F for Freddie - Airfix 1/24 Mosquito

[Rick]

First thread.  Here is where I am currently at building my big Mossie.  Some of you may have seen previous posts on another modelling site.  I'm on the home stretch of a build started almost three years ago.  Last night I added the rest of the decals over a glossy coat of Tamiya X22. After 48 hours, I'll spray another coat to seal the decals and then begin the washes and weathering this weekend.  Comments, recommendations, and critiques are welcome. 

All markings finally added. 487 Squadron. 

 Kit supplied bombs were garbage. Went with the slipper tanks instead to add some charactor.

   Still need to add bay doors and gear doors.  This will come after weathering under the wings to make that job go easier. 

That's my first post. Trying to get Freddie finished before the first area model show in April. My intent will be to place him on a airfield setting with a mirror under the weapons bay to improve visibility to the 20mm gun pack. I've built the mossie pretty much out of the box with the addition of harnesses only. I will need to add two whip antenna's in place of the single mast as research reveals the actual aircraft was configured in this manner. Rick

[bullardino]

Wow, impressive build

[deafpanzer]

WOW! L-O-V-E the camo! Keep it coming...

[Rick]

Thanks guys. I've got some work to do with posting pics so I hope to be able to share more pics in various stages of construction once I figure out how to get better photos posted. Kind of like blogging in reverse to a degree.

Boo, thank you. I followed your build and understand why it is so special. Your build is what inspired me to open it back up and get back to work on it. Mine is no where close to your masterpiece so your kind words are very appreciated. Freddie is my 2nd aircraft kit in over 40 years so I've learned a lot of new skills with it. Weathering it is my next challenge. Rick

[venom1]

Rick,

Magnificent job mate, especially for only your second aircraft!! It's bloody huge!!

Next question..... where the heck are you gonna put it??!!

Cheers,

Sam

[wbill76]

Now that's an impressive project for sure, looking good!

[bbd468]

Rick, that is a beautiful bird right there...Outstanding job!!! I love the Mosquito ever since i saw a special on the military channel years ago. A beautifully crafted piece of work it was and from what i understand Mr. Hitler was very jealous of the Mosquito and demanded a German version at once....but we all know how that story ends.

Gary

[deafpanzer]

I was thinking alike Gary... saw great TV show on Military Channel about this plane. Impressive!!!

[Leon]

Rick very nice work on the bird.Love the camo.

[Rick]

Finally got a better handle on photo uploads. Here are a few more pics taken during Freddie's construction.


Freddie from 12 O'clock high.  Glossie Mossie ready for decals.  I was concerned with the amount of clear film on the radiator cover decals. I decided to mask and paint the red outlines and cut the "Keep Off" from the decal.


The "Office". 


The view any self respecting enemy does not want to see on his 6 O'clock! I did replace the Browning barrels with brass and sprayed alclad to make them pretty.

[Rick]

Here are a few more pics from the camo sessions. To get the soft edge RAF camo, I quickly found there is not enough blu tac in the world to cover the vast quantity of plastic. I ended up enlarging the line drawing from the instructions about 330% so it was full size. (Yes, it took a lot of trial and error to find the right number.) I then cut each gray section and applied a roll of blu tac to the bottom then applied it to it's proper home. Freddie was placed on a foam base/jig and then onto my sons paint easle and tilted it into a 45 degree climb. Painted directly above and then touched up a few areas afterthe masks were removed.


Blu tac under the mask raised the mask to give the feathering needed for the soft edge.  If the roll was to thick, I just squashed it down. 


Masked and ready for green!

[Leon]

Rick,Freddie is looking awesome.nice work on the camo.The office looks sweet.

[robbo]

Superb work Rick, very clean looking paint job too, what are you thinking of with the weathering, heavy or light

[Rick]

Thanks for the comments. Robbo, by nature I tend to go light with my weathering. However, aircraft are somewhat new ground for me. My plan is to weather the bottom and tail with exhaust, some fluid streaks, and general grime and effects of operating in less than ideal conditions. Then work on the top. Scale means more visibility to subtle wear. I have an idea what I want, I'm hoping I have the skills to transfer it to the model without completely ruining it. If successful, I'll post results.

[multicam]

Amazing work on this one, Rick. I love the masking technique. Camo looks great:)

[Mence]

Wow, how did I miss this! Fantastic work all round, the cam looks superb!

[Rick]

Thanks for the encouragement and comments. Next phase: Weathering. I've worked on the belly with oils and pin wash. Next up will be exhaust stains on the nacelles and tail plane followed by the gear and bay doors. Once the belly is done, time to tackle weathering the top and trying to fade some panels. Any tips/guidance on the fading would be appreciated! Here are some current status pics:

[Leon]

Nice weathering on the belly of this beast.

[Deleted]

Rick,I have no idea where you live,but the Mossie that Boo built on another site,resides in the De Havilland Heritage Centre,near St Albans,in Hertfordshire.I know,because I was the fella that bought the darn thing!!!!(Really good thing is,SWMBO hasn't spoken to me since!!!Bliss!! )

[Rick]

Chris, I followed Boo's build all the way through to when you purchased and presented it. Learned a number of techniques that I have applied to mine. When I was stuck, following along served as inspiration quite a few times to keep pushing me along. Your generosity in buying and donating it was quite inspiring as well. In the end, I'd be happy if my Mossie turns out half as brilliant as Boo's. Wish I could get to see it at the Heritage Center.  I live in the states so it's a bit more than a weekend trip to get there.  Hopefully one day!!

Rick

[wbill76]

Some fine detail work going into this one Rick. Very nice underbelly work for sure.

[fightnjoe]

rick your work speaks volumes. neat trick with the masking. excellent attention to details. outstanding build.




joe

[Rick]

Freddie is finally DONE!!! Finished him up last night about midnight. No time to take photos before taking him to the first IPMS show in our area this year next day. Finished first in category and best WW2 model in the show. Will get some decent pics taken in the next few days and do a finished thread. Rick

[bbd468]

This is a beautiful War bird Rick, outstanding details, paint, camo....tha works man! Cant wait to see it in all its glory!

Gary

[deafpanzer]

Agree with guys here... can't wait to see the final pictures!

[Rick]

Boo, thank you for the kind words. I think your detailed blog paved the way for quite a few to really grasp concepts and take the plunge. I know it did for me! It did take forever to get the oils on board. Works been crazy but I finally worked up a base for it and set up lights and shot a bunch of "portraits" of the Mossie last night. I need to sort them out and am hoping to do a photo thread of Freddie in his finished state this weekend. I have to admit I am pleased with the result. I was able to take it to a IPMS show last week and it won Best WWII entry.
Rick

[Leon]

Congrats on the award Rick.Waiting to see your final pics.

[Deleted]

Rick,A BIG congratulations for the awards for this Beauty,well deserved mate!!!! .....Looking forward to your final piccies being posted in 'The Gallery'

[wbill76]

Congrats on the win Rick. Well deserved!