Author Topic: A couple of Century Series upgrades (Read 17980 times)

Kerick · « **on:** November 13, 2014, 10:58:32 AM »

I'm going to be covering the F-105/SU-22 kitbash I started describing on another forum. It's far enough along to rate a thread of its own. Since I also have a F-101 that I am modernizing it seemed practical to combine them into one thread. Also this thread might stay a little more active using it to cover two projects.

The F-105/SU-22 started out like this:

IMG_0914 by kerick214

I recently boxed in the missing area at the trailing edge of the F-105 wings.

IMG_0920 by kerick214

IMG_0919 by kerick214

I cut out the openings for the F-105 main gear. I wanted the ground clearance of the F-105 to keep centerline stores option open.

IMG_0921 by kerick214

I'm debating whether to keep the super thick wing fences or carve them off and cut new thin ones. Photos of real SU-7/17/22s show them to be almost sheet metal thin. I just don't want to get bogged down in AMS.
The severed F-105 wings went to a good cause.

IMG_0915 by kerick214

I'm also building a 50s style rocket ship from a 1/48th F-104 fuselage. Lots of putty and Aves in this project!

Also on the bench for far too long is the F-101. Its the Hasegawa 1/72nd scale kit with a nose from a Micro scale decal sheet from very long ago.

IMG_0799 by kerick214

Its modernized with a 20mm Vulcan gun, J79 engines, F-4 pylons and fuel tanks with F-18 style LEXs. Additional lumps and bumps will be included. More pics to follow.

Also I've switched from photobucket to flickr so it will be a little while until I get that all figured out.

Kerick · « **Reply #1 on:** November 13, 2014, 11:34:06 AM »

Thanks for moving this. This is where I intended it, but I must have had an brain fart.

finsrin · « **Reply #2 on:** November 13, 2014, 11:56:33 AM »

These are good projects :) Anxious for more.

Frank3k · « **Reply #3 on:** November 13, 2014, 12:11:57 PM »

That F-105/Su-22 is one sexy beast! I would leave the wing fences as is. If the thickness starts to bug you, lay down some tape on the wings on both side of the fences and sand the fences thinner. Cutting fences off always ends up generating a ton of extra work cleaning up the surgery site.

Kerick · « **Reply #4 on:** November 13, 2014, 10:44:54 PM »

I was considering sanding down the existing fences like you said. No raised detail on the wings so that would help

Kerick · « **Reply #5 on:** November 16, 2014, 12:08:48 PM »

ground off and sanded off the wing fences last night. Not as much collateral damage as I had feared.
Before:

IMG_0922 by kerick214

After:

IMG_0927[1] by kerick214

I have another SU-22 kit and will use those wings as a pattern. Although, the fenceless wings look pretty nice too.

finsrin · « **Reply #6 on:** November 16, 2014, 04:34:29 PM »

Yes :)
Keep at it.

mikejapan · « **Reply #7 on:** November 20, 2014, 06:39:01 PM »

I am digging that 105.
Keep the progress going!

Kerick · « **Reply #8 on:** November 20, 2014, 10:39:30 PM »

I cut two fences from the thinnest sheet plastic I have. Not sure if I like it. The two smaller ridges on each wing don't look right either. On the real critter they are also very thin, not rectangles as molded. I told myself I wasn't going to get a case of Advanced Modelers Syndrome on this project but it seems to be creeping in anyhow. I'll throw in some pics tonight and anyone can give an opinion.

Kerick · « **Reply #9 on:** November 21, 2014, 01:14:23 PM »

Here's the pics I promised.

IMG_0931[1] by kerick214

IMG_0932[1] by kerick214

I need to make the smaller fences and the smaller pylon that fits between the two provided.

elmayerle · « **Reply #10 on:** November 21, 2014, 02:16:55 PM »

Quote from: kerick on November 13, 2014, 10:58:32 AM

Also on the bench for far too long is the F-101. Its the Hasegawa 1/72nd scale kit with a nose from a Micro scale decal sheet from very long ago.
IMG_0799 by kerick214

Its modernized with a 20mm Vulcan gun, J79 engines, F-4 pylons and fuel tanks with F-18 style LEXs. Additional lumps and bumps will be included. More pics to follow.

