The Monogram
molding is old but decent none the less, with a very nicely detail
cockpit, wheel-bay, engine compartment, and dropped flaps. Although it
does have raise panel lines, but the are very fine and well molded.
You are
also supplied with two nose deckings, one with and one without the
forward-firing machine gun. I built the kit straight out of the box, with
the exception of the masking tape seat belts.
The kit goes
together well, with only a bit of work having to go into the cockpit and
nose section to get a good fit, and allow sufficient area and gap for the
canopy to give a good fit, although I never did get it quite right as
after matching up the five canopy components there was a gap found, so all
we do is open the canopy! But with care you can obtain a good fit.
Click on
images below to see larger images
The aircraft
was painted to represent and example of the SAAF during the mid 50's.
The
aircraft was Natural Metal, with Dark Sea Grey (Humbrol 164) wings and
anti-glare panel and had Yellow bands on the wings wing tips and fuselage
band. Springbok roundels are found in all three positions with small
serial numbers on the tail, larger serials in a yellow, outline in black
rectangle under the cockpit, and also under the wings.
The debate is always
how to get the perfect natural metal finish, well there is only one thing to
do... Use METAL!
I covered the model in
normal lightweight kitchen foil and used the Microscale, "Metal Foil
Adhesive," as most other glues don't work to secure the foil, I tried!
The
glue is applied to the foil, left to dry out and the foil then applied to the
model, rubbing it down with cotton buds and removing the creases with a tooth
pick. Each panel was done individually, and I am very happy with the outcome,
specially seeing its only my first try at foiling!
Wing walk-ways were
painted on, propeller and landing gear added and flaps deployed...ready for
take-off!!!
Michiel
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