Revell MicroWings - Ian, Martin R and Coptermec

[Martin R]

Wow! I'm just going to paint mine black.
I'm feeling all inadequate now......

You shouldn't! I just want to try to do right by the Tempest, as it's such a cool looking machine. I've no idea whether these 'additions' will look OK, but at the least it's a challenge; I'm stretching my eyesight, patience and dexterity in doing this. I also have a half-formed plan to use a thin marker pen (0.1mm?) to give an impression of the recesses in the wheel hubs. No idea whether this is actually feasible . . .

Ultimately, I'd like a 1/144 WWII fighter collection that I can display next to my 1/72nd. I have various kits by Eduard, Sweet and Platz but wouldn't it be nice if Airfix did a more comprehensive set of 1/144th kits? I'm thinking simplified build and minimal interior detail (a la HobbyBoss), accurate shapes and a good selection of decal options. At the right price, I'd buy loads!

regards,

Martin

[Ian]

I've build some Sweet Hurri's, Zero's and Wildcats. They really are lovely kits.
I don't think Airfix will scale down. Although there's a market for it, I think between the three you've mentioned and Revell they've got the market sewn up.
And I know what you mean about eyesight. I've just been painting the rockets and I really had trouble focusing. I might pop to Boots and get some of their reading glasses for detail work.
I'm falling to pieces......

[Ian]

Not a particularly busy weekend at home so I managed to get a few bits and bobs done.
Three coats of grey and a coat of green has my Typhoon looking like this.


Trying to get the wheel cover to fit was virtually impossible so I just slapped in a load of filler, which I have since sanded back. Needs some more but you get the idea.


And then I remembered that copious amounts of filler do not react well with plastic. The upper half of the wing has become wrinkled and is still soft to the touch.


I finally attached the rockets to my Tempest. Just the odd bit of touching up to do on this one now.


And I got the majority of the Spitfire assembly out of the way. Just need to crack on with the filling and sanding now.....






Luckily I am on holiday from work this week so I should be able to make some good progress.

[coptermech]

And I thought the fit of the wings on the 262 was bad!!!

I just have to sand the filler down on all the wing joints. Pics later on after work.

[Ian]

Tony, the fit of your 262's wings IS bad. The Spit must have been made in the same factory!

[coptermech]

I was able to clean up the wing roots for a half decent fit to the fuselage. But, there ended up being a massive step on the bottom front of the wing. I'll see how it turned out after I sand all the filler away later.

[splash]

I have heard people not being very complementary about these kits in the past.

It’s a shame as they must be quite attractive to young modellers being well boxed and cheap.

You guys are putting in a lot of time and effort in to make them look good so you have my respect, as I would have given up on the first hurdle.

[coptermech]

Just a little friendly kit bashing...lol. I do believe that kids would love these models. I did build and paint the Micro Wings Stuka in a few hours, and it was fun. I do plan on acquiring more of these, most likely the Corsair.

[Ian]

I've not seen the Stuka or the Corsair.
Time for a little look on ebay......

[Ian]

Hmmm, 16 of the little blighters!

Spitfire
Hurricane
Typhoon
Tempest
Bf-109
Fw-190
Ju-87
Me-262
Mustang
Thunderbolt
Corsair
Hellcat
Warhawk
Wildcat
Dauntless
Airacobra

I can image having to buy shares in Squadron for all the putty you are likely to need to build that lot!

[splash]

Now a little Wildcat could tempt me. I might have to re-think my feelings on these and try one.

Regards Splash

[coptermech]

The Stuka didn't build up too bad actually. I was able to clean it up pretty good and didn't use any filler.

[Ian]

Splash - save up and buy the Sweet ones. They're lovely.

[Martin R]

The Stuka didn't build up too bad actually. I was able to clean it up pretty good and didn't use any filler.

Pictures! We need pictures!

[Martin R]

Now a little Wildcat could tempt me. I might have to re-think my feelings on these and try one.

Regards Splash

Splash,

Go for it! I got one of those as well (I bought 6 of the 8 US ones when they came out) and would be happy to build it with you. It looks pretty good, actually.

However, I would expect the fit to be "somewhat approximate".

regards,

Martin