I bought a set of Akan paints to for the Aegean Ghost scheme on a Greek F-4E, but before I attempted to use the Akan, I wanted to try it out on a more low-risk (ie. more cheaply replaceable) model, so I pulled an old Airfix Pe-2 out of the stash, and bought a set of Akan paints for that (which if I like the paint, I'll also use on an IL-4).
I was thinking OOB build, but when I saw all that glass under the nose, and saw how bare the cockpit was, I decided I'd have to add some details. I also didn't like the way the dive brakes looked - they were solid instead of "ribbed." So I got out some tools and opened up the airbrakes. There were also no guns extending from the nose, so used some brass pieces I had left over from a Firefly brass gun set I had, drilled out the areas and inserted. I'll next have to build out the actual gun bodies and some bracing in the interior nose section, because again, you'll see it from the bombardier's glass section underneath. Here's how I opened up the airbrakes:
First, on the ends, I just used a razor saw to slide down between the ribs. Next, I attacked one section at a time, starting with a micro drill running down between the ribs.
Next, I used a scribing tool to thin off the area drilled. I couldn't use the scribing tool to cut all the way through because it is too thick (sorry the pic is a bit blurry).
Next, I used the corner of the razor saw to cut through and open up the gap:
Then I used a different saw blade I have from a Tamiya saw set. The teeth are a bit rough, but the height of the blade allows for it to fit between the rib runners, and I very gingerly sawed out the space:
Then I cut strips of sandpaper, attached to my third-hand tweezers, and smoothed the edges:
End result:
I did break the second one, and had to glue back together!
Here are a couple of pics of the brass gun barrels. The kit only had an indention for a single gun on the starboard side, so I drilled out the port side. In some photos it looks like the two guns were actually different calibers, so I duplicated that look. (you can see the start of some of my other detailing work begun...I'll show more of that as it progresses.)
A PE-2? Really!! Nobody does a PE-2! Surprise. I like to see the obscure stuff......a PE-2. Cool plane.
What???!!! Are you calling me a Nobody?!!
I do LOVE to do subjects that are not common, or even if somewhat common, I like to choose schemes that aren't often seen. You know - variety is the spice of life!
Couple of more pics of the scratch build effort - since these, I've got it painted, the seats in, and just about ready to close up the fuselage. I'll take a few more pics before I seal it and post later.
Also got the wings together, nacelles on, and am opening up the air intakes and exhausts. Pretty soon will have all the major sub assemblies together.
Now that is a true modeler. Scratch building details. The differance between a good model and a better model.
For the pilot/gunner, I used .7mm masking tape for chute harnesses, painted off white according to reference photos. The legless gunner was from the kit, the pilot from spares box. I also fabbed some pedals (although they're a bit thick for scale) since you will be able to see through the bomb aimers window underneath. I thought I took pics of the interior already done and had posted, but I must have lost the pics - I'll take a few and post tomorrow.
Here are a couple of shots of the front office, just prior to closing it up. More of the details I added kinda became invisible once the crew was added! Oh well...
By the way - don't you just love the "ray gun" look of that gun that the gunner uses? After I saw this pic (which magnifies it quite substantially) I thought I should have done some surgery on it!! Now I may have to decide if this is a Sci-Fi project or an Aircraft!!!
Will it be ready for the meeting tues? I kid you. It is looking good.
So with the punch and die set, I created the tape dots I needed to mask the corners of the canopy framing, as it has rounded corners. The "dots" were too small to actually punch from the tape, as it just made a hole in the tape itself, so I had to apply the tape to thin plasticard, then punch out the tape/plastic, then peel the tape from the plastic dots and apply to the canopy. This is all I got done on the 4th before family plans took over the day. Now just have to fill everything in, attach
to the model, figure out how to mask over the turret section that inserts into the open end of this piece (the frames of which I've already painted), and I'm ready to try out my airbrush for the first time in almost 3 decades...
The earth is shaking. Greg picks up an air brush. Good luck, you will come over to the spraying side.
Improvise, adapt and over come. Nice going on the tape use.
The PE-2 is feeling neglected. Deprioritized when the B25 hit the work bench.
The PBJ was a time-filler while I secured all the accoutrements for my new life in airbrushing - though I will say it probably did divert some time that I COULD have been firing up the brush - kind of a tug-o-war between the known and the unknown...
This is the third subject I've airbrushed, and the first one that required multi-color masking. Used Akan paints for this - like them pretty good but took me until the third color to get the paint/thinner ratio right. I was a tad careless because I plan to overcoat with temp winter camo, so knew the mistakes would be well hidden. Will use a Tamiya blue on the bottom, then be ready for gloss and decals.
Looking good and can't wait to see it in real life. A built Pe-2, amazing..to me.. Nice going.