Aerotech DH-88 Comet: Finished.

[Ericg]

Onto the decals. The kit decals are nice in that they handle very well, respond easily to Microset and Sol and are nicely printed. There are some areas that I reckon they could be a little more accurate. The application of the decals has really brought this model to life. It will definitely be the most stand out model in my collection for sure.

[Ericg]

Another feature of the real Aircraft that I wanted to portray was the framing of the canopy as it is a significant feature of the aircraft and adds so much to the look of it. The kit canopy is very thinly vacformed and they would have you apply decals to simulate the framing. If the canopy is closed you could just about get away with it but I want mine open. I had a bit of a play with some Styrene and come up with something.....





I am yet to trim the edges of the clear canopy, so the fit is a little sloppy over the model.



And this is why I wanted to get the framing right... it will be highly visible once the model is finished. Also visible in this pic is the small lip that I Scratchbuilt around the front of the coaming. A small change but combined with everything else, just as important.

[hrtpaul]

Love it mate. I'll send you 1 of my 1/72 Airfix kits and you can knock up a few canopy frames for us mere mortals

[DesTROYer]

That looks awesome. What a great looking plane. Well done.

[tor lives]

Words fail me!!!
This is no longer just a scale model, it is a piece of art by any definition !!!
TOR

[Ericg]

Some small progress today, I added the fabric look to the rudder and elevators. Once again, it is hard to see the effect unless you have the right light on it, which is exactly what I was after.





I polished the inside of the white metal light with a cotton bud mounted in a dremel and some Tamiya polishing compound. It is much more shiny than the photos would lead you to believe. I also assembled the propellers. I buffed the white metal prop blades until they where as shiny as they could go, whilst I sanded the spinners with a soft sanding sponge. I then coated the prop assembly with TS-13 Tamiya clear.





Very pleasing lines starting to emerge.

[tor lives]

Just superb Eric!!!
I am however little confused in ref to the white cheat line "fade-away" effect. While it makes sense, (indicative of a comet tail and all), none of my references show this. As you are a stickler for fine detail, (just check out that fabric work ), do you have any clear shots of this???
TOR

[Ericg]

Hi Ray,

Have a look at the pics on this page:

http://www.globalaviationresource.com/v ... iversary/#

Every pic of G-ACSS shows the fading of the tail. Bear in mind, I only mean the black and white pics from the 30's and not the restored airframe.

Eric

[tor lives]

Very cool....thanks Capt Eric, I knew you wouldn't miss a trick.
All my references are of the restored aircraft now flying again, and a replica flying in the USA and seen at Oshkosh a few years ago, (with tail wheel as opposed to tail skid).
Thanks for that link cause it also fortuitously includes the very Lockheed Vega that I am currently working on, (with decals produced and supplied by our own Wal).
TOR

[Ericg]

Ah yes, looking at pics of restored examples = traps for young players!