The cockpit tub is adequate with both seats and separate control columns. The instrumentation is represented by decal but perfectly acceptable considering precious little will be on view when installed. I added seat harnesses from trade masking tape. An idea of what’s to come – the nose section measures 10.5 inches in length.
Trade-strength masking tape will be used aplenty with this build.
The cockpit tub firmly sandwiched between the two halves as the cement sets.
Tamiya ‘White Cap’ Cement is product of choice for this.
With the nose-section drying, I turned my attention to the upper fuselage spine. As standard practice with all main joins, I add ‘braces’ from scrap sprue to bolster the items but even so the the quality of fit speaks for itself in this view. This section measures 13.5 inches in length.
The nose and upper spine sections are now fixed together. There was a difference in profile to the horizontal fuselage join which needed sanding and smoothing to blend. After the same process on the spine, I used Squadron Green Putty to backfill the gaps and a cyano/talc mix to finish the remedial work.
My attention next turned to the lower-wing sections. Their size is evident and because of that are quite flexible. The two halves have small locating-tabs but provide negligible rigidity. It’s imperative to make sure these parts are on a perfectly flat surface during the fixing process. As shown here, the added bracing pays dividends and after the cement had set I added cyano along the full length of join.
With the main upper wings dry-fitted at this stage I fixed the main fuselage ‘hull’ section in place after adding the intakes and jet-pipe section.
With the added bracing, the lower wing/fuselage section was now a robust structure.
As with the majority of the seams plenty of cosmetic work is required.
A workout with the filing, filling, sanding and buffing followed by an initial coat of primer gave pleasing results. Mr.Surfacer 1200 Grey Acrylic Lacquer Primer was used straight from the rattle can. I wholeheartedly recommend this product for its rapid-drying and smooth, durable finish qualities.
More of the usual preparation is required on the rear section of the fuselage spine.
My attention is now focused on increasing and improving the actual surface contact area of the main forward/upper fuselage sections. The very shallow pegs alone would provide precious little strength to what I consider are the most crucial joins of the whole model.
Eight pieces of sprue braces fitted flush with to increase the kit’s very narrow contact area. Just visible are the braces added to give the main horizontal join added strength.
I liberally applied Tamiya white cap adhesive to the contact surfaces which quickly gave a solid bond to these parts.
The profile contours of the wing roots and fuselage spine were noticeably different resulting in almost trench-like gaps to be rectified. These were built up using plastic strip and finished with Squadron Green Putty.
The rear fuselage spine needed quite considerable sanding and preparation in order for it to blend with the forward section. The Green Putty was again used to backfill the seam and a cyano/talc mix was used to finish the whole of the horizontal seam front to back.
The adjacent photos show both sides of the completed main fuselage/wing preparation after priming.
Tim Haynes says
Hi Paul,
Your XB-70 is coming along very nicely. Lovely paint job so far..
Paul Ainsworth says
Hello and thank you so much,Tim.She’s getting there now.😉👍
Jonathan Burns says
That’s an excellent article and the model is looking beautiful.
I built this kit. ( the AMT version) a couple of decades ago for Tamiya model magazine and it was a real fight, with very difficult challenges in overcoming fit problems, so I’m very impressed with the superb finish you’ve achieved – many congratulations!
Paul Ainsworth says
Hello,Jonathan – Thank you so much.That’s very kind of you to say.
You obviously know first hand the challenges of the kit.
My congratulations to you for your build and its appearance in that respected magazine.
I don’t think my build is anywhere near the standard required for that but more than appreciate being able to feature my builds here in ‘SMN’.
The final update and photo gallery of the completed model are with Geoff for adding to this feature in due course.😉👍
Tim Haynes says
Great work Paul. The approach you took with the preparation certainly paid off in the end result.
Paul Ainsworth says
“Hello,Tim” – Thank you so much. As you know, preparation is the key with any project and with this kit it’s on a big scale.
I think that’s an off putting factor that goes against this kit equally as much as its physical size.
I can understand and appreciate that but think it’s a shame because with a little thought and input the reward is a model that does justice to this iconic and unique aircraft.😉👍
Rob Ruscoe says
A superb result that shows up your modelling skills. I haven’t built this kit but know people who have and also some that have tried and failed. It just shows that patience and preparation are vital to produce something special. Well done Paul, I hope you are going to enter this in a competition!
Paul Ainsworth says
“Hello,Rob” – Thank you so much.
Yes the kit’s a big challenge and a marathon build in every respect.
Prior to ‘SMN’ and all I’ve learned since I would’ve run a mile from attempting a kit like this.
It’s given me confidence to attempt new aspects of the hobby including ‘weathering’,etc and has increased my enjoyment of the hobby in so many ways.😉👍