Moving it along

Having just finished the 'Frank', here are some photos. I've just realised what an attractive subject this is. It's not as if the Ki-84 is a stranger to me, but it's the first time I've built one with such an obvious camo scheme.

The build did include the Eduard colour etch and flap set and the Vector resin engine - all of which contributed no end to the completed model. The resin engine was not a perfect fit, but with some minor alterations to the cowling I was able to make it work.


The decals for this model are from a Superscale set of which I'm not usually a big fan. I used the defining decals from this set, and then employed the Hasegawa decals elsewhere because they were of better quality, to get the best ultimate result. Hasegawa decals are excellent - see these photos of how well they've gone down on the 'Pete' I'm building:




Whatever the decal origin, I always start with a nice smooth gloss surface, then moisten it with decal setting solution. I apply the decal directly from the backing paper where possible, position it carefully, then gently smooth it down with a wet brush. The decal usually wrinkles at first, but then it starts to conform to the surface. Sometimes it takes more setting solution, but I'm careful not to overdo this. The advantages speak for themselves.

Not all manufacturers include such high quality decals, and the cheaper ones require a different method of fitting, which I'll talk about further down the line.

More on the Lanc

Just an update really. I got the model right up to its paint stage, and I think it's gone well. I had the sudden desire at this point to paint freehand, and thereby give that nice feathered edge. It would have been quicker too, but study of the actual aircraft revealed a slightly harder edge. So it was out with the blu-tac. After I removed the blu-tac masking, I found the resulting look very much like the real thing.

After the first stage of weathering, I glossed up and began applying the decals. These came from the Techmod set - 300 Squadron Polish at RAF Faldingworth. They're not bad, but need some persuasion to settle down.

I'm now at stage two of weathering, or will be, as soon as the new glaze dries.

Another birthday

Having just had a birthday - my 57th - I am very conscious that 60 is just round the corner. Where do these big numbers come from? Only yesterday I was 23!

The thought of retirement and its planning might be starting to loom, although if this Government has its way, I'll be here for another decade. And anyway, retire to what? Knocking a few kits together in the spare room? I do that for a living. I must say it's tempting to think of the railway sets I've got stashed away, waiting for a big setup in the room earmarked for them, but I can't begin to think of leaving work behind. It's a way of life, and I've made so many friends. You can't just stop something you love after 45 years.



So what are the plans? I don't want to be struggling round the railway layout with a Zimmer... But I think it's the plastic fantastic for me for a while longer yet. There's too much going on on the bench for me to think about packing it in for a long time yet. I must have more than 25 kits in the growing queue, so that might take me somewhere close to my pension. Here's a photo of what's keeping me at my bench today.