Skypirate's Hideaway

[Lone Modeller]

That is really shaping up well: reminds me of when the kit was released and I built one.

The canopy awaits: fun for you!!

[skypirate]

That is really shaping up well: reminds me of when the kit was released and I built one.

Thanks, LM. Same here. This is very much a nostalgia build for me.

Cheers,

David

[JamesPerrin]

I protect wing tips and the top of rudder with tape when I can remember, usually when it’s too late

[Softscience]

I don't know that there's ever been a model I built that didn't need retouch on the trailing edges. I probably should wear gloves, but gah, what a drag that would be.

[Migrant]

I wrap a piece of ParFilm around the wing (and usually the fuselage) while I'm handling it, it has no adhesive and leaves no residue and wont pull up decals (unless they're Roden). The paint does have to be fully cured though.

[B4en]

I wrap a piece of ParFilm around the wing (and usually the fuselage) while I'm handling it, it has no adhesive and leaves no residue and wont pull up decals (unless they're Roden). The paint does have to be fully cured though.

So THAT'S the trick! Now we all need to remember to do it...

[ShaunW]

The Avenger is looking the business, David and the type is a great looking aircraft - I don't know why I've never built one, too many types and not enough time I suppose!

[skypirate]

You know that point in the build when you realise it's going to be all right?
Finally reached it on the Airfix 1/72 Grumman Avenger!
Some careful canopy cutting and trimming put all the acetate canopy fears behind me. Well, almost all!
Test fitting:



(I used my 1/48 Accurate Miniatures model to guide this part of the build).
The acetate canopy comes in 3 sections to be cut out individually, and then installed just like the real thing.
I managed to get a very satisfying fit on the rear section. The front windscreen part is the trickiest fit - not too bad. The centre section (the sliding panes) seems not quite long enough. I bravely went all out to represent the centre panes slid back, and the rear section opened up. There is still the centre panels to be separated and some tidying up of edges and some fiddly painting to be done. An extra pane I prepared that fits in the rear, ahead of the turret, remains to be test fitted.

TeeEll and Paul Bradley - you are responsible for making this possible, thank you!

Thanks for looking,

David

[TeeELL]

David,
that Avenger is coming together very well indeed. Another of your masterpieces.

[JamesPerrin]

This is all looking rather excellent

[Ratch]

That looks very good David

[jssel]

That Avenger looks so nice.

[Andy Dighton]

My word that Avenger looks good.

[PaulBradley]

Looks really good, David!

[Softscience]

That is amazing! The canopy frames are simply gorgeous