Imsjim - Strombecker Chance Vought Regulus Guided Missile Kit

[lmsjim]

Here was a quick and easy build of another old Strombecker kit. Built per the instructions this is a rather odd and incorrect model. I thought it would be fun to try an build it and use some separately purchased decals since the kit did not include any plus instructions were on the back of the box. Which considering it only cost $.29 in 1955 is not too bad.


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I do remember building this kit back in the 50's when it first came out. I can't remember how I painted it or anything else. Anyway when I build these old kits I normally want to follow the directions exactly as far as the final finish goes. Well this is one of the few times I decided to deviate. The main reason of course it there was never a Regulus painted with a red body and yellow wings and tail. Some of the test ones were painted red with white wings but I really like the more common paint job of navy blue. The kit did not include decals so I bought some insignia and Navy markings to make the model look a little more realistic. The main problem is the rudder is too wide but I decided to live with that.


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I started by sanding down the fuselage and shaping the nose so the plastic nose cone would fit. I attached all the plastic parts using superglue. I then filled in around the parts with Squadron Shop green stuff and sanded everything. The base was also sanded down and rounded off.  The fuselage, not the plastic parts, and the base were given four coats of sanding sealer and sanded down each time.


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The model and base were then sprayed with Tamiya Royal Blue, which is the equivalent to Navy Blue. I lightly sanded it and then gave it another two coats. I then sprayed the base and model with two coats of Future floor wax and let it dry. I then added the decals and gave the missile another two coats of wax.


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Jim

[lastvautour]

Nice work Jim. What pressure do you spray your futrure wax?

Lou

[Oceaneer99]

Excellent work, Jim.  This reminds me a bit of the Maircraft V-1 plans we have in the gallery:

http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-21

[lmsjim]

Lou,
Sorry I really know the psi. I am using an old Airmaster Plus which is rated at 50 PSI but I do not have a gauge on it. It is not adjustable either but has always worked great for me.

Jim

[lastvautour]

I am still having problems spraying Future. It comes gives me a pebbled finish. And to get it smooth, if goes one thick and runs if there is any curvature to the surface. I had one good job six months ago and have not been able to duplicate it since. That is why I asked what pressure you were spraying at. I spray at 35 psi and it works well for everything except Future. I normally use acrylic so their should not be a difference , but !!!!!!!!!

Lou

[lmsjim]

Lou,
I have no idea. I just pour it from the bottle and spray. No thinning or anything. Never had any pebble finish problems. I do spray it on fairly lightly. That is why I need 5-6 coats usually to get the finish I am after.

Jim

[wlpaul]

Getting a pebbly surface with the first coat of Future isn't all that unusual.  I've herd it's caused by surface tention under certain conditions, but who knows.  Anyway, its not that big of a deal.  Just give the model two or three more light coats and it'll level out.  I usually wind up giving a model four or five light coats before I'm satisfied with it.

-Bill

[lastvautour]

Thank you Bill. Read my response in the B-17 post. I used a sponge to good effect. I will try your idea on the next project which will be a CT-133 (T-33) Red Knight. Thanks for the help.