After a VERY LONG time I came back to this site just to publish some pictures of my recent model - the Bleriot XI in 1/72th scale. It's all scratchbuilt, with the main construction photoetched from brass sheet and the other details made from what left at the workbench - various plastic cards, rods and metal wires. Hope you like it even though there is much to improve! More photos in the gallery.
Finally, my school is over, my Masters are done, so I have a month or so of free time before I go to work. I have managed to update the photo galleries with few photos of my recent projects; all of them belong to the pioneering era of aviation, whether it is Santos Dumont or Otto Lilienthal, you can find models of their aircraft in the gallery. Enjoy!
A few days ago I have finished my little Harrier.
The result can be found here. I have rushed the final few details and it is a bit visible, but overally I am more than satisfied. The model has been awarded two gold medals at the latest contest in Mosonmagyarovar, Hungary. Finally I have managed to put together 1/72 Harrier GR7. Right now it is covered with Mr. Surfacer and the paint job is awaiting :)
I must admit, that the kit went together rather nicely. It is necessary to use some putty especially around the air intakes but otherwise, it is an excellent kit for small amount of money. So far definitely recommended! A pair of new YN1410 LED lights have arrived today from China. Each of them consists of 140 pieces of LED lamps with 16 levels adjustment and standard 5500K color temprature. Each package also includes white filter to soften the light and orange filter to achieve 3200K light. What is not included in the package and needs to be bought separately is the power adapter, but it should be no problem, as the plug is common for various other devices, the input voltage ranges from 7,2 to 9 volts and the current should be no more than 2 ampers. I hope to find some universal adapters soon so I can retake some not very good photos.
If my impression from Hawk was good, then the impression from Harrier Gr.7 must be even better!
Once again, the kit is molded perfectly, with recessed panel lines and with no visible flash or ejector pin marks. And the level of detail is far better than at Hawk kit. Cockpit details would be sufficient for closed canopy, but for opened cockpit it would be better to improve it with some photo etched parts. This kit offers options for raised/lowered landing gear, extended/retracted wing flaps, opened/closed canopy, various equipment and armament, "weighed" tires or typical Airfix pilot figure. Box contains also additional parts for Gr.9 version. There are three decal versions included in the kit:
Today I have received an email stating that two models I have ordered recently have arrived. So I went to pick them up and here are the first impressions together with some photos.
I will start with Hawk 100, which comes in 5 sprues + one with canopy. All the kit parts are molded nicely with engraved panel lines and wisely located ejector pin marks. Some people might consider the panel lines too deep but I find it an advantage as they are clear and sharp even few layers of surfacer. What I am not happy with is the level of details present in the kit, especially when it comes to cockpit. Two pilot figures simply cannot save totally hollow interior. If the canopy remains closed (this is the default option) then it should not be very difficult to improve cockpit with some harnesses and few other details. Otherwise an aftermarket detail set would be beneficial. Decals offer three variants:
As I have some spare time I have ordered two recent Airfix 1/72 kits:
BAE Hawk 120/128 and Harrier GR.9 They should be both from new forms and if they will fit together at least as good as the recent Airfix Spitfire Mk.I, I will be really happy. I will add some photos as soon as the kits arrive (hopefully by the end of this week) Today I have launched this web gallery dedicated to my plastic models and also a blog which I would like use to keep you informed about my ongoing projects. Hope you like it here so far :)
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