Beyond The Sprues

Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Aero-space => Topic started by: Kerick on April 24, 2019, 08:02:36 AM

Title: Small satellite launcher
Post by: Kerick on April 24, 2019, 08:02:36 AM
I found a Tamiya 1/350th Navy aircraft set in my stash. I pulled out two S-3 Vikings and with a little inspiration from Tophe, Stratolaunch and White Knight I came up with this small satellite launcher. Not sure if I want to make it NASA, Navy or private company yet.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/32739194147_7960abb632_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/RT3VNB)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47629351442_74fe40db24_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2fyQSNw)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/33804792398_95a1a21a92_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Tvdp3f)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/46766250255_24fbeda589_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2efzfTz)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/33804784658_1c6256129d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TvdmJN)

First coat of white so far. The satellite launcher is a 1/72nd rocket from the spare parts box. Just something quick and easy to provide a break from the RF-23 build. Maybe this idea could turn into something bigger some day.
Title: Re: Small satellite launcher
Post by: GTX_Admin on April 25, 2019, 02:43:58 AM
 :smiley:
Title: Re: Small satellite launcher
Post by: Kerick on April 25, 2019, 03:20:23 AM
Tried to spray on another coat of white today. FAIL!! Now it just looks lumpy but still has grey showing through! White is simply impossible to paint unless the model is made from white plastic. I should have just gone with silver or grey. Not a big deal but still frustrating. I might make another as it’s too big of a pita to strip.
Title: Re: Small satellite launcher
Post by: Brian da Basher on April 25, 2019, 06:01:58 AM
Ouch sorry to hear about your paint issues. White can be the most challenging color, even worse than the Dreaded Yellow sometimes.

What little knowledge I have extends only to brush-painting acrylics so I'm afraid I can't offer much help beyond suggesting a good model wash & primer coat although I'm notoriously lazy in both regards.

I hear over cleaner or brake fluid work for stripping paint and since your delightful model is so small, maybe that's an option?

Great concept which I'm sure we've not seen the last of!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Small satellite launcher
Post by: Kerick on April 25, 2019, 12:10:20 PM
Well, I tossed it into some Simple Green for the night to see what happens. Maybe some light grey or silver will come out better.
Title: Re: Small satellite launcher
Post by: Robomog on April 25, 2019, 04:13:10 PM
Neat concept, agree with Brian white and yellow difficult to brush paint,  I tend to whimp out and use rattle cans for those colours.

Mog
>^-.-^<
Title: Re: Small satellite launcher
Post by: Old Wombat on April 25, 2019, 05:38:04 PM
I always use Tamiya Fine Primer (White) for the white on my models over a coat of (usually) Tamiya Fine Primer (Light Grey). I find the grey primer grips the plastic better & coats more smoothly, then the white goes over that really nicely.
Title: Re: Small satellite launcher
Post by: Kerick on April 25, 2019, 10:21:10 PM
That's a really good idea, I'm going to try that.
Title: Re: Small satellite launcher
Post by: Brian da Basher on April 26, 2019, 06:26:54 AM
I hear great things about Tamiya White Primer spray bombs and even have one around here somewhere.

I hope I find it before it goes off...   :o

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Small satellite launcher
Post by: Kerick on April 26, 2019, 07:07:25 AM
Ohhh, flat white everywhere! A new form of interior decorating!
I would have mail order Tamiya paints where I live. Is there a suitable substitute?
The model is still soaking in Simple Green. Most of it scrubbed off this morning but some was still being stubborn.
Title: Re: Small satellite launcher
Post by: Some Duck with an Ultimax on April 26, 2019, 04:09:43 PM
I use games workshop white primer, it’s pretty good but does take a few coats to build up.
Title: Re: Small satellite launcher
Post by: Kerick on April 28, 2019, 08:49:38 AM
I removed all the white paint after soaking in Simple Green 24 hours. Managed to break of only three out of four main landing gear legs. Replaced one set with the legs from the sprue I grabbed the extra engines from. I'll live with a three legged model. Back to square 0 on painting.
On another forum a member suggested World Navy from Thunderbirds. Lots of crazy paint schemes there! I'm looking at dark grey with red touches.
Title: Re: Small satellite launcher
Post by: finsrin on April 28, 2019, 09:57:50 AM
Being a frequent painting disasters flyer, you have my sympathy.
Title: Re: Small satellite launcher
Post by: Kerick on April 28, 2019, 12:19:00 PM
Painted dark grey overall for a World Navy scheme. Might as well go all the way with this whiff!  :o 8)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/46802538205_1d49d8c20f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2eiMf2T)

