Before I get started on my build update, I just want to say a big thank you to Chris S. I'm having work done at my house, and I had to pack all of my modelling stuff up..... :'( With me working on this build not only for this competition, but also for the IMSS show in Dublin this weekend, I really couldn't afford the time away from the bench. So he kindly offered me the space at his shop to work! So that's me in the photo above working at a table made out of chairs and a piece of wood upstairs in the Modellers Nook. Chris..... you're a legend!
Also want to appologuise about the photos. They're not great and I didn't have a chance to photo every stage like I have been due to my benchless circumstances, but I'll try and fill in the gaps as I go along.
So on with the build.... I got a few of the sub assemblies attached, like the wheels, dive flaps, and bombs before getting a flat coat on everything. I love the transformation flat varnish gives a model.
I started weathering with some oils and pigments before attaching the canopy, main bomb and swing arm to the lower surface. Just want to say again that I'm not going nuts with the weathering, this was a early war aircraft and I wanted to build a used but well maintaned bird. So the use of the oils etc was more to blend the previous paint work, to dull down the chipping and to add a vew streaks and stains here and there.
I then started work on finishing the wing folds. I drilled out the clear parts and filled with Tamiya clear paint to make them look like bulbs. This took a steady hand I can tell you... lol
Once the lights were on I created a jig out of cardboard to ensure both wings were set at the same angle.
Once the wings had set, I added the arial wire from EZ line (great stuff if you haven't tried it, it's slightly elastic so it doesn't break if you happen to knock it. It comes in a couple of different thicknesses as well depending on your scale), the engine cowl and prop were also added. I did a little final chipping here and there with a prismacolour pencils to finish......
So that's it for this one. I'll be taking the Val along with a few others to the Irish model soilder societies annual competition this weekend in Dublin (wish me luck). If you're about this neck of the woods, come on down and check it out in the flesh, say hi and enjoy a great show. I'll get some better photos taken when I get back and can get the home studio up and running again.
Thanks for checking out the build, and thanks again for all your comments. As always though, if you have any questions, querys, or comments about thw lattest update, just give me a shout. ;D
Chris
