Fred's Space Constrained Computer Desk

[iggie]

I wonder if the Sea Vixen is the most often criticised model shape-wise of them all, and that the somewhat unique shape of the real thing is the cause of this? It seems to me that no matter whose kit is being built, it has accuracy issues in abundance!

[gengriz]

Some more progress. I had both underwing tanks on when I started painting the undersides, but then one of them decided to demonstrate why they are called "drop tanks". It's back on now, but 24hrs behind the other in painting.



4 Red Tops of FROG origin have been extracted from the spares box. Canopy isn't attached yet - I need to fit a small bulkhead to represent the back of the cockpit since this is very obvious when open.



The observer's ejector seat is the kit part, but the pilots is a Pavla replacement, itself nearly 3mm higher than the kit part, but also boosted by another 3mm in height to put it in about the right position. I'll do another (final) coat of underside white tonight, then I can set about masking the demarcation lines before applying the final top coat of EDSG.

[DavidWomby]

That looks really good, Fred.

David

[JamesPerrin]

Looking good Fred, those saddle tanks don't appear to have been the horrorshow that other have reported.

I wonder if the Sea Vixen is the most often criticised model shape-wise of them all, and that the somewhat unique shape of the real thing is the cause of this? It seems to me that no matter whose kit is being built, it has accuracy issues in abundance!

I think it's hard to get it right even if you designing from accurate 3 view plans, because they aren't enough by themselves to get the complex shapes correct. We know that Airfix will only build kits if they can scan it or have access to manufacturers drawings that have the datum points for all the components. Which is why their Vixen is accurate in shap (just the wrong scale )

[Ratch]

Wow that 2nd pic looks real

[Stuart]

That really does look the part - good idea raising the height of the seat.

[gengriz]

The Sea Vixen is now in its "vanilla" state...

Final EDSG (Humbrol 123) and white (Humbrol 130) coats on, missiles and rogue drop tank attached, observer's canopy attached and all wheels attached.



I have had to order some additional decals from Hannants (white side numbers), but whilst I wait for them to deliver, I can address some of the details. The nose leg still needs another coat of paint, as do the main legs.

[DavidWomby]

Very smart, Fred.

I finished mine yesterday! It's a pity we can't put them side by side to compare.

David

[Stuart]

That is looking really good - very well done!

[gengriz]

I finished mine yesterday! It's a pity we can't put them side by side to compare.

David

I will dig out my 2 FROG Vixens and DH110 Pirate, plus my Airfix 1/48th one, for a side by side picture. However, for various sentimental reasons, although its undercarriage disappeared long ago, my original FROG (built in 1976) will always be the favourite model in my collection !



Actually it wasn't my first Sea Vixen - a model of HMS VICTORIOUS had several 1/600th versions and I initially thought the asymmetric canopy was a moulding defect until I saw a real one !

FredT

[gengriz]

On account of today being my birthday, I have been permitted some undisturbed modelling time this afternoon !

Ejector seat handles made from painted fuse wire:



... and in place on the ejector seat:



Then decals applied. These are a mix of generic, FROG, Xtrakit and ModelArt. I am awaiting some additional decals to do the side number (I could manage the 3 and 4, but not the 2!)

At about this point, the port main wheel fell off. its not a very positive fit in the hole, so it was reamed out and reapplied after the decals. I may flood it with some cement or superglue tomorrow as it still looks very fragile.



Next step will be to highlight some panel lines with an oily wash and pencil, then apply a top coat. I'm currently thinking a mattish satin, a bit like my Phantom of last year, which looked much better than the full satin on my other Phantom.

FredT

[iggie]

That is looking absolutely gorgeous Fred!

[gengriz]

Last build thread photo of this one. Hopefully tomorrow will be brighter with less wind, allowing some outside pictures.



I've gone with the flow on this one and apart from the decals, pilot's ejector seat and the Red Tops, it is built entirely as Xtrakit/MPM intended.

In retrospect I can live with the nose and fuselage shapes, but I really wish I had read a few more of the "critical" reviews of this kit before building, because those booms really are too long. A simple lop of 5mm off at the front (yes it really needs that much) would have been very easy to achieve and helped a lot.

Oh well, it's been fun, it's certainly no worse than the FROG and Revell/Cyberhobby kits and I know now for when I do my FAW.1 !

[DavidWomby]

Looks great to me. A fine addition to your Hermes air arm.

David

[Impisi]

Looks great