Hello all, some progress to report.
Some time ago I attempted to make something of an old Airfix Boeing 707, that I came into, partly built. It is an early issue with original BOAC decals. After I glued on the engine pods I spent a great deal of time filling and sanding in preparation for an aluminium spray coat. Then a rattle-can varnish to seal it on went awry (flow marks, etc) and I gave it up. I was about to give it away recently when I was inspired to attempt a rescue. So the white topsides were sprayed on and sealed with Pledge One-Go, and decals applied. Arrrgh! The ancient decals shattered around any kind of bend. I could not match the blue in the decals (navy blue, I guess). I hid the breaks with gloss sea blue (which is blue-black compared to navy blue), but this is not acceptable. Online reference suggested Humbrol H-104 Oxford Blue, and I got hold of some yesterday. That is even less of a match, so I am back where I started:
The photo does not show the mismatched colours, or what passes for 'decal film' circa 1960! No chance of hiding the decal film. Cockpit windows are yet to be painted on (previous build ruined the transparency), and undercarriage is yet to go on, too.
On another front, I finally had a go at the 1/48 Airfix Jaguar undercarriage. This kit is truly a labour of love:
I can see that mounting the undercarriage is no sure thing! What's the bet that as soon as I finish this dog's breakfast, a shiny new 1/48 Jaguar kit will appear on the shelves? Anyway, I have never attempted this before, so with much trepidation (I dislike working with superglue) I added some fuse wire thus:
This is based on the article in World Model Aviation, May 2010, which shows just how much can be accomplished.
And so:
Not too shabby, if I may say so myself, but that's as far as I go!
You will notice in the final picture that the ridiculous nosewheel leg piece that will take the weight of the nose has already broken, and reinforced with strips of etched brass. I wish I trusted superglue!
Next update, I should have some pics of the FROG Firefly taking on Hasegawa (ex-Mosquito) underwing rockets, modified to suit.
Having fun most of the time!
David