BadCop Posted June 25, 2006 Share Posted June 25, 2006 I didn't plan on entering this GB, but when an urge to start the Little Bird kit in the stash hit.... did I have a choice? Here's what I've done so far, putting the cockpit and fuselage together. I'm really not looking forward to fitting the transparencies as a dry fit needs a bit of force to keep it in place. White glue probably won't do the trick so I might try dipping the canopy in future use superglue and hope it doesn't fog. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PapaSmurf630 Posted June 25, 2006 Share Posted June 25, 2006 Welp when I did it, I used normal plastic glue. After dipping it in future of course. I found the fit near perfect! I just stuck it down, then held it for about 10 minutes, constantly blowing on it to get the glue to dry :D Hardly any gaps (apart from a small one down the side where the glue was to thin to hold it properly. Easy fixed with a bit of thinned down filler. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BadCop Posted June 26, 2006 Author Share Posted June 26, 2006 Thanks for the advice Papasmurf! Here's a little more work done.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PapaSmurf630 Posted June 27, 2006 Share Posted June 27, 2006 Looking great mate. Are you using Tamiya paints for this one? I recommend using different types of black to get different shades...gives a great effect. You using the flexible ammo belts?? The kit ones snapped mine as I tried to bend them Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BadCop Posted June 27, 2006 Author Share Posted June 27, 2006 Hey Papasmurf, I am actually using Tamiya Paints for this build - NATO Black, but I will try adding a few areas of German Grey for variety. I have also used a few touches of Citadel Chaos Black in the interior for seats, handles, etc. The Ammo Belts are a bit of a challenge, as I don't know how to bend them without damaging them either - maybe a soak in boiling water to soften them up first? I might try giving that a go. It's actually quite an easy build, and all has been going well so far. I've tried your technique using normal glue, and am looking forward to removing the masking and seeing how it works out after a final touch up of NATO black. Comparing it to the size of the rotor blades in my 1/35 Blackhawk kit (bought on impulse at the same time as this one after seeing Blackhawk Down last year ) the Little Bird really is LITTLE!!! Entirely black, Festooned with rocket pods and Miniguns and with antennae sticking out everywhere it looks mean. Trent Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BadCop Posted June 29, 2006 Author Share Posted June 29, 2006 The canopy is attached. It as come out alright, but not perfectly with a tiny few gaps (mustn't have blown hard enough on it.) I could try to fix things up, but I'm afraid my fix will look worse than the problem I'm trying to fix, so I'll learn to live with it. I've also added some post shading of panel lines with German Grey. The pics are a little blurry, but you can see what I've done anyway. Personally, I think it looks a little over done and might give it a light overspray of NATO black to tone it down. What do you think? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sebastijan Posted June 29, 2006 Share Posted June 29, 2006 Personally I'd overspray it with base colour to tone down a postshading a bit... But be gentle... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BadCop Posted June 29, 2006 Author Share Posted June 29, 2006 Here it is now, toned down somewhat. Much better, I think! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
arkhunter2002 Posted June 29, 2006 Share Posted June 29, 2006 (edited) very nice what color did you use for the miniguns? (edit: i.e. is it silver or aluminum or what?) Edited June 29, 2006 by arkhunter2002 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PapaSmurf630 Posted June 29, 2006 Share Posted June 29, 2006 I tried using the Tamiya belts and dunking them in warm water...still no use at all. But you're probably a better, more patient modeller than myself so go for it.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Albert Moore Posted June 29, 2006 Share Posted June 29, 2006 Trent, Nice looking LB so far. As for the gaps in the canopy, try building up a few layers of diluted white glue until it level with the surrounding plastic. Just touch it up with your base color and viola, gaps are gone. I look forward to see your completed LB. I have that kit in my stash as well, so reading your experiences will come in handy when I continue mine (boxed while other kits are being messed with). Cheers, Alby Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PapaSmurf630 Posted June 30, 2006 Share Posted June 30, 2006 Sort of regretting not entering in the GB now. Still looking VERY good. Any more progress? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Matt_S Posted July 6, 2006 Share Posted July 6, 2006 (edited) Looking good I'd like to see a 1/24 scale kit of this bird myself. Matt :D Edited July 6, 2006 by Matt_S Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BadCop Posted July 21, 2006 Author Share Posted July 21, 2006 Finally- Finished! I didn't do too well with the ammo belts, as they broke when I tried (ever so gently) to bend them. Unless I look at them from the bottom I can't see much of them anyway. To answer some questions - The Miniguns were painted in simple old Gunze Metal Black, no fancy Alclad or anything like that. Alby - the gaps were mainly at the bottom of the canopy and a few layers of white glue worked a treat! The other problem I had was with the upper panels of the canopy. I sprayed a light coat of Tamiya smoke to get the tint done, but I don't think I let it dry long enough before masking it as the tape has left a textured surface. I think I'd just make it look worse if I tried to fix it, so I'm happy to let it be and learn from the experience. Anyway, enough from me - bring on the pics! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PapaSmurf630 Posted July 25, 2006 Share Posted July 25, 2006 Looks sweet. It's an easy-to-paint build isn't it :blink: The ammo belts are impossible to bend, the bendable resin ones are great. I recommend them for this build. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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