1/24 Hero X Wing Build with Maxi Brute Fuselage

[427 Cobra]

(09-07-2010, 06:02 AM)PB BB1 Wrote: Regardless of who has said what where, I do think that dark blue resin-cast X shares a lineage to the production Pyros and not the MB. This is a strictly visual comparison. Things we never see in any replica or rocket. The unmodified cockpit. You can just barely make it out from the photos. The wing blocks as well, there is the notched line that covers the gap on the inside along with matching chipping pattern. This matches the Pyro master that went for auction. Production lineage is not in question IMO. Death star surface tiles reveal cast wing greeblies perfectly matching the wings that go with that master. Sure I guess someone could have had access to these production parts without a fuselage, I'll give you that. However, to me this just doesn't seem likely. Visual tells alone indicate this set in its entirety shares some lineage to a Pyro, even if it is one generation removed from its halved construction.

I get it. Build my own, make it how I see it. I will. I don't want anyone to have the perception that I'm self proclaimed savior of the illusive ANH X. I'm not. Nearly all of the part IDs had been made when I started this last year, and many subtleties of the form have just become obvious to me. These are JUST models at the end of the day. I think we all have common goals and projects we want to see turn out with the best of all information available. I'll probably never take on a project like this again. There is nothing else I'm interested in as much, and I'd simply lack the motivation to complete other projects of this scale.

Yeah, a lot of tough crowd over there on the RPF but I still believe were just a bunch of guys trying to help each other out. I do not see it as a rivalry or competition. Agree to disagree on the above master, Chris. That said, I'm not picking a fight. PM me your address and I'll send you a stormtrooper.

I'm not angry with you Paul, please don't think I was attacking you. I don't want you to be tainted with the vitriol that the rpf, or other forums have on them regularly. I truly like you, and you are one of the few people I respect, not for what you've done, but because who you are. You've impressed upon me that you do care about other people, not just as members of the modeling forums, but people in general. This is what gravitated me to you. You are indeed talented, and we all have our bad days, or days where someone said something that we didn't like, or agree with, but you've always given me the emotional push I need without being sarcastic, or hateful. This is why I'm fighting so hard to keep you here on SSM as much as possible. I know that there are a few genuinely concerned people on the rpf, but it seems the rest of them like to dogpile each other when disagreements arise. We take care of it like adults here, and not keep rubbing salt into an open wound, or announcing how we banned someone like we're the Jesus Christ of the modeling forums, and we've saved the world from evil. Banning is something that is only reserved when all other means have been exausted, it's not something we're proud of! This is not something you want your forum to be known for, so we all tip toe when conflicts arise to diffuse them as quickly as possible - not rub our members' faces in it.

After carefully looking at this X master again, I see what you mean about the details, but someone would have to be cunning enough to replicate this X master so exactly to original specs. Maybe someone made one like this, and has recast it, and it's made its' rounds the world over. I highly doubt that someone would make one to fool people, but I've seen it happen before - but maybe not with this one. After seeing this, and comparing it to known models, it seems highly unlikely. The Salzo kit has the same zig-zag pattern along the wing openings in the fuselage, but that wouldn't account for the size differences, as I have a Salzo kit, but it definately doesn't compare to the fuselage with the black primer on it.

I believe that with the research you're doing that the X you've made will be one to own, even if it isn't the Holy grail of kits, or claimed to be. I know that with your passion, attention to detail, and drive that this will please all who own one, and I have the utmost confidence that it'll be accurate enough to make us all proud. I need your strength to keep going on my own X-project. I've been waiting for this for so long. I'm finally able to see one of these go from scratch to finished project that will be offered to all. I'm willing to help where I can. I understand not wanting to make one of these again, the four foot X will the only one of its' size I'll ever make. This is something I definately won't repeat, therefore this has to be spot on!

On the X-wing pictured: it was primered in black as the rest of the X's were (even though it looks blue in the light) - you can tell this from the white spots on the nosecone, and the plate before the side mount. That doesn't mean that it doesn't have the same lineage, but why doesn't it have the cockpit canopy?

(09-07-2010, 09:27 AM)jasonwright.1972 Wrote: You could make tiles for your toilet or something? I must try this. I think I shall build a vaccuform box on the weekend. the Dyson vaccuum should work a treat at that task!

