MPM 1/72 Northrop X-4 Bantam ** FINISHED Aug 22 13:40 **

UAMF's Signature Event.
Runs 1 - 31 August.
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Re: MPM 1/72 Northrop X-4 Bantam ** FINISHED Aug 22 13:40 **

Post by JamesPerrin »

Well I was getting a bit anxious towards with two hours to go, thankfully I had decided to pick a simple scheme similar to that on the box art ( which the kit doesn't actually offer! ). I wanted to do the X-4 in an NACA scheme didn't like the ugly calibration markings on the side. I had a nice pic in Jay Millers book which showed it all white and without any stencils markings. I think this must have been when it was first handed over from Northrop to NACA.

Gloss white is always a challenge in itself, the grey then white primer worked in that I got a good even base coat for the Appliance White, however try to paint such a small model with a rattle can led to some sets backs with paint pooling and running. The short-run nature of the kit provides it's only challenges but I balanced that against the small part count. The other issue was using PVA to fix the canopy, I really didn't need to as the glazing is set in a large rectangular door. The PVA dried very slowly and so was still moving around when trying to blend the part into the fuselage.

In total it would not have taken me much more time to complete the model as normal, maybe actually less as I would be doing other things while stuff dried. And that was the biggest challenge, having the time for joints and filler to cure properly before working on them.

It's been and interesting and rewarding experience. Thanks for tuning in guys and your support. Also a big thanks for Abbie who hasn't asked me to lift a finger for the last 24 hrs - I'm sure that will change shortly though :grin:

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Re: MPM 1/72 Northrop X-4 Bantam ** FINISHED Aug 22 13:40 **

Post by lancfan »

Brilliant model James, well done, I must have one of these myself.

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Re: MPM 1/72 Northrop X-4 Bantam ** FINISHED Aug 22 13:40 **

Post by splash »

Well done James on an excellent build.

I have really enjoyed following this build, I wish I had your skills to write such a descriptive blog, whilst building the kit in such a short time scale. Seeing your build makes me want to build one of the British tailless a/c like the DH Swallow.

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Re: MPM 1/72 Northrop X-4 Bantam ** FINISHED Aug 22 13:40 **

Post by MerlinJones »

Very nice completion, James.
You make a useful point re one-colour schemes and white. Compared to, say, Olive Drab, white wouldn't be my first choice.

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Re: MPM 1/72 Northrop X-4 Bantam ** FINISHED Aug 22 13:40 **

Post by jssel »

A very good looking model. A short-run kit in a blitzbau is a gutsy move. Well done.
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Re: MPM 1/72 Northrop X-4 Bantam ** FINISHED Aug 22 13:40 **

Post by TimJ »

Great build James, well done.
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Re: MPM 1/72 Northrop X-4 Bantam ** FINISHED Aug 22 13:40 **

Post by did_nev »

Great job you've done here james, and all white! very well executed and in no time...
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Re: MPM 1/72 Northrop X-4 Bantam ** FINISHED Aug 22 13:40 **

Post by Gregers »

Awesome work James. Very nicely done.

All the best.

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Re: MPM 1/72 Northrop X-4 Bantam ** FINISHED Aug 22 13:40 **

Post by mattbacon »

Brilliant! You're a better man, than I, Gunga Din...

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Re: MPM 1/72 Northrop X-4 Bantam ** FINISHED Aug 22 13:40 **

Post by theconfidencestoat »

Brilliant work, that looks really nice.
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Re: MPM 1/72 Northrop X-4 Bantam ** FINISHED Aug 22 13:40 **

Post by Ian »

Missed this due to having been camping at the coast. You've completed a plane not often built, and to a good standard in the time. The only problem with it which can see (and you've already commented on it) is the canopy seam. Well done!
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