Aur0ra145's Italeri F7F-3 Tigercat

[aur0ra145]

Glad to see the resistance from the kit is lessening

Is that a British Army Mk 10 "Turtle" on the floor between the cabinets??

Good eye! Yes, it's a British Turtle helmet. The seller said it was original from WW2 and based on the condition and wear, I tend to agree. I've not really found a cool way to display it yet.

If the rim is circular it might well be WW2. If its elongated towards the back then its from the 1950's onwards until the intro of the Combat Helmet in the 1980's.

Interesting! It looks more round that oval, very cool, I had no idea. I just saw something neat on eBay and bid on it.

I also took a group photo to give a sense of scale. Everything is a 1/48 scale. The Tigercat is just huge for a fighter. I also have no idea where it can go to be displayed.

[Rugash]

Good to see the bugs slowly working out for you, I think we all have quite an excessive amount of patience sometimes the way some kits just seem to not want to go together.

Great job

[RangerNeil]

Good eye! Yes, it's a British Turtle helmet. The seller said it was original from WW2 and based on the condition and wear, I tend to agree. I've not really found a cool way to display it yet.

If the rim is circular it might well be WW2. If its elongated towards the back then its from the 1950's onwards until the intro of the Combat Helmet in the 1980's.

Interesting! It looks more round that oval, very cool, I had no idea. I just saw something neat on eBay and bid on it.

I also took a group photo to give a sense of scale. Everything is a 1/48 scale. The Tigercat is just huge for a fighter. I also have no idea where it can go to be displayed.

Wow!! - that IS one hell of a size for a single seat fighter.... Seeing it beside the 109 and B25 really does put it into perspective. Going to look good when finished though. Are you going wheels up or wheels down ? I know you weighted the nose but if the photo has it on a stand it looks pretty good that way......

As for the Turtle - I lugged one around for 7 years - and wore it maybe 3 times.
Still got one here somewhere - I'll try and find it so you can see the shape I mean.

[Tomcat64]

Nice progress on the Tigercat - and again I hadn't appreciated just how big a bird it was.

The cabinets & collections look very cool as well

[aur0ra145]

If the rim is circular it might well be WW2. If its elongated towards the back then its from the 1950's onwards until the intro of the Combat Helmet in the 1980's.

Interesting! It looks more round that oval, very cool, I had no idea. I just saw something neat on eBay and bid on it.

I also took a group photo to give a sense of scale. Everything is a 1/48 scale. The Tigercat is just huge for a fighter. I also have no idea where it can go to be displayed.

Wow!! - that IS one hell of a size for a single seat fighter.... Seeing it beside the 109 and B25 really does put it into perspective. Going to look good when finished though. Are you going wheels up or wheels down ? I know you weighted the nose but if the photo has it on a stand it looks pretty good that way......

As for the Turtle - I lugged one around for 7 years - and wore it maybe 3 times.
Still got one here somewhere - I'll try and find it so you can see the shape I mean.

Wheels down. Putting the landing gear and gear doors on is usually the last step prior to weathering for most of my builds.

Overall the release agent problem came back. I thought I had overcome that problem with washing them; but, I guess I missed some spots. I'm going to prime the whole thing and correct the problem spots, then put on a final primer layer. That hopefully will be the end of the release agent problem.

In other news, I actually got around painting my airfield mat. It's the one that squadron introduced a few years ago. Hopefully this will add some realism to my photos in the future.
https://www.scalemates.com/kits/true-de ... y--1119338

Ready for paint!


The problem spots




Here's the mat. I painted it all up, the rust spots are actually just Ultimate Rust wash. I dabbed on some matte Modge Podge and put a heavy coat of turf on it. Eventually it will dry and I'll dust off the excess. I'm very very new to trying and build terrain, so it's a learning process.



I really want to try a carrier deck. Though I'm having trouble sourcing photo etch padeyes.

[BigWall]

Sorry about the continuing issues with the release agent. The mat looks great!

[aur0ra145]

Sorry about the continuing issues with the release agent. The mat looks great!

Thanks! I hope your treatments go well, we're all pulling for you!

As for the fix. I'm actually very happy to report SUCCESS!
I sanded down the effected parts and re-sprayed them. Turned out great!

Top of the aircraft problem areas


Fuselage spots. This was about how big both sides required sanding.


Overall the final primer coat!


Bonus shot of the mat. I still have some weathering and stuff to do; but, I couldn't resist a quick shot.

[BigWall]

Nice save! I'm watching with interest as your mat comes along.

[Tomcat64]

Great work sorting out that release agent pain - that's just so frustrating having to go back and rework it.

Nice looking base too

[aur0ra145]

Small update. Got to painting!

