Jeepers. We're almost done. The gear well is a little jewel. Perhaps a display including a mirror is in order? And is G.P. Abe getting a little too excited about Hallowe'en? Seems like he's trying to decide on what to wear.

Yes! - my monday morning Helldiver fix - what are we going to do when it soon is over - Oh, the agony ....

...just like a good book, I'm not sure I want this to end!
This has been an inspiration - truly it has - each time I think "don't bother, it will barely be seen" I check myself and pay it some more attention...

Thank you for such an education!

Richard

WOOOW! Don't know how I missed this one! Absolutely flipping magic! What an (insert choice of superlatives here) build! Errrmmmm....errrr....hmmmm.....do we dare ask about the hours put down in this?

Many thanks, all! I'm kinda on the run- so here's the latest!

Major assemblies commence- with minor details filling in the gaps!

Aaaah! Almost ready for take-off!

Brilliant work once again...

Jean-Luc

Did i see pics of this bird in the newst edition of Finscale magazine or is it a different one?

Superb as ever Chuk

Many thanks, guys! No publication for this one- yet!

The fires here have rendered things murky and strange- a shadow fell across the bench as I was working yesterday-

-and quickly grew more ominous!

Aiee! it blots out the sun!

Ash has been raining down, fouling everything, and reminding us of the tragedy unfolding for our fellow Californians who have lost so much. Give 'em a kind thought, won't you?

Back to lighter things, I've been reducing the parts count on the Beast- get ever closer to the elusive all-in-one....

Those last two pictures are really incredible. I'm a big fan of weathered models and yours certainly looks the part.

I do have a question. I've never used Future to gloss a model and was wondering if you have any tips since I thought I'd try it out. How should I clean the airbrush after spraying? Any recommended pressure?

Matt

You're vBench and your skills are just stunning. If I'd have to eliminate some gluespots or fill some gaps with putty when I already have painted the model. then it just gets worse.
I hope you have already a next project in mind

Greetings from Switzerland!

Thanks, Matt! Future is easy to use- I airbrush it on undiluted at regular pressure- just be sure to make sure the model is dusted thoroughly and covered up immediately after glosscoating. Give it a day to cure and you're good to go! Don't use the stuff over Gunze Sanyo colors, though- you'll get "riverbed" cracks all over. You can find more tips and info here: http://www.swannysmodels.com/TheCompleteFuture.html Matt Swan has a comprehensive article about the stuff. Best of luck!

A.W.- thanks from Los Angeles! Next project? All will soon be revealed!

Sorry for the lack of an update this week- I've got a house full of visiting family and we're all having lots of fun- we took our three-year-old niece to Disneyland yesterday!

On the down side, one of the exterior bomb racks has gone missing! Ive searched and searched- even cut open the vacuum cleaner bag- all to no avail. I have a letter out to Eduard begging from some spares- wish me luck. I'm fabricating the access panel hatches for the fixed central canopy- hope to show them soon. Cheers!

chuk

Well, the Carpet Monster has struck in a most heinous manner- read my most sorrowful tale of woe!

Mate, that is just simply beautiful!

Damn you.... DAMN YOU F.D.R. !!!



That's some sweet scratch building Chuk. And I never thought of using Mr Surfacer like that!

Matt

Chuk this is just great, detail of how you carry out the build to enspire and entertainment thrown in to boot.

Love your build

Luciano

Many thanks, my friends! I can't take credit for the Mr. Surfacer trick- that came from some smart guy! I just imitated him in a monkey-see, monkey model way...

The holidays are roaring toward us like some unstoppable engine of good cheer, so I've been spending time puttin' up some ho, ho, ho! I did manage to get some time in at the bench- take a look!

Chuck:

I continue to be amazed at the detail you are achieving with this build. Great stuff!

Taylor

Thanks, Yeti! I've been really busy as of late- work and holidays (and parties!) are in full swing. Needles to say, I'm bearing down on the finish line- take a look.

as always great work, your build makes me want to get back to building.

Man, it's been an epic journey just following this thread.

I REALLY hope Chuck decides to do another build log like this when this one is done!!!

...please?

Chuck this has been an unbelivable build, thanks again and again for the entertainment. I do feel it is time to come clean though, time to admit to everyone that this isn't a model but a real Helldiver you have in your garage, we all know it, the level of detail is just imposible otherwise, fess up.
A mighty Cheers to you and a very merry christmas to you and yours, thanks again Chuck!

Chuck -

I have to agree with stoney - it's a real Helldiver!

Seriously, not only are your micro manufacturing skills of world class order, your photography is excellent as well. The research that must have gone into this is also stunning.

Steve

My thanks, Aeroscalers!

Barring events unforeseen, the next post will see this bird finished. Just a couple of things to add- read on to see what. I did forget to add one thing- a Quickboost Mk VII gunsight- on its way from Sprue Brothers.

I'd like to take a moment to wish each and every one of you and your families peace on Earth, and goodwill towards man.

Again a nice little update; an early Christmas present!