You've probably noticed that its been quite some time since I have started a plastic kit build. I just seem to have lost my mojo for fir recently and although I did make a start on my build of the year entry, Revel F4 Phantom, I just couldn't get into it and have pushed it aside.

After setting up another desk in my hobby room yesterday and moving all the painting things, spray booth, paints etc in doors from the garage I decided to have a play around with this kit. Pictures attached of new setup. The task light is a daylight lamp and I also have an LED day light bulb in the ceiling light

I remember reading a build Jase did of this quite some time ago and how he was totally unimpressed with the fir of the kit, so I though I this might be a challenge and dug out my filler.

I started the usual way of studying the manual and couldn't quite work out Airfix's logic to this build, in my mind it all seems back to front. To that end I am going to tackle this in my own logical way.

I will also be using the Big Blue Boy photo etch kit for this build.

I started off by test fitting the main parts to help get an idea of how I am going to handle it. I have to admit the fit is terrible.

I started by deciding I was going to build the bridge assembly off of the deck, when I went to test fit this back to the deck this is where I realised that the fit problems are with the moulded on parts that you are supposed to use to help you line up the verticle sections. After cutting off these parts I found that the bridge sub assembly section fit like a dream.

I carried out in this manner by cutting the parts off of the deck that I needed to make the bridge assembly continuing with the smoke stack too. Its worked out rather nicely, just some filler needed around the edges now.

Once this has had a good time to dry I will start sanding off the details that will be replaced with PE.

Nice Etch set for the kit and should be an interesting build

Thanks guys

I was really stuck as to what to build and for a long time now just kept taking a box out and having a look through then changing my mind and putting it away. I think finally getting everything into one room again is what made it change. I'm really enjoying this so far so it's looking good

Thanks Jase, at the moment it's lots of filler and sanding, I'm determined to make a good job of it so patience is going to be key with this one I think

Whilst waiting for the Mr Surfacer to arrive Ive carried by starting to apply the etch to various parts. Very slow work

Your really getting the best out of this kit

I did the same regarding removing the tabs, Airfix seemed to have designed parts to pull away from there position lol
Etch looks fab

Jase

Always great to see something different Dave, you're certainly cracking on and getting the best out of this it, well done.....

Regards

Alan

Great work Dave. Always like it when a Warship is built.
Look forward to your progress.
Chris

Thanks for your comments Chris and Mick.

I am now carrying on with this along side my Phantom. At the moment Im still at the photo etch attaching phase but have now purchased an Optivisor which is so much help and making things easier

One of the missle bay hatches seem to have disappeared so we will just say that that one was fired off