Airfix

Why does that Typoon have so much detail "inside" or is that a feature of the kit specifically ?

Does it have stretch fabric over the wings that you can leave damaged for inside detail effected or are they aluminium (plastic) sheeted.
 
Efour said:
Why does that Typoon have so much detail "inside" or is that a feature of the kit specifically ?

Does it have stretch fabric over the wings that you can leave damaged for inside detail effected or are they aluminium (plastic) sheeted.
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There are build options to have certain panels etc removable.

Some details may get hidden but not all if you choose the open option.

But with building models you know what's underneath.
 
philstanbridge said:
Is that a new airfix release? The Mossie is probably the most impressive model I've ever seen in terms of quality and the amount of pieces supplied is staggering. I don't know any other supplier with that sort of attention to detail in the larger series of models. I guess that's why I like them more than the smaller ones. Plus they're a bit easier for me due to my large hands :p
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Yes, it's Airfix's new flagship kit and at £99 rrp, quite reasonable for what you get. When compared to Tamiya quality, Airfix have made some major in-roads in the market. Super details and stressed skin on most areas.

The only issue is Airfix have issues with cracked and distorted canopies.

I got mine for £72 delivered on a pre-order. I can only se the prices going up over time like the mossie, so I'm not missing out this time.
 
My first ever kit has commenced!


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I have no experience to compare to, but this Tamiya kit fits together quite well. I'm taking my time with the whole thing, though, and making sure everything is a perfect fit. I've even managed to be sparing enough with the glue to allow the tracks, road wheels, drive sprockets (etcetera) to still move. The details are so crisp. This thing has sat on my shelf, unopened, for maybe a year; I never thought it would be so enjoyable to put together!

The only problem I have is that there are parts in the box to allow you to choose which variant the model will represent, but no clear literature about the variants, so I'm going to have to go on Google and research it all - which I don't mind too much, but it does mean the whole thing's ground to a halt.
 
Edrof said:
My first ever kit has commenced!


[/QUOTE]

Looking forward to she how this develops.

A few links to help:

[url]http://modelingmadness.com/review/misc/vehicles/gb/michaelsmatilda.htm[/url]

[url]http://www.missing-lynx.com/gallery/britain/matildamkiiisz_1.html[/url]

[QUOTE]The keyword is Caunter scheme. Mike Starmer has published a booklet with the original diagrams, and they were recently redrawn for IPMS UK magazine. You will also find them in Vol 2 (I think) of Warpaint from MMS, a 4 volume book on British Army camouflage and markings.

For help with the colours see [url]http://www.mafva.net/other%20pages/Starmer%20camo.htm[/url] [/QUOTE]

:)
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Cosimo said:
Looking forward to she how this develops.

A few links to help:

http://modelingmadness.com/review/misc/vehicles/gb/michaelsmatilda.htm

http://www.missing-lynx.com/gallery/britain/matildamkiiisz_1.html


:)
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Thanks, I'll have a good read. :)

philstanbridge said:
Looking good Edrof. How are you going to paint her? You got an airbrush?
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I keep asking myself this question! I don't even have a paintbrush. Airbrushes are quite expensive (I think?) and I don't know if I'll do another model after this. I don't want to do the Matilda's much-painted Caunter pattern as it's a bit advanced for me, I think. I'm going to have a look for some contemporary colour photographs of Tillys and see what takes my fancy.
 
Finished! :)

I can't believe it went so quickly.

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Having no proper tools I had to be resourceful in some places, and I've left off the side skirts at the moment as I think that'll make painting the wheels and suspension easier. The turret rotates, which is a nice touch and the whole thing is about the right size I think. The level of detail is amazing.

So, onto painting! Here, I need advice.

Should I go with Tamiya paints or are there better ones out there? I also want to weather this, so can anyone recommend me some washes please? And, of course, the best online shop to buy from. Thanks!
 
Edrof said:
Finished! :)


Should I go with Tamiya paints or are there better ones out there? I also want to weather this, so can anyone recommend me some washes please? And, of course, the best online shop to buy from. Thanks!
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Tamiya paints are just fine, you wont get much better,

Not sure about weathering, but I recommend Wonderland models for online shopping.

My ship has stalled a little due to other priorities, but here is hpw she stands so far.






 
Looking very nice Rob...and huge! Where are you going to put it when it's done?

Thanks for the info on Tamiya paints: I'll get buying!
 
Probably get it cased and display it somewhere. It is 3 ft long and 3ft high with masts, so she is a big beast indeed. Got another year at least on it yet.
 
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An update on Robby. Here he is dry fitted together:


Pretty shocking kit part "ears" though, full of sink holes and dodgy seams:


So I've bought myself a resin casting kit http://www.sylmasta.com/acatalog/Sylmasta-Casting-Kit-01---FREE-25ml-Clear-Epoxy-906.html#SID=6 to cast a new set of ears using a chopped / modified ball point pen as a master:



Master in silicone rubber mould, once this has cured I'll cast it in resin:



Altaira is pretty much done now though, I gave added a tamiya tape collar painted gold to her dress:



:)
 
Excellent!

My attempt at casting using resin has been successful! One new ear for Robby:
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Should look fine once I cut the excess resin off. Currently got a second ear getting cast at the moment:
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:)
 
^Very handy that.


I need some help! Just started painted and the Tamiya acrylics don't seem to like being brushed on. There's no way I can justify buying an airbrush right now. People online are saying to switch to Vallejo paints - would that be a good idea? Or do I need to get a spray primer?

There's a lot of conflicting advice about all this stuff so it's a bit confusing for a total beginner like me.
 
Edrof said:
^Very handy that.


I need some help! Just started painted and the Tamiya acrylics don't seem to like being brushed on. There's no way I can justify buying an airbrush right now. People online are saying to switch to Vallejo paints - would that be a good idea? Or do I need to get a spray primer?

There's a lot of conflicting advice about all this stuff so it's a bit confusing for a total beginner like me.
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Tamiya paints are really designed too be airbrushed.

But, did you primer the model first?

If not, then you'll have a hard time getting most paints to stick to just bare plastic. When i first started, I used halfords rattle can plastic primer, lightly sprayed on in a well ventilated area (usually outside on a good day). Leave it it for 24hrs for the primer to cure then you can start painting.

If brush painting, then try either the vallejo game colour paints or the games workshop paints, they are thicker and designed for brushing. I thin with a little de-ionised water and do a couple of thin coats rather than a single thick coat.

Stick with it.
 
Thank you!

I haven't primed it as the shop didn't have any in stock. I've started the exhaust and track sections with Tamiya's metallic grey and they've taken perfectly, it's the Desert Yellow that won't give a nice finish (I've done a small, tester section in four coats now and it's not an acceptable finish). I'll get some primer and Vallejo or GW stuff.

I'm looking at airbrushing videos with envy now. :)

First stab at the (tiny!) exhaust system. I haven't got any washy/weathering/rusty stuff so just used my brown, red and silver: bit too red do you think?

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Ordered like £30 and more worth of tools from HLJ, so almost ready for my ships.

I'm going to be buying the Tamiya's Spray cans but I can't decide what paints to use for hand brushing, I keep reading that Tamiya's are really bad to brush with but great for airbrushing which I can't afford to do right now.

Also, what glue and putty to use? I'm thinking of getting Mr Cement and Mr Surfacer 500, there is so many others too. :(
 
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