BlrwestSiR

Here's the final result. Here it is next to the tail for my Polish AF Tiger Meet F-16. That one is also done with masks. Maybe someone should just come out with tailplanes kits for all the Tiger Meet artwork.

The next mask is an outline of the tiger's head. This mask had to be carefully aligned within the tiger stripes. I forgot to grab a pic of it before I sprayed the next colour, which was Light Ghost Grey. I then added the inner shape of the tiger's head. I free handed the placement but I think I got it relatively even all around. I then sprayed Zeon MS Grey which is very similar to Gunship Grey. This forms the outline of the head Next was the mask for the details in the head. This was "weeded" and the excess bits discarded. Then it was applied in place. The final colour of Dark Gull Grey was then sprayed.

I then placed the mask into position. The transfer tape helps here as you can move it around a bit and get the alignment right before pressing down. With this in place, I masked off any gaps and around the edges. I then painted the second colour which is Dark Gull Grey. With the mask removed I now have stripes.

Tiger tail time. This had to be the hardest part of the build hands down. So far anyways. 439 Sqn' s mascot is a Sabre tooth tiger. This has appeared on many of their earlier Tiger Meet planes such as the CF-104. On the CF-18, they decided to do a low vis version. The first version was much simpler, the same colour as the stripes. On the later jet, they made it a bit more complex. On top of that, there are the Tiger stripes all around it. After some careful planning I decided to do it in the following steps. I first painted the entire tail in Gunship Grey. Once that was dry, I could start on the paint scheme. I asked DN Models if they could make masks for this project and after taking a look at it, they agreed to do them for me. Only thing is I shouldn't have waited so long before starting this project as vinyl masks don't age too well. Here's what they looked like when I took them out. The vinyl and the backing material expand and contract at a different rate once the vinyl has been cut. This gets worse as the older they get. They don't actually shrink as some folks say they do but they do get warped. These are 2 1/2 years old. This is not anything to do with DN Models. They were perfect when I got them. This is one of the reasons I wanted to get to this build so the masks wouldn't get any worse. Anyways, back to the model. First thing I did was get the mask for the stripes in place. I removed the excess material, in this case not a lot. I then used transfer tape to pull the mask off the backing paper without it getting all crumpled and possibly warped even more.

Thanks Peter! There's a small gap on the bottom but I'd much rather have it there than on top. The fit overall had been pretty good, just the odd spot to watch out for.

Eject!!! Eject!!!! Ejector pin marks!!! Almost looks like a pin cushion.

Catching up with your build Rob and the brush techniques you're using on it. Then I have to process the photography lessons mixed in between from you and Peter. Lots to digest. Combined, its making for a very informative build and some great looking results there. Carl

The ED-209 is a great kit. Way better than the old Horizon Hobbies vinyl thingy. I'm still trying to figure old what greys to use before I build it. Carl

The Tamiya primer in jars can be thinned with either of their lacquer thinners regular or with retarder) or either Mr Color lacquer thinners (regular or Leveling). Hope that helps. Carl

With the upper halves dry, I fitted the underside halves of the LERXs. They didn't fit flush and after some repeated test fits, I realized that there was some interference. There is a tab/extension on the end of the LERX. It was too long so I shortened it a bit, test fitting as I went. You can see the difference in the two below. The one on the right has been shortened. ThIs resulted in a much better fit. So it's slowly moving forward on this build. Meantime, I've tentatively looked at another Canadian aircraft build. Another multi engine subject. I'll see how far I get.

Peter, some great progress on your Corsair. The wing spar has caught a lot of people out by gluing it in place. I think it's the most common mistake made on the kit. I've left the gear off mine until after the paint is done so I think it's a good move to keep them from getting damaged. Which in my case is a good thing as it's sitting on my bench. Somewhere. Here's the last I saw it.

Really nice paint job Phil. I've always been a fan of lightly weathered so can't wait to see what you come up with. Carl

Who ordered the well done?

The Airfix one is fairly recent. https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/AX05130?result-token=qSsPZ Even has Pearl Harbor decals in the box.

What Smitty said. Wait for the Great Wall kit.

Thanks Rob! Yes, the LERX is the extension in front of the wings. It stands for Leading Edge Root Extension. Carl

Looks good there Rob. I like the shield for the engine. For Tamiya primer, it also comes in bottles. It does need to be thinned but that may be another option for you. Carl

I stopped by the LHS yesterday and asked if they had an estimated price for the Border kit. They said they expect it to be between $1100-1200 CAD when it arrives. They're planning to do preorders with $100 off on e they have a finalized price.

Looks good so far. Nice job on the fuselage/tail seam. That one got me on the one I did. Carl

Just let me know when you make it to Canada and I'll have a glass ready and waiting for you!

Been a while since I've done anything on the Hornet. I finally started on fitting the LERX. First step was to get some paint on the upper parts of the intakes that will get covered by the LERX. Then I glued on the upper halves of the LERX. I'll wait til they're dry and then add the lower halves.

Happy birthday Ron! I didn't know those were a factory build. I always thought they were a conversion like those half VW Beetle thingys. Carl

You guys are always welcome to help put a dent in it.

Oddly enough, most Asians don't drink bourbon. Scotch has a huge toehold in Asia. For the longest time, Hong Kong was the biggest market for Johnny Walker. Carl

Haven't picked up anything new in a while as I've got way too much. I am curious to hear about new bourbons and scotches though. Carl