Don't get me started, Jase - I was thinking about making tiles with stormtrooper reliefs on them to cover my bathroom walls! I'd love to have a vacuum former - the possibilities are endless......maybe a 12" inch stormtrooper doll for each of the vanity doors, and 3" 3/4 for the walls? Paul you are a genius! I don't know how you did this with the stormtrooper being so small, because the smaller an item is - the harder it is to get the details to come out so clean, but you nailed it perfectly!!

~ Cobra Chris

[beaz]

Paul's correct, that dark blue-gray casting is one that I own, and those last several pictures were taken by me to show the differences between that casting and a variety of other X-Wing fuselages.

That's definitely not the Maxi-Brute fuselage, but the TC-1630 no-shrink resin master pattern made from the pyro pattern that John Eaves loaned them as the starting point for the ICONS model. As explained to me by the guy who made my casting while working for ICONS, it's a one-off of an actual pyro casting, and was used to make the very first mold for the ICONS project. The final ICONS casting was two generations removed from this original pattern.

I took this pic to show the difference between the TC-1630 pyro casting and the ICONS model:



and these two pics from the same series include the Maxi-Brute for added comparison:



and



This picture I took around the same period to compare the TC-1630 fuselage to the one in the original Captain Cardboard kit:



And here are some more recent shots that compare the TC-1630 fuselage with the Salzo V3 fuselage:





Hope this answers a few questions about what you're looking at in these pictures.

[427 Cobra]

Thank you Beaz, from all of us! Now it finally makes sense. We can all put our fears, and worries to rest once, and for all! After looking at this, and the Maxi-Brute model - I see that the two aren't exactly the same. This is the answer we've been looking for. I've been wondering where this came from, as it doesn't match any known source any of us have seen anywhere else. I'm glad I didn't make a fool out of myself, and proclaim this a definate either way. This means that I got reamed by Frank, and everyone else for nothing! They claim this is a true pyro recast, and all others like it on the rpf in the DaveG thread about the orange X model purportedly cast from an original pyro, but it looks just like this one. Thank you once again, Beaz. You've shed a light on a dark path for all to see!

~ Cobra Chris

[beaz]

(09-08-2010, 03:03 AM)427 Cobra Wrote: This means that I got reamed by Frank, and everyone else for nothing! They claim this is a true pyro recast, and all others like it on the rpf in the DaveG thread about the orange X model purportedly cast from an original pyro, but it looks just like this one.

Well, I can say with a high level of confidence that the castings in that picture, including the gun, wing and engines, are descendants of the pyro pattern set that I own, and definitely not from a Maxi-Brute. Frank's parts that he was commissioned to copy for the MR X-Wing project descend from the exact same source lineage, as does the casting in the DaveG thread. So you're also incorrect in that those actually were sourced from actual pyro castings.

In short, that's most definitely not a Maxi-Brute kit in the picture you've posted, but a pyro recast.

As for "getting reamed" by "Frank and everyone else," I read the thread in question here carefully several times over before his messages got deleted, and I have to say that from my perspective you were the one reaming Frank until he came here to defend himself and help you guys understand where his castings came from. Frankly, I'm still wondering why his messages got deleted.

My $.02, for what it's worth around these parts.

[JAWS]

beaz PM sent regarding deletion of posts from Frank & Chris.

[427 Cobra]

As I said before - Thank you for clearing that up. I don't always word my thoughts the way I mean to - I see now what lineage these models now have. I wasn't arguing with you, just needed clarification. I never meant to stir up the waters with a hot fire poker. Frank, and I did have a go around, but that's all in the past. I don't need a brick building to fall on me to understand what you're saying now. I got reamed by Frank for nothing because a simple PM would've sufficed, but I stay away from the rpf now to avoid the type of confrontations that have been on there in the past. I don't post on the rpf for fear of being laughed at, or made a fool of. As you can see, I do that very well by myself! Thank you again, Beaz for the follow up information I needed to ease my wandering thoughts.

~ Cobra Chris

[MonsieurTox]

Chris, we couldnt trust an ILM employee from ANH I think !
Lorne (Peterson) gave my friend (when it was at ILM) an X-Wing casting thinking it was an original. When I saw the casting, I noticed it was CC recast ! I dont know why ILM had CC recasts in their shop.

[427 Cobra]

It's hard telling! There are so many people who are brilliant at making these look so realistic anymore that it's difficult to track down all the fakes from the real, or recasts from originals. I saw your motorized version of the X in your video. How did you do that, Julien? I mean what motor did you use? Was it from an RC car - brush, or brushless?

