Say hello to the King of float planes
Aug 24, 2023 13:50:59 GMT
gvwalker, au64, and 4 more like this
Post by boomerbill on Aug 24, 2023 13:50:59 GMT
I first built a USN OS2U Kingfisher when I was 11. I totally liked niche aircraft, even 60 years ago.
So when I saw the opportunity on eBay to acquire a 1/100 scale kit, I thought, Why not?
It was not cheap. I'm embarrassed to say that it cost about $40 USD, with shipping from China.
It was not an easy build. SSModel/Yao's Studio uses "red wax resin" for its 3D prints. I had never heard of it before.
The accompanying material said that red wax resin allows for greater detail, and for sure, the kit itself was very detailed, including the interior of the cockpit and the observer/rear gunner section. There was an optional open glass area, for those daring enough to use Microscale's Micro Krystal Klear to make your own windows. I opted for the closed glass.
It arrived with none of the 3D printer supports removed, and no assembly instructions, so it was easy to accidentally carve away bits that you might need later.
I suspect that's how the rear gun disappeared.
The supports for the outboard floats were so delicate that I broke them, repeatedly, and reglued them. On reflection, I should have simple drilled out the parts and used thin wire for more strength.
Now, about the glue. My first effort to use the standard cyanoacrylate (Crazy Glue) that I use for so many models just didn't work. I messaged the seller, who directed me to a glue produced and sold in China to glue false nails on. This Waloc Gel had to come from China, so construction was delayed. And it was also delayed because I asked for the outboard floats to be replaced, which the seller did.
So, here's the result.
I'm going to puzzle out the Stat Card for this aircraft, but your advice/suggestions are always welcomed.
Although I have not spent much of my AAAF time in the Pacific Theatre, I imagine this catapult-launched recon/rescue aircraft can play a significant role on the gaming table.
So when I saw the opportunity on eBay to acquire a 1/100 scale kit, I thought, Why not?
It was not cheap. I'm embarrassed to say that it cost about $40 USD, with shipping from China.
It was not an easy build. SSModel/Yao's Studio uses "red wax resin" for its 3D prints. I had never heard of it before.
The accompanying material said that red wax resin allows for greater detail, and for sure, the kit itself was very detailed, including the interior of the cockpit and the observer/rear gunner section. There was an optional open glass area, for those daring enough to use Microscale's Micro Krystal Klear to make your own windows. I opted for the closed glass.
It arrived with none of the 3D printer supports removed, and no assembly instructions, so it was easy to accidentally carve away bits that you might need later.
I suspect that's how the rear gun disappeared.
The supports for the outboard floats were so delicate that I broke them, repeatedly, and reglued them. On reflection, I should have simple drilled out the parts and used thin wire for more strength.
Now, about the glue. My first effort to use the standard cyanoacrylate (Crazy Glue) that I use for so many models just didn't work. I messaged the seller, who directed me to a glue produced and sold in China to glue false nails on. This Waloc Gel had to come from China, so construction was delayed. And it was also delayed because I asked for the outboard floats to be replaced, which the seller did.
So, here's the result.
I'm going to puzzle out the Stat Card for this aircraft, but your advice/suggestions are always welcomed.
Although I have not spent much of my AAAF time in the Pacific Theatre, I imagine this catapult-launched recon/rescue aircraft can play a significant role on the gaming table.
