Armour Fans first wingythingy! Italeri Stuka B-2

[Hinksy]

Hi fellas,

I've spent the last 5 years building mainly 1/35 early WWII German Armour.

Yesterday I was at the LHS and I spotted Italeri's 1/48 Ju 87 B-2 Stuka (kit# 2690). I've always loved Stukas and have been talking about a Stuka build for ages.

Box opened - VERY surprised at the size of the thing. Whenever I build 1/48 armour it's usually small and fiddly - this thing is huge! The PE instrument panel and PE Pilots Harness are most impressive as is the massive Decal Sheet!

There's a super detailed engine and as most of my armour is set around the Eastern Front where my main interest lies I've gone for the 3rd marking option which is '2/StG2 - Russia, July 1941'.

www.aeroscale.co.uk/modules.php?op=modload&name=Reviews&file=index&req=showcontent&id=5686



Now onto the fun bit - building it!

Apart from the usual childhood Airfix thing that we all get when about 7 years old I have never EVER assembled a wingythingy and will definately need some assistance - particularly when it comes to assembly and painting. Some of the colour codes are only given as an RLM number and at present the whole cockpit assembly looks 'intimidating'

I need someone to put their arm around my shoulder, provide reassurance and help me through this VERY difficult part of my life (okay - I need someone to answer the odd question, be it on a pm or on here).

You guys up for helping me? Have any of you built this kit already?

I'll be starting next week all being well.

Thanks fellas,

Ben

[TRM]

Hi Ben!!

TBH, I personally can't seem to actually finish a Wingy that I start and if I do it ends up a wreck...which is what I was going for anyway...LOL!!

But with that, No worries as I am sure there will be plenty of help for you along the way. Patience is all that is needed for the Office!! Don't worry 'bout the RLM stuff - www.paint4models.com/paintchart/paintconversionchart20100101d.htm# At the bottom of the page 'tick' the box "RLM" and the paint(s) you wish to try and use and type the paint code in the search box on the right.

Bring on thew building!!!

[venom1]

Hey Ben,

No worries cobber, I will lend a hand where I can. I haven't built this particular beastie, but I have built one or two wingys in my time. I know the spinny bit points forward so that's a start!

Fire away with any questions you might have, and I will probe the thickness of my tiny brain to see if I can lever out the correct answer.

Don't be scared by the cockpit, once you break it down into "bite sized" pieces, they aren't too tricky, and they are for the most part one colour.

 In regards to paints, RLM is short for Reichsluftfahrt Ministerium and relates to paint designations used by the German Ministry of Aviation from 1933 through 1945. There are numerous paint suppliers out there who do RLM colours. I use almost entirely Model Master Enamels for my RLM (and most other) paints. If you don't like enamels, there are acrylics available as well. I'm sure more of the lads will chime in with paints they use....

Hope that helped, ask away when you need help!!

Cheers,

Sam

[dupes]

Finding RLM matches for paints isn't hard. What scheme are you going for? 70/71/65? 78/79/80? And what brand of paint do you prefer?

[Hinksy]

[/font]

Feb 7, 2014 6:12:04 GMT -5 TRM said:

Hi Ben!!

TBH, I personally can't seem to actually finish a Wingy that I start and if I do it ends up a wreck...which is what I was going for anyway...LOL!!

But with that, No worries as I am sure there will be plenty of help for you along the way. Patience is all that is needed for the Office!! Don't worry 'bout the RLM stuff - www.paint4models.com/paintchart/paintconversionchart20100101d.htm# At the bottom of the page 'tick' the box "RLM" and the paint(s) you wish to try and use and type the paint code in the search box on the right.

Bring on thew building!!!

Cushty! Thanks TRM, Venom1 and Dupes!

I did have this conversion chart but lost it when my laptop took a big dump and all my favourites vanished. Not that I ever used it much - infact I'd forgotten all about it so this will be mega helpful.

NOTE: Since I've been typing this reply to TRM both Dupes AND Venom have replied so let me get my question head on, look into what Dupes needs to know and I'll get back to you V soon!

Two Questions - I hope to be starting this thing over the weekend:

1) What do you 'flyboys' do when it comes to painting the canopy frames around the perspex 'windows'? Is there a recognised method i.e. use Maskol on the parts to be kept clear or just put Tamiya style tape along the edges of the frames to be painted? What about priming the clear parts that need to be painted (the frames)? Will they take paint well enough after a few coats if primer isn't used?

2) No pilot/co-pilot figures are included? They don't need to be special - where is the best place to get pilot figures from in 1/48. Remember it's Germany 1941. The whole canopy will be enclosed so I'm too worried about facial definition etc. Has anyone got a couple of spare figs they could please let me have?

Thanks fellas - I look forward to your assistance!