~ Cobra Chris

[MonsieurTox]

(09-08-2010, 01:58 PM)427 Cobra Wrote: It's hard telling! There are so many people who are brilliant at making these look so realistic anymore that it's difficult to track down all the fakes from the real, or recasts from originals. I saw your motorized version of the X in your video. How did you do that, Julien? I mean what motor did you use? Was it from an RC car - brush, or brushless?

~ Cobra Chris

Yeah and it was was 35 years ago ! They did their job, and for them an X-Wing is an X-Wing, I doubt they care as we do about any detail, that's understandable they can't remember if that's something they built themself or not 35 years ago lol

Yeah that's R/C stuff, actually that's a mini servo with cames. Now that I have better ref of the system they used on RED 5 (they told they tried several systems, so none of the hero model had the same, but that's noone of them worked well lol), I would try to copy it for my next model. They said it was not working as they wished, so I could modify it a bit to get good result !

[beaz]

You know, I caught no end of grief and a good bit of hate mail at the RPF-SSMF when I first opined, as politely as I know how, that the CC fuselage was probably too spindly compared to the original models. Even posted that picture of it next to my pyro casting to show them what I meant. Some guys called me an "anal jerk" and a "rivet-counter" and made it all too clear where they thought I should shove my calipers.

Of course, most of those same guys subsequently started padding the midline of their CC fuselages with sheet styrene in order to beef them up a good bit.

I guess what I'm getting at is that there are many ways to criticize someone or something constructively, and then there's slagging. What I saw here the other night in the Falcon thread and have noticed in a few others, is a good bit of unnecessary, often uninformed slagging.

Slagging other people is human nature, but we're all capable of rising above it. Here are the two slagging guidelines that I happen to live by:

1. Don't slag other people in your community, and

2. If you can't resist the temptation to slag other people in your community, at least know what the fuck you're talking about.

[PB BB1]

(09-08-2010, 11:41 AM)MonsieurTox Wrote: Chris, we couldnt trust an ILM employee from ANH I think !
Lorne (Peterson) gave my friend (when it was at ILM) an X-Wing casting thinking it was an original. When I saw the casting, I noticed it was CC recast ! I dont know why ILM had CC recasts in their shop.

Maybe it was done intentionally, and later forgotten. Didn't someone there add a headband to the Raiders fertility idol just because they knew people were casting it? Heck I've got old drawings I cannot remember doing, but they are mine.

I think we need to remember that while we strive for accuracy to the mm on our finished replicas, the originals were merely tools to complete the film. Like you said, to them an X Wing is an X Wing.

WE have higher standards as far as 'preserving' these miniatures. I really enjoy this aspect of the fandom, and this hobby. Dare I say this sort of devotion is a borderline art form in itself.

[PB BB1]

I'm convinced I've seen these parts somewhere before. This is from the rear of the cockpit looking though the back window.

Could be multiple parts, also. Keep in mind were seeing a chip or air bubble on the left. Help me ID this please!

[427 Cobra]

I wouldn't say this obessesion with models is an art form - more of a disease! OCD? I can't say I don't suffer from it, but I do try to control it as much as possible. The strive for perfection gets me into trouble.

I don't know where you guys get these pics, but I can't see what you're looking at - is it the two things in the back of the seat?

~ Cobra Chris

[PB BB1]

Courtesy of DaveG shared publicly.

It's at the back of the cockpit. I highlighted the same part green earlier in the same photo. Probably better seen not highlighted.

It is far removed from the master but reamains unmodified here.


And while your at it see the flat part with the 15 raised circles. 15 rivits? You'd might be surprised but none of the many kits used for this have anything that matches that pattern.

[PB BB1]

(09-08-2010, 11:49 PM)beaz Wrote: You know, I caught no end of grief and a good bit of hate mail at the RPF-SSMF when I first opined, as politely as I know how, that the CC fuselage was probably too spindly compared to the original models. Even posted that picture of it next to my pyro casting to show them what I meant. Some guys called me an "anal jerk" and a "rivet-counter" and made it all too clear where they thought I should shove my calipers.

Of course, most of those same guys subsequently started padding the midline of their CC fuselages with sheet styrene in order to beef them up a good bit.

