Hobby Boss A-6E TRAM

[GusMac]

So time for the 'Iron Tadpole' to hit the bench. Got the cockpit done so far using the Quinta set. First time I've used these and have to say I'm very impressed at how easy they to use. Not entirely convinced by the look of the seatbelts but I've had nightmares with fabric belts in 1/32 so the thought of trying them in 1/48 is a definite NO.

Apologies for the quality of the photos but not used to having to deal with the sun causing strong shadows when taking photos in Scotland! 😁

[Peterpools]

Gus

Awesome start on the A-6E Tram. Just love'em for sure. Being a Grumman and Republic guy (growing up and living on Long Island since 1956), their aircraft are tops on my list. I've seen the A-6E just once on the assembly line at Calverton but never flying overhead. Will be following with great interest.

I'm a huge fan of Quinta cockpit sets and have grown to appreciate the seatbelt sets they include, which are an extra added bonus, as for example, Red Fox doesn't include them with their excellent sets. I've also struggle with paper and PE belts and prefer the Quinta offering. 

 

 

[GusMac]

Contemplating chucking this on the SOD and cracking on with the Viggen. Although fit is generally good, the nose construction is just horrid. As usual by planning for it to be left open to display the radar it makes shutting it a damn nightmare. Gaps everywhere which I've partly filled with Evergreen card and then I plan to roll out the Milliput. Finish is going to be okay at best so even if I do finish it I've decided to dump the planned desert cammo and just do the 2 tone grey just to speed through it to get it done.

[Peterpools]

GUs

I feel your pain and a typical HB move for sure. Always seems when a manufacturer opens up panel, has folding outer wing panels, or in this case the radar nose, they never really consider a lot of builders would prefer it closed and devote little if any attention to the alternate position fit.

Fingers crossed you stick with the Tram as the office is looking mighty good.

[GusMac]

Thanks Peter. I decided to try and crack on with it just even as an exercise in improving my skills with Milliput, so here's where we're at.

Needs a bit more finessing and finishing off but I'm fairly happy with how it has come out. Think I'm still going to have issues getting the windscreen and canopy to fit well but that's a battle for another day.

[Peterpools]

Gus

Nice progress on whipping the HB Tram back in line. Her nose is looking better and better.   👍

[KevinM]

Keep at it Gus just alttle more on that nose

[GusMac]

Thanks Kevin. Got the canopy on and managed to finagle the windscreen into place with some trimming and a bit of filler.

Next up is getting the wings on. Looks like a little filler may be needed there on the top side but the bottom is spot on.

[Peterpools]

Gus

Some mighty nice progress. Incredible on how much work was required to have the glass sit in place correctly. Looking so good. 👍

[GusMac]

Thanks Peter, feeling a lot happier about this now that's out of the way. 

[GusMac]

Making some headway now with this.

Primer is on so paintwork up next. I love the Mr Surfacer Aqueous primer, it doesn't smell and it sprays better than the lacquer version, or it certainly does for me.

[Peterpools]

Gus

Looking mighty good in black primer. Glad you kept on going with the Tram

 

[GusMac]

Main paintwork all blocked in. Next step is to mask off the main gear bays and ladder areas and put the insignia white on.

[Peterpools]

Gus

WOW, looking mighty good and you're rolling now. Can't wait to see the Tram will all the paint work finished and the markings on. So glad you decided to stick with the build, as the hardest builds always look so good when done. 

[GusMac]

Okay, had a bit of an issue here which I've never encountered before.

Started on the decals, went on okay, and hit them with Mr Mark Softer. Came back next morning to find this....   seems to have eaten through the gloss coat and the Mr Color lacquer to expose the primer. I know Mr Mark is fairly 'hot' but never had it do this before and I used it all over the F-14A. 😕

Will revert to Microsol for the remainder of the decals. I'm hoping to hide a lot of this once I start on the weathering with panel line washes and oils. Fingers crossed.

[PanzerWomble]

Mottling looks nice ...that softener - looks more like battery acid . Sorry to see it's taken a whack out of your model . 

[KevinM]

1 hour ago, GusMac said:

seems to have eaten through the gloss coat

What was the gloss Gary?I almost always use Future esp if the decals are glossy.I have had discoloration which can be fixed in most case but never eating the clear.

[GusMac]

Hi Kevin, it was Tamiya X22 in a 50/50 mix with Mr Levelling same as l always use. 

Never had this before but I rarely use Mr Color paint, so don't know if that was part of it. 

[Peterpools]

Gus

Yikes ... what a mess.

I tend to use Mr Setter and Softer only when absolutely necessary and very tenderly, as it is so much hotter then the Micro System. These days I use mainly Tamita LP-9 and Mr Color Clear Gloss, as they seem to be impervious to almost all the hot setting agents and weathering items we use.

Fingers crossed the planned fixes work out well. 🤞

 

[John_B]

Looking good, keep up the good work. Thanks for sharing.

JB

[GusMac]

Bit more progress on this. Decals on, panel line wash done, flat coat down and masking removed. Some fogging inside the canopy on one side but it's just going to have to stay as I don't have the will to fix it and if I position it the right way in the cabinet it'll never be seen.

Next task is to finish all the ancillary parts - weapons, pylons, landing gear etc then we can move on to the Viggen....

[Peterpools]

Gus

Joly Cow, your A6 is looking brilliant. Agree 100% as to not pushing fate and leaving the canopy fogging as is - your fix in the display case is perfect and I've done that more then once myself - works like a charm.

 

[GusMac]

Thanks Peter. This one has fought me most of the way, so definitely not going to tempt fate. 😁

[Peterpools]

Gus, right with you for sure

[HubertB]

Brilliant, Gus 👍 !

Hubert