Also I've switched from photobucket to flickr so it will be a little while until I get that all figured out.

I should mention that the F-101A bailed to GE for J79 testing (and, so I'm told, some other testing) used the extended burner cans of the F-101B. This can be documented by pictures. Though the J79 is a smaller engine than the J57, CG requirements might well dictate the positioning requiring the long burner cans.

finsrin · « **Reply #11 on:** November 21, 2014, 05:20:21 PM »

F-105 trailing edge blend and thinner wing fences work well.
I would leave off the inner fences. Removes some of Su-22 OOB identity. Of course is your build.

Kerick · « **Reply #12 on:** November 21, 2014, 11:37:38 PM »

Quote from: elmayerle on November 21, 2014, 02:16:55 PM

Quote from: kerick on November 13, 2014, 10:58:32 AM
Also on the bench for far too long is the F-101. Its the Hasegawa 1/72nd scale kit with a nose from a Micro scale decal sheet from very long ago.

I should mention that the F-101A bailed to GE for J79 testing (and, so I'm told, some other testing) used the extended burner cans of the F-101B. This can be documented by pictures. Though the J79 is a smaller engine than the J57, CG requirements might well dictate the positioning requiring the long burner cans.

This is a good point. I was just considering wether the AB cans should be extended or not. I had made some short extensions but something a little more F-101B might be in order.

I'm going to try the second set of fences. Plus the third pylon on each wing. It gives it more of the Fitter look.

A paint scheme decision will be difficult. The Polish SU-22 here looks pretty darn good but there are so many awsome profiles and art work on this site it will be tough to choose. Not a bad problem to have. Plus I need to check the decal stash.

Tophe · « **Reply #13 on:** November 22, 2014, 10:47:49 PM »

Great! Go on!

Kerick · « **Reply #14 on:** December 01, 2014, 08:06:42 AM »

Did a little work on the F-101. I had added LEXs made from a styrene drink cup. After some shaping and PSR last night, I think the LEXs look much better now.

IMG_0940 by kerick214

IMG_0941 by kerick214

I had to prime with dark ghost grey as my light ghost grey gave up the ghost. another good reason to go to the hobby shop.
One more pic.

IMG_0942 by kerick214

Kerick · « **Reply #15 on:** December 07, 2014, 12:00:23 PM »

We have pylons everywhere!

IMG_0947 by kerick214

IMG_0948 by kerick214

IMG_0949 by kerick214

I'm thinking of using the F-105 gas bags on the outer pylons.

IMG_0952 by kerick214

Now I have to figure out how to attach the main gear securely. As you can see in pic 1 there is no attachment point for it. Just flat plastic. I'll probably go with some small reinforcing plates

finsrin · « **Reply #16 on:** December 07, 2014, 12:50:14 PM »

With each new photo the inspirational effect increases :) :) :)

elmayerle · « **Reply #17 on:** December 07, 2014, 12:52:16 PM »

It looks like your main gear attach points are going to cause problems when the outboard wings are swept forward. Are the wings being fixed in the aft position or are the inboard ends of the movable panels suitably contoured? I think that, if I were to try this, I'd convert the landing gear from inward retracting to forward retracting, much as Republic did on the AP-75.

Kerick · « **Reply #18 on:** December 08, 2014, 05:33:29 AM »

There is a "bar" molded to the inside of the upper wing that is a stop for the forward movement of the outer wing. I can't attach anything outboard of that. Its visible in pic 1. If I stay inboard of that I should be fine. I think I need to be a little bit inboard anyway to have enough clearance for the F-105 gas bags.

Kerick · « **Reply #19 on:** December 26, 2014, 12:43:26 AM »

The SU-105 is up on her legs. I glued some plastic blocks to the underside of the upper wing half and drilled a hole to accept the peg on the gear leg. I think I got the forward sweep of the gear legs right. Now I have to decide on a paint scheme. SEA does not thrill me. Its either the Polish Air Force scheme with US markings or Israeli paint and markings. At least I already have decals for each.

elmayerle · « **Reply #20 on:** December 26, 2014, 03:33:49 AM »

When they finally retired the F-105G from the reserves, they had ones in Euro One and Desert schemes (I seem to remember that the desert camo one had "Desert Fox" nose art). Either of those would look good on this one.

