Beyond The Sprues

Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Aero-space => Topic started by: KiwiZac on February 02, 2015, 03:45:47 AM

Title: Fletcher FU24 topdresser ZK-CBG
Post by: KiwiZac on February 02, 2015, 03:45:47 AM
Hi all,
You may remember the exciting saga of me instigating the production of a run of 1/72 resin Fletcher FU24 topdressing aircraft kits through Unicraft a couple of years back?
(http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a388/ZacYates/Mobile%20Uploads/2013-03/B53B0CEB-390D-4E3E-9306-2A43C29C2C7D_zpsl1epnlky.jpg)

Well my first one is - FINALLY - nearing completion, representing how I'd like to display my 1/1 example when complete. Here's a couple of WIP pics:
(http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a388/ZacYates/DSCF0567_zps100366d5.jpg)
(http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a388/ZacYates/image2_zpshgz4oxi8.jpg)

On one side is its own identity in the colours of James Aviation Limited c.1979, who operated it from manufacture until the mid-1980s, and on the other the scheme of Wanganui Aero Work. Wanganui is my home town, my father and I used to work at the company, and I would ultimately like to display it there.
(http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a388/ZacYates/image3_zpspphvajnq.jpg)
(http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a388/ZacYates/image4_zpsqnrofxg6.jpg)

Considering the real aircraft currently looks like this in my parents' driveway:
(http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a388/ZacYates/Fletchers/P1120281.jpg)

I think this build counts as a hypothetical or What If? build!  ;D
Title: Re: Fletcher FU24 topdresser ZK-CBG
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on February 02, 2015, 05:11:59 AM
Damn!  Nice kit but the wrong scale...
Title: Re: Fletcher FU24 topdresser ZK-CBG
Post by: trickyrich on February 02, 2015, 07:17:19 AM
WOW that's great to see a Fletcher!!!! Looks great, just how I remembered them.

My father use to be one of the Op's managers for James Aviation in the 60's based in Feilding. Went for many a ride in one, either beside the pilot or in the loaders bay!!!

Must get myself one of these!

What's the model like?? It looks a bit better than the usual Unicraft stuff which is always interesting to build!
Title: Re: Fletcher FU24 topdresser ZK-CBG
Post by: Tophe on February 03, 2015, 02:23:52 AM
From your 8 FU24 kits, will you use two for inventing a FU48 Twin-Fletcher? :icon_ninja: :-*
Title: Re: Fletcher FU24 topdresser ZK-CBG
Post by: GTX_Admin on February 03, 2015, 02:25:11 AM
Great work Zac!  When do we start seeing progress on the 1:1 version?

Title: Re: Fletcher FU24 topdresser ZK-CBG
Post by: GTX_Admin on February 03, 2015, 02:25:28 AM
From your 8 FU24 kits, will you use two for inventing a FU48 Twin-Fletcher? :icon_ninja: :-*

Oh yeah! :)
Title: Re: Fletcher FU24 topdresser ZK-CBG
Post by: KiwiZac on February 03, 2015, 05:26:57 AM
Twin Fletcher? Now there's an idea....

Unfortunately I'm missing the key part of an aircraft restoration besides the aircraft: money. I have no money for tools or - what I really need - primer/anti-corrosion treatment paint. My plan is to do the cockpit first (put it on a trailer and take it to shows) before doing the rest of the fuse and wing, as well as collecting the missing parts...which I've put off due to lack of storage.

Anyway. Model. I'll try and finish it this weekend. It's a long weekend as Friday is Waitangi Day, our national day.