UPDATE: SU-2 (BB-1) WIP

I fixed up some items on the base paint I didn't like.  Now its good.  I need to paint some other detail items (MG barrels, exhaust, etc) and seal it in for the decals and wreathing....BUT WAIT!  Must install the landing gear first!

My BB-1 in War Thunder.  I have bombed a few dudes in this sucker.  I prefer it with 6 100KG bombs to maximize my tank and AFV bombing power.



WAR THUNDER: Ground Forces Realistic Game Play

As you guys know, I play War Thunder.  Lately I have been playing more Ground Forces in realistic mode (no enemy tags or markers), where you start out with tanks and if you score enough points, can get the ability to re-spawn other tanks on your line up OR aircraft. 

So here I was with my M4A3 105mm Sherman assault gun, driving around an urban environment, when I turn the corner and see a German PZ 4 F2 just sitting there showing me his side armor!  HELLO THERE JUICY TARGET.   Good thing I had a HEAT round loaded and fired.  Hit that sucker in the side and the round set up the internal magazine and blew the turret clean off!  Love this game.

 There is me "PanzerBill" in the Sherman (red letters) 1 second before firing. 

UPDATE: SU-2 WIP

So, it's been a while, apologies.   Been a tough few months.  In the mean time, I got some "trigger" time.  Here are some photos of the assemblies, masking and painting of the aircraft.  This model, though sold as an SU-2, is actually a BB-1.  Leave it up to Zvezda to make the mistake. 

I used Tamiya paints on the colors of this plane. 

 Filling and sanding seems.

 Adding Citadel wash to the copper color on the exhaust.

 Ammo of Mig White Primer

 Tamiya XF-3 Green base coat. 

You can see the pre-shading of the panel lines.

 Using Tamiya NATO Black instead of pure black. I also messed up and colored the WRONG infill in one spot.  OOPS!  Can you find it?  LOL

Finished Upper paint scheme.

Under belly pre-shading, quick and sloppy. 

Used Tamyia colors for this too.  Added one tiny drop of darker blue to get that Soviet Blue feel.

Done-ish

I have to extend the black onto the top of the cowling.  Touch up the blue lines to match up as well (underneath).

Misted some green lightly over entire model to fade the black camo a bit.  Plane will get a nice amount of weathering, so I didn't want the camo to look too new.

Over all, I like it.  The silly putty I used left an oily residue stain on the green paint.  I guess going fwd, I maybe need to seal the paint before applying???  TBD.

New Book Review: Vol. 1 Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Cockpits)

I am NOT a plane builder as most of you know.  Tanks and AFVs are my deal BUT I am liking aircraft more and more these days.  Being I do not know much of the DETAILS of planes, I am always looking for reference materials and help on techniques. 

I reached out to Iain of Ammo for help with cockpits.  I have done 3 planes before, with all 3 being started and completed with in the last year....at least it feels that way.  Two 1:72 and on 1:48 aircraft.  You can see my planes here, just look on the right side of your screen for them under the categories.

Anyway, Iain sent me a copy of Encyclopedia of Aircraft Vol. 1 Cockpits.  This was JUST what the Dr. ordered.   This book is FULL of useful tips and advice on painting, etch metal, fine detailing, you name it.  Some of it is beyond what I want to do, but its good to know about it and learn, maybe there will come a time in the future.  Photos.   This book is LOADED with great and helpful photos.  I mean really good stuff. 

I know I will be getting the rest of the series.  They consist of everything else you need to know about making model aircraft.  You can be a noob to planes like me, OR a long time modeler of them.  This series is great for everyone cause it is full of useful advise and techniques relayed via text and great detailed photos.  I HIGHLY recommend this book and the entire series.  Why the entire series if I have ONLY seen this one Vol?  Cause if Vol. 1 is this good, the rest must be fantastic too!

Please visit Ammo of Mig at either links to buy these books. 

http://www.migjimenez.com/en/

http://www.ammomigjimenez-usa.com/

DeMag D7 Finished - WIP

Finally after over a decade that this was started, it is FINALLY done. 

SU-2 Light Soviet Bomber WW2 - NEW BUILD WIP

Well, the FB group has started a new group build, which I liked the topic ANY BOMBER ANY ERA.  I have a Soviet SU-2 early model that I am building for this.  Not crazy about the standard camo, but I will need to brain storm this a bit. 

The model detail on the outside is nice.  It is a Zvezda kit.  I have heard horror stories about this brand, but they do offer nice subjects.  The panel and rivet detail is ok, but not too deep into the plastic, but the cockpit is CRAP! Here is what I have so far:

Box Art

freaking small pieces

Gaps!!!

Tried to fill gaps with liquid putty

I never understand why some companies don't think their injection mark locations better. 

Fit issues?

Trying to make it fit right.

 

After one wing glued tight, the other side is just flopping in the wind!

Tape and cement

Here it is with wings glued, and rest of it taped for a test fit.  minus the tail that needs tape, its did go together ok, just a lot of pressing, cement and tape.

Mig-21PF: Update WIP and Finale

So after cramming 85+ hours into 3 weeks, I have finished this build for the Group Build of "The Basement Air Force" a FB group.  Won first place for it.  Fun group to be a part of.  Great model to work on.  My NEXT Mig-21 will NOT be a NMF type. 

Lower Alclad2 Panel masking

After landing gear masking removed.

Decals start.  See the TINY little blue ones?

SOOO many Decals.

Good quality decals on this Eduard kit

Used my current favorite, Micro Set to set up the process, Micro Sol to finish.  Many layers of Sol went on to get rid of any imperfections. 

First time putting decals on a MISSILE

Missiles on

Panel line Washes with my favorite Ammo of Mig!

This is great stuff right out of the bottle.

DONE!

Done, and this time with a 60's themed camera effect.