MDT's Matchbox 'Steam-Pigeon'

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MDT
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MDT's Matchbox 'Steam-Pigeon'

Post by MDT »

I bring to you a bit of Matchbox CBK in the form of the mighty Walrus!

As you can see this is a partially badly painted second hand kit -

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So my first act will be to remove the dodgy grey paint found on the upper surfaces only...

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The slightly yellow decal sheet is taped to one of my windows (probably much to the bemusement of my neighbours...)

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The results of the previously mentioned tasks will dictate the choice of these two fine schemes!

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Re: MDT's Matchbox 'Steam-Pigeon'

Post by TomW »

Great choice of kit! but talk about a tough choice of markings, pre-war silver wings or TSS mmm :grin:

Regard

Tom
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Re: MDT's Matchbox 'Steam-Pigeon' **Finished**

Post by MDT »

Cheers Tom – I really fancy the Navy bird for this but I'll see how I get on...Looking at some the previously built Walrus (Walri?) on this forum it is going to be a challenge to keep up the standards!
The previously painted parts are now sat in a bath of brake fluid in my shed – never tried this before so I hope it works.
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Next little challenge was to add the missing navigator/observer windows on the side of the fuselage –
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Using a hand drill I started removing the plastic to make these small voids. As I’m rather ham-fisted I’m relieved at the flexibility of MBs plastic…
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I then used a small file to clean up the openings -
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This how they turned out (still a bit of cleaning up to do)
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Next stage is to add some detail to the completely bare interior as now I’m made more of it visible…
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Rigging is a must but I really not sure which method to use yet. I have used the stretched sprue method but I wasn’t conviced so I’ll probably be using fishing line…or a mixture of both.
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Re: MDT's Matchbox 'Steam-Pigeon'

Post by MDT »

Got to work on 'bashing' together some form of interior yesterday using plasticard and anything else that got in the way -

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I dry brushed various made up mixes to hopefully produce a busy looking used interior (or does it just look a mess??)

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I will be having the nose hatch closed (hence not much stuff stuck in the front!) and the dorsal hatch open, all going to plan. The IP will either have painted dials or a decal and I'm currently making a control column - I'll probably add a little more clutter if I get round to it.
This is blank canvas I started with...
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Re: MDT's Matchbox 'Steam-Pigeon'

Post by JamesPerrin »

Interesting note about the side windows. I think you've correctly judged the amount of detail that the cockpit needs as like with a lot of MB kits not a lot can be seen through their heavily framed canopies.
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MDT
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Re: MDT's Matchbox 'Steam-Pigeon'

Post by MDT »

Cheers James, the canopy is fairly thick so my dodgy cockpit should be ok!
I'm about at the stage to close the fuselage halfs -

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I'll try cleaning up the excess glue at the base of the control column in a bit!
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Re: MDT's Matchbox 'Steam-Pigeon'

Post by Dirkpitt289 »

Looking good so far. How do you like the kit overall?
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Re: MDT's Matchbox 'Steam-Pigeon'

Post by MDT »

I'd have to say I'm not far enough thorugh this build to say much but I'm not to fussed about the lack of interneal detail. Basically it offers a blank canvas to add what you want and I can see why Revell reissued it as externally at least its decent basic kit. However, I'm a big MB kit fan so I'm a bit biased!(not sure what gives that away...)
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Re: MDT's Matchbox 'Steam-Pigeon'

Post by MDT »

Now well into the building phase and one coat of Metalcoate added...Think I'll end up airbrushing a couple of layers over this
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Re: MDT's Matchbox 'Steam-Pigeon'

Post by JamesPerrin »

Looks like it's packed a parachute!
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Re: MDT's Matchbox 'Steam-Pigeon'

Post by MDT »

JamesPerrin wrote:Looks like it's packed a parachute!
Does abit! Think MB were trying to replicate the cables used to lift it out the sea. If I was building the RAF one I'd sand it off..
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Re: MDT's Matchbox 'Steam-Pigeon'

Post by MDT »

Having unusually poor results with Metalcote (hopefully my AAAAGGGGHHH moment!), I sanded the whole thing and bought out a good old tin of Hu.11. The plan to airbrush is temporary out as my usual spot is taken up by junk displaced due to christmas (as well as being out of decent cleaning stuff...) I got out an old trusty thick Humbrol brush and the Hu.11 when on a treat.
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Using some Krystal Klear I made some windows for the navigators spot and attached the cockpit canopy -

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after drilling out the windows in the dorsal hatch I also 'Kleared' them too

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I'm planning for decals next and then the main bit of rigging (which I'm little worried about...)
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Re: MDT's Matchbox 'Steam-Pigeon'

Post by VickersVandal »

Nice touch with the dorsal hatch windows :grin:
Definitely adds to the model and I would imagine it to be a relatively quick and straightforward job.
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Re: MDT's Matchbox 'Steam-Pigeon'

Post by MDT »

VickersVandal wrote:Nice touch with the dorsal hatch windows :grin:
Definitely adds to the model and I would imagine it to be a relatively quick and straightforward job.

Thanks, the dorsal hatch windows are easy with a small hand drill - I just had to take care not to break to framing.

I got the decals on today and I finally have a biplane...

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Ringging has been a disater so far as the 'wires' I fixed in place before mounting the upper wing were too short! (thought I'd be clever and use a bit of maths...ops) I've put everything away to stop me doing more damage.
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Re: MDT's Matchbox 'Steam-Pigeon'

Post by TomW »

Great choice on the colour scheme :grin: , dont let the rigging beat you as she's looking ace!

Regards

Tom
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We'll call him Dinghy Watts...... - Paul Bradley

2016 A:B = 29:11
2015 A:B = 38:14
2014 A:B = 25:9
2013 A:B = 20:17
2012 A:B = I didn't keep score
2011 A:B = 39:11
2010 A:B = 51:10
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