The quality of the kit’s canopy is fairly good, but for my taste, too thick and leaves ample room for improvement. So, I decided to use a vacuum formed one. But, the only one I found in the aftermarket is the one included in Falcon’s 1:72 scale set No. 5, which is made for the old Pioneer 2 kit (re-boxed as PM Model), whose shape is totally wrong, thus useless. The shape and size of the Revell’s kit is correct, so I decided to cast a master from the Revell’s canopy, and then make a vacuum formed copy. A dentist, colleague from IPMS Guatemala, helped me in making a master with resin and alginate. Then, I applied several coats of different grades of Mr. Surfacer, sanding and polishing it to obtain a smooth and shiny surface, as if it were to be metallized. When I achieved it, then I made several attempts in the vacuum forming machine, until I produced a satisfactory copy of the kit’s canopy, thinner and clearer.
Then I finished the cockpit by detailing eduard’s photo etched instrument panel. Using my trusty Suder Tools punch and die, I scratch built the dials rear ends at the back side of the panel, and the cables. They are visible through the, now very, transparent windshield. Then the front section and the wings were installed and the joints worked. After that, the panel lines in the centre section were completed. Before starting the paint work, the navigation lights were built using bits of transparent plastic.
Paul Ainsworth says
Hello,Ricardo – Full complements with all the detail work you’re doing with this fascinating build.It’s looking excellent.👏😉👍
Ricardo Barrientos says
Thank you Paul, hope you enjoy the remaining, perhaps, more interesting steps. Best regards,
Peter Legge says
Hi Ricardo, you have done a really good job on the panel scribing. Well Done ! Regards, Pete in RI
Ricardo Barrientos says
Thank you Peter, those panel lines really improved the look of the wings. Hope you enjoy the next steps. Best regards,
Ricardo.-
Andrew Rowe says
Hi Ricardo. Great looking build. What’s the name of the tool you are using that copies the shape and contours of parts? I’d like to get one.
Thanks.
Ricardo Barrientos says
Hi Andrew, you can find it as a Contour Gauge. Good luck and thank you for reading!
Albert Moore says
This is some incredible work and goes to show that with some elbow grease and TLC, this model can be built to the same standard of the Z-M Horten Ho 229 (or exceed it in this case).
Ricardo Barrientos says
Hi Albert, thank you very much for your kind comments! And yes, “elbow grease”, but above all, love, and passionate dedication to this hobby! Happy holidays and my very best regards from Guatemala!
Michael Michalzik says
Incredible. An absolute masterpiece!
Ricardo Barrientos says
Thank you very much Michael, extremely kind for your commentary.