Kerick · « **Reply #21 on:** December 26, 2014, 12:56:38 PM »

I'm pretty sure I have the colors needed to do the Polish AF scheme. At least close enough for whiffing. That's a plus. Leaning towards the Polish pattern with US markings unless something awesome turns up.

Kerick · « **Reply #22 on:** December 28, 2014, 12:17:37 PM »

Working on adding a Thunderstick II style dorsal hump. I'll do anything to put off painting.

Kerick · « **Reply #23 on:** December 29, 2014, 10:30:59 PM »

Installed the Dorsal hump last night. Minimal PSR as I was able to get it to fit pretty good. Back to pondering painting.

elmayerle · « **Reply #24 on:** December 30, 2014, 12:53:13 AM »

Just a side thought, with the V-G wing, might you get the landing speed down to where it could be a carrier aircraft? USN full-viz colors would be striking, or one of the camouflage patterns they trialed and abandoned over 'Nam.

finsrin · « **Reply #25 on:** December 30, 2014, 12:53:56 AM »

Posting pics soon ?
Am with you on painting. Have more screwups with painting than kitbashing.

Kerick · « **Reply #26 on:** December 30, 2014, 02:26:42 AM »

Quote from: elmayerle on December 30, 2014, 12:53:13 AM

Just a side thought, with the V-G wing, might you get the landing speed down to where it could be a carrier aircraft? USN full-viz colors would be striking, or one of the camouflage patterns they trialed and abandoned over 'Nam.

That's an interesting idea. I would move the wing to a low position on the fuselage instead of mid fuselage to improve clearence. The long legged main gear might not work so well. That's something I may look at for the two seat SU-22 I have in the stash.

I'll get some pics up soon. promise

Building mistakes are always easier to fix than painting mistakes.

Kerick · « **Reply #27 on:** December 30, 2014, 07:23:08 AM »

Tell me what you think...

IMG_0963 by kerick214

IMG_0965 by kerick214

I tacked on the F-105 fuel tanks but I will remove them for painting. I may add some sort of extension to the pylon to lower the tanks down to F-105 height. I used an F-16 fuel tank for the hump. So far every time I use Perfect Plastic Putty I have good results. Dries quick and sands easily.

finsrin · « **Reply #28 on:** December 30, 2014, 07:48:15 AM »

I like a bunch. Your vision of seeing to do this kitbash in first place was right on :)
Thanks for pics, don't see anything to change. Charge ahead.

Kerick · « **Reply #29 on:** January 05, 2015, 02:54:18 PM »

Actually got some paint on the SU-105! I don't think I screwed it up either! I hope to put up some pics tomorrow after the last color has dried and evened out. It looks like it has a disease right now. Gloss coat, decals and some flat and then weapons! No work tomorrow as the weather is too cold and windy so extreme progress is possible.

Kerick · « **Reply #30 on:** January 06, 2015, 06:27:55 AM »

Here is the progress so far. Not too shabby if I say so myself.

IMG_0966 by kerick214

IMG_0967 by kerick214

IMG_0968 by kerick214

IMG_0969 by kerick214

IMG_0970 by kerick214

I tried to apply decals but the old Micro Scale sheet I have for F-105s is so old the decals just shatter. I'll have to overspray them with something. I know glosscoat will work but has anyone tried Future on decal sheets? I'm trying to stay away from glosscoat as the fumes inside the house are pretty bad and its too cold to spray anything outside.

Frank3k · « **Reply #31 on:** January 06, 2015, 07:34:38 AM »

Looks like a great flying lizard!
Future works GREAT as a decal film for old decals. Just spray it on evenly and let it dry thoroughly. The decals will still be delicate, but should last long enough to survive a soak and placement on the model.

I will cut the decals close (as if they were a home printed decal), otherwise you may get a thin shin of Future extending past the edge of the decal. That skin may flake or fold under itself.

Kerick · « **Reply #32 on:** January 06, 2015, 09:21:16 AM »

I'm going to try that tonight! Thanks

Kerick · « **Reply #33 on:** January 06, 2015, 01:22:57 PM »

The Future on the decals seems to be working well. I'll let it dry all night and see what happens in the morning.

