Hi again, this is my
third submission which is a project where I wanted to "redeem" myself
since my first attempt was just atrocious compared to this one. This project
was mostly an OOB build with the exception of the Astra, F-15c Bitburg (525th
Fighter Squadron), decal set; a Legend, Aces II seat (resin), and an Edward,
F-15c interior PE set. For paints I mostly used MM's enamels and acrylics,
but a few Humbrol and Testors enamel's were used as well. I pre-shaded the kit
with raw umber, but it is hardly noticeable (mostly my fault). For weathering I
used the Pro-Modeler wash (black) which I've come to like so much. I opted
for the Mod Eagle Camouflage scheme which consists of MM's FS 36176
and FS 36251. I also used Alclad aluminum paint and MM's metalizer jet
exhaust paint.
The Revell kits can be a hit or mix in
my opinion due to the fitting of some of the components. Luckily for me,
this one was a hit since I really did not have any major problems during the
assembly. The one part I hate about this kit is the clear canopy. On my first
kit the blasted thing cracked over half of the piece. This one survived
most of build, but it finally cracked just a bit as I removed the tape
protecting the interior during painting. The assembly of the front and main
(rear) fuselage can also be a bit daunting since it requires some
major surgery and adjustments to fit and look properly. Needless to say, a
whole lot of filling and sanding went on here. This kit came as a two pilot
cockpit, but it also included an electronics bay. For this I had to cut out the
rear pilot bay area, and later I glued the electronics bay to make this kit
a single seater bird. The Aces seat is just a great addition to this kit, and
the PE set was pre-painted. This was my first successful PE cockpit attempt, but
although it looks neat, I felt I cheated during the build since the included
cockpit could be pretty nice when properly completed.
For the electronics bay I mixed some
paints in an attempt to come up to something close to what was required.
Although not truly great, I think the final shade was pretty close to what I
needed. I also did a bit of scratch building here since I had to add wires and
shape to some of the components inside this bay to make it look more realistic.
I used the Aim 9's and Sparrow missiles included in the kit. I added to the top
railing on the Sparrow missiles with plastruct strips, and I painted the
stripes on the missiles as well. I also etched some of the details on these
missiles to enhance their view. The construction of the Aim 9's was a little
more complicated since I had to make stencils for some of the missile
markings. About 50% of the markings on the Aim 9's are actually spray painted
replicas of the stencils. I know I know, why the heck I just did not
purchase the decal sheet for it. It was coming out so good that I decided
just to continue what I was doing.
Click on
images below to see larger images
The one thing
I wish I would have added to this build is the metal landing gear. The one
included in the kit looks so frail, and I am pretty sure it is going to
break as my other kit did. I also added a fuel drop tank that I took from
my spare parts from an F-18 build a while ago. All things considered,
I feel that this build is far superior to my last attempt at this kit.
I certainly hope
that you foes enjoy these photos, and as always, thanks to the tips and tools
provided by all of you great builders out there.
Victor De Jesus
Click on
images below to see larger images
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