W2020BB Airfix Vought Kingfisher Bureau Number 4597 [USS Missouri, 1944], 1:72

[speedgraflex]

 

[speedgraflex]

 

[speedgraflex]

For me, the test fitting process begins with assembly of the fuselage halves. In this case, a pronounced spreading out from top and bottom halves is present. To solve this, I use a technique my father called “Binding,” where locator pins are removed and the halves are taped together as closely as possible, then I boil water in the electric kettle and begin to gently heat the fuselage until the curvature straightens out. This process takes several tries before I am able to tape the fuselage together.

 

[speedgraflex]

Reference photos will be USN photographs from the period which are in the public domain. I have temporarily fitted the center float together and see that the supporting pylons are simply too diminutive to remain as they are without some alterations. I plan to build a solid connection with CA then reshape the supports. Red arrows point to the changes; blue arrow (top) indicates the presence of a toothpick which I am using to prop the float up/handle for painting.

 

[speedgraflex]

I added Milliput and wet sanded the additions as the putty cured; I find that in so doing this leads to less excess putty in the sanding stage. Also: I am working on a clean table surface and prefer to minimize dust. It may be an odd quirk of mine to prefer to work in these stark conditions; however the intrinsic need to keep the surface as clean as possible (a sheet of white acrylic) does wonders for my focus.

 

[speedgraflex]

Test fit. The provenance of these Airfix molds is an old, old, old Comet “Spotter’s Model” from 1948. I assume the molds are still being used due to the short shot sections and general “wonky” fit issues I am facing. I still need to get the fuse to close!

 

[speedgraflex]

I found a new photo and started sketching out problems and solutions.

 

[speedgraflex]

The engine is an area where I feel some detailing is really necessary; not a complete overhaul per se, but simple additions and a reshaping of the central piece which on the kit resembles a top hat rather than a sombrero in profile.

 

[speedgraflex]

Reshaping or beefing up the center float continues to be my task. First I embedded two pieces of metal from a twist tie to give me the proper form at the tip, then once the metal was secured by CA, I mixed a tiny amount of a Milliput to beef the float and get closer to its shape.

 

[speedgraflex]

Sculpting and adding details to the central float has been tricky. The positioning as well as the curvature makes the details difficult to place even with measurements taken. I plan to do something more with the three visible openings, just not entirely sure what, yet. Thank you for looking. I mean that sincerely.

 

[speedgraflex]

Aftermarket white metal propeller sold by Joe’s Models of Fulton, Missouri! For the Kingfisher of the USS Missouri! Also, I must thank Marius (Bolleken) who researched and located a source in the United States for the white metal casting. This is a quite rare Aeroclub casting and Joe has a limited stock on hand. A lucky find. A good friend. And a connection to the Mighty Mo herself!

 

[speedgraflex]

 

[speedgraflex]

 

[speedgraflex]

Nachtschicht haben. At least, that is what Google translate offers as a translation of a little “nightwork.” New brass side rails, new putty stanchion supports... it is now time or nearly so to spray some primer to check all of this. Thank you all for reading.

 

[speedgraflex]

Prime time.

 

[speedgraflex]

Two areas to fill - when I added the covers, I located them slightly off from the original drilled locations. I am thinking about using a small amount of Milliput to fill. Normally I would use liquid Mr Surfacer 500 but I want these areas to have a more resilient finish.

 

[bolleken96]

I think it is really incredible what you and many others like @Swordfish pull out of those old kits. Keep fighting for great models!

 

[speedgraflex]

Marius,
Likewise you are a master of seeing the values which old kits provide, in terms of learning new methods, refining established ones, and breathing life into in many cases a forgotten history both for the subject and ourselves.

 

[speedgraflex]

 

[speedgraflex]