First models in NZ

[Marcus]

Hi all

I have always enjoyed building scale models. Unfortunately I had to leave my collection in SA when we came over to NZ four years ago. The following are some of my first attempts in NZ. The Fw 190 is the 1/72 Airfix kit. I hand painted this model as I did not have a compressor for my my airbrush. Not as smooth a finish as I would have liked but at least I finished it. I have heaps of unfinished models all waiting for a compressor but decided I had to FINISH something before I bought anything new so decided to handpaint the Fw 190. Finishing it was more important then getting it 100% correct!!!





The little German reconnaissance set is also from Airfix and are 1/76 scale.



Dedicated airbrush compressors are a tad to expensive for me at this time so I went and bought a standard 2HP 24litre compressor at Bunnings for $89 (Dedicated airbrush compressors are going for between $300 - $800 on TradeMe) My first project with the new compressor is the Heller (Airfix) Skyraider. I am building this one “out of the box” as I am using it to “experiment” with the new compressor and my oooollddd airbrush. I must say the first “test” has come out very good. Will finish it in the next few days.




Regards

Marcus (The SA one, not the hairy one… ;D)

[Kereru]

Well done Marcus, keep at it.

My days of model making are well gone and i do get the urge sometimes but there is just no room in our house at present. It is good to see photos of models here and the impressive collection Bruce had on display at the Forum get together recently. I look forward to seeing more from you on here in future.

Colin

[Marcus]

Hi all

I have finally finished my Skyraider. Started about seven years ago then packed away and now finally finished. But now after looking at the pics I might not be so sure

This was an old Airfix kit but sold under the Heller brand. I built her straight from the box decals and all which are very good I must say. I used her as a “testing” model for my new compressor and cheap TradeMe airbrush. At the end of the day I only used my old trusty Badger singel action airbrush. Must say I am very happy with the outcome of my spraying endeavors.

Good references in the form of period photos are hard to come by. Most photos are b/w which is no help considering that the aircraft was painted dark sea blue while in service. I contemplated giving her a matt finish but most of the modern sea blue “warbird” Skyraiders are glossy is appearance. In hindsight I might have used a satin cote instead of a pure glossy finish as I think she is too glossy… but so we learn! I added very little weathering, mainly to the bombs, rockets and a nip here and there on the prop and leading edges. I painted in the traditional oily exhaust stains but they are not that clearly visible in the pic.

The model is not your modern top of the range and thus expensive variety and has several inaccuracies, the arrestor hook being a good example. The kit is nevertheless a cheap and fun to build. I like her beefy and warlike pose. To sum up. A nice, uncomplicated (if your fingers are small enough to get each rocket on without breaking the others off) model to build. I had fun building her and at the end of the day that is what modeling is all about!!!

Groete

Marcus

[Dave Homewood]

I like the Skyraider, well done!