Jim Barr Posted March 29, 2007 Share Posted March 29, 2007 (edited) This was one of those impulse buys where the box art really sold the kit, the problem is that one of the main ‘hooks’ of the box art is the large drop tanks which really set the model off but these are not included even thought they are covered in the instructions. Instead you get the smaller one that come in the V tail kit; when ask about this the response from Planet Models was to the effect “Oh the artist and instruction guy made a mistake†yeah…right. So after a search of the spare parts box I came up with a couple of centerline tanks from the 1/72 Hasegawa F-4E series, they give you two types in each kit and the “pointy†one matches up pretty well with just a touch of sanding to refine the shape, you have to scratch build the fins and pylons but that is not too difficult. This was my first all resin kit and I was surprised at the relative ease in which it all went together, dry fitting turns up a few areas that need additional sanding with only a few small pin holes needed to be filled: and after adding and getting the pins aligned to strengthen the butt joints for the wings and horizontals the main assembly was done. One of the areas that did need extra work was getting the vac-u-form canopy to conform correctly (glad they give you two). The other problem area that will not effect most is since this was a ‘gear up’ I had to glue the three piece gear doors in place and these just did not fit as they were too small; ended up using the kit pieces for filler and then covering them up with Bondo and re-scribing the out line. This was also my first attempt with Alclad II and I was very impressed with the outcome, the photos do not do the metal finish justice (wish I knew a way to capture the ‘look’ with my digital camera.) and the panel line on the actual model do not show up as stark as they came out in the photos. As for the markings I am not much into “what if†schemes and markings having only done one previously, a Luftwaffe ’46 for a club project, but when I looked at what was called for - the very over sized insignia and USAF on the wing aligned perpendicular to the fuselage, a fuselage star & bar, and a tail number; well it just didn’t feel right and this neat aircraft deserved better so this is a “what if’ manufactures promotional scheme; Since Republic was located in New York state and the 5th FIS was stationed at Suffolk County AFB, NY flying F-86Ds, I tried to show a transition from their scheme on the F-86D and the one they used on their F-102s as it might have been applied to the F-91. Regards Jim Barr Edited March 29, 2007 by Jim Barr Quote Link to post Share on other sites
janman Posted March 29, 2007 Share Posted March 29, 2007 Gotta love that finish! Simply flawless. Totally new aircraft type for me. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bennygmanuk Posted March 29, 2007 Share Posted March 29, 2007 Absolutely beautiful - great job! Steve. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Impatient Pete Posted March 29, 2007 Share Posted March 29, 2007 Holy cow that looks great! I have to ask if you "painted" on your pics in PS, because it looks kinda like an illustration to me. I absolutely love it. I think I may try it on one of my projects. Pete Quote Link to post Share on other sites
9A4Tc Posted March 29, 2007 Share Posted March 29, 2007 Uh, uh, uh... Nice one... I especially like the Alclad finish... Great job! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
model_madness Posted March 29, 2007 Share Posted March 29, 2007 I think i've just fallen in love :wub: Absolutely gorgeous! One of the best builds personally i've seen Jim, that's a beauty.Now im gonna be furiously looking to get one myself :) Any ideas if/where I could get my hands on one? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jim Barr Posted March 29, 2007 Author Share Posted March 29, 2007 I have to ask if you "painted" on your pics in PS, because it looks kinda like an illustration to me. I do use some graphic programs, PS being one of them, to crop, resize, play around with the “exposure†to get the correct lighting, and in this case correct the yellow as it came out too orangey in the original. Regards Jim Barr Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Su-34 Posted March 29, 2007 Share Posted March 29, 2007 Nice job! Very unusual wings :S Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jim Barr Posted March 29, 2007 Author Share Posted March 29, 2007 (edited) Any ideas if/where I could get my hands on one? Roll Models in the States, Hannants across the pond. Regards Jim barr Edited March 29, 2007 by Jim Barr Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Marcin_S Posted March 29, 2007 Share Posted March 29, 2007 AWESOME !!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ro-Gar Hobbies Posted March 30, 2007 Share Posted March 30, 2007 Man your kit came out nice! Love the finish! Great pics to! <_< Regards, Robert Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Aggressor Supporter Posted March 31, 2007 Share Posted March 31, 2007 Wow! Never seen this plane before. Clean, brand-new look, nice panel lines, in-flight with a pilot in there deserves a big Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dave_b121 Posted March 31, 2007 Share Posted March 31, 2007 Hey..nice model and nice display...- in certain angles you don't really see the acrylic "stick" so the model seems to fly...! very nice!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rocat Posted March 31, 2007 Share Posted March 31, 2007 stunning work on a rare subject! I like your what-if finish, too. bravo! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Thundervett Posted April 1, 2007 Share Posted April 1, 2007 WOW! ;) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sebastijan Posted April 1, 2007 Share Posted April 1, 2007 When you think you saw it all... A very unusual subject and I must say superb finish! :) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
geedubelyer Posted April 1, 2007 Share Posted April 1, 2007 What a thoroughly smashing build. Jim, thanks so much for taking the time and effort to post these lovely photos. Your model looks terrific. You have managed to achieve what looks like a flawless finish and one that appears most convincing. Great choice of markings for this bird. They really seem to be made for it. Lastly, your photography is top notch and makes a huge difference. It has been a total pleasure to pore over the pics. I can't wait for your next one. :) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
The Migrant Posted April 2, 2007 Share Posted April 2, 2007 Planet should be using your model to promote their kit, Jim - I don't know how many times I've looked at this kit in online stores and skimmed over it without a second thought. Now, having seen yours and what a beautiful model it builds into, I really want one. Great work. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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