a - Hang Glider Preparation and Inspiration

Finalist Cmdr G writes:

The model comes in two pieces, wings and fuselage (?). The molding was crisp, with no real flash I could see. Trial assembly showed the biggest problem with the casting. The gap where fuselage and wing meet on the underside was large, but not tricky. There were also lots of little mold lines and other fine lines I found, many on the woodwork. The last thing I found and did not like was the trailing edge fabric of the craft measured about 3mm thick.

Preparation

Deciding to have a think on a few things, I started out with assorted files to tidy up the model. Most of this was easy enough, but in getting rid of the lines on the woodwork I removed more detail than I wished.

Out came my multi-tool (an oversize Dremel tool, more powerful) and an engraving bit was fitted. I then carefully restored as much detail in the woodwork (particularly along the tail). I then decided what the hell, got out a larger cutting tip, and ground back the fabric trailing edges almost 1mm, which you may not see much but it was noticeable. I then took the engraving tip out again and returned the trailing edge detail. I also hollowed out the gun barrel some.

I must be crazy. (Not really. Crazy was when I fixed up some 1/300th F18s to be more in-scale, adding flaps and slats, and the leading wing edges good enough to shave with.)

My next problem was that gap in the wing-fuselage fitting.

Inspiration

Unlike most people, I decided to fix the gap but without assembling the model. This had a big advantage in that I could paint the 2 major pieces, and I would then have easier access to the pilot when painting him because the wings would not be in the way. If the gap were done right it would not be a problem.

The first thing to remember with filling gaps like this is that you actually still need a gap to show, a very small one which looks just like what this one should, where two wooded surfaces meet.

I opened up some builders multi-purpose epoxy putty and prepared it. This stuff is great because it sets rock hard after a few minutes. Rolling it flat, I placed a strip down the middle of the lower wing recess into which the fuselage slots. Taking the fuselage, I pushed it very firmly into position, the pressure displacing all the surplus epoxy putty through the gaps. Quickly taking a scalpel, I tripped and scrapped away surplus, and separated the fuselage and wing carefully. It was left to harden for 5 minutes.

The final preparation was the undercoat. I like white at the moment, although black was the color I used for years. I mostly apply this by aerosol can as it gives a nice even coat and very thin if you do it right.

Undercoating white also does one more thing - it shows up stuff you missed, like detail so fine it's hard to see, or mold lines you missed. Careful study showed I seem to have got them all (I think).

I also checked my gap filling now it had dried and had a coat of paint. Perfect fit.