I guess what I'm getting at is that there are many ways to criticize someone or something constructively, and then there's slagging. What I saw here the other night in the Falcon thread and have noticed in a few others, is a good bit of unnecessary, often uninformed slagging.

Slagging other people is human nature, but we're all capable of rising above it. Here are the two slagging guidelines that I happen to live by:

1. Don't slag other people in your community, and

2. If you can't resist the temptation to slag other people in your community, at least know what the fuck you're talking about.

Way to go and get yourself stuck at the bottom of the page, beaz. Coudn't agree more and I'll add one more to the list.

3. Don't let the time you spend slagging exceed the amount of time you spend on your models.

beaz, I greatly appreciate your input. You put as much thought and consideration into your posts as you do your builds. I especially like what you've done with that V3 fuselage, and that nose cone.

Rivet counter? Yep, exactly what I've been doing.

For some reason I'm nuts for IDing these cockpit parts. Check this out. Absent from my modified cockpit I noticed that there was a strange texture to the front of this part in my reference folder, that was absent from the kit part itself. Due to the texture, I figured its a result of paint or the resin itself. The modified cockpit I've got here is missing it in its entirety, but seems it was lost in some generational sanding.


When I get stuck I look to kit scans here and on studioscale.com. You never know.

And there's another kit to add to this X list. The Hasegawa Morser Karl. On the same sprue as this tiny textured rectangle is that flat part covered in rivits. A little trimming will yield yet another part for the back of the cockpit.

This leaves only four unIDed parts. That thing at the back I'm always going on about, the box to the right of the gauges, the part under the pilots left arm, and the 'joystick' glued to the left side of the gauge cluster.

I'm running out of photoshop tricks. Beaz, your cockpit is unmodified. Any chance you could give me a closer look?

[MonsieurTox]

Are you sure it's from the Karl ? Because the kit didnt exist by this time ?

[PB BB1]

Well that's a problem. Thanks Tox. This is the 1/72 version, what was the release date? Here's the two parts. Though the rivets are present they are getting lost in the scan.


Any other ideas or confirmed ANH kits I could look through?

[427 Cobra]

(09-08-2010, 11:49 PM)beaz Wrote: You know, I caught no end of grief and a good bit of hate mail at the RPF-SSMF when I first opined, as politely as I know how, that the CC fuselage was probably too spindly compared to the original models. Even posted that picture of it next to my pyro casting to show them what I meant. Some guys called me an "anal jerk" and a "rivet-counter" and made it all too clear where they thought I should shove my calipers.

Of course, most of those same guys subsequently started padding the midline of their CC fuselages with sheet styrene in order to beef them up a good bit.

I guess what I'm getting at is that there are many ways to criticize someone or something constructively, and then there's slagging. What I saw here the other night in the Falcon thread and have noticed in a few others, is a good bit of unnecessary, often uninformed slagging.

Slagging other people is human nature, but we're all capable of rising above it. Here are the two slagging guidelines that I happen to live by:

1. Don't slag other people in your community, and

2. If you can't resist the temptation to slag other people in your community, at least know what the fuck you're talking about.

I'm sorry to hear that, Beaz. You are one of the few people who I have followed on the rpf since I first heard about it from a guy on ebay. This kind of thing happens more often than not. I'm guilty of bashing other people myself, but I usually leave that for when all other means to get my point across fails. I respect your opinions, because I see that you back up your say with proof - not nonsense! I try to help when I can, but sometimes we misunderstand someone elses' intentions when reading a post. When it's just outright "slagging" well.....I think we can all do without that. I've been called a rivet counter myself, but at least I make an attempt to get it right when building - I know I'm not always right, so I try to keep my mouth shut as an effort to keep me from getting hurt any more than neccessary.

On a blind note: I don't take pictures of known models, then compare them to every single ILM photo I see to find out if my kit has some lineage to the originals, so I don't know everything little thing about these, but I do make a concious effort to stay out of the conversation when I'm in over my head. It's easy to get into a fight - even when that isn't your original intention, especially when trying to ask a question akwardly (what happened here recently).

Back to the discussion at hand. I'm sorry Paul, I can't help you with this part - have you tried http://www.studioscale.com? I looked through there the other night, but I didn't see anything that looked like this, but I didn't check every kit scan either.

~ Cobra Chris

[PB BB1]

I've checked every kit scan on studioscale.com multiple times. Nothing beats having the kits in hand though.

