WIP : Kinetic 1/48 Alpha Jet Pt. 1 – Cockpit
A few years ago, I tried to build the Kinetic F-16 kit. I gave up after only a few steps as the kit ‘requires basic modeling skills’. Since that time, has Kinetic improved? Let’s see with one of their newer (2013) releases, the Alpha Jet. I’m heavily referencing this build on an Alpha Jet build …...
Completed : Italeri 1/72 BAe Sea Harrier FRS.1
Kit Info Brand : Italeri No.1236 Media : Injection Plastic Markings : Kit The Subject The Sea Harrier is a further development of the Harrier Jump Jet. It is a naval short/vertical take-off and landing (S/VTOL) subsonic jet fighter designed to replace the de Havilland Sea Vixen. Largely based on the RAF’s Harrier GR.3, it …...
WIP : Italeri 1/72 Sea Harrier FRS.1 Pt. 3 – Finishing
Hey… my missing wheel turned up! So the casting work I did was all for naught. Oh well, it was good practice at least. Anyway, on to finishing this build. First, for the base gloss coat, I sprayed AK Interactive Intermediate Gauzy. This is by far the easiest gloss coat I’ve ever used. I simply …...
WIP : Italeri 1/72 Sea Harrier FRS.1 Pt. 2 – Painting
After a few rounds of seamline fixing and rescribing, the pitot tube broke off. Oh well, it makes the kit a lot less fiddly to hold. So, first on is black primer. To add some variety and fading to the monotone color scheme, I sprayed white in random straight lines across the top of the …...
WIP : Italeri 1/72 Sea Harrier FRS.1 Pt. 1 – Construction
This is the Italeri rebox of the original ESCI kit issued in 1983. By most accounts it’s still one of the better representations of the Sea Harrier in 1/72 scale. As usual we begin with a simple cockpit. Instrument panels are all decals. I added 1mm tape to the ejection seat to simulate seatbelts. There’s …...
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 …...
