SPA Modeler

Nice job on the skis

cbaltrin wrote: ↑Thu Sep 17, 2026 8:19 am Nice work. Your rigging looks fantastic.

Euhm, that picture of skis and rigging that Bruce posted, is not mine, unfortunately!

- Kari

speedgraflex wrote: ↑Thu Sep 17, 2026 11:37 am Kari, I’m not sure which aircraft Gary chose to model, but the color scheme seems slightly off which is why I just highlighted the ski mechanism. Gary’s known for details; I think that’s where he excels.

I’ve seen quite a few splinter camo versions, curiously. I have not researched too much so far.

Nice work on your test.

Thanks Bruce, he certainly excels, the build quality is outstanding, details from another planet, really amazing!

- Kari

Most of the time so far, that I have spent with this project, has been to research more information about the 1.D.357.

However, I started with the cockpit, or more precisely the cockpit wooden floor, the control stick, the compass etc.



The compass is a colored PE part, the glass is a drop of UV resin








Work with the seat cushion started as well




Finally becoming this:




The kit comes with very nice PE harness, so that will be the next step.



- Kari

Very nice work Kari! The wood grain on the floor is fantastic! How did you do that?

All looking very good indeed!

Stuart wrote: ↑Fri Sep 18, 2026 5:44 pm All looking very good indeed!

Thanks Stuart!

- Kari

Stikpusher wrote: ↑Fri Sep 18, 2026 11:00 am Very nice work Kari! The wood grain on the floor is fantastic! How did you do that?

Thanks Carlos!

The wood grain is easy to do: start with a basecoat of sand yellow and make sure it's completely dry. Next, apply a layer of Burnt Umber oil color. Let that sit for a minute or two, then drag a stiff, heavily trimmed brush over it to scrape away the excess oil and simulate the grain.
The good thing is, you can start all over again if you scrape away too much.

Regarding the basecoat, the effect might be even better with a gloss finish rather than flat; with a flat basecoat, the porous surface absorbs the oil paint, causing the base color to turn dark.

My to go "wood grain brushes"


- Kari

Off to a great start!