Beyond The Sprues
Modelling => Completed GBs => Group and Themed Builds => Informal Lockdown/COVID-19 GB => Topic started by: Robomog on April 01, 2020, 07:26:24 AM
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Hi all
Back in February 2019 I opened a sort of time capsule containing five aircraft one of which was an old Airfix DH Heron.
It was pretty battered and had not had a sheltered journey from the 70s. Its transfers were peeling, the paint was faded and covered in dust and grime.
But on the plus side it was relatively intact including four complete propellers and all the landing gear, the only major part missing was the passenger door.
I couldn't think of any thing to do with it at the time so it went into the drawer of possibilities (not the box of doom mark you) to await its fate...... until now that is..........
(https://live.staticflickr.com/7806/46089250895_940555e391_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ddKsyP) (https://flic.kr/p/2ddKsyP) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
There it is at the back, the EE Lightning in the foreground is currently in pieces whilst undergoing a restoration but has stalled because I'm having trouble reviving the canopy.
So first job is to disassemble the aircraft as I need to buff up the transparencies and also add some nose weight when I put it back together.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49718539422_c3e688defd_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iKsvAW) (https://flic.kr/p/2iKsvAW) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
Also it's easier to widen the passenger door to allow easier access for stretchers, I don't plan to do any internal detail it depends on if I have to ditch the transparencies and use Klearfix
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49718217511_c028efed41_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iKqRUK) (https://flic.kr/p/2iKqRUK) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
Currently removing the old decals...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49718515992_5ed1873b32_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iKsoCY) (https://flic.kr/p/2iKsoCY) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
More when it happens.......
Mog
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Sounds like a natural role for the Heron! Its distant cousin the DHA Drover was used in that capacity.
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Nice cutout for the door. How are you going to make the new door?
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Interesting find Mr Rat it really looks like the missing link between the DH Dove and Heron
Frank3k - Not to sure about the door looking to create square frame, filling edges, then inserting card doors and sanding them to fusalage profile.
Mog
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:smiley:
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Wow stored that long yet completely intact! What a find!
You're off to a wizard start, Mog!
Brian da Basher
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Hi all
Small progress update
While the plane is in pieces I have installed the nose weights to stop it being a tail sitter
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49735544348_d916b58d6a_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iLXEzj) (https://flic.kr/p/2iLXEzj) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
I've installed the rear door panel, but its going to take some PSR to complete. The side of the aircraft at the tail looks fairly flat but as you can see from the second shot it's quite curvy.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49736402332_8f1aa87c11_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iM34C9) (https://flic.kr/p/2iM34C9) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49736085926_f1cf5d28e6_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iM1ryS) (https://flic.kr/p/2iM1ryS) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
I have backed this up with some sprue to give it some strength for when I start sanding. Once I've got it profiled I'll scribe on the outline and add some hinge/latch details.
I am currently in the process of reviving the glazing, doing some detailing of the wheel wells and generally tidying up the joints of the wings more of that in the next post ........
Thanks for looking
Mog
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There is something about these reviva builds that is quite satisfying
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Those mods look good to me, Mog!
I was most delighted by the pilot sitting on all those sinkers.
