1/72 Heller F-94B Starfire -build

[spruecutter]

I thought I would jump in as I just started this build. It will be pretty much OOB with a few scratch built parts and some after market decals for an Air National Guard plane. I built a Heller F-86F many years ago and it wasn't super detailed but it was good looking and a really decent shape. This seems to follow suit.

 

[spruecutter]

OK here is where I am at, the cockpit is built and painted.

 

[darktater]

nice!

 

[GaryG64]

This is going to be an awesome build!

 

[spruecutter]

Thanks, I have the cockpit in the fuselage and the fuselage halves closed up.

 

[spruecutter]

As soon as this one is further along I may start on this Cold War gem, 1/72 Meng F-102A. I am leaning to doing the box art plane, Red Devils.

 

[spruecutter]

I am going to open up the gun troughs in the nose, I started by drilling a hole where they exit the nose. I also added the wings and puttied some seams.

 

[GaryG64]

I am going to open up the gun troughs in the nose, I started by drilling a hole where they exit the nose. I also added the wings and puttied some seams.
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Looking good!

 

[spruecutter]

Thanks, it is slow tedious work with a small round file, I have a ways to go yet. Then after that I think I need to add gun barrels.

 

[spruecutter]

Decals just arrived. Here they are and an old picture of the real deal over Cape Cod in the mid 1950s.

 

[GaryG64]

Thanks, it is slow tedious work with a small round file, I have a ways to go yet. Then after that I think I need to add gun barrels.
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I use micro bits and a slow-speed dremel. Your work is really going to pay off!

 

[spruecutter]

I tried a Dremel once and created a molten glob of gray plastic.....I swore it off and only use it when I carve wood now. I did buy some nice micro chisels I may try, Micro Mark mini chisels.

 

[spruecutter]

I used my Dremel last fall to carve a fish head on a walking stick. I treked back to New England last year and my son had a black walnut tree in his back yard with a nice branch, he cut it off and I took it back down south to retirementville and carved a stick to hike with, I use to hike the Appalachian Trail a lot when I lived in New England. It ran through the woods in my back yard growing up as a kid.

 

[GaryG64]

I used my Dremel last fall to carve a fish head on a walking stick. I treked back to New England last year and my son had a black walnut tree in his back yard with a nice branch, he cut it off and I took it back down south to retirementville and carved a stick to hike with, I use to hike the Appalachian Trail a lot when I lived in New England. It ran through the woods in my back yard growing up as a kid.
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Really nice work!

 

[spruecutter]

Thanks, I have the seams all sanded , canopy and horizontal stabilizers on. Now to finish the gun troughs then I can mask and paint.

 

[GaryG64]

Thanks, I have the seams all sanded , canopy and horizontal stabilizers on. Now to finish the gun troughs then I can mask and paint.
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Seams are my downfall. Tamiya does good a job in matching seams to be virtually seamless.
Your aircraft is looking fantastic.

 

[spruecutter]

Thanks, the troughs look deep enough, ready to mask and paint.

 

[GaryG64]

Thanks, the troughs look deep enough, ready to mask and paint.
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I'd like to give this kit a try. However, it wouldn't look as nice as yours.
I looked at getting a B-10B but all I could find are 1/72. That is too small for an old-timmer like myself. Lol

 

[spruecutter]

I'm a young 70, and I build 1/144 at times. My eyes are pretty good plus I use an optivisor. You are only as old as you feel and act....I still ride a bike!

 

[GaryG64]

I'm a young 70, and I build 1/144 at times. My eyes are pretty good plus I use an optivisor. You are only as old as you feel and act....I still ride a bike!

I'm still a kid at heart doing silly things. I'm 58 but my eyes are not as good and sometimes get fuzzy. I use cheater glassed and a 10x magnifying swing arm lamp and 2 other swing arm lamps. Sometimes my hands are not as steady but I think that could be due to medication.

I have 2 tanks that are 144s which may stay in their boxes.

I have an older friend that now only does 1/32 because of his eyes.

But at the end of 2024 I'll retire.