Ku.Fl.Gr. 406

[cph64]

I spoke to soon. Unlike Kevin my next attempt at thinning using the Humbrol acrylics ended in failure and meant an hour or so of cleaning the airbrush at a later date!!!!! So it was back to the hairy stick. Firstly RLM 73 was applied and once dry this was masked ready for the RLM 72 which is the darker of the two greens. Has anyone else noticed that at times side and plan profiles for the painting guides don't match up? This caused a bit of frustration in the area of the middle engine. Once dry the masking was removed and because I'd used the hairy stick there were some ridges to be removed using one of Tracy's old nail buffers. Some touching up of the paintwork is needed in places before I can varnish ready for decalling.

[Bigkev]

Hi Chris,
Got to admit that you've had a battle with this one. Not sure what went wrong with the spraying, but it looks okay with the 'hairy stick'
Modelling isn't a clear cut science, sometimes you have to adapt your approach which you have done in style.
Watching the final run to completion.
Cheers,
Kevin

[chriswil42]

It's keeping you busy Chris certainly.

[cph64]

After a coat of Klear the kit decals were applied with swastikas from Xtradecal for a machine of 2/Ku.Fl.Gr. 406 operating out of Tromso Norway in 1942. Despite using Set and Sol there was still a little silvering to be fettled as best as. All the small bits that could fall off or break, some did whilst cutting from the sprues. I blame the heavy connection points, these were repaired, and it was on with a coat of Acrylic Satin varnish after some weathering. Once dry the masking was removed and a little touching up followed to rectify bleed through. The tow bar for the beaching trolley was added, this is supposed to fit into holes in the frame but the lugs were over size so I just superglued it to the frame. Not a silk purse from a sow's ear but it looks like a 'Clog' so I'm happy.

[Bigkev]

Well Done Chris.
You have made a good job of this one despite it giving you problems all the way. It certainly looks like a 'Clog' that has seen active service.
Nice work and a thumbs up from me!
Kevin

[chriswil42]

And thumbs up from me Chris, very nice.

[zak]

Looking good.

[cph64]

Thanks everyone. I got the wrong T in my rush to post it was based at Trondheim not Tromso, doh!!!!!!

[councilman]

A very interesting looking aircraft.
Well done Chris.

[cph64]

Back to the He 115: The fuselage was joined up after some trimming of parts then the wings and tailplanes were added along with the engine cowlings which were attached with Mastik to simplify masking. The floats were also made at the same time then it was out with the primer followed by matt aluminium and then chipping fluid in places. After masking the fuselage openings it was time for my airbrushes to be defeated by the Humbrol artexes yet again so once more it was out with the hairy stick. RLM 04 Yellow was applied to the wingtips and once dry it was also masked and RLM 65 Lichtblau applied to the undersurfaces. Lots more masking and it was the turn of RLM 72 and 73 for the upper surfaces. In hindsight I should have fitted the nose glazing to each half of the fuselage before joining it up as it took a lot of work to get it in place and things got even worse when I went to fit the upper decking. This was shorter than the location point and the glazing had a short shot at the rear which isn't apparent in the photo. A combination of PPP and Glue and Glaze have been used to start filling the gaps but more work will be required. It appears that when Revell took over the Matchbox moulds they didn't tidy them up or make corrections, strange as they went overboard on the decals.

[chriswil42]

Sounds like another labour of love Chris

[MSea]

Just think about the FUN you are having - hohhoho

[cph64]

Yes the fun continued with filling the gap and blending it in then fitting the nose section followed by the main canopy which also took a bit of work to get settled in properly. Then it was on to the floats. Much nautical language and several attempts later I got them to fit, the locating points were opened to help but the orientation of the smaller struts wasn't clear and had to be worked out. Despite sanding the mating surfaces the main struts still didn't sit correctly so it was out with the PPP and they were blended in. Once dry it was time to touch up the paintwork. Work will now be on hold as we're off to Ku.Fl.Gr.406's hunting grounds for two weeks from Wednesday.

[zak]

Enjoy your trip.

[MSea]

Have a great time