I've started cutting plastic earlier this evening. Sanded down and cleaned up the interior cockpit parts. I'm going to wait till I've everything cleaned up before taking any photos.

I am hoping to be back at this weekend.
May was not a good Month.......

I actually did paint my Breda once already, but had to strip it down again because I did not like it and the paint was a problem. I did re-primer it again a paint the Undersurfaces. It is masked off and I should start Camo again this weekend.
Fingers crossed......

I got started on this little kit today, separating the parts, and filing away the casting gates.
The dry fit looks excellent.

Jonathan, you Jessie, Jeff-D, and Jeff have really done fantastic work on your builds while mine languishes due to work and an ongoing search for an acceptable abrasive which I finally gave up and am using what I have on hand and have just finished on wing. I may not finish but will give it a try.

Bob

Jonahthan, that's one very smart looking jet.

Here's my update so far.


Most of the parts are now cut and sanded off the backing sheet, just the upper wing to do and of course the cut-outs in the fuselage. It turned out surprisingly well and I made no cock ups and it now looks like a conventional plastic kit. A quick test fit has shown that the fuselage halves match up perfectly. I just worked carefully and slowly with my headphones on. I think I got through most of my Pink Floyd and Marillion albums working on it

I'm beginning to think I can tackle now.

Almost forgot, what would be a good solvent to use to clean off the marker pen? I was thinking of using either white spirit, methylated spirit or tamiya acrylic thinner. Will any of those shift it without attacking the plastic?

Thanks

Stephen

I think by methylated spirit is meant Isopropyl alcohol, that's what I use to clean marker ink and paint as well, off plastic.
White spririt I think is mostly naphtha, I would not trust that on styrene.

Thanks. I'll give the meths a go on some scrap. Got plenty of cut offs left.

I was able to paint this past weekend and here is the Camo scheme. Now to gloss coat for decals.

Jeff-D, nice job on the paint.

Bob

The Breda looks great!

Was able to do some more work this past weekend.
Decals and flat coats.
No it is time to do the details and exhaust.

I am calling this one Finito!
I will not say I really enjoyed the Vacuform build. It really makes you appreciate good model kits. Next time if I see another build in years to come remind me of this experience.

By the way taking pictures in the direct sunlight really made my pics come out better.....(I Think)
But it is 102 degrees today.....

E Bellissima! Jeff that looks great. All your hand wrought details make a lovely model from a very austere vacuform kit parts.

It must be said that building a vacuform is not an end in itself, so that in general, when an injection molded alternative is available there is no reason to build a vacuform. (unless that is, the IM kit is even worse, which happens.)

I agree about direct sunlight making for the best photography.

Ok! I am back at it with some issues re: the mating of the wing to the fuselage. Lots of putty will do the trick.

hey Bob, there is an airplane in there! looks like a fair representation.
You have jumped the biggest hurdle, congratulations!
Bondo work is definately part of the art form.

Looking forward to seeing it come together.

@Jeff That Breda came out very nice, congrats!
I will probably never lay my hands on a vacform kit
Well done

I nearly got all the parts of my little racer cut out and cleaned up. Want to start glueing soon, but we have over 35° C over here now, so it even hinders me at my favorite hobby :-(

My build is now ready for the floats to be added, so out with the plastic it's time to build a jig!:-

Richard, love the jig you have built for your racer:

A little more progress on my Vindicator:








AHH! fun with photo bucket again

Jonathan, after watching yours and Jesse's airliners I've become intrigued. Where do you obtain either media kits on 1/144 scale civil airline a/c kits? I just picked up a Roden VC-118 (Independence) kit for a couple of dollars and the bug bit

Bob

In the IM plastic model kit world, Minicraft makes an excellent line of DC-3 (c-47), DC-4 (C-54), DC-6 (C-118) and DC-8. Their 707 and 727 are less desirable. Their Lockheed L-1049 super-constellation and L-188 electra lack detail, but are otherwise good. Roden has a few other decent kits, their DC-7 and Boeing 720 come to mind. Airfix is still selling their 40 year old line of airliners. the 727 and 737 are ok. All those can be found on that auction site in the $10-30 range. If you dont see a price you like wait a few weeks and look again. If you prefer an online retailer to that auction site I'd suggest Airline Hobby Supply, or Omni Models - not picking favorites, just a few that have served me well in the past.

Of the short run producers, F-RSIN has a nice line of IM plastic and resin offerings. If you havent looked over Welsh Models list you should. You have conquered the vacuform method, so his entire catalog is open to you, though all his newer products are all-resin castings. No one else in the world has (new) vacuform kits, to my knowledge. its a dying art.
Thats a small sample to start with. If you have a specific model you want to make, just ask we'd love to help.

edit to add, later we can talk about aftermarket decals...

Thanks all for the kind words.....
Bob Vindicator coming along very nicely. Looks like you did an excellent job on the wings with mating and all.

Richard, Looking good, I agree nice jig, it never stops to amaze me the things I learn by watching others builds online. I have never used a jig or build on for modeling..but I am going to look at where and when I can possibly use them in future builds.

Peter, I think I am with you on that one.......
I have a few more Vacu-kits in my stash but they may never see the light of day.......
My next Breda will be the Special hobbies 1/48 single seat kit. When I find a campaign for it....

I have been keeping Squadron Green Putty in business with the amount that has been applied to the Vindicator. Still sanding

Bob

The float/strut jig worked out so next I have to attatch them to the AC:-