Brian da Basher
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Absolutely buzz, as long as you can get it apart without wrecking it ::)
Brian, I don't usually put pilots in my builds unless I'm finishing them wheels up, but this pair have made it this far so I decided to leave them in. Besides the cockpit is so cramped there is not a lot I can do with it ! ;D
Mog
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Door enlargement is neat change. :smiley:
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Thanks Finsrin
Done some more work on the door, I have sanded it to contour but found I hadn't quite backed it up with enough plastic card and some holes appeared which I filled and rubbed down. Unfortunately when I tried to scribe the outline of the door the filler crumbled.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49755295792_ff7580979e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iNGTZs) (https://flic.kr/p/2iNGTZs) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
I toyed with the idea of using a decal to represent the door but figured this would not look right against the raised detail and finally decided to create the frame in plastic strip, which had the added benefit of hiding the scratched detail.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49755281457_55ff23bd2b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iNGPJi) (https://flic.kr/p/2iNGPJi) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
It's a little over scale as you can see here but I will rub it down until it is just a small raised section
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49754954731_7a3aca0d65_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iNF9B6) (https://flic.kr/p/2iNF9B6) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
I thought the wheel wells were a little sparse so I've added some detail there.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49755291582_cd46206821_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iNGSJS) (https://flic.kr/p/2iNGSJS) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49758740672_99c66ba11e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iP1y2W)20200410_205928 (https://flic.kr/p/2iP1y2W) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
And the really good news is with some careful cutting, sanding and buffing with good old toothpaste I've managed to save the transparencies
Before..........
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49758420886_83df27f660_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iNYUYo) (https://flic.kr/p/2iNYUYo) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
After........
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49758417146_4f4e96fd8d_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iNYTRU) (https://flic.kr/p/2iNYTRU) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
I have to admit there not perfect as some of the surfaces are a little 'faceted' now but, do not scream "glue !" and the remaining defects will not show when they are installed
Thanks for looking.
Mog
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Good save on the door and canopies! Are you going to scribe rivets on the door?
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Great recovery on both the door and transparencies. Probably better than what they were originally
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Thanks guys,
I forgot to mention they've had a dip in Alt Klear, brings em up a treat. :-[
Frank - probably not going to actual rivits but will scribe some panel lines on the door so it doesn't look too blank
Mog
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Inspiring in that this has inspired what next build (kit-bash) similar to DH Heron Medivac will probably be. :smiley:
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That's an amazing save on the transparencies, Mog!
Those things can crack if you just look at them funny.
Brian da Basher
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That's an amazing save on the transparencies, Mog!
Indeed! We were spared any shocking close-ups of their original condition but, from a safe distance, they looked seriously foggy :o
Those things can crack if you just look at them funny.
True of us all, Brian. True of us all ;)
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Hi all.
A bit more progress, after three attempts finally got the door finished, it still looks a tad over scale but trying to reduce the frame any more leads to bits falling off. The hinge and handle detail will be rubbed down and shaped a bit but the final look should be something like this........
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49790764732_097f3f42de_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iRQFEU) (https://flic.kr/p/2iRQFEU) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
Since this was taken the interior has been painted and the fuselage glazing has been installed, should be closing up the fuselage soon.......
More when it happens..
Mog
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The cargo hatch looks good!
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The cargo hatch looks good!
It does indeed! NIce work Mog :smiley:
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The cargo hatch looks good!
Very good!! That's a beautiful job on the whole model but especially the cargo door.
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Agree! Nice! :smiley:
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Thanks chaps
Bit more progress, the fuselage is back together but it has not lined up very well.
I'm using dissolved putty to fill the fine gaps it's not bad stuff for fine cracks but boy does it sink as it dries !
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49805421207_d4ce82a7af_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iT8NwK) (https://flic.kr/p/2iT8NwK) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr,
I hope this is not an indicator for the rest of the build ???
Mog
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I was using CA glue for a similar purpose and discovered that it too was doing the same thing as putty. Only way out was to add more and sand it down, add more and sand it down until the depression eventually disappeared or I passed the point of not caring. :smiley:
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I share you pain ! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Sometimes a good malt whisky or cold lager is the only answer ::)
Mog
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Door is too good. :smiley: Look forward to next pictures.
Plan to follow your lead with scale-o-rama (gathered kits) inspired by DH Heron Medivac.
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Thanks Bill, intrigued by your build will it be in the up and coming civilian group build ?
Mog
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Hi all
Another quick and unexciting Progress Report
All the wings are on, just needs a little PSR and final touches before entering the paint shop.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49823156123_083b9de53d_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iUGGva) (https://flic.kr/p/2iUGGva) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
More when it happens.......
