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Post by Ian H. on Aug 8, 2019 13:16:02 GMT
It has become a tradition for me to build a Operation Enduring Freedom subject around 9/11 every year so I have decided to build this BUFF in OEF markings from 2001 from the the 40th Expeditionary Squadron featuring NYPD nose art. I am using the Minicraft kit (ex-Crown) and it is actually a pretty nice kit despite the age. Minicraft provides a new sprue of B-52H parts and a beautiful Cartograf decal sheet for two Gunship Grey BUFFs from OEF. I started work on the fuselage modifications. Essentially, the tail has to be cut off and a plug is installed to depict the H-model tail. I cut that off with a razor saw and then I started drilling holes for all the various blisters on the airframe. Stay tuned.... Regards, Ian   |
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Post by Paul B on Aug 8, 2019 15:28:40 GMT
And he's off again  . Glad I have a front row seat for this one |
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Post by SteveM on Aug 8, 2019 15:58:52 GMT
Make room for me too..  Does the kit have all the new lumps and bumps? |
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Post by Snipersmudge on Aug 8, 2019 17:10:03 GMT
seat reserved! |
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Post by Ian H. on Aug 8, 2019 18:01:02 GMT
Thanks for stopping in guys! Steve, Minicraft provided an additional sprue with MOST of the H-model bumps and humps. All the nose fairings and EVS turrets are provided as well as most of the new fairings on the fuselage and tail. However, I have looked at photos and schematics of late 90's-2000's H-models and it looks like there are two fairings on the spine (about 1/3 of the back from the cockpit) that are not provided in the kit. Also, the small blade antennae all over the fuselage are not provided either. I think I can fabricate all those, however. The rendering of the fuselage looks really good though.
Best wishes,
Ian
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Post by Boots on Aug 8, 2019 18:28:46 GMT
Well i`m defo in.........this is gonna be another masterpiece for sure  |
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Post by Ian H. on Aug 12, 2019 22:38:04 GMT
Thanks, Boots! So I got most of the avionics bumps and EVS turrets installed on the nose and the fuselage. All in all, I like the shape and appearance of the fuselage and nose section and the kit captures the shape of the H-model BUFF. I thought the flight deck was a tad sparse, so I have scratch built some control yokes and an instrument panel for the front office. I also will add some straps to the seats along with some other sheet stock bits. Stay tuned..... Best wishes, Ian    |
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Post by SteveM on Aug 13, 2019 7:34:30 GMT
Certainly looks to have captured the look as you say Ian. I’ve read the wing to fuse joint can be problematic, what’s yours like?
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Post by Paul B on Aug 13, 2019 10:55:46 GMT
Nice miniature office there  |
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Post by Ian H. on Aug 13, 2019 14:37:40 GMT
Thanks, guys. Steve, the wing root seam is a natural panel line based on photos and schematics. Also, Crown/Minicraft accounted for the wing droop. During test fitting, I just had to sand down the wing tabs to make them fit better but overall the wing fit looks good.
Regards,
Ian
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Post by Boots on Aug 13, 2019 19:28:44 GMT
I`m definitely staying tuned fella.........ya bumps and turrets look great sir |
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Post by Ian H. on Aug 14, 2019 2:48:49 GMT
Thanks, Boots!
Best wishes,
Ian
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Post by Ian H. on Aug 14, 2019 15:24:18 GMT
Hey, everybody! Made some progress on the BUFF today. I got the fuselage closed up after installing the flight deck and wheel bays. The fit was great and just a little sanding and filling will be needed on the spine and underside seams. I got one wing assembled and there were some pretty sizable punch marks in the flap wells so I just covered them with thin sheet stock which will serve the dual purpose of providing some raised panel detail in the wells. Stay tuned...... Regards, Ian    |
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Post by Paul B on Aug 14, 2019 15:48:10 GMT
Taking shape now my friend  |
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Post by Ian H. on Aug 14, 2019 15:50:33 GMT
Thanks! Its still amazing how big this jet is in 1/144th!!!    Regards, Ian |
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Post by Boots on Aug 14, 2019 18:44:53 GMT
You took the words right outta my mouth Ian regarding size ..........was gonna comment on just how ferkin` huuuuuge this is Lovely clean fuse work mucker matey |
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Post by Ian H. on Aug 14, 2019 18:52:09 GMT
Thanks Boots....it's about the size of a 1/48th scale med. size jet.
Regards,
Ian
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Post by Boots on Aug 14, 2019 19:34:44 GMT
Holy moly ..........that big for small if ya get ma drift You decide on the paint approach for this yet or is it all still at the undecided stage |
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Post by Ian H. on Aug 14, 2019 20:44:17 GMT
Holy moly ..........that big for small if ya get ma drift You decide on the paint approach for this yet or is it all still at the undecided stage Boots, she will be overall Gunship Grey, FS36118, in the markings of 93rd Bombardment Squadron out of Barksdale AFB in 2001 and flew missions in Afghanistan following 9/11. Best wishes! Ian |
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Post by Boots on Aug 14, 2019 21:08:48 GMT
Silly me.......i remember you mentioning it on the opening posting , losin` the plot i reckon  |
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