A Wingspan to Rival Giants…
Trumpeter has replicated the wing assembly to reflect the actual aircraft construction. With the central wing root constructed that included the wheel wells (which were painted and weathered at the same time as the cabin and cockpit) it was ‘married’ to the fuselage, the fit was again very good, with care being given to the rear flap mouldings that had also be painted prior to assembly in internal green and weathered accordingly.
The wings were assembled with the wing flaps in the ‘up’ position. What is nice is the kit gives you the option to assemble the flaps up or down. The wing spot light fairings were painted in interior green and the lights themselves given a ‘chrome’ finish using the excellent Molotow liquid chrome pen. The internal spars were a tight fit and the wings attached without any issues. So much so it would probably possible to not glue them into place for easy storage and transport. On this occasion they were glued in place.
Before the aircraft can be prepared for paint, the engines were assembled. The assembly for these, including the bulkheads would let the finished model ‘show’ them without the cowling. The detail is excellent, and it does allow for further detailing if desired. The bulk heads and supports were painted in internal green and the engines assembled and primed with MRP-172 Super Gloss Black. They then received thin layers of MRP-009 white aluminium. The push rods were given a coat of the liquid chrome. Again they were sealed with the gloss varnish and when cured Vallejo’s dark wash was applied.
The actual assembly of the engine bulk head, and supports was quite tricky, care and patience is definitely needed for this process. Once completed the engines were attached and the quick boost nacelles were added. The wings were then attached to the fuselage, along with the ailerons and rudder (from quickboost). The stabilisers and rudder were off set to add another aspect to the final build.
James Ashton says
Excellent build and finish Richard. I have so wanted this kit in my stash and to build it. I am even more determined to add it to my collection after seeing this one.
Regards
James
nicolas keller says
Wonderful work!!
Craige Bevil says
That’s fantastic!
Daniel Beeden says
Fantastic build, and a very interesting history/narrative to accompany it. Inspiring work!
Sergey Kislitsyn says
Great job!! Realistic model, thx!!!