Qirael's quiet corner

Qirael · adding p.e Joined: 04 Nov 2009 Posts: 22

3 kits does not a 'stash' make so I'm working on the kitchen table for now.
If my new-found enthusiasm holds, that'll change soon enough though.

Anyway, time for build number 2. This time I've opted for Revell's Messerschmitt Bf 110 E-1.

First impression is that it's a very simple kit (not a bad thing given my inexperience), but has a good level of exterior detail.
The cabin is very sparse, with no floor pan and the instrument panel is a decal only.
Given the enormity of the canopy, this was quite disappointing, but since I've not painted people yet, maybe I should be grateful for this and focus my attention on getting them right instead!

Going to get stuck in now, will post updates as-and-when I have them.
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A:3 B:2 C:0

Narayan

When I started back into this hobby after a 20 year break I started on the kitchen table too.

Your first build was excellent. Couldn't believe you had not made a kit before. Nice to see James May's show had some influence!

Good luck with your future builds to you and your son.

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Narayan

I'll chase him 'round the moons of Nibia and 'round the Antares Maelstrom and 'round Perdition's flames before I give him up!

A:B
2009 15:15
2008 16:03
Overall 114:23

James Perrin

Only his second kit and he's already talking like a seasoned kit basher Smile

Look forward to your progress.
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Panel lines should be seen but not heard. (2009 A:B:C=24:10:1) (2008 A:B=10:9)
This week I'm mostly without a kitchen

Qirael · adding p.e Joined: 04 Nov 2009 Posts: 22

Well it's official, people at 72nd scale are a nightmare!

Maybe I'll grab a box of airfield personnel at some point, to practice on.

Not overly impressed with the finish but figuring they'll be neatly tucked away behind a canopy and (hopefully) well detailed airframe so will just about pass muster.

Moving on:

Work in progress on the canopy. First masking vertical struts, then the cross members.
Another first... hope it doesn't bleed too badly (reaches for the cocktail sticks just in case).

Had a couple of issues with the fuselage and wing assembly which I'm working to fix:

First, there were some gaping errors in the fit so I've had to slap on the filler quite heavily on the starboard join.

Also, the nose assembly was weirdly lopsided so I'm filling one side and sanding the other.
Then there was the rocky mountain sized seam on the underbelly...

Last, and by no means least, I was caught out quite badly by following the build sequence to the letter.
It dictated that the tail be assembled onto the fuselage, then the fuselage built onto the 3-piece wing moulding.
Unfortunately, the tail is a full-width type and glues on top the top of the airframe (rather than the 'stick the planes into the body' type I encountered on the Focke Wulf).

When I glued it on, it looked good and straight.
When I added the wings however... Shocked

So I've spent a little time testing the limits of the plastic's flexibility. Luckily I didn't reach breaking point but there's a nasty stress line on the port side now.

You live and learn. Next time, the tail goes on after the wings, no matter if the destructions say otherwise.
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A:3 B:2 C:0

Narayan

I think you're being a bit hard on yourself. The pilot looks god for 1/72. The whole kit is looking good so far. Are you sure you've never done this before?!

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Narayan

I'll chase him 'round the moons of Nibia and 'round the Antares Maelstrom and 'round Perdition's flames before I give him up!

A:B
2009 15:15
2008 16:03
Overall 114:23

Qirael · adding p.e Joined: 04 Nov 2009 Posts: 22

hamden

Hi Qirael

Great start to the 110, the crew look fantastic. Don't worry over much about the tail, try dry fitting next time before comminting to cement. Looking forward to seeing the progress on this one.

All the best

Roger

Qirael · adding p.e Joined: 04 Nov 2009 Posts: 22

Build 2 draws to a conclusion and despite some nastiness in the fit (some of which I didn't spot until I was painting), I'm reasonably happy with the finish.

First a couple of shots of the final part of the build:

Adding detail to the exhausts. Still unsure if I'll weather the fuselage when I'm done but already leaning towards some smoke build up behind these enormous pipes.

Decided to mask in the yellow band, rather than use the supplied decal.

Building up the paint layers. This time, I didn't stipple since I quite like the cleaner lines on this bird.
**Note the lack of paint on the gunner's helmet... next time I turn a model over, I'll rest it on a stand instead of someone's head!

Bringing it all together...

And finally, build 2 complete.

After all the work on the nose, I'm pretty gutted that there's such a massive seam in this photo.

Now... to panel-wash and weather, or...
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A:3 B:2 C:0

stamford

I think you forgot the landing light transparancy for the port wing - check to see if youÂ´ve still got it!
I tend to treat the instructions as a guide for the build - itÂ´s best to work it out yourself so you can paint and asssemble in the order that suits you.

James Perrin

Looks very nice indeed. A panel wash won't work on raised detail though you can apply it to the engraved control surfaces. Exhaust stains can be apply with thinned paint and streaked with a cotton bud, though because the thinners may attack the paint beneath it is better to change mediums ie apply acrylic on enamels and visa-versa
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Panel lines should be seen but not heard. (2009 A:B:C=24:10:1) (2008 A:B=10:9)
This week I'm mostly without a kitchen

Qirael · adding p.e Joined: 04 Nov 2009 Posts: 22

Softscience

I think it looks sharp! As for the wing light, you can build up layers of white glue and then finish off with a layer of clear nail varnish, or Klear.

The big seam in the nose isn't too out of place either, as that whole panel was removable on the real aircraft.

Its no small accomplishment to get the ancient revell 110 up to snuff. I think you did a fine job. And your figures look great to me

stamford

This, if it has a name, is green Laughing

Just a wild stab in the dark - which, incidently, is what youÂ´ll be getting if you donÂ´t tell us where the wise woman lives

Narayan

Nice job Qirael.

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Narayan

Last night, Darth Vader came down from planet Vulcan and told me that if I didn't take Lorraine out that he'd melt my brain.

A:B
2009 15:15
2008 16:03
Overall 114:23

MerlinJones

Yup...too hard on yourself and your crew are fine. Another technique is to paint the blokes the colour of the harness and, using relatively thin paint, colour in the bits in between the straps. The thin paint should flow, via capillary action, over the clothing, leaving the raised straps unpainted.

For the landing light, try filling it with a piece of transparent sprue, upon which your canopy was attached.

Good canopy work and good painting overall.

Regards,
Bruce
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A:B:C
94:104:17
Its my madness that keeps me sane!