Wow- I don't know what else to say but thanks so much, folks! I've been in work-before-pleasure mode for a while now, with more of the same to come. I've been to Comic Con International in San Diego (exhausting but fun), several huge projects at work (exciting and challenging, doing some freelance (too good to pass up) and dealing with landscapers on the home front (will it ever end?) Needles to say, model time has been scarce- but I'm itchin' to get back to the Beast and give a coat of paint.... thanks again- and stay tuned!

chuk

First of all, many thanks to all who helped with research on the color scheme- a lot of folks dug and dug, and the results came up... overall Glossy Sea Blue! I'm busy consulting and reconsulting my Magic 8-Ball to see if it will be a yellow-nosed bird from the Bunker Hill or a White-striped Beast from the U.S. Randolph. Answer hazy- ask again later! In the meantime, here's a tale of dogged perseverance against events both physical and metaphysical- read on, if you dare!

Chuck,

Another great update and demonstration of your dogged determination to get things right! I hope you are feeling better!

Michael

An inspiration to all of us as usual Chuck

Thanks for all the good vibrations, gents! I've gotten over that ghastly flu in time for a busy streak with work and home, and now I've got a summer cold. Waah! Don't worry, though- I'm plugging along and all is on the uphill swing. I've been adding to the build all along the way, and this weekend the Beast has turned a corner- read on, faithful comrades!

Woo-HOO! Painting. My favorite part. Adding layer after layer is sooo much fun. And I like how you built your pitot. I think I'll use that on my current project.

Got to love those Eduard masks too. I wound up leaving them on my P-47 for almost a month but they (finally) came off without a hitch.

I'm amazed how productive you are...even while sick I'll send some positive waves your way.


-Matt

^ My thoughts exactly as well.
"Houston, we have some paint on"
It sure looks good.

Canopies killing you? Same here, although with the difference that it wasn't detailing, but masking (no mask sets for the Blenheim kit around). I must have spent around four pleasant hours yesterday evening and night cutting and applying masking tape.

But back to subject again. Just superb workmanship, as always.
Keep up the good work.

I have been checking this post like twice a week in constant anticipation. Absolutely amazing work. Kinda funny, I began translating the desire to super detail everything to my current build. Not so much success, but its just a learning process.

I enjoy every part of the build but absolutely love painting. It brings everything together and you get to see what all your crazy hours of filling, reshaping, scratching, and hair pulling have created. The Helldiver has definately turned a corner. Cant wait to see what comes next.

Cheers,
Mike

wow! I am simultaneous looking forward to seeing the end product and dreading the end of this build log!

great work!!!

Thanks, Matt, Eetu, Mike and Vance-

The last 48 hours have been a real ride- struggled though a Monday at work and left at 4:30 (got in at 7;30) and came home to find the wife in a frenzy and the dog limping. After a vet procedure that put the dog in a stiff plastic ruff, it seem she tripped and my wife though the poor pooch had broken a leg. I got home just in time to drive 'em to the vet- where x-rays were made. We gave permission to have her (that's Dyanmite, our 50-lb English Bulldog) sedated a bit for the process. No broken bones, but possible neck injury or strain. When we came back in 45 minutes to pick her up she was panicked and gasping for breath. The only hope was to take her home to calm her down. That went on for 5 hours of grim terror- waiting for her to stop rasping and choking for life. Long story short- I stayed home to collapse and keep and eye on the pooch. The original procedure? She has a bad eye ulcer and a specialist debreeded the wound and applied a contact lens to protect it- and the ruff color was to keep her from trying to rub her eye. Her legs are too short to scratch it, so she rubs her head on the carpet in a way that's generally hilarious, but now on the Do Not Do list. sure, I can get some stuff done when I'm feeling a bit peaked, this'll drive you mad. My heart goes out to all who've nursed their sick kids!

Sorry to dump-

chuk

If it helps then please dump. Dump away. Hope everything is a little quieter now. Get better soon Dynamite!



"It can't rain all the time"


-Matt

lookin good!

Thanks, guys! The dog is A-OK, just so ya know. Again, thanks!

Hi Chuck,

Very good news indeed...

Jean-Luc

Happy Labor Day, America! Or what's left of it, anyway- I spent my long weekend with my wife, catching up on my to-do list- and modeling! Her's what went down:

I just finished this same stage on my model. I really like how 3-D the tires look after the layers of buff. I usually like to spray at least three shades every time I add a colour. A base. A highlight shade and a shadow.


Lookin' at the "stressed skin" gets me thinkin'. This is very common on almost any plane. Of any era. I wonder if you could replicate that by masking off panels and using the polishing swabs, or something similar? Sand shallow grooves into the plastic to replicate the stressed skin look.

Hmmm. Just a thought.

Keep going Chuck. And lil Chuck.

-Matt

Lookin' good! (as usual)
That shading of individual panel really makes a difference in a single-color scheme like this. Really nice work.

Hope you get those scratches and flaws sorted out.
I know the feeling. You've just finished spraying a color, and taking a closer look at the drying coat, you notice imperfections.



Indeed you could. Here's an article on the subject.

Mr Miracle Mask Mal is the hero of today's breathless installment- it's been a really busy day, bunkies- read on!

Hi Chuck

another premium update ... it is really fun to follow your progress! Thanks for sharing!

cheers

Steffen

well Chuck, I just discovered this post, and I quote you "VERDAMT" , This is one hell of a great build, verry nice to see you explain everything, liked the cartoon 2

As I'm a Armor modeler, I don't build airthingies , but anyway I learned some tricks how to make those wire's and pipes, and formost, I learned that you never should give up on something, you proved that several times in the build, and a verry nice way of writing, made me read the whole thing (and I 2 have the F*n' FLu,and a headache )

Cheers and don't be shy, admit you're FanF**kintastic



greetz Tha Pit

Chuck:

Been away for a while, but the benefit is getting to catch up on this beautiful build. Absolutely stunning.

Hi Chuck.
Ive been looking forward to seeing the identity of this bird!
Welcome to the Miracle Mask club
Will you be using the filter technique with the spots of oil paint on this?
Nige

Hey chuck! What a southern Californian is doing this side of the channel! My pleasure my man! And say hello to Manhantan beach for me, will you?

oh, it's getting very excitig in this thread! Awesome stuff, Chuck.

and I love that you make the same kind of mistakes i do.

Forgive if I post and run, guys- it's time for dinner!

I've managed to push this donkey a little farther down the road- take a look!