BTW, For paints I used Model Master enamel Field Green, Euro Dark Green and Gunmetal. The brown is Testors gloss brown 1140. The gunmetal looks almost purpleish when wet but dries black, but not quite gloss black. I'm glad to see the Future didn't turn the greens darker like I've had happen with gloss coat. We'll see what happens when the dull coat hits it.

finsrin · « **Reply #34 on:** January 06, 2015, 02:06:53 PM »

Scheme fits forested/watery region like western Washington.
US and USSR content is apparent but result looks British to me. Maybe its the scheme.
You can do another Century Series anytime :)

mrvr6 · « **Reply #35 on:** January 06, 2015, 04:19:20 PM »

this is DEFFINATELY going on the i wish id thought of that list :)

Kerick · « **Reply #36 on:** January 07, 2015, 01:31:40 AM »

Thanks for all the kind comments and helpful suggestions! I tried to copy the Polish AF scheme using the colors I had on hand. On close examination I noticed each of the Polish Fitters I could find photos of had different patterns. So I just freehanded my best guess as to what would look good.

elmayerle · « **Reply #37 on:** January 07, 2015, 02:46:19 AM »

All I can say is, "DAMN!! That's gorgeous!"

It does push me toward considering a project I've thought about, mating the Su-17 wings with a Su-15 fuselage for an all-weather attack aircraft.

Kerick · « **Reply #38 on:** January 10, 2015, 06:53:55 AM »

Well, the decal situation is going poorly. The future coating on the old Micro Scale sheet is helping put some still break. Even after coating the whole model in Future the decals are silvering or something. Long story short, it looks like crap. Too much invested in this one to quit now. I think I'll just have to part with some cash and get new decals. What sucks is I must have 20 or more Micro Scale sheets that are probably in the same condition. I might as well get something for the updated F-101 while I'm at it. The F-101 needs painting completed so I'll work on that for a while.

Kerick · « **Reply #39 on:** January 12, 2015, 06:55:55 AM »

Micro Sol to the rescue! Things look much better after applying Micro Sol and letting things dry over night. Except the national insignia are so slightly off register I didn't see it until the thin white half moon showed up when placing the decal on the dark paint. I replaced the upper left wing insignia three times, Don't ask. I also managed to spill both the bottle of Micro Set and Micro Sol all over the place. At least there is enough to finish this and the F-101 projects left. I'm doing this a few decals at a time as my patience is very thin with this project. When things are dry I'll take some new pics.

Kerick · « **Reply #40 on:** January 14, 2015, 12:54:06 PM »

Here we go! Decals and a couple of Sidewinders from the spare parts drawer.

IMG_0971 by kerick214

IMG_0972 by kerick214

IMG_0973 by kerick214

IMG_0974 by kerick214

IMG_0975 by kerick214

A little touch up paint on the field green where it didn't cover with one coat. When I brushed on some Future over the touch ups they blended right in.

elmayerle · « **Reply #41 on:** January 14, 2015, 12:57:49 PM »

This seriously tempts me to do the same thing in 1/72 and use some of the Two-Bob's decals for wrap-around F-105D's (Euro1, Asia Minor, or SEA schemes).

finsrin · « **Reply #42 on:** January 14, 2015, 03:19:33 PM »

Quote from: mrvr6 on January 06, 2015, 04:19:20 PM

this is DEFFINATELY going on the i wish id thought of that list :)

Goes for me too.

Volkodav · « **Reply #43 on:** January 14, 2015, 09:33:52 PM »

Can't believe how good that looks and I am not a fan of the Thud at all.

Kerick · « **Reply #44 on:** January 14, 2015, 11:25:18 PM »

I still have to attach the horizontal stabs, canopy, bomb load and a jammer pod. Then spray dull coat. That should about wrap this one up. I'm just glad to be past the decal stage.

May be its the fact that the F-105 and the SU-22 are about the same generation of aircraft but the wing from the SU-22 does blend right in with the F-105 fuselage. I'm very pleased with that part of this build. Decals....not so much.

