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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 24, 2009 12:39:11 GMT 12
That looks interesting - can you tell us a little about the specific aircraft you plan to model? What's with that interesting colour scheme, and all the modifications? Was it going for a speed record or something. It sounds sleeker.
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Post by Craig Sargent on Feb 24, 2009 20:52:11 GMT 12
Dave, What you are seeing is actually the F-18 prototype that first flew on Nov 18, 1978 just over 30 years ago. Decided it a fitting tribute to finish one of the least modelled Hornet variants. Plan is to follow up, sooner or later, with an F/A-18C which was painted in the prototype colours for the 30th anniversary, by way of comparison in the display cabinet. www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=66608 |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 24, 2009 23:02:43 GMT 12
Ah right. I never realised the prototype was painted in Marine colours.
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Post by Bruce on Feb 24, 2009 23:11:48 GMT 12
If I recall correctly, one side says "Marines" the other says "NAVY"
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Post by Craig Sargent on Feb 25, 2009 4:08:04 GMT 12
Bruce, you are correct. Bit hard to see here in this later period image. Note the short span outer flaperons, dropped in this shot. Not usual for later Hornets. Also note missing lower AIM-7 fins in the first photo above (which I also plan to do).  |
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Post by corsair67 on Feb 25, 2009 13:15:49 GMT 12
It is good to see someone doing something a little different, and it's also hard to believe that the Hornet design is now over 30 years old. Keep us posted on how this progresses once you are settled into your new abode.  |
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Post by Craig Sargent on Feb 26, 2009 11:44:01 GMT 12
Made some good progress last night. I removed the lower LEX pieces from the bottom fuselage piece, opened up the LEX slots on the upper fuelsage half using a knife and razor saw, and attached the lower LEX parts to the upper fuselage piece to ease later construction. I also boxed in the ladder well at the same time, but I still have to box in the modified LEX slots now and close the gaping holes in the side of the fuselage.
I removed all of the formation lights and started modifying the tail fins, as well as filling the attachment points for the fin fillets.
Added the preliminary dogtooth shape to the leading edge of the tailplanes, but still need to refine the shape some more. Removed the vents from the back of the Sparrow fairings and removed the ECM blisters under the fuselage.
Glued the two nose halves together, drilled a hole in the nosecone to accept the new probe and started filling the gun gas vents on the underside of the nose.
All in all a very productive evening, but as the camera is packed for moving, it will be a little while before I can get pics.
The way things are progressing, it looks like the Revell kit will be redundant, but just using it for a guide for modifications. Does anyone know of a good set of drawings of the Hornet prototype?
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 8, 2009 15:47:47 GMT 12
At these competitions do the judges get made aware previously of what the suject actually depicts? Are they made aware of all the conversion involved in a kit like this and take it into account? Or do they just turn up and pick the most appealling models to them personally?
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Post by Craig Sargent on Mar 12, 2009 0:29:18 GMT 12
Dave,
At the comps it's not really either first and foremost. Emphasis of the judges is on modelling skills - construction, seam filling, alignment, painting.
Work done on any kit is submitted by the builder on the entry form, and that is taken into account also for "extra credit".
The harder the kit to build, and the better the end result, the more likely it is to place/do well.
It is never (or should never be) subjective based on what the judges find appealing, but based on a standard set of guidelines as mentioned above.
Something like this or Anthony's Rescue chopper would be picked over/scrutinised more because of the hacking that was done, but would also carry more weight if executed well due to the conversion/correction work and hopefully the quality of the result.
"Wow" factor and appeal are usually what sways the Public Favourite vote, as that is an award based on what the public likes and votes on (mainly based on aesthetic appeal, not modelling prowess) i.e "big is good".
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 13, 2009 13:00:45 GMT 12
Thanks. That makes sense.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 26, 2009 9:05:25 GMT 12
Very nice work
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Post by corsair67 on Mar 26, 2009 13:19:46 GMT 12
Gee, that is coming along very nicely. There's a lot more work than I'd imagined involved in the modification process, but it is really starting to look like the real deal.  |
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Post by agalbraith on Mar 27, 2009 19:51:23 GMT 12
Wow, that is beautiful!
That is definately my favourite Hornet scheme. You work so cleanly and crisp. She is going to be a stunner!
Cheers
Anthony
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