ChristopherC Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 Here's my latest project, a 144th scale Dragon Super Bug. I'm using the Growler boxing that comes with the carrier deck. I'll be building this in take off configuration in VFA-103 markings (from Fightertown). The first step was separating all the control surfaces: I reshaped the flaps and added new attachment points: Rudders and leading edges re-positioned: I've added a resin flight crew from OzMods: And an overall shot of the deck. After some research I've found out that the deck isn't entirely accurate, the catapult track extends too far back towards the blast deflector, and the bunker is probably too close to the track. These things don't bother me enough to change them. I did rescribe all the raised panel lines, and I'll be using some deck decals from Starfighter decals to improve the look a little. Oh, and my apologies for the funny colours in the pictures! I forgot to set the white balance before taking them and correction in iPhoto didn't seem to help too much. Chris Quote Link to post Share on other sites
FlyingLow Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 I have been away for few weeks and after I came back decided to start building something and it happens I opened Dragon double F/A-18E + EA-18G Growler box. I am just deciding if I should cut wings to pieces or not... at least I can check on your progress and decide :) Looking good so far by the way! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kingoalie Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 This will be a great build Chris! I'll be keeping an eye on your build! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GreyGhost Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 Very nice ... I like all the mods you did to the control surfaces ... Gregg Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ChernayaAkula Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 This is gonna be really nice! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kurnass77 Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 Wow , Even if the subject is not among my favorites, is always a pleasure to see a model that represents a cat shot. I will follow with interest. Gianni Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Giovanni Posted February 5, 2010 Share Posted February 5, 2010 Hello Christopher, I'm glad to see another model from you in 144. Since now seems fine, I'll follow with the usual interest. Again thank You for providing me a link to the hornet instrument panel. It had been precious! Bye bye Giovanni Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ChristopherC Posted February 8, 2010 Author Share Posted February 8, 2010 Thanks for the comments guys! Flyinglow, separating the flaps is a pretty involved process which I've done a few times. I think it's worth it in the end. I've attached the flaps now: Also added the top plate, still need to sand it to shape. Here's the deck with the blast deflector assembled: And the deck crew. One will be the shooter and the others will be aircraft handlers. Chris Quote Link to post Share on other sites
infideon Posted February 8, 2010 Share Posted February 8, 2010 Very nice i love it! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Giovanni Posted February 8, 2010 Share Posted February 8, 2010 Well done! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Aggressor Supporter Posted February 9, 2010 Share Posted February 9, 2010 I like little guys and you are doing great work on yours. Nice that your got little guys to crew your little guy. Keep it up. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ChernayaAkula Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 Neato! The flaps came out great! :mellow: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
FlyingLow Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 I see surgery was successful. It is looking good and I agree Hornet just doesn't look right with straight flaps when not in flight. Actually I did the same on my Revell F/A-18C but it is just PITA to cut and rebuild in 1/144 :mellow: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GreyGhost Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 Really nice work, Chris ... The flaps look great ... :mellow: Neato! The flaps came out great! I had no idea Germans said "Neato" ... till now ... Moritz ... :unsure: Gregg Quote Link to post Share on other sites
giles Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 I had no idea Germans said "Neato" ... till now ... Moritz ... Give the guy a break... Chris, Great flap work in small scale! I have the same kit, and am trying to do a Tomcat on a Cat shoot. Now, I just need to dig up my post buried deep, deep, within the In-Progress topics. Giles Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GreyGhost Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 Give the guy a break... -_- No break needed to give, I think it's cool ... Gregg Quote Link to post Share on other sites
giles Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 No break needed to give, I think it's cool ... Gregg Gregg, Moritz may not need one -_- But, I could do with one (from life in general) to complete ONE model this year Giles Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JMan Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 WOW, phenomenal job so far. I had no idea that such a small scale would have so much detail. I will definately be following this build! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ChristopherC Posted February 13, 2010 Author Share Posted February 13, 2010 Back with another update! I added a bit of detail to the edge of the blast deflector: Attached and masked the canopy (turns out I didn't do a great job fairing it in but I'll live with it). Also got some painting done today. Here's the deck with a bit of shading: I masked the blast deflector and sprayed the edge red: I'll mask off the edge and spray white over it to get the striping. I also sprayed the upper surfaces of the jet. I decided to do a bit of post shading this time, pre shading was taking up too much time and paint! Chris Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ChristopherC Posted February 15, 2010 Author Share Posted February 15, 2010 I got the rest of the painting done today. Here's the jet all masked up: and here it is after spraying: Time to put a gloss coat on and start decalling! I also did more on the deck. Here's the blast deflector in the process of being masked: and the final product: I've also done a pit of work on the deck tractor that comes with the deck. It probably won't be part of the display but it'll be nice to have. I added some tie downs to the front, scribed in some doors, and attempted to replicate the non slip surface on top with sandpaper. Chris Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GreyGhost Posted February 15, 2010 Share Posted February 15, 2010 Most excellent ... I love the JBD's edging ... And the sandpaper grip surface is a great tip ... Gregg Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kurnass77 Posted February 15, 2010 Share Posted February 15, 2010 Great progress Chris! And a patient masking work on the blast deflector,right? Good idea for the anti-skid material on the tractor. I'll stay tuned for future up grades! Gianni Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ChernayaAkula Posted February 15, 2010 Share Posted February 15, 2010 (edited) <...> I had no idea Germans said "Neato" ... till now ... Moritz ... :( <...> Must be all the 'stralians round 'ere. :D Maybe it's the angle or my eyes, but did Dragon mess up the angle of the canopy/wind shield frame? It almost looks like it's angled backwards or at least straight up. :D <...> <...> Edited February 15, 2010 by ChernayaAkula Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Giovanni Posted February 15, 2010 Share Posted February 15, 2010 Must be all the 'stralians round 'ere. :wacko: Maybe it's the angle or my eyes, but did Dragon mess up the angle of the canopy/wind shield frame? It almost looks like it's angled backwards or at least straight up. I agree with you, ChernayaAkula, this part does not convince me. I've got the single seater and from a brief analysis I found the same problem. This part is not the best one of the kit anyway. I suggest to Christopher to try to sand this part away from the second canopy from the box (it's a twin pack), then polishing and painting the frame with the right angle. If this work he can replace the former one later. But I'm sure the model will be beautiful also with this lill defect... Giovanni Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ChristopherC Posted February 16, 2010 Author Share Posted February 16, 2010 Must be all the 'stralians round 'ere. ;) Maybe it's the angle or my eyes, but did Dragon mess up the angle of the canopy/wind shield frame? It almost looks like it's angled backwards or at least straight up. Hmm, I didn't notice this until just now. It's a bit too late to pop off the canopy and start again. I've noticed on previous builds that the bottom rain of the canopy is too deep, leaving less room on the side of the fuselage above the LEX. I also just found another mistake on this kit when I started decalling. The rear fuselage "slime" light is way too far forward. It's tucked underneath the flap when it should be directly under the middle of the vertical tail. Again, it's too late to fix. Chris Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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