Coastal Command Neptune (Revell 1/72nd)

[bluesteel]

Work on the Neptune began again today. Polishing down some of the rougher areas of spray with Micromesh as per Brew suggestion. But then I masked up and re-sprayed:





Then completed the searchlight and fitments for the tank searchlight and attached the glazing. A little work with Tippex on a few blemishes. Next masking and spraying the tank:

[MerlinJones]

Looking good Julian. I was looking to see if there were any aftermarket companies that did what you've done, but no real joy. I surprised myself on seeing how big the aircraft is, so my won't be built within the immediate future and, hopefully, by the time I get around to it, with huge shelves for it to sit on, you'll be in business selling Neptune bits.

Regards,
Bruce

[bluesteel]

Looking good Julian. I was looking to see if there were any aftermarket companies that did what you've done, but no real joy. I surprised myself on seeing how big the aircraft is, so my won't be built within the immediate future and, hopefully, by the time I get around to it, with huge shelves for it to sit on, you'll be in business selling Neptune bits.

Regards,
Bruce

Apparently Falcon do Triple Conversion VII: P2V-5 Neptune / TBM-3W Avenger / TF-86 has all the parts to do a full P2V-7 to V-5 conversion. But it hasn't been in stock with Hannants for ages, and I'm not keen ordering direct from NZ given all the hassle I had with importing the Wingnuts Pup.

It was just the tip tanks that were tricky to build out of Balsa. Although I now have a tip from the chap who ran the 1:144 SIG stand at the Downham show who said it's better to use Bass wood, as it sands to shape far better. He had scratch built a Mercury/Mayo combination in 1:144th out of it and it looked superb. So next time I'll bear that in mind.

[MerlinJones]

I'll try to remember to bring you some FIMO in November.

Regards,
Bruce

[shangos70]

Cracking work Julian , looking forward to seeing this one finished.

[bluesteel]

Cracking work Julian , looking forward to seeing this one finished.

Apart from the custom made decals it's finished, just haven't got around to taking the photos yet, but I'll see if I can over the weekend.

[bluesteel]

The Neptune is now in the scheme of a 36 Sqn plane from RAF Topcliffe 1956, courtesy of the conveniently re-released decal set from Freightdog Models:





Just the fins on one tank to do and it's finished.

[bluesteel]

That looks like a very smooth finish.

Thanks. I don't normally have much luck with gloss finishes, but this one has turned out better than I initially thought, and I've managed to keep it fingerprint free too

[JamesPerrin]

Splendid job mate!