Painted details and the vertical stab silver. I'll let this dry and apply some red in the morning.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/46802535595_685c59de8b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2eiMefT)

It doesn't show up well in this pic due to the light. Better pics tomorrow.  :icon_sleep:
Title: Re: Small satellite launcher
Post by: Brian da Basher on April 28, 2019, 10:08:22 PM
Oohhhh I think that paint mishap was what Bob Ross called a "happy accident". (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Tq5vXk0wTk)

I like the look of this scheme, most eye-catching!

Brian da Basher

Title: Re: Small satellite launcher
Post by: Kerick on April 29, 2019, 02:07:22 AM
Thanks!
It needs a couple decals that say “World Navy”.
Title: Re: Small satellite launcher
Post by: Kerick on April 29, 2019, 04:46:09 AM
Some red touches. It looks more "Thunderbirds" now.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/40759408683_a4a0ff8799_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/256LCaz)
Title: Re: Small satellite launcher
Post by: finsrin on April 29, 2019, 04:57:08 AM
Build is on a roll now.  Keep going.  Waiting for next picture(s).
Title: Re: Small satellite launcher
Post by: Kerick on April 29, 2019, 09:48:15 AM
I'm calling this one done. A little touch of black on the radome, cockpit and tires. Unless someone has some tiny white NAVY decals.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47728180521_994e40cd6f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2fHzpfa)

A US penny and a Canadian $2 coin for size comparison.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/32784760777_527908545d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/RX5tba)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/33851010708_b013892728_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Tzih8E)

Next to a 1/72nd scale Pitts Special just for fun.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/33851001918_2b61e3f4fc_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Tziew7)

I have enough parts for another one if I decide on different markings. Plus the rest of the navy aircraft on these sprues. Thanks for all the nice comments!
This could fit in the Beast of Burden GB. If the mods agree feel free to move it. I just didn't think of it when I started as I never finish in time for a GB.
Title: Re: Small satellite launcher
Post by: Brian da Basher on September 19, 2019, 04:28:31 AM
 :smiley:

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Small satellite launcher
Post by: elmayerle on September 19, 2019, 07:41:39 AM
Such a gorgeous little aircraft.  Beautiful job!!
Title: Re: Small satellite launcher
Post by: The Big Gimper on September 19, 2019, 08:00:31 AM
Nice Twoonie!  ;)

What I mean this is cool idea and build Ken.
Title: Re: Small satellite launcher
Post by: Kerick on September 19, 2019, 08:35:10 AM
Thanks!
Title: Re: Small satellite launcher
Post by: finsrin on September 19, 2019, 04:33:08 PM
Paint scheme worked.  Slanted red on tail is neat touch.
Creative concept and creative use of 1/350  :smiley:
Title: Re: Small satellite launcher
Post by: Kerick on September 19, 2019, 07:33:49 PM
Thanks to all! Definitely the smallest whiff I’ve ever done!
Title: Re: Small satellite launcher
Post by: apophenia on September 20, 2019, 07:36:26 AM
Wow! That Toonie really puts 1:350 into perspective! Great build man  :smiley:
Title: Re: Small satellite launcher
Post by: Kerick on September 20, 2019, 09:46:57 AM
This summer has really been taken up by work and outdoor home maintenance projects. I’ve spent so very little time on model building. Maybe I should look into building another 1/350th whiff to get the mojo back on track. I’ll have a look in the stash and see what happens.
Title: Re: Small satellite launcher
Post by: Robomog on September 20, 2019, 03:49:34 PM
Whoa !  So tiny it makes the Pits Special look huge,  neat build  :smiley:

Mog
>^-.-^<
Title: Re: Small satellite launcher
Post by: Dr. YoKai on September 20, 2019, 10:56:14 PM
Nifty concept, splendid execution!
Title: Re: Small satellite launcher
Post by: Camthalion on October 16, 2019, 07:46:58 AM
very cool