Monogram 1:48 F-102 Delta Dagger (Century Series)

[HistoryRider]

Hi Everyone!

This is one of my entries into the Shelf of DOOM Group Build!!

Ever since I can remember I have always loved the Cold War era U.S. fighter jets, more specifically the "Century Series." I have been on a quest to build the Century Series in 1:48 scale. That means I would have the F-100, F-101, F-102, F-104, F-105, and finally the F-106. You can already guess why this is a project from and for the Shelf of Doom.... I have had to start over many times due to various reasons but oh well....

Here is what I have for you all, a partially completed (started about 10 years ago) F-102(A) Delta Dagger.


I hope you all enjoy this one as much as I hope to!

[HistoryRider]

Here is an example of the work ahead of me:

Not only do I have to actually finish piecing it together, I have to FIX what I already did. LOTS of gaps and seams to fix....lots...

[Whizzo]

Nice work! I am in the process of building the Encore kit that has this same plastic as the core kit. So far my issues have been with the resin and PE parts that are add-ons from Encore.

Please post as many photos as you can because I am very interested in seeing how you are making out!

Fred

[HistoryRider]

Nice work! I am in the process of building the Encore kit that has this same plastic as the core kit. So far my issues have been with the resin and PE parts that are add-ons from Encore.

Please post as many photos as you can because I am very interested in seeing how you are making out!

Fred

Hi Fred!

I will do that for sure!! As you can see from doing Bomb-bay closed, there are gaps to attend to. Had I started this kit back then with what I've learned now, it may be a different story. Also same goes for the wing assembly and the rear fuselage area. I wasn't careful back then, and it bit me now!

I'll post some more progress pictures soon!!


-Nolan

[Johni044]

Ah, someone with similar taste I was planning to do the century series in 1:48 this year as I've managed to get an example of each type, however I've gone back to start at the F80 so it may be next year I start them.

The kit just needs a little TLC and is a good starting point, you may well have already sorted one of the common faults with the 102 and 106 namely warped fuselage, I'm sure you will be up to the remainder of the task now.

Best of luck

John.

[HistoryRider]

Ah, someone with similar taste I was planning to do the century series in 1:48 this year as I've managed to get an example of each type, however I've gone back to start at the F80 so it may be next year I start them.

The kit just needs a little TLC and is a good starting point, you may well have already sorted one of the common faults with the 102 and 106 namely warped fuselage, I'm sure you will be up to the remainder of the task now.

Best of luck

John.

Thanks for stopping by and checking it all out John!!

It is rather nice to redress this kit and turn it into what it should have been in the first place!!

[HistoryRider]

Quick Update: Gap filling and seams

I went offer the kit with a bit of zap-a-gap then Mr. Surfacer 500 to get rid of gaps then fill in and smooth out some seams. The results are pretty good for the initial treatment but I think I will add a second layer to them to ensure they are all smooth.

[HistoryRider]

Results of initial treatment:

I want to go over the leading edges of the wings again

Bomb bay - I am pleased with the result, there should be SOME seam/panel line there since closed

Intake and fuselage are now flush

[HistoryRider]

Lastest Update for the Deuce:

The initial attempt to build it years ago has severely hampered my efforts now. There are things this kit can't recover from

I wasn't careful glueing sections together and now there is an irreversible step in the vertical stabilizer

**SIDE NOTE** I tried using a new way of applying primer. I used Model Master Acrylic grey primer and it was too thin and fine for my liking. It accented my previous flaws to the point of sheer madness. I usually use a Tamiya rattle can primer with much better results. I think the MMA primer would do better on 1:72 scale stuff instead....

with that being said back to the 102...

A note for Fred (Whizzo) I got the best pictures I could of the problem areas of the kit, made worse by me. I filled gaps and fixed seams as best as I could, and was hoping the primer might finish it off, but not yet.

I haven't decided if I should cut my losses and preserve my sanity or keep filling, sanding, priming, and filling, sanding, and re-priming... I think I'll give the underbelly a priming then give the whole thing a shot over with the rattle can.

I won't go on, because a picture is worth a thousand words

[HistoryRider]

Gap where canopy assembly meets fuselage and stupid step in tail assembly

I tried filling the step in the tail, but the primer made it worse, will have to fix it...

