SPA Modeler

There's always finding a replacement part from the company or even aftermarket parts. Knowing you're a master of things in styrene, you will scratch build another.

Or I can simply show the ladder in the stowed position. It was probably retracted most of the time on the ground anyway.

The last bits and pieces are being added. The flaps are glued into place. The attachment tabs had to be trimmed to account for the brass part that was used for the upper wings. I chickened out on the brass flaps... I categorized the required folding as humanly impossible.


The landing lights were tiny bits of clear plastic that were painted transparent red and blue. Also added at this stage were the delicate aileron/tab actuating arms.



Removal of the canopy masks is always a nervous time. Didn't know what to expect, especially the way this model has fought me. Outside of a little bit of overspray that was cleaned up with a wooden toothpick dipped in iso alcohol, the clear parts turned out ok. In my effort to douse some of the frosty white that was starting to creep into the finish, the salt fading effects were greatly reduced. You can just make out remnants of the technique in these photos.



The next time I show the entire airframe, I think it will be of the finished model.

I have not finalized the decision but here's a mock-up of the boarding ladder in the stowed position.

Wow - looks great. The canopy looks crystal clear.

Yeah... that’ll do. Well done!

We've finally reached the end of the road on this one! The aerial is not yet attached but that is the only thing remaining. I've showed the boarding ladder in the retracted position. Because it is tricky putting her on her back once the aerial is on, I took some finished shots with the DSLR. After the aerial is done, I'll take some more pics with the good camera.


Because of her impressive wing span, I'm going to expand the white background. I've been using the back of an old poster but it's just not big enough for the Tank fighter.

You know, I think John has a Ray gun and shrinks the real item!

Beautiful!