Neil Hi All, Here's another build I started (and actually finished) yonks ago; back in 2022 that I've now added final reveal imagery for...
It's my interpretation of that famous Mirage 2000 colour scheme. I enjoyed this build very much, it's a pretty good fitting kit for an oldie too. As I've said on here before I have a bit of a soft spot for ESCI kits, in my youth a 1/72 scale ESCI was an affordable choice, so I still enjoy building them in this larger scale.
I endeavoured to rein in my usual over-the-top weathering on this occasion, as it's a demo scheme. So there is minimal panel line accenting. Of course (as this is me) it's not completely accurate either, but it is thereabouts according to the kit paint guide.
Thanks to all who took time to comment on my efforts and all who liked. I hope you like the finished result - it's been a long time coming - taken me forever to update some of these albums. As always you're all very kind to comment on my weird fascination with building these 'oldies' rather than putting my efforts into building a proper modern kit! 👍🙂
Neil Thanks very much Nathan and Rando, I did enjoy this build a lot. It's a very nice kit in my opinion. Goes together well and made a welcome change from my usual wrestling with an oldie! Something I know you guys understand also 😉 🙂 Thanks everyone for the likes too 👍
Daniel Schlosser Hello Neil, you Esci-Kit turned out very,very well!!! Awsome!!! I am building the same kit in the AD 6 Able Dog version right now. Hope mine will be as cool as yours. Again: very good work especeally on these old kit!
23 March, 13:17
Neil Hi Daniel 🙂 thanks very much! I will check out your model definitely. I'm sure your build will be awesome work also 😉 thanks to all who have recently liked too 👍
CaptGPF Beautiful build! Did you have to treat the decals to prevent them from shattering?
18 March, 20:59
Neil Hi CaptGPF, thanks for your like and comment 👍 actually for a 40+ year old kit, the decals on this one were pretty useable. In my experience you've just got to be extra careful and avoid softening agents as they will make them disintegrate. I love to build using only the original kit decals wherever possible, but it's always a delicate process... More so than when using a fresh new set where you can pile on the pre and post solutions to help it all settle and adhere.
Nathan Dempsey Another great build of a nostalgic kit. I STILL have this one in the stash since it's original release.
8 March, 14:45
Neil Thanks very much Nathan mate 👏 don't forget to nudge me when it's on your work bench. I'll definitely be wanting to see your interpretation 🙂👍 I think I have it again somewhere also. Biggest issue here was the original decals were completely ruined.
Neil Thanks very much WhiteGlint and Roland, very kind 🙂 great to have both of you here 👍
9 March 2022, 21:39
Neil Hi all 🙂 So I'm still catching up... I've got around to taking reveal pictures for many of my previous build albums. I shall be updating each and including a few build notes in the description too - especially on the bits I messed up! Broke! Dropped! etc. This time I present my version of the Italeri Nighthawk, completed back in 2022.
As usual I made a few mistakes on this build, not least broke (and lost) the antennas on the leading edge. Of course, I could have made something else work, but to be honest I've got this aircraft several times more in the stash. So I'll just make a better job next time! Hahaha! The aged decals with the kit were also completely unusable, so on this occasion I had to buy an aftermarket set.
I learned a lot about how to try and mimic/paint that stealth finish, my next effort will be better. I also used a healthy dollop of artistic licence too in highlighting the angular shape/edges. Thanks to all who showed interest and liked, it's very much appreciated from such a talented lot as you guys. Hope you like my efforts. 👍
Rui S As you know I'm more AFV, maybee that's why I missed this beauty, but I always like to see your finished work. Great & great camo on this one by the way 👍
3 March, 12:28
Neil You're very kind Rui ☺️ no probs. I'm always appreciative that you would view my efforts. I remain humbled that any of you talented bunch like or comment... Best wishes to you all on your own modelling exploits and thank you all for the likes. 👍 🙂
CaptGPF Amazing Eagle! It's always impressive what an expert can do with a really "basic" kit with poor fit. 👏
1 March, 15:47
Neil Blimey CaptGPF no one's ever referred to me as an expert! I definitely wouldn't say I'm that. But it's very kind of someone with your skills to even say such a thing mate 🙂 chuffed!
