Tamiya 1/48 F-117

[smokeriderdon]

So, with the help of my son in deciding, I have chosen the Tamiya 1/48 F-117. I always found it amusing that the AF continued its designating attack/bomber aircraft as F because they feel like a fighter designation would draw better pilot candidates. They did the same with the 105 and 111.

Anyway, I built one back in the day. I do believe it was the Revell kit. I think the Tamiya kit will be a breeze.

[KalebB]

Such an interesting and good looking aircraft, I'm sure it'll be a smooth build knowing Tamiya

[Tomcat64]

I didn't know Tamiya made this one - so following along with interest; I remember seeing these things for the first time at an airshow over here and just being slightly baffled by how they stayed in the sky!

[smokeriderdon]

Got started on this one. So far, very nice. Not a lot of painting to do. Cockpit is essentially black. The whole damn thing is essentially black. LOL The wheel wells and landing gear are white though. LOL

[ForeverPlasticKits]

A good start, the cockpit looks great!

[ulvdemon]

Looking pretty cool.

[Engine95]

Looking great man. Can't wait to see the end result.

First time I saw one up close was shortly after they were publicly acknowledged. I got the distinct impression from the four armed Marines and the "Use of deadly force authorized" signs that they didn't want us getting too close.

[smokeriderdon]

Looking great man. Can't wait to see the end result.

First time I saw one up close was shortly after they were publicly acknowledged. I got the distinct impression from the four armed Marines and the "Use of deadly force authorized" signs that they didn't want us getting too close.

Yeah, they get kind of touchy with stuff like that. LOL

And hey brother. Retired PG County MD firefighter.

[Engine95]

Yeah, they get kind of touchy with stuff like that. LOL

And hey brother. Retired PG County MD firefighter.

Hey brother, 18 year Germantown TN hose dragger. Have a couple guys from our department that moved up to work on Fairfax Co. Fire. And I spent some time in your neck of the woods in Sept. of 2001.

[smokeriderdon]

Yeah, they get kind of touchy with stuff like that. LOL

And hey brother. Retired PG County MD firefighter.

Hey brother, 18 year Germantown TN hose dragger. Have a couple guys from our department that moved up to work on Fairfax Co. Fire. And I spent some time in your neck of the woods in Sept. of 2001.

Ah, Fairfax county. The rich kids with ALL the good toys. LOL We multi tasked. Engine, truck, squad, ambulance, all of it. LOL

Not really an update, just a comment. I dont like being a Tamiya zombie. You know, "Oh my GAAAAWWWWDDDD!!!! Tamiya just put out an F-4B, Im gonna sell off every other F-4B I have!!!!". And yes, I saw commentary like that. BUT, that being said, they do make incredibly well designed kits with "extras" that really shouldnt be extra. This kit came with a set of masks, and as most of their other kits, nose weight designed into the model. So no guessing where you can put fishing weights or the like. And since its there as part of the build instructions, you dont forget and end up having to go back and do surgery to get weight in.

Honestly dont know why other companies dont follow suite on simple things like that that would NOT increase the cost by more than a couple bucks.

[Engine95]

See, you're thinking logically.



Seriously, nice of them to think of that. Looking forward to the completed build.

Out of curiosity (I haven't built a plane since I was a kid) are you going to do any pin wash to accentuate the panel lines, doors, etc?

[smokeriderdon]

See, you're thinking logically.



Seriously, nice of them to think of that. Looking forward to the completed build.

Out of curiosity (I haven't built a plane since I was a kid) are you going to do any pin wash to accentuate the panel lines, doors, etc?

I don't do pin washes much at all. I've not had great luck with them. And while they were not immaculate, these birds were kept pretty damn clean. I will do some tonal variations, but thats about it.

[smokeriderdon]

So, after complimenting Tamiya on having masks, I went to use them. Well, either I got a screw up, or they just decided they werent going to cut them, just print the outlines and leave it to us to cut them. Now, granted, it still made it a LOT easier than trying to do parafilm or the like, but come on. LOL

Its mostly done. Decals and wheel well doors and that should be it. I have honestly not seen any pics of these planes with any kind of weathering. They kept them close to spotless because, well, stealth. LOL So I dont believe i am gonna do anything to it.

[digger303]

Very attractive result and the masks must have worked OK cause the canopy looks great.

[smokeriderdon]

Oh, they worked great. Just if they are gonna spoil me, spoil me all the way damn it. LOL

And thank you.

[Engine95]

That does look great man. Cleanliness is next to uncompromised radar signature.

[BigWall]

It's coming along nicely!

[smokeriderdon]

That does look great man. Cleanliness is next to uncompromised radar signature.

LOL Exactly!!!!

OK, last update before finishing. Its really a lot more difficult orienting these decals with all the freaking angles on this plane. Grrrrr.