Update on Academy B-17
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So the past week and a half has been extremely busy, thus the table time had been put on hold. Managed to squeeze a few hours in tonight and got the bomb bay, pilot, co-pilot and instrument panel finished, as well as tape and prime the fuselage and wings for their makeover. So far the fit has been incredible and it's starting to make me question why I even bother with Revell! Anyways the test fittings have been conducted and my excitement level is through the roof!
What im not looking forward to is the extremely tiny cockpit, nose, and turrets I have to paint in the very near future. Any tips and tricks for 1:72 scale "glass" please send them my way. Anyway that concludes this quick update. Hoping for more by Saturday. Happy building everyone and have a safe weekend
It is coming along nicely. I do not know much about this kit and I am interested in what you said about quality of it. Is this a new release from Airfix or older mold? What made you decide to paint fuselage before assembly...never tired that. Painting those tiny windows are tough. I have been experimenting with different types of liquid mask with good results. I dont recall the name of mask I have been using but it comes in a marker. Marker tip to wide so I press marker into a plastic bottle cap to get fluid out little at a time. Then I use a tiny fine paint brush to paint fine mask lines where needed directly on the glass. My framing has improved 10x fold. I have tried this with different brands but one I am using has worked best...I think name is Marlotow ordered online from model vendors. It dries in like 5 minutes in cap so work fast once dispensed. Dries quick on model so no need to wait to paint. Removes well with no significant issues. If large glass I use tape for easy spots to get tape in then as I get close to the frame I use the liquid mask. Thats my 2-cents in general masking these areas are never easy but I can tolerate this method as oppose to masking with tape and lots of fine delicate cuts with sharp xacto, no room for error! If you want to use conventional mask method on tiny windows try using bare-metal foil instead of conventional tape. CUTS more easily with less pressure and you can see the details through the tape much better. DOwn side is its expensive and it is gummy when pulling up but that is not a deal breaker for me.
In regards to new or old mold, I believe it is an older mold that hobby lobby always has on their shelf and I couldn't resist any longer. In regards to painting before assembly, I found it easier to mask, no worries about windows getting anything on them, and you can be a little more patient. At least that is my opinion. Especially with the change from 1/48 I want to be as patient as possible with this kit, big hands and small parts dont work so well.. as for the information on the markers I will have to look into them! Thanks for the description on procedures and will give a few tests runs to figure out what works best. Will keep updating on progress and ultimately the finish!
Dylan Michael Davis Eddy, your Fortress is coming along great!
Paul - thanks for describing your (obviously) good method of masking. Molotow - I think - is the company that makes those markers.
Thanks Paul!
It's starting to come together. Doesn't look a bad kit considering its age
Great progress! and great info from all!
Depending on which very of the Fortress types you are building Dylan, E, F or G? Eduard does a precut mask set for the F/G. I have one for my E build which does not help on all the glazing for my kit as the E has a 'glasshouse' framed nose cone, the F and G a less framed version, but will make masking the rest a lot easier.
https://www.picclickimg.com/d/l400/pict/163212491507_/Eduard-B-17F-G-Flying-Fortress-Masks-for-the-Academy.jpg