I'm using MMP-062 USN/USMC Sea Blue FS 35042 over Ultimate Matte Black primer. I really like how the color came out.

[aur0ra145]

Howdy all.

The MMP went on really well, I'm quite pleased. As for mixing ration I went 20 drops paint/4 drops thinner/4 drops poly; sprayed at 15psi out of an Apex.

Next step is to clear coat the model. I know that MMP *claims* you can decal over their paint if you used poly. It's a complete bold faced lie based on prior experiences. So, I'll be using Alclad II Aquagloss.

Also, I'm in the market to start a second model as this one is on the down hill portion.

Thanks for looking in!

[BigWall]

Looks like it went on very smoothly. I'm interested to see this as it comes along.

[digger303]

Always a pleasure to look in on good builds

[BigWall]

Yes indeed

[Tomcat64]

Yup - what they said - that's gone down really nicely

[aur0ra145]

Howdy all,

Couple of updates. First off; I sprayed a double layer of Aquagloss on the top of the model. From past experience it was probably warranted, maybe. On the bottom I affixed the first couple of decals. They turned out great!

I also had a little present come in the mail... A Creality CR-10S. I've been waiting a few days to put it together and test it out. Honestly it wasn't all that hard to assemble. The only thing I've printed so far was a test cube to see accuracy. I chose a 20mm x 20mm x 20mm cube. After printing I grabbed my calipers and measured the cube. The true measurements (assuming my micrometer is correct) came to 20.0mm x 20.0mm x 20.05mm. I'm stoked. Unfortunately, I don't have the best place to put the printer yet. I was going to put it on the bench I model on; but, it sort of makes it shake. So if I'm doing any detail work, it would quickly become frustrating.

However, I think this will open up a world of possibilities. Not so much for a complete model to print out; but rather extra dunnage/stowage for the exterior of tanks, etc.

[digger303]

Howdy all,

Couple of updates. First off; I sprayed a double layer of Aquagloss on the top of the model. From past experience it was probably warranted, maybe. On the bottom I affixed the first couple of decals. They turned out great!

I also had a little present come in the mail... A Creality CR-10S. I've been waiting a few days to put it together and test it out. Honestly it wasn't all that hard to assemble. The only thing I've printed so far was a test cube to see accuracy. I chose a 20mm x 20mm x 20mm cube. After printing I grabbed my calipers and measured the cube. The true measurements (assuming my micrometer is correct) came to 20.0mm x 20.0mm x 20.05mm. I'm stoked. Unfortunately, I don't have the best place to put the printer yet. I was going to put it on the bench I model on; but, it sort of makes it shake. So if I'm doing any detail work, it would quickly become frustrating.

However, I think this will open up a world of possibilities. Not so much for a complete model to print out; but rather extra dunnage/stowage for the exterior of tanks, etc.

Love new tools. Lots of new fun and learning to be had.

[RangerNeil]

<snipped>

Also, I'm in the market to start a second model as this one is on the down hill portion.

This one looks to be coming on excellently despite your early issues - well done!!

As for a second model - if you like WW2 Russian planes Zvezda are about to launch a 1/48 Il-2 Stormovik that's supposed to be the best IL-2 on the market.....
(see https://arma-models.ru/catalog/samolety ... ovik_il_2/ for details. Best to use Chrome to open it in auto translate mode.)

[BigWall]

The decals and paint look great! It looks like the printer will be a nice new toy to play with.

[aur0ra145]

<snipped>

Also, I'm in the market to start a second model as this one is on the down hill portion.

This one looks to be coming on excellently despite your early issues - well done!!

As for a second model - if you like WW2 Russian planes Zvezda are about to launch a 1/48 Il-2 Stormovik that's supposed to be the best IL-2 on the market.....
(see https://arma-models.ru/catalog/samolety ... ovik_il_2/ for details. Best to use Chrome to open it in auto translate mode.)

Thank you so much! It's been a headache, though it looks like it's finally working out.

I have the Tamiya IL-2. I think the wife would kill me if she found me getting doubles of kits. I just bought my Christmas present today so.... my spending is basically limited to the occasional jar of paint and decal sets, plus basic food and shelter until the new year.

Did some decals on the starboard side. Weirdly enough it takes a lot of handling to get the decals in position. I did the prop arc decals on the nose for both sides because they meet on the top of the engine cowl. There was a moment of horror when the port side decal folded on itself 3 times. But! It worked out. However, now that I'm super cautions with this build, I will clear coat the finished starboard side decals before starting the port side decals.

The starboard side had the most decals. (Some extra decals based on the side you board the aircraft and such.) I will say that this kit was geared towards 1950's era USMC usage, so I had to get Navy decals to replace the USMC decals to make it late WWII. I've take a liberty or two with the unit markings as this was never really a Navy contender after if failed CV trials. It's as accurate as I can make it without printing/buying really custom decals (outside of some 1/48 scale NAVY decals in different sizes.)

