Template blanks drying. The only 1/144 so far for 2021. The Stratoliner is bigger than most 1/72 WWII fighter.
Lou
I have started in a medium I don't use very often, namely balsa.
Lou
Balsa parts scraped in favour of pine. Major components blocks are cut.
Lou
Pine parts are cut. Wing is shaped and has two inboard engine mount carved out. The remainder is in block form.
Lou
Good start Lou, did you have a problem with the balsa? ,regards Paul J.
I shave off about 3mm with a swipe of my sanding stick. I have worked with it before but could not get the wing shape. Pine is my backup for everything.
Lou
I'm also not a fan of working with balsa. Another factor is a small carving block costs more than an entire 2x4 ;)
Just checked here it is $15 bf., bass wood is $8 bf and a pine/spruce 2x4 Works out to about $2 bf. I guess wood is still cheap for our hobby🤷???
Fraser
Parts are shaped except for the two outer engines.
Lou
Every thing is glued with exception of the inboard engine, which will be attached once I am satisfied with the wing fuselage joint.
Lou
Inboard engines installed.
Lou
You have really illustrated how to get a good fit with the nacelles to the wing. It seems much better than notching the nacelles.
Fraser
Engine nacelles are always a problem for me. Other members seem to just fit them perfectly while I keep the filler companies in business.
Lou
:D
Ready for the primer and first primer coat photos.
Lou
Looking good Lou.
Gordon
Thank you Gordon.
Lou
A switch over to white primer for a smoother finish for the metallic finish to follow.
Lou
I like this model. Did you use plans from SMM or the-blueprints?
looking good Lou.
Gordon
Thank you Dave and Gordon. I used the blueprint drawings.
Lou
Rustoleum metallic silver has been applied and is dry for handling.
Lou
I like that finish. Excellent.
Gordon
Painting is completed and whirly/bladed propellers installed. Cockpit windows are temporary awaiting aftermarket decals. I failed several time in creating my own.
Lou
Lou, it looks like a polished aluminium sculpture! Well done. I still have to figure out my next project, but it may be a bare metal type.
Fraser
Thank you Fraser.
Lou
Looks good Lou. Ready to take off.
Thank you Dave. Decals have been ordered for TWA.
Lou
Very nice Lou, great finish on the silver, looking forward to the finished model, regards Paul J.
Thank you Paul. I received notice that the decals are in the mail.
Lou
Roll out 6 June 2021 in time for D Day celebrations. A long project due to stop and go action on my part. Vintage Flyer Decals provided the markings. An enjoyable build.
Lou
Another top notch build Lou, the finish on the silver looks excellent, the decals look great, regards Paul J.
Thank you Paul. Vintage Flyer Decals are great but need a clear coat as they are very very thin and hard to handle without the coating. Otherwise, I love the depth of colour. I may use them again for my DC-2.
Lou
Another excellent result Lou. Top finish.
Gordon
Thank you Gordon.
Lou