Ben

[tigrazor]

Go for these...

www.ebay.com/itm/1-48-ICM-Luftwaffe-Pilots-and-ground-personnel-48082/181315003672?_trksid=p2047675.c100012.m1985&_trkparms=aid%3D444000%26algo%3DSOI.DEFAULT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D19839%26meid%3D4667928818549906063%26pid%3D100012%26prg%3D8934%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D181294492533

or these...

www.google.de/imgres?imgurl=http://www.militarymodelling.com/sites/1/images/member_albums/42220/revell1_48luftwaffepilotsandgroundcrew%2520%281%29.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.militarymodelling.com/news/article/a-set-of-luftwaffe-pilots-and-groundcrew-figures-in-1-48/8397&h=771&w=1024&sz=138&tbnid=vsjpZ0oSPSkhlM:&tbnh=91&tbnw=121&zoom=1&usg=__hMmtAPN2KAL9Hctk3VqLq_77v_M=&docid=i1JU-1GIrKUjhM&sa=X&ei=ytz0Upf3DKe7ygPigIEo&ved=0CDUQ9QEwAA&dur=5329

Theyre perfect and high detailed - I used them several times. Theyre the same. ICM figures re-released by Revell of Germany. Price/value is top! I even have some here in case you should ned some.



#Dont know if those guys would fit 1941, but those are also very high detailed and price/value is again top! The equipment and the guards house are included btw.

www.traudls-shop.de/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/WWII-Luftwaffe-1.jpg

[dupes]

Feb 7, 2014 8:13:39 GMT -5 Hinksy said:

1) What do you 'flyboys' do when it comes to painting the canopy frames around the perspex 'windows'? Is there a recognised method i.e. use Maskol on the parts to be kept clear or just put Tamiya style tape along the edges of the frames to be painted? What about priming the clear parts that need to be painted (the frames)? Will they take paint well enough after a few coats if primer isn't used?

2) No pilot/co-pilot figures are included? They don't need to be special - where is the best place to get pilot figures from in 1/48. Remember it's Germany 1941. The whole canopy will be enclosed so I'm too worried about facial definition etc. Has anyone got a couple of spare figs they could please let me have?

1) For something as complex as a Ju-87's canopy, I would look into getting an Eduard mask set. For that many windows, it will save you a TON of time, and the canopy will be about as close to perfect as you can get. This set here is made specifically for the Italeri kit:
www.eduard.com/store/Eduard/Masks/Aircraft/1-48/Ju-87B-1-48.html

2) There aren't many sources for seated pilot figs...which is odd. You'd think that would be a pretty active market? Maybe there's more money to be had in AM cockpits, sets, etch, etc. etc. So I'm no help here, unfortunately.

[tigrazor]

Why sitting in the cockpit btw? Those ICM/Revell sets offer loads of possibilities - for example a pilot crawling in his cockpit, with the help of a mechanic.

There are some sitting ones, but those dont fit into 1941:

www.modelsrgo.co.uk/images/detailed/2/EDK8512.jpg

[406 Silverado]

Looking forward to seeing how this kit looks

[robbo]

I nice choice of plane to break you into the wold of wingy things

[bullardino]

Interesting choice of starting kit for your wingie experience, Ben

First of all, if you like vallejos, go for the air series, there are almost all the RLM (ReichsLuftMinisterium) paints.

Dupes has already headed you to Eduard's unbeatable precut cockpit masks, they're by far the best way to mask all those pesky windows. I know that a "true" hardcore plane builder would surely disagree, as masking canopies is a must have skill, but I've always been lazy and avoidinig the positioning of all those little lenghts of tamiya tape is priceless to me.

As long as I've built planes, there was little if no market for sitting pilots and gunners, as most aircraft modellers have the "all open" syndrome, that leads unavoidably to depicting planes during ground maintenance/refurbishing. You will instead surely find plenty of mechanics and ground crew members, ladders, tools, engine detail sets and so on.

[Hinksy]

Feb 7, 2014 13:56:31 GMT -5 @dickyf said:

Look out, Ben's wandered way off course here.....THEY've got to him!!! Fetch a large bucket of cold water...there's still a chance!

Good luck with this one Ben, sure yer'll do fine, plenty of fine wingyists here to lend a hand

Don't make it a habit though....we're watching yoooo!

Cheers fellas!

Don't worry Dicky - I'm still very much with the Dark Side BUT I have been promising myself a Stuka build for as long as I can remember! I mean wbill's built a wingy thingy and Andy bought his little Submarine

When I saw the quality of this kit (and the size of it) for £25 I snaffled it straight away. Soooo much plastic, soooo many decals and a beautifully detailed fret of etch! Bargain!

I've found a couple of EXCELLENT videos on youtube showing this very kit being built and they will help me a lot. I'll get the cockpit done and the rest of the build assembled then worry about the paint colours.

I'm not far off completion of my current WIP 38(t) - once that's done I think it will be Stuka time!

Note: I want this thing to be buttoned up and the engine concealed. I just haven't got the room to have it sat anywhere else and it's too big for my cabinet. I have a DVD shelf on my wall and plan to suspend it under that with fishing nylon in a Stuka 'Dive Pose'!

