Lt. Keith Gallagher's Lucky Escape

[tc2324]

Whilst awaiting the start of another whif group build, I`ve started the task of cutting away the flaps on the kit so that the aftermarket `open` flaps set can be fitted.

To say this is a labour of love would be an understatement!

I`ve over run with the cutting knife a couple of times which will need to be fixed. Luckily this is one of the undersides so hopefully will not be too noticeable, but it means extra care when doing the upper surfaces. Only the trailing flaps have been done so far and the leading edge flaps section is next. Obviously a bit of filing down will be in order as well.

Then when this is done, only another 3 wings pieces to go...

[Flyingmonster]

TC great work! How are you going t do the chute wrapped around the tail?

[tc2324]

TC great work! How are you going t do the chute wrapped around the tail?

I think the phrase I`m looking for to answer that question Jamie is....., `one problem at a time mate..., one problem at a time....`

(In short, no idea, haven`t thought about it yet).

[Flyingmonster]

TC great work! How are you going t do the chute wrapped around the tail?

I think the phrase I`m looking for to answer that question Jamie is....., `one problem at a time mate..., one problem at a time....`

(In short, no idea, haven`t thought about it yet).

[FTS]

I've an idea. How about cling film painted in the colours of the chute, or tissue paper attached with PVA glue with equal parts water. Art Attack style!

[tc2324]

I've an idea. How about cling film painted in the colours of the chute, or tissue paper attached with PVA glue with equal parts water. Art Attack style!

Smells to much of Blue Peter to me Steve.....

[paddyboy]

Hi TC

I shall be peeking intensely at this one

Best of luck

Cheers

Patrick

[tc2324]

Ok, so I have finally got round to cutting all the bits off prior to sticking them together with the aftermarket flaps set.

What a pain in the neck job that was and probably one of the most un-enjoyable modelling tasks I`ve done in a long time, but at least it`s now done.

Still need to smooth off some of the edges but the flaps set will cover most of the undersides anyway. The rest of the build should be straight forward from now on until I get to the most dangerous bit, which if goes wrong, will really really ruin my day.

The cutting of the canopy!

[Flyingmonster]

I feel this is going to be the best from your Stable yet buddy!!

[paddyboy]

Hi TC

You are defo going for the jugular with this one

Cheers

Patrick

[tc2324]

Ok..., I stand corrected.

Dry fitting the resin flaps shows up the warping on some areas and while it does not look too bad, this may prove to be the real pain in the backside of the build rather than the previous cutting and trimming.

Don`t you just love modelling.......

[steve149c]

Great job TC - aftermarket slats and flaps are the biggest pain in the butt - after raised panel lines!

[tc2324]

So time to bring the A-6 out of mothballs and get this finished once and for all. But oh dear.., it seems the refuelling probe hasn`t faired well while sitting in the box. Not to worry, an easy fix.



Now the way I see it, the wings and canopy were always going to be the major issues and work on this build. (Of course something further down the line will prove me wrong!).

So while dry fitting the Paragon bits to the kit I discovered that all those months ago, I was obviously a bit too animated with the cutting knife and there was a major gap between the leading edge and the rest of the wing. Ooops!



So again out with the filler. This will be left for a couple of days to fully cure before I even attempt to go near it with a file. Plenty to be getting on with in the meantime, either cutting the canopy into shape or working on the trailing edges.

[tc2324]

Now as mentioned previously I started work on other areas while the filer cures. I`ve `attacked` the canopy issue head on.

Some of you may remember that the canopy I got with the kit was snapped in half and with the kind efforts from a member of another forum, he sent me a spare. This meant that I had only one chance to get this right and if I`m honest it scared the bejesus out of me.

However not one to waste, I had a crack at practising different techniques on the broken original canopy to create a hole that looks good but does not crack the whole canopy in half.

Hmmmmm....,



Anyway, I eventually settled on melting a hole in the middle of the canopy and then fileing my way outwards. Some scratching did occur, but nothing too drastic and anyway I`m sure there must have been some stress fractures and scratching on the real thing as it shattered. Well, thats my excuse anyway.

Here`s the end result with the second picture showing a dry fit mock up.





Onwards and upwards.

[paddyboy]

Hi TC

Absolutely 'cracking' work, mate

Couldn't resist the alliteration, there

This is going to turn out just fine, trust me

Best regards

Patrick

[tc2324]

Thanks Patrick. I`m actually starting to enjoy this build now the complicated bits are done and safe.

The builds now gaining pace with a majority of the main airframe complete.



Although I am wondering if the Revell A-6 kit is built to the same specifications as the SR-71 in the fact that where always seems to be plenty of `gaps` that need to be plugged.

[steve149c]

Whoa TC, she is coming together nicely now. Great job on the slats and cockpit glass!

[tc2324]

Cheers Steve. Btw, hows that Tiffie coming on?

It`s filler time...!!!

Ok, so after fitting the intakes, I broke out the filler....



After seeing the `step` in more detail along the top of the join, I broke out the filler.....



... and after noticing the lump underneath the avionics bay between the air brakes that the A-6D does not have, I broke out the file for a change.

[tc2324]

Principle spraying no complete and also the the ejection seat is also complete. (Well as far as I`m prepared to go anyway)





Got to sort out a few `loose ends` as such and then it`s onto the glossing and decals.

[paddyboy]

Hi TC

Coming along nicely now

Cheers

Patrick