This kit will match the F8F Bearcat I have as far as the roundels go. They should look really good together.

As for 3D printing. I printed a pseudo stress test. It was printed with no overhang support so see of the printer does with that. It came out pretty good.

Again, thank you everyone! It really helps with dealing with a subpar model to get some support. Plus, now I have Parker for support with the late war air forces!

[Parker]

Thats a nice little tug boat!

[Parker]

now I have Parker for support with the late war air forces!

I got your back airman.

[aur0ra145]

now I have Parker for support with the late war air forces!

I got your back airman.

[Parker]

How are you at volleyball?

[aur0ra145]

How are you at volleyball?

It's basically a prerequisite for my job.

[BigWall]

[aur0ra145]

Update!

Got the port side decals on. I'm waiting for them to dry and I'll do the top decals. The decals really make this kit come alive. It's my favorite step of aircraft models.

Also, as far as 3d printing goes. I made a caddy for my setting solutions. Next print will be a paint brush holder.

[aur0ra145]

Got the top decals on! I'm going to let them set overnight before clear coating them.

Next challenge is to finish the propellers, weather the model and think about putting the landing gear in.

[BigWall]

Very nice! The decals look great!

[Quax]

looks great, the decals have settled in nicely considering all the early paint issues

Paul

[Tomcat64]

That's really coming to life with the decals - nice work!

[aur0ra145]

Thanks everyone! Finally got around to putting on a clear coat to protect the decals. I have a work engagement coming up that will take nearly a month, so, I'm hoping I can get a lot of progress on this kit prior to taking a hiatus.

[Stokesy44]

Nice work. Rare subject too. Looking forward to see how you weather it.

[Rugash]

Looks great with the decals on!
It has turned out well so far, especially with the previous issues. Well done

[ForeverPlasticKits]

Not finished yet? Only the engines are missing does it seems? Despite the paint problem you persevered, congrats!

[aur0ra145]

....And we're back!

Work took me out of the model making business for the first 3 weeks of November. However, with no travel plans, I should get lots of bench time over the winter holidays.

[digger303]

....And we're back!

Work took me out of the model making business for the first 3 weeks of November. However, with no travel plans, I should get lots of bench time over the winter holidays.

Thought we had lost ya for a bit

[BigWall]

Welcome back!

[aur0ra145]

....And we're back!

Work took me out of the model making business for the first 3 weeks of November. However, with no travel plans, I should get lots of bench time over the winter holidays.

Thought we had lost ya for a bit

I'm alive and well!

[Twokidsnosleep]

Nice build
I like the printer too

[Tomcat64]

....And we're back!

Work took me out of the model making business for the first 3 weeks of November. However, with no travel plans, I should get lots of bench time over the winter holidays.

Thought we had lost ya for a bit

I'm alive and well!

Great to see you back & unscathed!

[aur0ra145]

Tonight I reprimed the props in matte black. That should work out to redo the prop hubs in the appropriate color. That's kind of all I can do right now.

After that will be the light weathering.

[digger303]

Tonight I reprimed the props in matte black. That should work out to redo the prop hubs in the appropriate color. That's kind of all I can do right now.

After that will be the light weathering.

Looking forward to some pic's when ya get the weathering started.

[aur0ra145]

Tonight I reprimed the props in matte black. That should work out to redo the prop hubs in the appropriate color. That's kind of all I can do right now.

After that will be the light weathering.

Looking forward to some pic's when ya get the weathering started.

I didn't time my builds that great. So, when I went on my little business trip, all my current builds were in stages I'm not the biggest fan of. Thus getting the mojo going again has been a bit of a chore. Same sort of thing happened last year/beginning of this year. I had to power through a "getting back into it build" to kick things off. Then, the Summer SciFi SIG really got me back into the hobby.

Literally just spraying 3 things today--which took a grand total of 5 minutes--helped with the mojo a great bit!

[aur0ra145]

Got the motors and engine cowls on. Then some light weathering with pigments. Also got the main gear on.

[Parker]

Looking good!

[BigWall]

Nice progress!

[aur0ra145]

Started on the semi-gloss coat. I'm hoping that some of the sheen differences from the setting solution will even out.

[aur0ra145]

Did up the top coat. The splotches from the setting solution seem to have disappeared. Also, I resprayed the props and they can out really nice! I just need to do the yellow tips, clear coat and decal them.

Overall, I feel pretty close to being done with this guy. It's starting to look somewhat respectable.

[ForeverPlasticKits]

You did the best with this vintage kit, !