SPA Modeler

Well, I think I've finally got rid of builders block. I've spent the past few days working on the TA-3B from Trumpeter. Overall the kit is not too bad. I've got the main office and the bombardier training section complete as well as the front and main gear bays. There are some minor areas that are incorrect for the TA- version, one of which is the rear facing third seat in the cockpit. This would normally be a forward facing seat. Another area is the main gear wells, there should be an open area at the back of the bay that would be open to the other side; however, to do this on the kit, would take a lot of "tinkering" to get it right. Also, the rear of the TA- version did not have guns, it had an optical sensor to score bombing efficiency for the training of bombardiers. This should be a pretty easy fix, as I will leave off the guns and use some clear acetate to simulate the camera lens. If you notice in the photos, I've added some strip styrene to the fuselage in spots to increase strength and help to line up the seams, there are only a few small locating pins, not near enough for that large of a seam.

I tried my hand at some chipping of the floor using the salt method. I first sprayed a bit of Alclad duraluminum on the floor, then applied a few bits of salt; after, I sprayed a coat of black Stynylrez primer and then removed the salt. After that had dried I added some more salt and a final coat of light ghost grey. It wont be seen since its inside the deep wells of this aircraft but it gave me a chance to try something I'd never done before.


Thanks for looking.

Wow - great interior!

That must be a big beast in 1\48

Oh that's nice and busy in there! I really like it! Now how much will be visible once it's all together?

Wow, that's what I call a HUGE modeling comeback. Very nice detailing work!

Thanks all, Stik, not much will actually be visible in the crew compartment. You will be able to see a little bit more detail in the cockpit. I'm still in the deciding stage with this one. I'm tempted, to show one wing folded and the other with one wing extended with the flaps and slats extended as well. I may just extend the flaps and slats on both and still fold one wing. I know its not totally correct; however, I was thinking it might show a neat alternative. We'll see what happens.

Didn't the vertical tail fin fold on those aircraft also?

Yes, the tail also folds to one side, just above the horizontal stabilizers. The kit includes parts so that you can fold all sections with PE detail added. I dont think I'm going to fold the tail. Overall, this is a really nice kit and it gives you several options to fold wings, drop flaps and slats, extend the tail hook, open the speed brakes, etc.

I like seeing how some of the larger aircraft like this can fold up the same manner. I recall seeing an S-3 Viking built with the wings and tail folded and with all the associated detail exposed it just added a big wow factor for me. Anyways, I look forward to your next update on this beauty.