Barracuda Roy’s Lockdown 2020 | Heller | No. 80229

[Stikpusher]

You’re doing fine Bruce. And I bet that doing the masking on such a small scale subject is easier when you do it in the manner in which you are doing it. Otherwise things will start breaking off during all the handling...

[speedgraflex]

Yes. Thanks, Carlos. I finished masking the lower wing crosses, as well as the upper wing camo sections. I found some Tamiya Aircraft Green for Late War Luftwaffe craft that I can decant since it is in a spray can. Last night I almost placed an order with Sprue Brothers but I have to hold onto my savings to keep myself afloat—and honestly I think it is kind of a good use of old paint to make this project work!

[mustang1989]

Progress is lookin' good here Bruce. When researching Luftwaffe colors in regards to specifics I have spent many an hour doing so. One can get lost in it. I've come to learn that I can only do so much research before I just go with my gut and press on.

[Stuart]

Thanks so much for your comments, Stuart. I am finding the underwing crosses quite a bit harder for me to lay out using tape. I think this is because the simpler the object is, the higher the measuring tolerances are; you can always fudge a more complicated shape to a certain extent, or it is easier to hide any flaws within a lot of visual activity. And every time I look at the base of the fuselage I ask myself, “Should the ammo chutes be open?” Lol, mate, I have been inside far too long. All the best.

lol! I think we've probably all been in for to long!

I know that you mean on simple shapes - it's a lot harder to get something to straight sides to look right than a nice curved shape.

Ammo chutes!? Probably should be open although I guess it depends on where the guns were fitted in that type and if Heller made the wing type specific. That's probably not a lot of help

[speedgraflex]

Thank you, Mustang Joe and thank you Stuart. Your comments and support mean so much. I truly appreciate each reply. My modeling muscles are straining to adapt to the speed building.

Also a major thank you to John for catching the gaffes I am making in time for me to fix them. I sincerely appreciate each “catch,” and the project and my knowledge of the Late War 109 is enhanced by your posts. I believe when I referenced his 2017 K-4 I saw the standard pair of ammo chutes plus one for the center canon due to a design change. I will have to check my notes or go back to your build narrative later.

Today-

Off-White on the side insignia; Done

Flat Black on the underwing insignias; Done

Dark Green on the upper wing camo sections. Done

[speedgraflex]

Shoot. Looks like a “paint bloom” on the corner of the cross. I will have to smooth that out and redo that section. I will be keeping the masks on until I do that since they are custom and take time to replace.

[Stuart]

That is beautifully smooth paint Bruce - and I'm sure you'll get that bloom out.

So what's your plan for sticking this thing together without damaging the paint?

[Stikpusher]

Ya know, if you go John’s suggested route, and do the wing center section to match the fuselage, you can paint that area after assembly and seam clean up...

[speedgraflex]

Deckle edge camouflage

The color is a shade dark but I can live with it especially after the weathering effect is used to make this a bit more patchlike, I was intrigued by making a mask with a softly torn edge particularly because of the scale effect.



Stuart and Carlos,

Thank you both so much for your comments! The aircraft falls together with only one seam that needs to managed on the lower wing assembly; it’s a great fitting kit and I’ve been testing the fit every step of the way. In fact, if that kit was not a tight fit I would have had to assemble the fuse and wings to make this work. I’m getting closer to assembly with each movement of the dance. Soon. Very soon. We shall see.

Carlos,

Indeed, that was exactly my thought. I need to tone the lower blue as one unit anyway to make things harmonize together!

[LyleW]

That looks super, mucho, really, totally rad, my man