Top base coat, note tape to prevent overspray. Masks are part of the Eduard die-cut mask kit CX271.
Note that the top gun cover is not present at this time.
Close-up of front with masks on canopy and top gun cover. Masks are part of the Eduard die-cut mask kit CX271.
I glue the canopies on prior to painting to ensure the camo pattern remains consistent across the canopies.
Underside, before flat finish. Note, I glued the wheel well doors shut to ensure proper painting. I used Mirco Kristal Klear and/or Art Glitter Designer Dries Clear adhesive (similar to PVA). Masks are part of the Eduard die-cut mask kit CX271.
Simple diorama/display with Me-321 and He-111z planes along with several German vehicles and a Flak 18 gun.
Note the base is 48" long, cut from a 24"x24" sheet of insulating foam. The grass is train layout sheet with vinyl backing. Road is made from sandpaper. Shrubs are from a train layout.
I made it this way so I could fit it on a shelf. As the Me-321 wingspan is over 30" and the He-111z is over 15". See the separate photo albums for each kit show. Kits are listed on last picture.
Kubelwagen and stairs to rear door. Stair are from an HO stair kit, but they fit well. Due to the overall weight of the tail of the Me-321, I had to add a support as there was not room for ~7.5 oz of weight to keep the front wheels on the ground.
Overview with each plane and vehicle called out. Note the silver cables, made from two strands of jewelry thread, twisted and glued with PVA glue. Once dry I created the loops on each end of the cables.
Comments
19 6 June 2023, 19:12
William Joel Diorama pics added at end of this album. Feedback welcome.
A combination of two He111H-6 bombers. Proposed by Ernst Heinkel for use as a tow plane for the Me321 "Gigant" glide transport.
The He111z had a wingspan of 35.4m (116' 6" feet). This 5-engine plane could tow a single Me321 or up to three Go242 transport gliders. Optionally, the plane could carry up to four Hs293A missiles or be configured for reconnaissance and could carry four 300 liter (66 Imp Gal) drop tanks.
For my plane I chose to include the four drop tanks, but plan to use it inconjunct ion with my Me321 glider. See my album for details on that build.
The Hasegawa kit is excellent. I would recommend it for anyone interested in this unique German aircraft. The parts were clearly identified, minimal to zero flash, and the parts fit great. Very little putty was required. I would recommend building subassemblies prior to installation in the fuselage, to ensure a good fit.
The bear subassembly are the wheels struts as they are super thin, and care must be taken. For painting, I chose to temporarily install the wheel covers in the closed position. Also, to temporarily install the canopy and machine gun glazing so as not to break off the thin guns during painting. I use Micro Kristal Klear as it can be removed easily.
Assembly was completed using Tamiya Cement, both regular and Extra Thin. The painting was all Vallejo and camo mask was done using Tamiya tape along with Scott's Delicate Surface (#2080) tape for larger areas. The airbrush was a Master G22 (easy to use and clean), with the air compressor by Master too. The Putty was Deluxe Materials Perfect Plastic Putty. Decals were applied over a coat of Alclad II Lacquer with assistance from Micro Sol and Set, followed by a 2nd coat of Alclad for protection. Panel lines were applied using Tamiya Panel Line Accent Color via a cheap (Dollar store) fine point calligraphy pen, with clean up using mineral spirits. The final overall coat was Vallejo Matt Varnish.
When I purchased this kit, the individual had already obtained add-on detail items - Eduard Masks (CX271), Interior PE parts (73341) and Exterior (72512).
The masks worked great, but care when lifting off the backing must be taken to ensure they don't tear.
As for the PE parts, well this was my 2nd attempt with PE and for me it was a challenge. I only chose to use the parts that could be seen through the canopy. For those components that would be inside the fuselage, I chose to not spend my time on them. All PE parts were attached with white and/or super glue, as both dry clear.
Overall, a nice model even without extra details. This kit would be nice simply built as out of the box (OOB).