Mog
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Thanks Bill, intrigued by your build will it be in the up and coming civilian group build ?
Mog
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Yes and no. Two medivacish builds figured out. One as next build and other for civilian group build later.
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Look forward to it, always interested to see stuff that I have inspired. ;)
Mog
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D I S A S T E R !!!!!!
It's obviously something to do with the existing light blue paint, I dont know what type of paint it is, but by the way it came off when I was removing the decals its possibly early acrylic or artist oils because the rattle can white primer has had a horrendous reaction with it and left me with this loose orange peel effect.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49841165221_861d97e75c_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iWhZYR) (https://flic.kr/p/2iWhZYR) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49840624168_9a550535b1_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iWfe9m) (https://flic.kr/p/2iWfe9m) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
This is gonna take some clearing up :-\ :-X
Oh the horror, the horror ...............
More when it happens ;)
Mog
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Wow! That is most unfortunate for your project. Hope you can get it sorted out and determine what caused this.
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OH the HORROR -- paint demons strike again :(
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Ouch! After all that fine work on the door :o There's no justice if a decent fix doesn't present itself!
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Well, after a lot of scraping, sanding and swearing I'm back to plastic. Intriguing that the existing paint wouldn't sand but after the spraying it splinters off easily using a square blade.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49850462381_25a427c443_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iX7DGH) (https://flic.kr/p/2iX7DGH) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
Back to the spray shop soon, hopefully this time it will work :icon_meditation:
Thanks for looking
Mog
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Hi all
The Heron has had its first coat of primer and and is not looking too bad, only a couple of tiny areas where the paint has reacted again and fortunately i was able to sand them out. More problematical are scratches in the plastic appearing where I must have got a bit over zealous with the scraping and a couple of areas where I have not sanded enough to there is an obvious step in the finish.
I reckon by the time the painting is completed all the rivit/doors detail will have disappeared, on the plus side though the new door will not be quite so prominent, so the Heron is going to become a bit of a smoothie.
Unfortunately I have run out of white paint but I can get the model prepped (again!) While I am waiting for a delivery
More when it happens........
Mog
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Interesting result with the paint, however a good sand back should do the trick.
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Aaaaand........ we're back in the room.
One complete can of spray later I'm back on track
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49905845742_95351faa56_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j31vff) (https://flic.kr/p/2j31vff) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
The finish isn't perfect but good enough to carry on, this photo shows ot with the first coat of Alt Kleer. It will get another coat before moving on to the detail painting and decals.
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Thanks for looking.........
Mog
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So we are back on track :smiley: :smiley:
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(https://live.staticflickr.com/7806/46089250895_940555e391_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ddKsyP) (https://flic.kr/p/2ddKsyP) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
There it is at the back, the EE Lightning in the foreground is currently in pieces whilst undergoing a restoration but has stalled because I'm having trouble reviving the canopy.
Mog
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Not a Lightning though is it, actually the P.1a. What kit was that Mog? I've got an Aeroclub vacuform conversion of it in the stash. Have you tried searching for a canopy from one of those.
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Hi Kitnut, yea it's the Lightning P1 prototype, it's the Frog kit and not in good condition. It hasn't been treated well by yours truly there's a lot of gluey stumps where I have tried to attach extra ordinance. I've managed to get it apart and I have hollowed out the air intake and cut out the cockpit so I can install a proper pilot, but the canopy is badly "glued" I've cleaned it up quite well but it's still not right, as you know it's unique to the P1 so I can't use a later Lightning canopy.
Thanks for the heads up I didn't think there was anything available for this kit, I shall start searching.
