Accurate Miniatures 1/48 SBD Dauntless

[DesertAAModeller]

Well, first GB for me to be a part of and I've chosen a blast from the past, AM's Dauntless. Got the box and sprue shots tonight, and will have them up tomorrow. Photobucket doesn't like my laptop, so I'll have to upload through one of the university's computers. Gonna start now on the pilot's office and maybe get that together tonight. Wish me luck, and as always best wishes to everyone in this GB as well.

[T3hGuppy]

Looking forwards it dude

[HistoryRider]

Well, first GB for me to be a part of and I've chosen a blast from the past, AM's Dauntless. Got the box and sprue shots tonight, and will have them up tomorrow. Photobucket doesn't like my laptop, so I'll have to upload through one of the university's computers. Gonna start now on the pilot's office and maybe get that together tonight. Wish me luck, and as always best wishes to everyone in this GB as well.

I built that kit a few years ago, great kit in my opinion, but watch out for the rear gunner area assembly. For me there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth getting it to fit right.

Good luck and can't wait to see the progress!!

[DesertAAModeller]

UPDATE: Class is getting in the way and haven't been able to get to the computer lab. Anyways, this is a very FIDDLY kit. Those that have built it will know what I'm talking about, the side wall panels have a few tabs that need to be removed and aren't in very convenient places. Also, I've read that some of Accurate Miniatures' kits were taken off the tooling before they had a chance to fully cool. On the fuselage sprue, the port side of the fuselage has, what I think is the bulk head that seperates the pilot's seat from the other areas, that is bent.

This is not my work but this photo is the spot I'm talking about, http://doogs.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/dauntless.jpg

If there is any confusion on what I'm talking about I have a WIP photo on my camera that I'll upload. Also, the instrument panel is molded in clear, whats the best way to go about painting it?

[DesertAAModeller]

Well it seems photobucket has allowed me to sign up and upload some photos. So as promised, here they are:

[DesertAAModeller]

Right, made cracking progress, interior is mostly completed.



Now it's ready to be painted and weathered tomorrow. I honestly can't believe how fast the build is going since I've committed to a group build, really stops me from wasting so much time and jumping from this to another kit when I hit a problem.

Speaking of problems, this is what I was talking about earlier,



here's another look


This is the main thing that's gonna bog me down until I get some Evergreen styrene from the local hobby shop this weekend. That's all for this update, it's now 1:50 AM here and I've got class at 10 AM.

[Drazimo]

Didn't even know there was a company called Accurate, so you'll excuse my ignorance.

I'm sure you're going to do a good job of the styrene work, I think I'd pick up one of those kits when a bit more experienced. I look forward to seeing how you tackle it for future reference.

[HistoryRider]

Great progress! Good luck with that fit! I rember that kit went pretty quick!

[T3hGuppy]

Hows this one coming along?

Did you manage to work with the fit issues?

[eoinfinnegan]

Great choice of aircraft it's just a shame you've got problems already, but sometimes that's what makes this hobby fun, taking these dodgy old kits and turning them into works of art....I'm yet to do that but good luck with the build

[DesertAAModeller]

Hows this one coming along?

Did you manage to work with the fit issues?

No, I haven't been able to fix anything. Haven't had the motivation to drive 2 hours to the hobby shop. I realize now I still have a whole month, but having problems getting college credit to transfer is stressing me out so much. Thanks for all your support, but I may or may not get this GB done.

[HistoryRider]

Hows this one coming along?

Did you manage to work with the fit issues?

No, I haven't been able to fix anything. Haven't had the motivation to drive 2 hours to the hobby shop. I realize now I still have a whole month, but having problems getting college credit to transfer is stressing me out so much. Thanks for all your support, but I may or may not get this GB done.

Good luck with the college thing! Same thing happened to me, it can be very frustrating! Keep plugging and chugging!

[DesertAAModeller]

Well I'm back!!! Time for a much needed update!!! Visited the girlfriend in Marquette and was able to slip away and get to the hobby shop for a few hours and was able to pick up some Evergreen styrene to scratch build the bent part (along with other kits to add to the stash). Anyways, got the razor saw out and did some cutting, did this about a week ago:

Copied the the measurements of the starboard side part, cut and trimmed out the piece and here's the result

Then I sawed off the little cube thing at the top with the locating hole and set it somewhere I wouldn't lose it!!

I've got more to update: cockpit painting and weathering, will get them up later tonight.

[DesertAAModeller]

UPDATE! Well, I'm running short on time, but I'm still at it, if the new nozzle arrives within next week, I may get it done. But anyways here is another number of firsts for me. First time spending about over 3 hours getting the interior all painted up, and first time I've done weathering and actually proud of it, especially the chipped paint effect on the floor. Still needs a wash and need a pic of the starboard fuselage half.

Port fuselage half


Here's the floor


All the details on the floor were "dry-brushed" using the side of a toothpick coated with Tamiya chrome silver or flat aluminium, can't remember which.




I'm going to Marquette to pick up my girlfriend from college and I'll stop by the hobby store to find out if my nozzle came in (owner is a nice guy so all replacement parts for products are free). I won't be able to work because of finals all next week, so I may be cutting it close on this one.

[T3hGuppy]

Interior is coming together dude.

Great stuff.