Lockheed Martin P-3 Orion

[Chiefpettyofficer]

Well, its not really a Model Kit. Its a desk model, which I got from a friend in NC years ago. There were some US Navy Decals on it and some parts missing. Cause the whole aircraft was yellowed, I decided to sand it down and paint it new. I have to admit, Im not familiar with US aircraft, so I did a long research for possiple colors and markings. I had to make custom decals, so there mustnt be too much of them, because I have no color printer anymore.
During the research for the right color I found an interesting alternative. A private organisation use the Orion as an firefighting plane in California. I immediate liked the color and the paint job looks practicable!

So I started work on her. First I had to sand down the old color and decals. Then shes got a Tamiya grey overall coating. I also engraved the important panel lines. That was very difficult because the thermoplast was darned thick...
For the first step, shes got a XF-2 white layer.

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[Chiefpettyofficer]

After some masking work, shes got the red parts. Black, Aluminium followed soon. The civilian P-3 has an belly tank to transport water or chemicals. I used parts from a blister package to form this tank. Its not 100% original, but thats ok. Otherwise she wouldnt fit on her stand anymore.

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[Chiefpettyofficer]

I also masked windows and roof lights. I made some decals from clear and white sheet and add them to the Orion. I also found the fuselage number. It was really tricky to cut the small numbers, but it worked


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[13aceofspades13]

the paints looking really nice on that.

 

[Chiefpettyofficer]

I hadnt any idea for the stand, at first. But soon there was one. I heared the song "Hollywood Hills" on the radio and I remembered, that Hollywood is somewere in California. So I had the idea to let the Orion fly above those Hollywood hills I cut some letters from styrene sheet and add them to the stand, which I covered with diorama grass. I guess Im getting mad, aint I?
At least, my Orion get a varnish cover. I have to regard the propellers, now. 2 are missing. I have to rebuild them somehow. More soon

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[Chiefpettyofficer]

last pics for today


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[ShutterAce]

Bravo! love it!

 

[13aceofspades13]

its looking really nice!

 

[Chiefpettyofficer]

Thanks guys, Im very proud on her. It was an interesting but tricky masking work. The red color is too bright on the images :-/

 

[13aceofspades13]

ppff i think it looks just fine...

 

[Quaralane]

Excellent work on what likely wasn't a very detailed model to begin with

 

[Grendels]

Looking good!

 

[schweinhund227]

Pretty Cool Job my man !!! Awesome Taping job.... not always easy to apply Tape on a Round shape !!! You did an outstanding job on the paint as well !

Keep up the good work....

 

[Chiefpettyofficer]

Soo, I finished the Orion tonight. I add the missing propellers and weathering. The only left thing is to add the Aero Union insignia: I have to try to print them at work.

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[Chiefpettyofficer]

and some more


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[the Baron]

Hey, CPO, that is a really great restoration that you've got going! The finish is coming out very nice.

 

[Chiefpettyofficer]

Thanks, Meister Baron. Glad you like it. It was a tricky but funny restoration. The orion make sure some distraction in my collection ;D

 

[Quaralane]

Turned out nicely

 

[ModelMakerMike]

Well,
not necessarily my cup of tea, as far as planes go, BUT you did quite the job with her.
;D

 

[Myke]

Beautiful clean finish. Nice tight lines on that!