Haven't yet ordered the Morser Karl. I'm still hoping that perhaps it was available at the time. How does one find such information?

Finding two parts that match on the same sprue only indicates that it might be likely. Still, show me the rivets. Nothing seems to match this in anything I have... tanks, trucks, planes alike. I couldn't make this part without butting up flat parts together. They seem to be not quite perfectly aligned, making me think this is still a kit part and not textured sheets of whatever was laying around.

This is Treadwell's photo from an exploded pyro.

[JAWS]

I generally would not question anything J says but are we sure the early Karl wasn't in production?

[MonsieurTox]

Yeah sure it was not in production.

I cant remember the release date but it was written somewhere on a board.

Plus Lorne Peterson said he and the crew were in awe when they discovered the new Morser Karl and Anzio Annie models while they were working on TESB. And they put those 2 kits everywhere on the TESB -then ROTJ- models.

And TBH, the part with the rivets doesnt look right... I know the temptation to say that's the part, use it if you want, noone woould notice as it's close and because you probably wont find the right part... (I would like to find it too, but there're just too many old kits released in the 50's, 60's and 70's that would be a chance to find the right parts, because obvioulsy that's not from a known kit, even from guys who know most of the kits used on the ANH ISD). Unfortunatly there're more kits to find for the ANH stuff than for the TESB/ROTJ donor kits...

[427 Cobra]

You know, it's also harder to find these kits as most of them have been built, or stored away in someones' attic for another day. I see a few rare ones from time to time on feebay, but these aren't always completely wrapped, or all there. It's like a shot in the dark when finding what parts came from which kit. My guess is post a pic of it on as many forums that you're a member of to see if anyone recognises it. If this is something that doesn't exist - do what Julien said, and use the closest part to it, or make one from scratch that resembles what you think it should look like. That little spot you're seeing with the y shaped yellow resin spot beside the pilot seat looks like a deformation in the resin.

~ Cobra Chris

[PB BB1]

Julien, I was still thinking just maybe, the 1/72 Karl was THE kit. But you are right the rivets aren't close enough. Furthermore, when I take the part I already have seen next to it, I am still missing the raised lip.

Perhaps these are not rivets at all, but gauges from a control panel.

The problem:

I need more kits.

lol.

[kbilly]

So these are the last 4 parts you're looking for?

[MonsieurTox]

The problem is that the "rivets" looks rounded in some models and on this pic they look to be flat :/ So I dont know if those are rivets or gauges. Could it be a battery of some kind ?

[JAWS]

Maybe a radio?

[PB BB1]

It's definitely not a battery from any of the Amt Kenworth or Peterbuilt trucks. There's a bit of conduit on top that is a separate part so were still looking at just 15 circles.

Chris thought the resin could deform. I read they used a polyurethane foam that was prone to expansion not shrinkage. Here this other mysterious part appears ribbed but in the other view looks like blobs of glue or putty.


kbilly, actually five parts to go. Still haven't figured what that rectangle is to the left of the center cluster.

[427 Cobra]

I said it might be a deformation because the resin is prone to shrinkage, and expansion. There are a few variables when casting things in different environments. You can't always control what may, or may not happen in a busy studio situation. There were many people trying their hand at casting for the first time when these were originally made. You also have to take handling into consideration, as no one knows if someone bumped the mould with something, then fixed it later, or the part had air inside the resin that escaped after being cast.

On not knowing: that part in the inset in the last photo looks like a transaxle casing from a car. This could be 1/24th scale, or smaller. It might also have been shaved down to fit. This was done with most of the parts on these.

~ Cobra Chris

[PB BB1]

BUT are those holes in that part a result of a casting imperfection, and is it really ribbed? I see a boxish shape at the one end, and a lot of glue and imperfections on the flatter portion. 'Flat' or perhaps the ribbed section (which may or may not be ribbed at all) is actually a half cylinder. If this case then yes, could be some sort of axle... or landing gear segment. Checked my 1/24 airplanes for ammo boxes or any part with an ammo channel (thinking ribs) and nothing matches. Other alternatives. Box bogey detail from anything combined with 1/72 section of tank tread. Probably 1/72 or OO scale. No idea, there isn't much left with a decent 'tell.'

