Trumpeter 1/32 Dauntless

[BarryW]

This is my second Trumpy 1/32 Dauntless, the first one I built as a USAAF Banshee[ATTACH]294670[/ATTACH]
I loved that build and promised myself that I would build a second.

The plastic fit was outstanding, up to Tamiya standards and the kit was let down only by the terrible decals, stiff p.e for the seatbelts and a sagging undercairrage.

Below is the box top:
[ATTACH]294669[/ATTACH]
And I am dealing with the issues with these masks and SAC u/c
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I have decided to build the RNZAF (top)

I am currently trying to find an alternative seat harness.

Tonight I start preparations and hopefully will cut some plastic.

[Dave W]

This should be a pleasure to build after that awful Mig.

[Steve Brodie]

chair pulled up :smiling:

[Vaughan]

Barry what decals are you going to use? the Dauntless I was building back in 2014 is still on the bench somewhere minus the decals as with good old Trumpeter they fell apart.

[BarryW]

Barry what decals are you going to use? the Dauntless I was building back in 2014 is still on the bench somewhere minus the decals as with good old Trumpeter they fell apart.

I am using masks Vaughan.
There are three lots on this page depending on which Dauntless you are building. There are various sets of masks depending on exactly what you want. Worth exploring.
http://www.montex-mask.com/en/ofertaShow.php?skala=1/32&maska=SUPER MASK&current=super_mask_1_32

It is always worth checking out masks for any build, particularly in 1/32 but they look better whatever the scale. I will never use Trumpeter or Tamiya decals as they are so useless.

Another provider are these:

http://shop.maketar.com/?product_cat=aircraft-insignia-markings

The great thing with Maketar is the wide range of 'utility' masks and sets of insignia etc that are generic rather than aircraft specific. You can always find so,ething from either of these.

I find masks easier to use than decals anyway.

[Vaughan]

Thanks for the info will give them a look. I need to get my Dauntless sorted it's been far too long on the back burner.

[BarryW]

Thanks for the info will give them a look. I need to get my Dauntless sorted it's been far too long on the back burner.

It a great kit and well worth finishing...

[BarryW]

I have made a start on the internals...

There is a film for the instrument panel and it needs some cutting.
[ATTACH]294772[/ATTACH]
It is glued to a transparency, I used Gorilla Glue and when it dries it will be nice and clear
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My plan is to place a drop of liquid mask on each dial and to then spray black. I will mask with tape the areas that will need to stay black and then spray Zinc Chromate. Once the masking is removed we should have a nice i.p. ready for a little more detail painting and weathering. I might 'glaze' the instruments though, depending on how they look.

Having just finished that Special Hobby I really appreciate the thoughtful engineering of this kit. If it was SH there would be no positive location for the pedals below. These parts just push so well into place with no issues of fit or worry over whether it is in the right place. Given the complexity of the pit with interlocking parts, getting the parts in exactly the right position is crucial.
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The plastic on Trumpy kits is nice and crisply molded with a few minor seam lines and little or no flash needing only a quick wipe with a sanding stick , file or trim with a knife. All in all this is so refreshing after SH and Revell.

This is how I left it last night.
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This is a very complex cockpit and there is a lot more to do before we join the fuselage halves.

[BarryW]

Fitted the ip and masked the dials with liquid mask using a cocktail stick.
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I cannot find suitable seat harnesses in the aftermarket so I am using the kit pe.

I am applying some Mr Metal Primer first the prepare the pieces. I am not a fan of pe but now I have some specialist tools it is a lot more manageable.
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Test fitting is essential. It is a complex pit with lots of interlocking pieces. As yet I have barely touched the surface of what is going to be inside and making sure the bulkheads are at the right angle is essential. Test fitting and applying some drops of cement to fix the position.
[ATTACH]294832[/ATTACH]

I am priming the interior with black but using sand yellow primer for the seatbelts [ATTACH]294834[/ATTACH]

Primed and ready.
[ATTACH]294835[/ATTACH]

[BarryW]

I have finished the cockpit floor assembly, painted and weathered. I am rather pleased with how it came out. The instructions say Zinc Chromate for the interior but a little research suggested Interior Green instead so that is what I went with.
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I then also completed the engine. This is a very nice little sub assembly as well, but not much of this (or the cockpit) can be seen once it has been buttoned up. I could have added detail but decided not to do so.

[ATTACH]295079[/ATTACH]

I just need to add some oil leaks to finish it off. The metal powders are a brilliant product for this kind of thing.

I will now be carrying on with the cockpit as there is a lot more to build up attached to the fuselage sides. The floor above will slot in like a jigsaw piece just before closing her up.

After my last two builds it is so nice to be back with such a well engineered and fitting kit.... If you have not built one of these I thoroughly recommend it.

[colin m]

That all looks very nice. Based on another of your recommendations, I might have to try some of these magical metal powders. I've already bought the chrome pen.

[Vaughan]

Looking good Barry plenty of nice detail. Completely agree with you it all slots together with no hassles.

[BarryW]

More progress.

Remaining internals all ready to paint [ATTACH]295160[/ATTACH]

Primed then Interior Green.
[ATTACH]295161[/ATTACH]
Detail next

[BarryW]

I have been making more progress...

I have started work on the undercarriage
[ATTACH]295241[/ATTACH]
The tyres are vinyl but are actually very good and I cannot see a seam.

I have been doing the detail painting on the rest of the interior parts. These will need weathering tonight.
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Also started work on the wing.
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This build is progressing well with no dramas and no issues - just what I enjoy, a relaxing build.

[colin m]

All looks very nice. Funny though, that document / map wallet, looks exactly the same as Tamiya's one found in the Corsair. It must be standard USAF issue.