Mog
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Hi all
Once again I have stuffed up, I decided on putting a blue cheat line on the Heron but it has not come out too well :-\
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49930817926_cacb4002e6_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j5duB9) (https://flic.kr/p/2j5duB9) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
Perhaps the masking tape was a bit old, but I have had a fair amount of break through and its gonna take a while to rectify I think my mind is going through the thought process espoused on post 3817 here ....
http://beyondthesprues.com/Forum/index.php?topic=1237.3800 (http://beyondthesprues.com/Forum/index.php?topic=1237.3800)
Not giving up though, ;) more when it happens
Mog
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It looks OK. In fact, the overall white with the blue cheat line looks great! Can you retouch the worst spots? The cargo door looks great, too.
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Thanks Frank, the photo shows the stripe in a rather better light than the real thing but I will prevail ::)
Mog
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Mog - maybe it was painted on a Monday and the paint crew painting the stripe was nursing a hangover...
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Damn I've been rumbled......... ;D ;D
Mog
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It looks OK. In fact, the overall white with the blue cheat line looks great! Can you retouch the worst spots? The cargo door looks great, too.
Frank3k said it. Be super satisfied if/when a build of mine looked that good. :smiley:
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Thanks finsrin, it looks a lot better now, another session and I should be back on track.
It helps when you suppress the Perfectionist Head ;D
Mog
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This explains a lot ... ;)
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Hi all
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49977199822_9d7560dc2f_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j9jdk1)20200605_221814 (https://flic.kr/p/2j9jdk1) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
As you can see above I've managed to tidy up the stripe, it's not perfect, but acceptable to all, apart from the perfectionist head who is currently sulking in the corner of the work room comforting himself with a glass of Tamiya thinners. Also got the anti glare strip done so its now ready for decals followed by the final fine detail painting and canopy.
Thanks for looking......
Mog
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:smiley:
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I can just see the pilots:
(https://i1.wp.com/media.boingboing.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/lYOXg5.gif)
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Ha ha ha ! Quality :smiley: ;D
Fear not the canopy is nearly ready ;)
Mog
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Hi All
Well, after some serious problems in the build i'm glad to say this one is complete.
When I showed it to Mrs Lady Mog she said "Wow that looks like one of the models in a travel agents window" is that a compliment or what!
Apologies in advance for the backgrounds, this kit was too wide for my light box so i had to improvise with cutting mats and felt backgrounds.
Anyways i will let you make your own appraisal, here's the pics
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50035464397_d8921ee24f_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jesQmD) (https://flic.kr/p/2jesQmD) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50035191746_fb948fd15d_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jerriL) (https://flic.kr/p/2jerriL) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50034639508_858abfae5c_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jeoB9q) (https://flic.kr/p/2jeoB9q) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50035460827_34d980c8a4_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jesPi6) (https://flic.kr/p/2jesPi6) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50035457552_327227f3af_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jesNjC) (https://flic.kr/p/2jesNjC) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50034646498_1909c868e4_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jeoDdW) (https://flic.kr/p/2jeoDdW) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50034643003_eb3f9e438f_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jeoCbF) (https://flic.kr/p/2jeoCbF) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
and of course the scale shots with Arthur and the Land Rover
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50034651553_433fae12fa_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jeoEJ6) (https://flic.kr/p/2jeoEJ6) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50035455137_f9fe0ba808_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jesMAZ) (https://flic.kr/p/2jesMAZ) by Robomog (https://www.flickr.com/photos/54032744@N08/), on Flickr
Thanks for looking, as always all comments and criticisms gratefully received.
Mog
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Nice One, :smiley: . . . Me Likey . . .
cheers,
Robin.
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The paint and decals came out great! The props look good, too.
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That's good, 'Mog! Very good! :) :)
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That's truly beautiful!
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:)
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Very well done!
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Tick !!!!
Great job
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Thanks for the kind comments guys, really appreciated
Mog
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Inspiring - started own medivacish build. On hold do to many distractions and unfinished builds. Like DH Heron Medivac a bunch. :)
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Thanks Bill interested to see what I've inspired :D
Mog
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Very nice build 'Mog ... and a great save too :)
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Thanks Apophenia, I always feel an extra sense of achievement when I bring an old kit back to life ;)
Mog
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