Another slooooow build....1/72 Cessna XMC

[Cap'n Wannabe]

I was very excited to find this in kit form, simply because it's different. Maybe also because I'm the first and only numbnuts in the world to actually buy one (got it from Shapeways...it cost a small fortune!).
The kit is 3D printed. Shapeways weren't even sure they could print it when I placed the order..
The windows are supplied as a plug which needs to be vac formed. So I lashed out and got myself a dental vac form machine. Now I need to find some 0.1mm clear thermoform plastic, but that's another story..
Today I primed it twice with Mr Surfacer 1000 out of a rattle can. There are some striations from the printing process still visible, but I'll be sanding it back before I add another coat.

[Cap'n Wannabe]

I've been doing a little playing around with the kit, dry fitting odd bits and pieces, and checking parts fit. Have to say, the fit is excellent!

First thing I did was check the door/fuselage fit. There's a small web in the upper corner of the door frame...I guess this was put there to assist in printing or something. Anyhow, it has to be removed.





So I placed some Tamiya tape across the opening, held the door in place, and marked out the material to be removed.





And she's not a tail-sitter, so no need for nose weight! Woohoo!

[RayS]

Nice start Damo, looks like the parts fit like a glove.

DO you need to make your own decals up for it?

[Cap'n Wannabe]

Nice start Damo, looks like the parts fit like a glove.

DO you need to make your own decals up for it?

Cheers Ray.
Yep, there's no decals in the kit.

[Cap'n Wannabe]

So here's the canopy plug after 2 coats of primer, a sanding with 15000 grit, another coat of primer, and sanding with 15000 and 20000 grit. Still gonna need at least one more coat and more sanding/polishing..

[Cap'n Wannabe]

After another polish with 20000 grit. Still needs one or two more coats of primer..

[hrtpaul]

Nice work mate

[Cap'n Wannabe]

Not much to report on the XMC....started designing the decals for it - I have to go from scratch as there's nothing provided with the kit.

[Cap'n Wannabe]

Today I finished sanding the upper corners of the door frames.  The doors fit a treat now!
So out to the paint shop for a coat of primer.  I'm not sure whether to give it a light sanding or not - the striations are not very visible.. 

[Cap'n Wannabe]

Last Friday I received some unwelcome news. Seems the owner(s) of my house want to move back in, and I've been given until October 5th to find a new place. So no more updates for a while as I pack everything away..