Cheers for the support fellas - it's good to know y'all got my back!

Ben

[Tojo72]

Ah some flying artillery,cool.I also have jumped into a 109,hopefully some pics soon.Anyway look forward to yours

[robbo]

Looking forward to seeing it starting then

[wing_nut]

A wingie noob... what fun. Can't wait to see it going... so let's get going

And don't sweat the paint. Doing a splinter pattern is as easy as falling of a log. Just lots of tape

[ceresvesta.]

Nice catch Ben, I am pretty sure you will nail that stuka as easely as you did your last armor.
Then, what do I know about wingy?!

[dupes]

Took some digging around in the old P-bucket...built this one quite a while back. Used the Eduard mask on the canopy - and VERY glad I did!

[Rick]

Ben, like you, I spent about a dozen years building nothing but armor and softsides. Built wingies as a kid. About a year ago, I wanted to take a break and try out 1 or 2 planes to get some variety then dive back into my armor. Now with 4 kits done and 6 more in various stages of construction and paint, I haven't missed my armor at all despite having a cabinet full of un-builts. Wingies take up more space than armor so I'm trying to limit myself to 1/72 scale. (My biggest exception was a 1/24 mosquito I just had to have.) I even have a 1/72 Stuka waiting in the wings . . .  Be careful with these wingy things, they have a way of growing on you!

Rick

[wbill76]

Good to see you branching out Ben! Looking forward to seeing what you do with the Stuka.

[DeafStuG]

Hi Ben, Excellent Italeri 1/48 Stuka family Kit are best.
Eduard Masking No. EX327 for Italeri 1/48 Stuka Ju-87 B-2`s Canopy.
Good Luck!

[deafpanzer]

I am so SAD! I am crying! I have lost my good buddy to the wingy world! LOL

No, actually I am happy for you making the jump finally as you have been talking about doing a Stuka for years. The kit looks great... can't wait to see pictures of the kit itself. Maybe I will get one too... always wanted to do Stuka too!

[venom1]

Feb 7, 2014 8:36:25 GMT -5 dupes said:

Feb 7, 2014 8:13:39 GMT -5 Hinksy said:

1) What do you 'flyboys' do when it comes to painting the canopy frames around the perspex 'windows'? Is there a recognised method i.e. use Maskol on the parts to be kept clear or just put Tamiya style tape along the edges of the frames to be painted? What about priming the clear parts that need to be painted (the frames)? Will they take paint well enough after a few coats if primer isn't used?

1) For something as complex as a Ju-87's canopy, I would look into getting an Eduard mask set. For that many windows, it will save you a TON of time, and the canopy will be about as close to perfect as you can get. This set here is made specifically for the Italeri kit:
www.eduard.com/store/Eduard/Masks/Aircraft/1-48/Ju-87B-1-48.html

I agree with Dupes Ben, if you can get your mitts on an Eduard mask set, that would be the way to go, especially for a wingy noob like yourself! Anything to ease the transition!!

Following that, my weapon of choice is Bare Metal Foil. Works an absolute treat for masking canopies. Burnish it down on the canopy using a Q-tip and (if need be) a toothpick. Make sure you use a brand new (very important!!) cutting blade (I use surgical blades) and gently follow the framework with your blade. Then just peel away the sections of framing to leave the glasswork covered. All ready for paint!

You will need to make sure you "prime" with the cockpit interior colour. Keep in mind that with the canopy installed, being clear you will be able to see right through to the other side and it may look a bit odd if you can see the external camouflage colours on the inside! I always spray directly onto the "glass" in lots of light coats. You don't want your paint on too heavy or it will create a ridge on the masking and make the masking too hard to remove. Once your interior colour has been painted you can just spray the external camo as normal.

Additionally, I will usually attach my canopies with white glue for painting. They can then be removed later for additional detailing such as adding seats, internal canopy details, etc. Just wet with water around the white glue and it will come away without too much drama. Painting with the canopy in situ has the twofold effect of protecting the cockpit interior during painting, and ensuring the camouflage matches. Incidentally, I generally reattach my canopies with white glue at final installation as well. It dries clear and has no adverse reaction with the clear plastic. The canopy is non structural so it only neds to be held in position.

The end results are the ducks guts, as can be seen by the pic below of my completed 1/72 Wessex...




Works a treat! May sound a bit daunting, but it really is a bit of a cinch and much easier than bajillions of bits of tape!!

Either way mate, we know you will do fine!

Cheers,

Sam

[MOOSE.]

I'm in on this one Ben. I had only built cars and trucks till I joined MSC. I love the wings and tanks now. I'm gonna even finish off the mustang in a diorama. I'm not big on the history on the ww2 tanks, but I've researched myself to sleep Sometimes with the old warbirds. You'll like the birds brother... Addictive. I've already started another mustang... My current build is a F-6D of Burma and the other is P51D for sure. Enjoy

[wing_nut]

Hey... less typey typey and more gluey gluey. I wanna see me some STUKA!