Bedford MK Tanker Tactical Aircraft Refueller 1/76 scale

This kit was bit rough in terms of quality. It went to gether OK but required quite a bit of test fitting sanding and filling on the tank and pump housing. It was painted as an RAF station vehicle. The wing mirrors were scratch built. It looks ok but is noticably undersized next to 1/72 scale models.

This was my first modelling project (appart from wargames figures) of 2010 nice to start with a simple one.

The decals were complete crap they refused to separate from the backing sheet even after a 1/2 hour soak. when I tried to ease them off they came appart. In the end I actually cut them out and attached them with PVA glue. The Union Jack flag was a spare from another set.

Gentlemen,

it's been a while - long time no post!

From the scale modeller's perspective, 2009 was a terrible year for me. My job has taken such a toll that my modelling activities were downsized to the absolute minimum. Thank god, things have started to regain momentum, and by now, I'm back on track.

I've been having a soft spot for Soviet jets since I first started scale modelling, so it was merely a matter of time until a quarter-scale MiG-19 would make its way to my bench. After a three-week build I finished this one in late 2009.

My model is representing the MiG-19's "PM" interceptor version, solely armed with air-to-air missiles.







Neomega cockpit set, Quickboost air scoops and a Hi-Decal Line sheet make up great companions for Trumpeter's MiG-19PM kit.
Taking a closer look at the nose section of radar-equipped 19's, you may spot that the kit has some severe shape issues, hence inaccurately reproducing the geometry of the entire section in front of the pilot's office. Any attempt to fix this will result in a massive "surgical intervention". So I decided to leave it as it is.





Such inconsistency is primarily owed to the fact that our friends in far east had decided (for economical reasons) to covert all major MiG-19 variants by adding only different intake sections to a fuselage which is identical to all offered MiG-19 version they had released.





Adding Neomegas cockpit set to an otherwise great kit vastly enhances the overall model. The tub only requires a moderate amount of spadework. Once accomplished, the tub fits like a glove.


The paintjob:

Step 1)
Priming the overall model with Mr.Surfacer 1200. Then gentle wet-sanding with 2000-grit Micromesh.

Step 2)
Overall coat of dark grey (RLM 66) to accentuate the brilliance and depth of the upcoming Alclad spray.





Step 3)
Application of Alclad Duraluminum to the entire model.

Step 3.1)
Masking particular panels and areas and applying a thin coat of Alclad Dark Aluminum, Steel and Stainless.





Having accomplished steps 1 to 3, the basic paintjob is done, resulting in a homogeneous, brilliant NMF.
Well, a bit too uniform for my share. In order to loosen this evenness, I highlighted selected surface sections by applying patchy sprays of Model Master Metalizer (Aluminum).

A coat of high gloss clear cote sets the stage for decalling. Using those HDL decals was a treat - pin sharp printing and flawless handling requiring only subtle use of decal softener. Applying strokes of Gunze Smoke allowed me to kill two birds with one stone: Postshading
all panel lines and achieving the same effect as with a classic oil-wash.





During the final stage, I applied an overall coat of Polly Scale Flat Varnish to underline the slightly worn in-service appearance of a second-generation Soviet jet interceptor sitting on its ramp being fully exposed to the elements.





It's good to be back!

Cheers,
Erik

Hello Chaps

Here is another Armortek Panther G that I have repainted for a customer. Enjoy. All done with tamiya acylics, Johnsons Klear, valeigo ,and matt varnish

lee