Ian M's Phantom

[Ian M]

Well the Venom is in clear coat, so I needed something to do.

A tentative start has been made. I have cut the bang seats off the block and mounted them on a stick, so they are ready to get going on.

The Office IP's are going together, I forgot that Aires sets have the IP as photo etch, with a film behind them. I dropped the film and will be very surprised in any one even notices.

Not much but its a start.

[ATTACH]59561.vB[/ATTACH]

I guess that the instruments would only really show if the systems are on. A bit a paint and glass in I doubt that I'll be able to see them any way.

Ian M

[ATTACH]61343.IPB[/ATTACH]

[flyjoe180]

Very detailed instrument panels there. Looking forward to seeing this develop Ian.

[Guest]

They are nicely detailed panels Ian, I too will be looking forward to there development.

Jim

[Ian M]

Cut the tub and got the bits and bobs primed yesterday.

Today I started to paint them. Pictures later when I have had a chance to really bugger them up lol

Looking at the fit into the cockpit area of the fuselage, it looks like I need to build the resin cockpit totally to find out which bits of the kit have got to go, and how much things are going to need thinning. Always a scary job.

It looks like the nose wheel well is going to be a fun job as the bottom of the resin cockpit looks like its a lot lower down......

Of shopping now so back later. Groan!

Ian M

[Guest]

Hi Ian, Yes the Aires Cockpit is a real pain to fit, it fouled the wheel bay by 3mm on my one. On researching the problem when I did my RN Phantom it would appear that Aires do a special wheel well which allows a correct fit of the tub, or so I am told?? Cheers Derek

p.s. Mine was thr British Phantom FRG.1 Set

[Ian M]

As is mine Derek.

It was your build that made me want this one as well. I'll get the pit sorted, then I'll have a look at the well.

Ian M

[Ian M]

Just grabbed an hour or two while the Spuds where in the oven.

Bang Seats now with harness and pull cords. Still need a bit of paint here and there. Fine detail brushes are in the post!!

I will say now that I would of been much happier if NeOmega did Martin Baker Mk V in 1/48. These are from Aires and the harnesses are in PE and are a pain in the rear to get them to sit.

NeOmega have the whole lot moulded in resin in one lump. A challenge to paint, but they look loads better.

Anyway here are my Aires seats.

[ATTACH]59645.vB[/ATTACH]

Once said detail brushes are in hand, I will have another stab at the IP's 'cause at the moment they are looking rather tatty.

Ian M

[ATTACH]61411.IPB[/ATTACH]

[Dave W]

Those harnesses look pretty good to me.Thinking of getting some resin seats for mine.

[Guest]

Doesn't look tatty to me either Ian, looks mighty fine...I think I had better get my coat with some of the kit you guys are putting together my efforts will pale in comparison.

[flyjoe180]

Nice job on the ejection seats Ian. Don't worry Jim, mine is basic too mate.

[Ian M]

They look OK, just a fiddly job to get them sorted. I prefer the seats with the harnesses moulded on as I think they are finer and look more natural.

As to you guys, saying you are starting to feel below par. NONSENSE! Each to their own! If you are happy with what you do, carry on doing it.

As I said before, most of my builds are out of box. I just tend to go a bit over the top with the goodies on SIG builds.

You are all doing great.

Thanks for the comments. I started hacking at the fuselage, to get the new tub to fit - it would of been nice if there was a guide as to which bits to cut off.

Ian M

[Guest]

You did a cracking job on those harnesses Ian i think they look better than they would have done if moulded but each to his own i say. Nice work mate.

Andy

[michaelm]

Looking really nice Ian, itching to get started on mine but I'm determined to finish the current build first. M

[Ian M]

Oh Poop. I just had to look didn't I.

I was looking at the UC bays, in the kit and then had a look at the resin ones on the web....Big mistake.

So... they are on the way. Along with a radar for the nose, oh and wing folds.....

So I'll have to put a hold on this while the postman fights his way through all the snow!!!!

Will I ever learn. I doubt it.

Ian M

[Ian M]

Well while waiting for the other bits, I chopped the wings ends off! never a nice moment taking a scalpel to an expensive bit of plastic!

Got them off with out any problems though Phew. While at it I freed the ends of the flaps and what nots also gave them a bit more definite edge at the front...

Made up the engine pipes as well three bits of resin and a bit of PE to each. Not the most difficult bit of resin work. The detail in them is about a 100 times better than the kits original parts.

When my mobil/cell phone is charged up, I'll snap a couple and post them.

Ian M