Revell 1/48th Eurofighter * COMPLETED*

[Stuart]

It Does look like a nicely detail kit (crap fit asides) - what's the weapons choice like?

[ShaunW]

There's a decent set of stores, Stuart including missiles, bombs, drop tanks and a IIRC a recce pod. The kit (dating from around 2006) represents an early Eurofighter and the RAF version that I am building is the F2 which I believe is the initial pure fighter version that entered service with the RAF before the aircraft was developed to assume more of a multi-role mission profile (currently the FGR4?) with a view to probably replacing the Tornado. I have to admit that I'm not an expert on the aircraft.

[MarkyM607]

There's a decent set of stores, Stuart including missiles, bombs, drop tanks and a IIRC a recce pod. The kit (dating from around 2006) represents an early Eurofighter and the RAF version that I am building is the F2 which I believe is the initial pure fighter version that entered service with the RAF before the aircraft was developed to assume more of a multi-role mission profile (currently the FGR4?) with a view to probably replacing the Tornado. I have to admit that I'm not an expert on the aircraft.

FGR.4 is the current version AFAIK.

[Stuart]

There's a decent set of stores, Stuart including missiles, bombs, drop tanks and a IIRC a recce pod. The kit (dating from around 2006) represents an early Eurofighter and the RAF version that I am building is the F2 which I believe is the initial pure fighter version that entered service with the RAF before the aircraft was developed to assume more of a multi-role mission profile (currently the FGR4?) with a view to probably replacing the Tornado. I have to admit that I'm not an expert on the aircraft.

Thanks for the info Shaun!

[shangos70]

Coming along great now Shaun, I had read that both Revells 72 and 48th kits suffered from tricky fit. Sort of put me off getting a 72nd one upto now.

[ShaunW]

Thanks, Shane. Since I bought this 1/48th kit I've read various things on the interweb about the crap fit (I didn't know that the 1/72nd example was also similarly afflicted). I do recall one of the members on here, in response to my saying that I had this kit in my stash, being of the opinion that the stash was the "best place for it". I haven't found it to be that bad but I would just say to anyone contemplating building it to be aware that there is some work involved, requiring a bit of patience and that it certainly doesn't fall together - in other words be prepared to do a bit of old skool modelling, even though this isn't a classic kit and forget all that up to date "shake and bake" nonsense!!

[Stuart]

It might have been a challenge Shaun but I bet it's going to look class when built!

[ShaunW]

Finally I've managed to get away from the FSR (for those who don't know - Fill, Sand, Repeat ) cycle and have put an undercoat onto the model including the nose cone, which is being fitted separately and the landing gear doors which remain on the sprues for the time being. Paint is Tamiya XF-54 Dark Sea Grey, thinned with X-20A and applied by airbrush. The paint went on nicely enough as I usually find with Tamiya and hence they remain my favourite acrylic brand:







The DSG is not the correct shade for the final paint and is serving to show up any flaws and to give the final top coat of Hu-167 Barley Grey something to bite onto as it is from Humbrol's satin range, which I find work better with an undercoat. Using a matt paint undercoat like this (not always acrylic) is my usual practice, I have tried Vallejo primers in the past but found them to be OK until any sanding was required by way of correction work and try as I might I couldn't get a nice feathered edge to any of the sanded areas with the primer instead preferring to come off the model in chunks - paint I find sands much better!

The seams look surprisingly good, considering the overall poor fit of the kit, apart from around the upper spine airbrake which I think needs a touch more filler as the shut lines are a little too deep for my liking. Other than that bit of work she's good to go for the top coats.

Thanks for looking.

[Stuart]

That's looking really good Shaun - I knew you'd beat it into shape.

I like the idea of using the paint as an undercoat. I've only used Tamiya rattle can primer since getting back into the hobby but the paint is a good idea.

[ShaunW]

Cheers, Stuart. I have no experience with Tamiya primer and my experiences with the Vallejo stuff has put me off primers generally! I've used paint as an undercoat for years and I try to keep one or two bottles/tinlets of light/medium grey and matt white for the purpose. There is probably an advantage to using a primer, although I don't know what it is!

[shangos70]

Coming along nicely now Shaun. Looking forward to seeing the final result.

[ShaunW]

Thanks, Shane.

I have now applied the top coat, which is principally Hu-167 Barley Grey but to try and avoid a bland wall of grey look on what is quite a large airframe, I have also applied Hu-167 lightened with a bit of Hu-147 light grey to give a slightly patchy appearance. This all took a bit of trial and error to keep the effect subtle but I think I have managed a reasonable look:







Next up will be a gloss clear coat and then on with the decals.

Thanks for looking.

[DavidWomby]

That paint job looks great.

David

[ShaunW]

Thank you kindly, David!

[Stuart]

Now that looks superb Shaun - Nice work - Those greys look really good.

Primer - Don't see the point with enamels but I try and use it with acrylics. I find I get less 'pooling' issues with it and it makes the finish harder wearing imho. I just use bog standard Tamiya or humbrol though - Nothing fancy.