I may leave the canopy open to partially resolve the gap

[HistoryRider]

Results of the primer...

I think I'll go back over it with a thicker second coat

[Whizzo]

Nice work and thanks for the heads up on your problem areas. I have managed to get the cockpit done and took the deep dive to get the resin intakes on my Encore F-102 but it took a fair bit of CA + talcum powder to fill the gaps. With the long weekend coming I may get some time at the bench! Thanks again for the info.

Fred

[HistoryRider]

Hi Guys! Sorry for the prolonged absence, but I'm back... Quick update

I got the Aircraft Grey all laid down on the Deuce BUTits pitting along the fuselage and upper wing surfaces. I've tried fixing it, but no matter what I do, it either gets worse or just comes right back...Thoughts?

In any case, it's ready for a yellow tail and clear coat for decals.

Next steps will be to get the landing gear and bay doors all ready.

[UKguyInUSA]

Hey Nolan, my first time seeing this....she looked like a bugger to start with, but looks like you're turning her around nicely!

[HistoryRider]

Okay kids! Here is another update!! Everything is ready to be pieced together.

Landing gear, wheels, and doors painted. Canopy painted*, windscreen painted, and radome painted.

It is ready for clear coat, decals, and gloss coat.

* I had a bit of an incident, while painting, I heard something drop to the floor. I leaned back forward in the chair and heard a munch. I squashed the canopy housing heh heh...that sucks so I tried to reshape it back the best I could, but still noticeable.

Here are a couple of pics of the progress:

Notice the missing Aircraft Grey on the tail section...results of the lousy primer and the battle I've been fighting against it, I'm in the market for new primers and welcome suggestions.

[HistoryRider]

Landing gear, doors, and wheels

Radome, anti-glare, and canopy

[HistoryRider]

Hey Nolan, my first time seeing this....she looked like a bugger to start with, but looks like you're turning her around nicely!

Hi Martin! Thanks for checking in! It's been a bit of a battle, but nothing unbeatable and it's nearing the finish line!!



-Nolan

[UKguyInUSA]

I'm looking forward to the finished result mate!

What prier did you use? I've always used Model Masters grey Primer with just a few drops of their thinners....around 6 drops per half AB cup of paint. Shook it well then stirred the mix in the AB cup thoroughly too. It's never given me any issues to date...."Touch Wood"!

Cheers

Martin

[HistoryRider]

I'm looking forward to the finished result mate!

What prier did you use? I've always used Model Masters grey Primer with just a few drops of their thinners....around 6 drops per half AB cup of paint. Shook it well then stirred the mix in the AB cup thoroughly too. It's never given me any issues to date...."Touch Wood"!

Cheers

Martin

Hi Martin!

I actually used the Model Master grey primer. It confounded me! I usually use Tamiya rattle can primer, but wanted to try new primer and run it through my new aurbrush

Cheers!
-Nolan

[HistoryRider]

Hi everyone! Time for another update!

Everything is going as well as could be expected EXCEPT for the canopy. By squishing it, I ROYALLY screwed it up The clear parts would not sit properly on what was left of the canopy part, and I trimmed too much off so that made it worse. I had to put putty in it once glued on so it would look not even halfway decent. (Almost junked the build because of this today)

On to the better news, I got the landing gear assembled and fixed to the model, since it has been on the Shelf of Doom for a decade, parts previously assembled have broken off and been lost, so I had to make do with what I have. At least I have the struts, wheels and bay doors, to make it stand up on its own. I sure do wish I knew what I was doing when I started this kit.

I have all the colors down and all they need is a bit of touchup before clear coat and decals. I have the metal on and the anti glare panels are all in place.

The speed brake is now affixed, but I need to decide if I want to color it other than ADC Grey.

I painted up the drop tanks and they turned out awesome! I used no primer and they got the PERFECT ADC glossy sheen to it (I wish the rest of the kit looked that good )

Here are some pictures of the progress!

Next update should be decals...fingers crossed

[HistoryRider]

Here is the progress of the landing gear

[HistoryRider]

Speed Brake and Drop Tanks and Metal Tail can

[Hillbilly]

Coming together nicely I really like the metal effect you got on the can.

[HistoryRider]

Coming together nicely I really like the metal effect you got on the can.

Thanks Steve! It was just Model Master Enamels brush painted!


- Nolan