Kerick · « **Reply #45 on:** January 14, 2015, 11:31:33 PM »

Quote from: elmayerle on January 14, 2015, 12:57:49 PM

This seriously tempts me to do the same thing in 1/72 and use some of the Two-Bob's decals for wrap-around F-105D's (Euro1, Asia Minor, or SEA schemes).

I see you found the decals! I'll be watching for your version.

taiidantomcat · « **Reply #46 on:** January 18, 2015, 04:04:06 AM »

This is looking better and better :) Nice choice of scheme, I have been very curious

Kerick · « **Reply #47 on:** January 19, 2015, 03:12:56 AM »

All bombed up!

IMG_0977 by kerick214

IMG_0978 by kerick214

Still considering a shark mouth.

elmayerle · « **Reply #48 on:** January 19, 2015, 05:06:47 AM »

Beautiful!! I wonder how Thunderbirds markings would fit this aircraft?

On a different note, I'm thinking of an alternate main landing gear bay and set-up, more like that of Republic's AP-75 design where it retracts forward rather than inboard, though the stowed wheels are in much the same location relative to the intakes.

finsrin · « **Reply #49 on:** January 19, 2015, 06:04:42 AM »

Wing matchup with fuselage configuration appearance is tops.
Nailed F-105 upgrade zactly right with ordnance and all :)

Kerick · « **Reply #50 on:** January 19, 2015, 08:52:12 AM »

Thanks for all the positive comments.

Brian da Basher · « **Reply #51 on:** January 22, 2015, 04:32:18 AM »

Yowsa that's one mean machine!

That camo pattern is absolutely aces!

Brian da Basher

Kerick · « **Reply #52 on:** January 22, 2015, 04:58:05 AM »

Quote from: elmayerle on January 19, 2015, 05:06:47 AM

Beautiful!! I wonder how Thunderbirds markings would fit this aircraft?

The Thunderbirds did fly the F-105 for one season IIRC. There's pics out there on the net. Plus on Prime Portal there are pics of some sort of red and white painted display version of the SU-22.
Thanks BdB.

mikejapan · « **Reply #53 on:** January 22, 2015, 05:37:27 AM »

I get back on this site after a long time and see this...
Coolest..shit..ever!
I like the wing fences you added on!
The Camo scheme fits this plane nicely and that's a nice looking loadout!

Kerick · « **Reply #54 on:** March 06, 2015, 11:38:48 PM »

Finally sprayed on some dullcoat. Not so shiny any more.

I've been occupied with a complete makeover of the living room. I always get bogged down by painting. I had to remove all the old furniture, sand down the oak floor that had been ruined by the dog, refinish that then paint everything and bring in the new furniture. I'm still futsing around with the details. Plus some long days at work in the freezing cold. When I get home I don't feel like doing anything after that. Tried to match the new stain on the floor to the old color. Nice try. I'd rather try to mix paint colors to match. At least if it gets mucked up I could throw it away at minimum expense.

LemonJello · « **Reply #55 on:** March 06, 2015, 11:48:15 PM »

This bird looks like it means business. Very well executed combination of kits.

Kerick · « **Reply #56 on:** April 12, 2015, 09:30:46 AM »

I think I finished something!!!

IMG_1143

Tail feathers installed.

IMG_1144

All the little pieces installed.

IMG_1146

IMG_1148

Overhead shot

IMG_1149

Now I can work on the F-101!

elmayerle · « **Reply #57 on:** April 12, 2015, 09:52:59 AM »

Damn, the final presentation is gorgeous. *chuckle* I've got several of the old Arii 1/144 F-105D kits and I'm very tempted to try this cross with one of those and a 1/144 Su-22 kit.

Kerick · « **Reply #58 on:** April 12, 2015, 11:50:41 AM »

The most difficult part was filling in the trailing edge of the fixed portion of the wing. It didn't line up with the F-105 wing in length or thickness. I had to fill in about a half inch of the F-105 wing and then add plastic to build up the thickness.

IMG_0922

IMG_0921

At least it wasn't compound curves! Over all not too difficult, just a bit time consuming. 1/144 scale should be simpler.


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Author Topic: A couple of Century Series upgrades (Read 17980 times)