So yeah, kind of hit a wall on these parts IDs. Been snatching up kits that meet two criteria; confirmed donor kits used on other ANH-era builds, and anything I can see in background production photos not yet documented here with a kit scan. Just added 1/48 Bandai Aero Subaru scans here... because I could barely spot it in a stack of boxes.

[PB BB1]

Its a good year if you like the X Wing.

I'm overwhelmed with anticipation for this Pyro X to get here. For me it means two things. First and foremost, its just a build... no hunting for kit parts or building masters. Its the perfect opportunity to FINALLY build Red Leader. The plan: display it as you see it in the technical journal, anything I don't have reference for doesn't get painted lol. Very exciting, and its the kind of project you begin and are able to see the finish line.

It also means that I'll have in hand what I consider to be the ultimate reference material. When I decided I'd like to scratch the X Wing I never dreamed I'd be able to purchase one that shares a lineage to the original STAR WARS builds. I'm sure you guys can appreciate how parts can often appear to be in different places from photo to photo. Most of the important sections (engine, droid plate) I've already done anyway and will not be revisiting. That said, I did have to buy another Phantom. Well, as it turns out I needed two.

Technically, I don't own that modified cockpit I've been using as reference in this thread. It came with the V3, and when I sold it I expressed to the new owner that I would like to hold onto it and would eventually replace with a resin duplicate of my scratched cockpit. That day has yet to come, but is quickly approaching. There will be something good going into that V3 build, even if its this...

I couldn't resist my knife any longer. Here is the modified cockpit, UN-modified. More to be done, but most of it is in order.

[JAWS]

Nice Paul. Im likin it!

[427 Cobra]

From what I understand - you have the V.3 cockpit, and you're removing the incorrect modifications? Am I right, or did I misread that last post. I'll keep looking for those mystery parts tonight no matter what happens next.

~ Cobra Chris

[79 Daytona]

Outstanding work!!!

[PB BB1]

(10-14-2010, 11:42 AM)427 Cobra Wrote: From what I understand - you have the V.3 cockpit, and you're removing the incorrect modifications? Am I right, or did I misread that last post. I'll keep looking for those mystery parts tonight no matter what happens next.

~ Cobra Chris

I think its important to note that there are two choices of cockpit from the Salzo kits. One resembles the full size interior, and the other is a modified version of the original miniature cockpit.

Having purchased the V3 second hand, mine only came with the modified cockpit... it was my understainding that these kits came with both choices. Regardless, very cool to see that a piece of the actual miniatures exists in those kits!

So yeah, thanks for the look but I removed all those pesky modifications while I was avoiding scratching my own. Worked on the scratched cockpit some more last night and thought now that wasn't so bad now was it. lol.

My un-mods are for my Pyro only. Its only a one-off.

The scratchbuilt cockpit is definitely happening. I plan to include it in the eventual Hero fuselage kit, but at the very least I need to cast one to replace for the owner of that V3.

[427 Cobra]

OK. You should cast a version of each - one for a pyro kit. And one for a hero kit. I'd buy at least two of each if not more. The one I have is of course, a recast, and a bad one at that. I could save it, I guess, but it would take some doing to make it right. As far as everything else goes on that kit, I'll have to make the rest of it from scratch. I'd like to have the entire fleet of twelve X's eventually, but space doesn't permit - nor does my checkbook!

~ Cobra Chris

[PB BB1]

I hear ya buddy. The time will come when my workspace is filled with X parts. But having the resources to make as many X Wings as I would want... well... don't think I haven't thought about lining a ceiling with a fleet of them because I have.

I don't know if I am understanding what you mean. Do you have the same cockpit I started with, from the recast CC? It is likely these all share an origin back to the ICONs.

There is only one cockpit that will be duplicated and that will be my scratch built version from original kit parts. The cockpit will be in two parts, and like the original there is only one version Hero and Pyro alike.

[427 Cobra]

OK. After re-reading that, I see what you mean. The cockpit I have is the recast version of the original Captain Cardboard model. I have a one piece construction that shares its' origins with the ICONS model. This is the recast I posted here, even though it's a recast of the Salzo V.1. I need to recast the kit parts attached to this - as many as I can, whatever kit parts that weren't destroyed by Taits' ineptitude. Then I'll scratch make my own wings, and fuselage.

~ Cobra Chris

[PB BB1]

Yeah that thing is pretty rough. I've read about the original CC kits and like beaz mentioned here earlier the consensus was using styrene to add some height. Better think of it as a start then a kit probably.

