it, print it out on a sheet of paper and try play around for scale to fit. Most of the works when very easy and ready to print to stock decal paper... ...all I need to focus is the tail code letter, SN and the flag, here is a test fit on the rudder! ...for the star & bar I had my custom decal sheet which I made for them before, I will use it again! Also I did weathering the model with very light acrylic black/yellow mixing, it was alive after that... that's all for now and will show you the decal apply to the model next! :) Edited March 28, 2014 by let_models Quote Link to post Share on other sites
falcon20driver Posted March 28, 2014 Share Posted March 28, 2014 Looking good. That is a smart approach to the tail decals. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ALF18 Posted April 2, 2014 Share Posted April 2, 2014 Really nice work on the build-up of this kit. It has many faults, like the tail area with its absence of drag chute cover and poor fit overall. I'm also impressed with your creation of the decals. ALF Quote Link to post Share on other sites
let_models Posted April 6, 2014 Author Share Posted April 6, 2014 Thank you for your comment falcon20driver! and appreciate your world ALF18! To continue with the build, after a coat of gloss clear I start with the decals as you see in here: Star and bar decals go in place... ...Next was the tail decals section, it when very smoothly. I apply some decal set and pressed them flat. In this stage the decals process are complete! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
falcon20driver Posted April 6, 2014 Share Posted April 6, 2014 Its coming out great. Almost done, and I'm excited to see it finished. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
let_models Posted April 12, 2014 Author Share Posted April 12, 2014 (edited) I start painting 1st layer of wing tip tanks in SEA camo., Added with some details. and check for their position...looking good so far! since CA kit don't have any thing on the tip of the wing, I added a small plastic piece for easy mounting the tanks to it. Also I replaced the kit gun barrels with Monogram F-5F for better look. Here is it, after the wheels and landing gear doors are in, it stand on it own and the shape look like an F-5A to me. This is another picture of her..err!! the kit center tank look odd and I need a new one desperately, I'll show you what I'm going to do with it next! :) Edited April 12, 2014 by let_models Quote Link to post Share on other sites
falcon20driver Posted April 13, 2014 Share Posted April 13, 2014 Your doing a wonderful job! This F-5 is looking great. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SERNAK Posted April 13, 2014 Share Posted April 13, 2014 Can't say much about this excellent build. I mean it speaks for itself!!!! One question though. Were these aircrafts in their NMF or, were they painted Silver? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
let_models Posted April 16, 2014 Author Share Posted April 16, 2014 (edited) Thanks falcon20driver for the kind of word! and thanks SERNAK for stop by and cheer up!... :) Yes! you are right, that's why I didn't paint with many shade panels on my F-5A, and with a solid color it just look more realistic in life! After apply another coat of gloss layer, I set the model a side and plan to work on the center tank, 1st I try looking on the Kinetic kit, err...it was the same as of CA kit, I have to scratch built it, I took a 1/32 scale bomb left over from an F-5E kit, I cut off short little then reattach and sanding until... ...until the shape of the tank look right! I think I need to save my work on the center tank for the other kit, and also have a copy to my fellow ARC friends too, I decided making it is a master part, for multiple copies... Here is it, the master part lay neat on a case and ready for silicon mold next! Edited April 16, 2014 by let_models Quote Link to post Share on other sites
let_models Posted April 19, 2014 Author Share Posted April 19, 2014 here is it: I called this is a success copy parts process :) ...and this's just a compare between the kit center tank and new resin center tank which I called let_models resin tank! :) ...and painting it! :) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
falcon20driver Posted April 20, 2014 Share Posted April 20, 2014 Those tanks look sharp. Well done. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
let_models Posted April 26, 2014 Author Share Posted April 26, 2014 (edited) Continue working on the misc. things, I added some details on the inner frames canopy, scratching the mirrors, It was so small as you see but I'm trying any way, Also I fixed the mechanism behind the canopy, this was very hard to fit under the canopy, a lot of sanding little by little until I happy with it... Then painting them, here is the final result. Another dry fitting, this time is an open position on the model, and the ladder too! that's for the delicate work for me on this! don't want to mess with it any more... I jump to the ordnance load for the model, I armed it with 2x 19" rocket pods, and 2x750 lbs. bombs and finished the final coat SEA color of wing tip tanks. note: I used the wooden stick for mounting to a drilling hole on the pylon, but not glue it, just press fit them into the pylon...just in case I like to change a different ordnance configuration later! Another look of the ordnance load, I need to wash a weathering coat on them also. At this stage the model almost complete, it's approx 90% done except for some little touching up...yeaa hooo...!! Here is another look at her ...that's it until next! :) Edited April 27, 2014 by let_models Quote Link to post Share on other sites
falcon20driver Posted April 26, 2014 Share Posted April 26, 2014 Wonderful. Thats is a good looking build. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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