WIP : Tamiya 1/48 Wildcat Pt. 1 – Construction
My next kit is hopefully a straightforward build of the Tamiya 1/48 F4F-4 Wildcat. This was the workhorse of the USN and USMC during the first half of the Pacific campaign. When I opened the box, I realized that I had already assembled most of the parts into subassemblies previously. This includes having already painted …...
Completed : AFV Club 1/48 Northrop F-5E Tiger II ’26th TFTS’
Kit Info Brand and Kit Number: AFV Club AR48102 Media: Injection Plastic, Photo-etch, Resin Aftermarket: Seat from Wolfpack Design WPD48089 Markings: TwoBobs 48-216 F-5E PACAF Gomers #2 The Subject The F-5E Tiger II is an upgrade of the F-5A Tiger. Introduced in 1970, it has more powerful engines, a lengthened and enlarged fuselage,...
WIP : AFV Club 1/48 F-5E Tiger II Pt. 5 – Finishing
The resin ejection seat was painted separately and left out until final assembly. The cockpit is much improved with this lone aftermarket part and I highly recommend it. The nose gear is a straightforward build. The kit gives you the option of an extended nosegear. If I’m not mistaken, the nose gear takes on that …...
WIP : AFV Club 1/48 F-5E Tiger II Pt. 4 – Finishing
So work has finally continued after not having touched this kit since end of June. Markings are from TwoBobs’ 48-216 F-5E PACAF Gomers #2. As usual, some layering of decals are required but once cured they look great. I then mildly weathered and panel washed the kit with my usual thinned oil paint sludge. The …...
WIP : AFV Club 1/48 F-5E Tiger II Pt. 3 – Painting
To prep for painting, I began with masking off the cockpit, adding the HUD and attaching the windscreen. The instructions called for aluminum for the wheel bays but I only had Model Air Metal Steel on hand. I think it looks close enough. All the landing gear and doors were also painted steel separately. The …...
WIP : AFV Club 1/48 F-5E Tiger II Pt. 2 – Construction
Work continues and I begin with masking the canopy. Unlike my previous builds, I decide not to dip the 2 canopy parts in Future since they look quite clear as is. Maybe I’ll brush on some in the end. I’m also planning to leave the canopy open so I decided to mask the inside of …...
WIP : AFV Club 1/48 F-5E Tiger II Pt. 1 – Construction
Kit Info Manufacturer : AFV Club Scale : 1/48 Media : Injection Plastic and Photo-etch My next kit is a new build (as opposed to another Shelf Queen) of a USAF F-5E Tiger II flown as an Adversary for training purposes. The build begins with the cockpit as usual. Details are nice and are finely raised. …...
Upcoming : A tale of 2 ‘Cats (Tamiya and AMK)
Wow… there sure is a lot of hate being hurled right now at Tamiya ever since they announced their 1/48 F-14A Tomcat at Shizuoka Hobby Show 2016. Personally it does look like an F-14… And since it’s a Tamiya kit, we can pretty much be assured that it fits better than most other brands (I’m …...
Completed : Hasegawa 1/48 Douglas A-4E Skyhawk ‘TOPGUN 56’
Kit Info Brand: Hasegawa Scale: 1/48 Media: Injection Plastic The Subject The Douglas (later McDonnell Douglas) A-4 Skyhawk is a single seat subsonic carrier-capable attack aircraft originally developed for the US Navy and US Marine Corps. While relatively lightweight, it was nimble, had a top speed of more than 670mph and could carry...
Completed : Bandai 1/48 T-47 Snowspeeder
Kit Info Brand: Bandai Scale: 1/48 Media: Injection Plastic The Subject The T-47 airspeeder was a model of low-altitude vehicle manufactured by Incom Corporation. When the Alliance to Restore the Republic was stationed on the icy planet of Hoth, a contingent of T-47 airspeeders were modified to become assault fighters called...
