HI all,

Well, here it is, my Hasegawa George 1/48. This is my third plane and my model sixth total. The photos are not too good, my wife's camera has a problem getting close it and staying in focus, plus the lighting didn't help.

This is my first kit using AM goodies. Eduard cockpit zoom, resin wheels, and Eduard mask. The cockpit was fun to put together, though I did not use all the parts, they were just to small and I know I would have glued them to my fingers! Resin wheels are cool, though I have not figured out why the model companies just don't make their kit wheels with the weight bulge. Eduard masks are wonderful! Though the masks I had were for a late George, not the early model. The fit was really good, much better than the Hase 1/48 Stuka I built not too long ago. But then maybe my skills have just improved (they're supposed too, right?)? I would recommend this kit. For a newbie like me, it was challenging but the quality of the kit lent itself to be encouraging versus frustrating. I also used the salt weathering technique, very easy! Though it did affect the acryl paint a bit. So, lay it on me, what do you think?

-Derek

That is a pretty darned impressive effort for only your third plane! Beats the snot out of anything I've done. Very nice, indeed. I know what you mean about the pictures (I'm all thumbs with cameras myself) but I wish I had a peek at those AM goodies you used in the cockpit.

Kudos for using the salt method. I think it's a tad bit overdone for my taste, but heck, I'm afraid to even try it myself, so who am I to say...

Overall, I'd say you got a beauty there. Congrats

Mike

Thanks for the kind words Mike.

This plane was full of firsts for me. Including the ones I listed already, I tried to simulate field repair by having some panels painted a darker green and tones of silver than others. I think it worked o.k. but I need to work on the paint mix ratios better. Also, the landing gear is missing important pieces. One part vaporized into this air and I had no choice but to leave the other side the same. I must keep track of parts better!!


-Derek

Well done! What problem did you have with the salt and the acrylic paint?

Thomas,

The main problem I ran into was the salt seemed to melt into the paint and caused a white "corrosion" look to it. It is a hard thing to describe...It actually looked kind of cool, but I was not expecting it. I also used alcohol as a thinner, but that should not have had an effect. Rubbing the paint with a cotton ball and applying Future pretty much cleared it up. I will try to get some pics up today of the effect.

-Derek