Thanks Spiros, John, Tom. Getting down to the nitty gritty on the final assembly. Already April time to wrap this up.
This session will start with assembling the 4 bladed props.
Unusual but practical approach by Modelsvit in having the props in 2 parts.
I had intended to paint the props semi gloss black while painting parts on another project. But ran out of paint in completing that step. Reason why a set of blades are unpainted. The tips are masked off to finish painting the blades.
The spinner backing plate is attached to the back of the prop blades.
Next up the spinners are trimmed and then attached to the front of the props.. So far everything fits in place.
A little clean up and the Tamiya semi gloss black is then airbrushed. Once the paint sets the masks are removed from the tips.
Next the stencils and logos are applied to each blade.
Next is to attach the props in place in the front section of each fuselage.
I didn't use the kit's PE exhaust system provide, went to a much easier to use and well done resin set from Resin2detail. As shown on the box very reasonable price.
Easy to remove from the back block they are moulded in. And the fit is perfect afer a Burnt metal is painted over the manifolds.
With the props and exhausts manifolds installed getting closer as we go forward to the final details.
I will leave the LH pilots side canopy open, re installed the seat with the LH side shoulder harness hanging out. Darn PE got stuck in that position as it should hang more to a 90 degree droop not 45. Oh well.
Now things that go boom. This F-82 will be configured for a ground mission with rockets and bombs. First the rocket bodies are painted Lt Grey.
I had a left over 500lb bomb already assembled from the ICM B-26B, I attached that to the outer LH side pylon/hardpoint.
Next was to assemble the rather unique designed rocket launcher rails.
Once assembled, I airbrushed the launchers Tamiya Glossy Black.
The warhead section were painted Mission Models Olive Drab. And the tips are Vallejo Aluminum.
Now the fun part, rockets can be rather a difficult task to install. Small contact point and easy to knock when trying to attach the next weapon to the rail, I started with the center point.
The first pair went on ok, then the trouble started trying to attach the rest of the rockets. Let say to prevent a wall smashing event. I ended just using 3 rockets on each launcher.
Then fun part 2nd act, attaching the set on each wing inner hard point.
Then with that called it a day. Next is to attach the 2nd bomb, attach the canopy and the final clear bits.
More to follow.