This was my first ever 1/48 F-15 build completed a couple of years ago and I learned a lot. Especially working with an old Monogram kit. So hopefully I'll do better justice to your kind comment next time. As I've got a few more Eagles in the stash mate 😁
CaptGPF Loved the coloring and restrained weathering. Very well done!
19 February, 15:27
Neil Hi Gary, Daniel and CaptGPF, thanks very much mates. Really appreciate you talented bunch commenting. I too love the kit colour scheme on this one and with hindsight; and an acceptance of some kit flaws, in my opinion it builds up into a pretty decent kit for an older Airfix one 👍 Thanks also to all those who've liked my efforts here too 🙂
Neil Wow! Thanks very much Andy 👍 that's very kind of you to say such a thing. Though no way am I a master of anything! 😀 Thanks others for your likes too.
I'm hoping to tweak a few bits on the canopy tomorrow and then this'll be my second and final contribution to the highly enjoyable Matchbox group build.
Really enjoyed it. I have loved seeing everyones inspiring builds and of course happy childhood recollections for us all 👍
gorby It looks like a dreadful kit but you seem to beating it into submission.
4 December 2023, 17:52
Neil Haha! Thanks Gorby 🙂 👍 Yeah I think that sums it up. Building something 'right' hopefully outta this kit is my goal!
6 December 2023, 17:09
Palo M Love the Star Trek - original series vibes from the cockpit sadly, that includes the seats too.
Woah, zip ties, that escalated quickly! Photo #8 is a previously unknown secret entrance? Kit quality really looks discouraging, well done on making it look decent! Looking forward to seeing it done!
John I do NOT envy you your masking job but it should look amazing when you finish (or run out of tape). 👍
9 February, 16:31
Neil Hi John, thanks for your interest mate. I should be ok tbh as the kit comes with a superdecal (cheat) sheet! So although there's some stressful masking on a metallic finish, it's hopefully all doable 👍 I've added some more images today. Thanks for your likes also to all who've dropped by too 🙂
Neil Hello John and Villiers, thanks for stopping by 🙂 and thanks for your comments and also others for likes too. I'm with you John, I like these old Monogram kits 👍 - well you know I have a penchant for vintage builds anyway! 🙂 I've never built a Panther before - such a lovely shaped airframe, I think I'm gonna enjoy.
J35J The SHAR is coming together in a great way Neil. You will prevail!👍🏻
How did you get the raised panel line back in?
5 December 2023, 19:08
CaptGPF I admire your tenacity! With all the work you did on the intakes and nozzles - this kit is definitely a labor of love. 😀. Can't wait to see you finish it!
J35J, you can restore panel lines using a pair of slightly thicker masking tapes, fill in the middle with puttly and sand it smooth before removing it. I think finescale had a YouTube video on how to do that.
Neil Hi Thomas and Slavo, thanks very much for your interest and commenting. 🙂 I am slowly moving forward with this build, currently on some general touch-ups here and there at the mo prior to a gloss coat and the decals. Hope to get some new images on here soon 👍
27 March 2023, 10:49
Neil Thanks Petar 👍 you're very kind. It's not a particularly accurate rendition anymore, but hopefully the overall effect will be pleasing enough, I'll be glad if it turns out as nice as your Tomcat mate 🙂 thanks for recent likes guys too.
Neil Good advice James, thanks 👍 and great suggestion John 👍🙂 I must admit I'm getting tempted by the Boston at the moment, purely because I seem to build little with RAF markings on, we'll have to see... @Villiers thanks very much and thank you for the likes also mates 👍
J35J Great weathering job! Always hard to get a good weathering look on a dark surface. You nailed it!👍🏻
2 November 2023, 12:27
Neil Hi mates 🙂 thanks very much for dropping by and saying such nice things. I've got a few finishing touches to apply on this one and then we're done 👍
Neil
Daniel Schlosser
CaptGPF
Nathan Dempsey
Rui S
gorby
Palo M
John
J35J
