BAC Strikemaster

[cph64]

Another one of my 'Places what I have been to' kits. This is the 2008 rebox with new decals of the Strikemaster first released by Airfix in1973 and as such it has raised panel lines. Consisting of 90 parts, some not used depending on which version you build, those being a RAF Jet Provost T.5, two Singapore AF Strikemaster Mk.84s and a RNZAF Mk.88. I'm building as a Mk.84. This will be OOB except for the ejector seats which I'm replacing with resin aftermarket ones.

[Bigkev]

Aaaah...... fond memories of this one.
Look forward to your build.
Kevin

[Bob C]

I'm sure you will do the kit justice.

Bob c

[cph64]

Cockpit interior and console painted Vallejo Light Aircraft Grey with the dials picked out in black then once dry it was fitted to the starboard side along with the bulkhead for the nose lights. This needs sanding as it's stopping the two fuselage halves from fully mating. Blue Tack and steel shot have been added in the nose. The resin seats were washed and painted using Vallejo, Tamiya and Citadel colours, the difference between these and the kit seats can be seen.

[zak]

Nice details.

[chriswil42]

Definitely nice detail.

[Bigkev]

Nice work on those Resin seats.
They are a fantastic improvement on the kit offerings and will look good in the cockpit.
Kevin

[cph64]

With all the main parts assembled and various inlets etc. added it was time for paint after the usual Halfords Grey Primer. Lower surfaces are Game Color Ghost Grey which was then masked off and Vallejo Tan applied as the first part of the upper camoflague. Xtracrylix Vietnam Green was used for the lighter of the greens followed by Vallejo US Dark Green. Masking was done using MR Hyde Masking Putty. I'd initially painted the tip tanks Tamiya Orange but once dry it didn't match the decal for the fuselage stripe so I painted over using Citadel Ryza Rust which gives a closer match. Once all was cured the black anti-dazzle panel and cockpit rear were painted Vallejo Black. The sliding part of the canopy should have a bulkhead, which isn't in the kit, so one has been made.

[MSea]

Coming together well Chris

[Bigkev]

Good steady progress Chris.
Good work on the canopy bulkhead.
I might have to build a 'bigger' brother for it, after my Provost.
Kevin

[chriswil42]

Nice work Chris - you've speeded up.

[cph64]

As partly expected some of the decals shattered when I tried to apply them even after a coat of Klear. As a result the aircraft has composite markings with the National insignia coming from '303 - D', both of which had shattered, being replaced with  '301 - B', which had the later National insignia roundels. The biggest problem was the fuselage high viz band, this had to be masked off and painted, perhaps I should have done it that way first?, with the black edging coming from the surrounds of other kit decals that I'd saved. The drop tanks, rocket pods (from the original Airfix Harrier kit), and blade aerial have been fitted along with the resin ejector seats. The main canopy isn't glued on yet as I'm gving the decals time to bed in before applying a final coat of Klear to seal everything in. Not quite as OOB as I first thought but I got here in the end with a plane from 130 Squadron Royal Singapore Air Force in the 1970s.

[chriswil42]

Blimey - your're just about done. You on steroids Chris?

[cph64]

No, statins lol!!!!

[Bigkev]

Nice work there Chris.
Looks nice and purposeful, in an attractive scheme.
Kevin