Went to the local air museum last sat and they had a special display of copters. I knew I'd end up starting one after that. I took a lot of pics of b17- for such a big plane it sure is cramped inside! Looking at the underside ball turret made my heart pound at the thought of trying to fit in that. Those guys had balls of steel. Also made a video of a Texas trainer which will be good for weathering as well as painting- not crisp lines at all. I'll ask my daughter how to split the vid up so I can post it. Anyway here's where I'm at so far. Fuselage does not have best fit. Not the worst either.
Academy AH-1W super cobra 1/35
- Thread starter Ron2
- Start date
Edbert
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- May 16, 2024
- Messages
- 3,121
I got to climb inside one and ride abord on a short flight a few years ago in Galveston.
My 1st, 2nd, and last impression was how small it was.
It's on my list of things to do.
Working on this a bit this morning. Thinning exhaust intake and outputs. Will paint back of intake black to give depth. Need to dry brush controls of cockpit- I suck at dry brushing so was going to skip but it looks too plain and you can't see any of detail. Wish I had dry brushed before assembly but like I said I wasn't going to. Had to putty seam of fuselage. Such a skinny copter. Need to hit engine with a wash too.
Attachments
Supercobra from Pima air museum today
Attachments
Guess I forgot an update. Am going to leave both panels on port side open. Painted the rockets, etc today so hopefully tomorrow can get them assembled.
Attachments
I'm not getting a lot of bench time lately and it's starting to get to me. Was able to work on these rockets and pods about last night and some this morning. I've got to give them a wash in recesses and possible filter. But this is where they stand and the pics I'm using.
Attachments
Closer…
Attachments
I touched up blades last night. I'm sure it's not needed on this forum but in case any new guys join… I like using Elmer's glue for masking. When we were kids we would paint it on our fingertips and then peel off to reveal our fingerprints that memory hit me one day when I was getting irritated at cutting up tiny bits and pieces of tape. I tried masking liquid a few times and feel Elmer's is much better- and cheaper!
Attachments
I've been building since 1957, and I've never heard of this. Interesting idea!
Jakko
Well-Known Member
"Elmer's Glue-All" is a brand name for what's basically PVA glue.
Sorry I don't know why but I seem to miss replies from time to time. Elmers is a white glue- the kind we used in grade school. I have zap canopy glue and it looks and smells the same.
Very nice!
Copter so cool, and love the photos.
Copter so cool, and love the photos.
Thanks!Very nice!
Copter so cool, and love the photos.
Thank you
Marauder1981
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Mar 15, 2024
- Messages
- 56
Great looking build! On a scale of 1 a 10, how would you rate this kit's quality of fit?
Oh man, fit and finish was very good. I think the detail is good - I would have added wires to the battery compartment if I was doing it again. Some of the directions are vague and I had to search and used AI for. The shaft- I messed that up but it also was not the best set up. I salvaged it but the blades are fixed now. The only reason I like copter blades to rotate is sometimes with storage it's easier if they can be manipulated. Sorry this is long winded. Plastic is good, clear plastic good. They provided weights for balance. I guess a strong 7 or 8. I'd definitely do it again and recommend it.
Marauder1981
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Mar 15, 2024
- Messages
- 56
Very much appreciate that review. I hate filling and sanding. And I do mean HATE, lol! I realize its a necessity for any build, to a degree. But I have a rare low tolerance for poor fitting parts, especially aircraft fuselage and ship hulls.
It seems I always have to putty and sand with a hull or a long fuselage. As careful as I am I end up with a misalignment. Of course my level of "careful" could be debated!
