Invader
Commenti
36 16 December 2022, 10:46
AndreasKThere are some fit issues as you can see in the latest pictures. Especially the less than optimal fit of the fuselage halves will be challenge. Sanding this without damaging the raised panel lines will be a new experience to me.
21 January 2023, 07:24
JohnRaised panel lines across a sanded gap can be repaired. It's not easy but it can be done.
21 January 2023, 14:33
AndreasK@John: which technique do you recommend? Never did it myself so far but I've seen videos. One guy was actually cuting with a scalpel where the line should be and the displaced plastic raised to form the new line. A different guy was making a narrow grove with tape and filled it with putty...
22 January 2023, 09:01
JohnHi Andreas, the tape method where you make the putty seam as narrow as possible is a good start, but putty shrinks so you have to be careful not to put TOO little putty. Also, did the video show using a cotton swab with acetone/nail polish remover to smooth the putty out?
To repair the line, you can use stretched sprue. It has to be really thin obviously, but you take a length, lay it across the missing panel line and touch some extra thin cement to it. Capillary action will do the rest. If you've done it right, the overlap with the existing panel line will blend with the stretched sprue.
Like I said, it's a lot of work! It does take some practice.
22 January 2023, 13:55
AndreasKI am finally able to share some progress with you. The fit of the fuselage halves, the glassware, and especially the plug for the lower turret hole was mediocre to say at least. What made it challenging was my attempt to preserve the raised panel lines.
So after weeks of short and annoying sanding sessions, I call it ready for the primer shot. Let's see what this will reveal 🙈
22 March 2023, 17:27
AndreasKThanks guys. I actually haven't made it to the bench in weeks due to much stress at work. But I realized the pictures here were not the latest stage, so I updated the album.
15 July 2023, 16:46
AndreasKSome progress in the last days: aluminium overall, some panels shaded with dark aluminium, engines installed, anti-glare olive drab painted.
Next will we some decals in the engine gondola area, then the very pronounced exhaust stains.
24 November 2023, 17:06
AndreasKSo, the project is finally finished. Well, with the exception of the bomb load. But anyways...
Took me more than one year from start to finish with intermediate breaks due to low mojo. I think I managed ok with the lots of sanding required and the aim to keep the raised panel lines intact. Turned out not perfect everywhere but the NMF was additionally challenging. Maybe not the wisest decision.
7 January, 10:25