The Harrier pilot is what was used on the original miniatures. Only the head was modified to match the storyboard concept drawings of the original pilot helmets. The one in your kit has a modified helmet to match a little more. If you've got the same cockpit you could just scrape of the additions. It really wasnt too bad.

[427 Cobra]

The casting quality is what makes it uninviting. This will have to be reworked across the top of the forward control panel - it's sunk in. I'm going to give my pilot to Carsten (Too much garlic) on the rpf. He needs him, I don't. I'm going to do what Mike Salzo did - I'll recast the Luke figure I posted here. It's almost the exact same size as the Harrier pilot I have, it's also better quality, and a lot closer to Mark Hamill.

I'm going to cast him without his helmet (it's removable) so it can paint it whatever colour they want it to be without ruining it while painting the body. Once all the figure is painted, and the helmet is painted separately - they can put the decals on it, then seal it separately with flat clearcoat. This will make painting easier. It'll be cast in clear yellow for the visor. I'll need to cut up the recast, so I can position the arms, and make a control yoke for them. I won't have a lower torso on this, so that an armature can be inserted into the fuselage without problem. I hope to make a decal set for this, or I'll have JBot make them for Luke.

I'm going to make aluminum armatures for these for those who want one, but missed out on the last run that Jason Eaton (Moffeaton) offered on the rpf. I won't be offering X-wing kits, unless no one else wants to make one anymore. I want to concentrate on making the four foot X alone unless that bombs!

I think I'll do what you're doing - I'll recast the cockpit (after I correct it), then I'll make the version you have posted here. This way, I can ensure a more accurate version.

~ Cobra Chris

[PB BB1]

Hey guys it's been too long.

The good news is I'm running out of things to build that will be duplicated. While the 1/15 Hummel continues to elude me effectively postponing backplate completion I'm making my way through all of the sub assembly masters. Finishing up the wing bits today and hope to get through chipping this Blue Leader pattern.


I'm fairly certain most of you guys are over on the RPF but in case you are not I'll be making duplicates of my droid plate/strip for $30 shipped. Outside of the States may cost a few extra but have a look and PM me if you would like one.

[JAWS]

Which parts are from the Hummel Paul? Is it he gun support that is the fins off the 5fter?

[PB BB1]

Hey Jase... I'm gonna have to source one no matter what. It's the big parts that go to the side of the sherman hull and two smaller bits down at the bottom for the backplate. Plus the return rollers for the cannons. Also the jack was utilized for the rear wing assemblies like this stug one here.

[MonsieurTox]

Nice masters !

Are you going to make both masters they built and used interchangeably on the trailer edge ?

[PB BB1]

Thanks Julien. Yes that's the plan. Having the pyro assemblies took most of the guesswork out of placing the jack on top of the sealab part. I think there is a verticle seam inside of the toothed circle but I notched the back of the sealab part instead of cutting the stug part. The the whole thing lays flat. I'm not brave enough to trim away the curve... will wait to make a resin set for a gang mold.

Jase I think that is the same part onto 5 footer, will double check some reference.

[MonsieurTox]

Ah yeah there's a seam because they added a piece of styrene to extend the sealab part. I understand trimming the curve for the intake is intimidating, you're right to do it on a casting !

[JAWS]

Can't waite to start casting these parts!
I have a new 10Gal Pressure Pot coming & am looking at a Rotocaster for other projects later down the track..
I have 2 Hummels Paul.

[PB BB1]

Two you say aye? Wow guys I've been really lucky. Jase you hooked me up with the sealab parts I was missing. Also managed to snag a built stug to salvage as well as INCOM sending me stug bits from his part out. All the masters are styrene kit parts. It sometimes makes me nervous. So what's it gonna take Jase? Lol Id gladly settle for a resin set.

Julien, I think you're right to use the boat rail for your engine master instead of the slightly thicker styrene rod. Was thinking more surgery on mine but I'm not sure I could get it off of there clean.

[PB BB1]

Wing bits are done.

[JAWS]

Paul Im going to cast you a resin set mate. Unfortunately those 2 parts are probably 2 of the most valuable donor parts around other tha the ENTEX gear boxes... I shall have them to you shortly. Just awaiting fresh resin.

[PB BB1]

Thank you! I can't tell you how much I appreciate that. Happy to wait as long as it takes.