Tamiya F15C Eagle 1/32 scale

[BarryW]

My next big modern jet build. Just he F18 after this and I am back to my favourite WW2 subjects.

The box:


some additions:


I have not definitely decided to use the a/m scheme as there is some flexibility with the paint job. Hopefully, looking at this subject and the kit and a/m schemes I should not have a problem getting some accurate markings together as, if necessary, there is scope to mix and match between sets when a decal splinters....

I have ordered an Edward I.p. set as well.

all ready to start...

[Steven000]

Another big bird, I'm in :thumb2:
Have fun!
Steven

[Dave Ward]

That's a biggie! Following with interest.
Dave

[BarryW]

I have got started pulling together sub-assemblies for the cockpit ready to paint while waiting for the Eduard i.p.

here is the tub

Some parts for the areaa behind the pilot and control stick

I do like the resin ejection seats you can get. They are much better than the kit parts, even with Tamiya. I find cutting them away from the block and tidying them up a bit of a challenge. The vulnerable handles at the front of the seat broke. The one to the right was in one piece and glued back easily and perfectly, the left one was in two pieces and was a real challenge. I nearly didn't bother as it wont be seen, tucked down in the tub, but in the end i managed it. A bit bodged but as it wont be visable it doesnt really matter.


Finally some part for the front u/c .


Lot of nuts and screws in this kit plus metal u/c legs.

[BarryW]

While awaiting the i.p. I have been getting on with sub-assemblies.

I dont know what detail will have to be removed from the the ip and panels but the parts are ready.


More cockpit parts.


Trunking fixed into place


Intakes - they are hinged and should not be glued.


The gun fixed into place.


The top and bottom fuselage halves fit well secured with screws.


Some advice for when you build Tamiya kits - do all this and you cannot go wrong...

First, every time you sit at your bench for a session with a Tamiya kit, say slowly at least three times 'Tamiya San knows best'.... that will help get you into the right frame of mind.
WARNING - this does not work with any other manufacturers products....

Then if something does not fit ask yourself, what did I do wrong?
check the instructions, check the fit, look closely and work out where you went wrong. Correct and test fit again....

[BarryW]

I am really enjoying the building phase but I do hope the pe comes soon so I can decide what detail needs sanding off....

anyway. I have been working on the exhaust nozzles, lots and lots of pieces that come together beautifully.

[adt70hk]

While awaiting the i.p. I have been getting on with sub-assemblies.

I dont know what detail will have to be removed from the the ip and panels but the parts are ready.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]n1121680[/ATTACH]

More cockpit parts.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]n1121681[/ATTACH]

Trunking fixed into place
[ATTACH=CONFIG]n1121678[/ATTACH]

Intakes - they are hinged and should not be glued.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]n1121679[/ATTACH]

The gun fixed into place.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]n1121677[/ATTACH]

The top and bottom fuselage halves fit well secured with screws.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]n1121676[/ATTACH]

Some advice for when you build Tamiya kits - do all this and you cannot go wrong...

First, every time you sit at your bench for a session with a Tamiya kit, say slowly at least three times 'Tamiya San knows best'.... that will help get you into the right frame of mind.
WARNING - this does not work with any other manufacturers products....

Then if something does not fit ask yourself, what did I do wrong?
check the instructions, check the fit, look closely and work out where you went wrong. Correct and test fit again....

Barry

Thanks for the tip. I have what will be my first Tamiya kit in the stash.

I will remember your wise words!!

ATB

Andrew

[BarryW]

Barry

Thanks for the tip. I have what will be my first Tamiya kit in the stash.

I will remember your wise words!!

ATB

Andrew

Enjoy it Andrew

[Jim R]

Hi Barry
Another big Tamiya kit for you to work your magic on. Already the quality is showing. Hope the PE comes soon and is not too delayed with the current crisis.
Jim

[BarryW]

Well, this arrived in the post.....


so I can get on now with the pit.

First up is detail removal. When I first bought one of these sets, years ago, I chickened out at removing detail..... but since then I have braced myself and have now used these successfully twice, but there are some lessons to learn.

First, there is no rule to say that every piece of p.e. has to be used. Some parts are impossibly small and are almost impossible to use in the way they are supposed to. Beside which, half of these small parts will ping off and get lost and half of those small parts that you do manage to attach will, almost unnoticed, fall or get knocked off and lost. I have never yet succeeded in attaching a small p.e. lever’s end to the face of the i.p...... Sometimes it just is not worth the stress of worrying about it.

What is important is to do enough to improve on the kit detail, that is it..... other than that life is too short.

Anyway to start with detail removal.... the easiest bit first...


above, done and ready to paint before attaching p.e.

Here is the i.p. half way through sanding.


some lessons I learned. First you just need a flat surface for the glue to grip and hold the p.e. You don’t need, or want, a perfectly smooth polished surface. Second, use a sanding stick that bites, a fine one is no good and, let it do the work. Don’t rush, take it easy. Detail may need to be left on so carefully work around it. One trick is not to ‘round’ edges so use slow careful, even strokes of the stick, oh, did I say don’t rush.

i.p. done


I then glued the smaller bit on as it is best painted in-situ, attaching the p.e. to it won’t be a problem.



Here is the tub before detail removal...

And after, note the detail left on...


Except look at this.....

I need to cut that part away carefully flush to the bottom. I was not looking forward to that but I do have a fine razor saw, which is the right tool for the job. So brace myself, slowly does it.....


oooohhhh ‘errr missus, as in the words of the great Frankie Howard, It worked...
J

I did not catch the part in the photo but it is in one piece and I set it aside to paint and attach later... phewww

i am now ready to apply some primer.

here is a shot of the subs awaiting the primer....


And, to show how much I got done during lockdown while awaiting the p.e.....



I have a little bit of seam sanding on the main airframe to do and I will throw some black primer into the exhausts and intakes. I will then close up some hatches and attach a few parts before priming the airframe.

[Vaughan]

Great progress Barry the pe look very detailed.

[BarryW]

It is a nice set Vaughan.

[BarryW]

I will miss this extra bench time when the lockdown is over.....

I have been trying to upload about 10 progress photos but something is wrong. Something about 'images not as expected'...

Anyone encountered this before?

I have tried all at once and a few at a time, then I tried one i uploaded before and that did not work either...

[topgazza]

That is a quality kit for sure Barry. Your work is only adding to that. Shame its such a BIG aircraft as I quite fancy that myself

[scottie3158]

Barry,
Count me in for this. There is a problem somewhere we are unable to upload photos at the moment.