Carlos' Helldiver **FINISHED**

[Martin R]

Almost there...
I'll leave any more photos until finished, because it's currently VERY close to done.

Currently just waiting for touch-ups to dry (mainly the gloss blue of the uppers), before the final clear coat.
If it gets to 8pm I'll resort to using the wife's hairdryer - Humbrol gloss enamel takes an eternity to dry naturally.

In the meantime, adding a little detail to the carrier - and gonna try something to represent a few Zeros on the deck.

It's gonna be tight, but should make the deadline OK

Oh, you tease, you!

[carlos]

Oh, you tease, you!

Ha-ha!
Just avoiding taking photos twice in the same day..


Well, finally finished - and only just in time.
I do like the effect of the PE dive-flaps, though some parts were too fiddly for me, so the detail between the hinges is simplified greatly.







The planes on the carrier are simply drawings of Zeros I found on t'internet, shrunk to a wingspan of 5.5mm
Then printed and cut round with an exacto knife



The carrier is based on the 'Kaiyo', one of the escort-carriers adapted from passenger liners after Japan's carrier fleet was depleted at Midway.
I realise it's by no means accurate as the 'Kaiyo' - As construction progressed it just became a generic liner/carrier type.




I just wish my modelling skills had been up to doing a better job on the dive-brakes - may try something similar to this in a year or so, when I get a bit more experience.

[jssel]

A beautiful build. Well done.

[Jagewa]

Carlos, I really like that, a great dynamic display, bravo.

Cheers
Jim

[Dirkpitt289]

Bravo!!!! I highly doubt you'll have to many rivet counters here questioning the accuracy of your carrier. It's funny how you have done what I was planning to do almost to the letter. Of course I was going to do it with my Dauntless and then either a photo of a carrier or use one of my 700 waterline INJ subs I built. Will done my friend!!!!

[Tommy]

I concur with all the Bravos. Great job and kudos to you for an original and imaginative display.

Tommy

[SJPONeill]

To acheive such a great effect from such a simple approach (for the carrier) is simply awesome...this HAS to be on the table at SMW for the Box-art display...

[carlos]

Thanks very much for all the positive comments fellas.
It's hard to see in the pics, but I've been scraping matt varnish off the canopy this morning, and I'm toying with the idea of adding antenna wire, and possibly a satin coat.
I thought the gloss paint was too glossy, but now the matt is too dull - go figure....

Dirk, would love to see your Dauntless with a small waterline sub, that sounds ace - hope the dive-flaps you're waiting for arrive soon.

[JohnRatzenberger]

Excellent -- the photos from the rear are really exciting !!! Good work and creativity !!!