The Unofficial Airfix Modellers' Forum

I thought it would be good to start a workbench window primarily to ask advice and show what I'm building.
Current project I'm about to embark on is a 1/72 Special Hobby FIAT G55.
Not having used PE stuff to any great extent before how do I affix them?
Also I have some instruments that are plastic film any recommendation on how to glue them? They can be seen between the decals and PE.
And last but not least some of the kit is polyurethane is there a special way to cut them or do I just use a normal blade. Some of the bits look very fiddly
Thanks for any help.
Oh yes here's the kit with either German or RAF markings.

Hi neighbour!

Sorry but i can't offer any help to your questions but I'm surprised that there was a plane that shared both RAF and German markings! It's intrigued me.

Blueberryruby wrote:Hi neighbour!

Sorry but i can't offer any help to your questions but I'm surprised that there was a plane that shared both RAF and German markings! It's intrigued me.

Hi there. We are indeed neighbours. You'd be surprised how many planes share markings.
If you haven't seen this website before it really is very useful.
http://wp.scn.ru/en/news;

TobyC wrote:

Blueberryruby wrote:Hi neighbour!

Sorry but i can't offer any help to your questions but I'm surprised that there was a plane that shared both RAF and German markings! It's intrigued me.

Hi there. We are indeed neighbours. You'd be surprised how many planes share markings.
If you haven't seen this website before it really is very useful.
http://wp.scn.ru/en/news;

Sorry, but I'm italian..... Hope this can help:




(From "Ali d'Italia, Fiat G55 Centauro")

TobyC wrote:Not having used PE stuff to any great extent before how do I affix them?
Also I have some instruments that are plastic film any recommendation on how to glue them? They can be seen between the decals and PE.
And last but not least some of the kit is polyurethane is there a special way to cut them or do I just use a normal blade. Some of the bits look very fiddly
Thanks for any help.

Hello mate,
Not being an expert in any shape or form myself, the help I can give is that for the PE use CA glue, for the film for the IP use PVA glue (sparingly!) and for the resin, I have a fine Razor saw, and your right it is very fidly. I normally tape it down, score it with a hobby knife then use the razor saw. Careful though it can get dusty so use a face mask.

Hope this helps.

I thought my choice might've attracted your attention Guilio. Aeroplanegripper, thank for the tips.

Hi Toby, that is indeed a very useful website! I've been trying to find good pictures for working out the colour schemes for older aircraft. Thanks for the heads up!

@giulio_gobbi - That's interesting, it makes me wonder how many other axis kits come in RAF decals and vice-versa, thanks!

I thought I'd try multi tasking but the only way I can do it is to have a totally different subject so have gone for an AFV in the form of the Armourfast T34.



Not exactly a lot to it and trying to find let alone buy after market decals/accessories for AFVs is not quite the doddle it is for aircraft

Well it's been fun. No where as good as you guys but my T34 and FIAT G55 are progressing slowly. I loathe photo etch stuff.
Anyway here's how are things atm

The T34 marches on. Tried adding some extra detail with moderate success and getting the colour of the tracks is hit and miss from what I've read.



Meanwhile the G55 is progressing slowly. The cockpit proved a PITA and I gave up with some of the PE. How people manage it in 1/72 is a mystery to me. Also for the price this Special Hobby kit leaves a lot to be desired.

I find price doesn't always mean quality, Toby. I also know what you mean about PE. That's one of the reasons most of my builds are OOB.

Missed this earlier Toby, there are several types of CA glue, if you want to survive its use get the kind that sets up a little slower other wise it will get all over your fingersand be quite a mess!

I try to avoid using PE because I hate the glue but people who do it alot tell me it becomes second nature after awhile.

TobyC wrote:
........ Meanwhile the G55 is progressing slowly. The cockpit proved a PITA and I gave up with some of the PE. How people manage it in 1/72 is a mystery to me. Also for the price this Special Hobby kit leaves a lot to be desired.

No mystery, just a matter of patience.

Instead, I wonder how much of that detail will be visible, especially with the canopy closed.
This is the real mistery to me!

I believe that manufacturer, should sell "Superdetailed Interiord" apart, and lower the cost of the box.

When I finish the FIAT I'm never going to do another model with a vacuum formed canopy. I can see why the give you two to bugger up!

I hate vac canopies too! The pe can be a pain but it does add a little finess to the detailing. Try using reading glasses and a toothpick to get the glue in the right place, use gel and not not the runny stuff as well.