Lockheed P2V-7 Neptune WIP
Kommentarer
157 26 February 2023, 16:11
gorbyExceptional work so far Alec.
You're going to show us all up again aren't you? 😉
(Come to think of it that should have been a statement rather than a question. 😄 )
26 February 2023, 17:41
Alec KThanks Gorby! Not my intention, just sharing my modeling joy in my characteristic pedantic manner 😄
26 February 2023, 18:36
Bernhard SchrockOne of my favorite prop classics! Please a seat in the first row! Excellent start. I'm curious for more scratchbuilding especially flaps & co. 🙂
26 February 2023, 18:44
Alec KFor such exulted following, I better up my game. Welcome to the show mates, I'll try not to disappoint.
27 February 2023, 02:10
Andy Ballexcellent and useful build tips....didn't know about acrylic glue....thanks for sharing the build!!
1 March 2023, 10:35
Erik LeijdensNice to see another project form you, Alec. Great start. Looks like the Neptune need a lot of extra detailing.
1 March 2023, 11:15
Jakub FialaVery nice work in the cockpit, Alec 👍 I'm looking forward to see next steps. Also, i'm surprised how big this bird is 😮
3 March 2023, 12:32
Alec KThanks gents! Erik, you are right, the additional details will make it a nicer build but it's noteworthy how good this kit is after so many years. And yes Jakube, it's a BIG bird 🙂
4 March 2023, 00:12
Bernhard SchrockAlec: they were several colors schemes used on dash 7. Which scheme intend you to build?
4 March 2023, 06:46
Alec KHello Bernhard - I really like the later schemes of Light Gull Gray with white fuselage decking. I came across several renditions of BuNo 147967's scheme (see my project's banner) and as long I figure out the markings (specifically, what kind of decals I will need to make myself), this will probably be the one.
4 March 2023, 23:25
Alec KWelcome Oliver! I have added info about my fun time with Plus Model's flaps 👍
5 March 2023, 16:43
Ludvík KružíkReally interesting project. I believe that in your rendition it will be another exceptional model. I will definitely follow this build 👀
6 March 2023, 00:06
DaveA lot of work ahead, but it seem that you have it worked out before hand. Nice
6 March 2023, 00:38
Bernhard SchrockExcellent start on the wings. Watching for next steps. 🙂
P.S. is #PJ 12 in gullgray & white you choice?
7 March 2023, 16:44
Ludvík KružíkAlec, your modifications to this kit are great. 👍 I just don't understand one thing. Is there any reason why you didn't simply weaken parts 62-65, 66 and 67 from the inside and then glue the Eduard parts to them?
23 March 2023, 00:15
Alec KWelcome Jakube 👍
Ludvíku: A fair question regarding a choice I myself questioned. I though the Eduard parts were too thin (the formed reinforcing metal structure on the interior of the doors seems quite deep to my eye). Also, the front wheel bay door structure looks different than the Eduard interpretation. All that said, I think thinning the kits' parts and adding styrene strips would have been easier. Cheers 👍
23 March 2023, 11:13
Ludvík KružíkThank you for your reply. I don't mean to disparage your work in any way. I knew you had a reason. I just didn't know what it was.
The result looks very good. 👍 Especially considering the actual size of the parts in 1:72 scale. It's obvious you take great care with all the details. I wish you a steady hand and a good eye throughout the build of the model and look forward to seeing the progress. 🙂
23 March 2023, 12:11
Daniel KlinkMost impressive Alec.. That Metalwork is awesome!
Love the outcome so far👍
23 March 2023, 19:12
Alec KThank you mates! Frank: I imagine you and others will relate 🙂. Recently I was going through my "keep for just in case" items and failed to get rid of much. Most of such items do not occupy a lot of space, it's much harder to justify keeping junk that does 😉
31 March 2023, 11:18
bughunterThat it also a fact: if you don't used a thing for years and drop it in the bin one week later you will need it! That is caused by Murphy's law.
31 March 2023, 11:20
Alec KGreetings mates! Contrary to what you may be thinking, I have NOT been screwing off and AM actively working on this, just veeery slowly. Here is an update on my labors.
16 July 2023, 15:27
Ludvík KružíkI'm watching this with great interest. I am always amazed at what can be done on this scale. 👍
17 July 2023, 08:11
Alec KThanks much guys. This gives me strength to keep plugging away at this beast 😄
17 July 2023, 12:32
Erik LeijdensImpressed by your build, great scratching and use of "household" materials.
18 July 2023, 09:46
Alec KCheers friends. Just so you don't think I gave up on this beast, here are some progress pics. This project has been a MONSTER but it's progressing, despite my every effort to screw it up.
3 February, 00:11
Alec KThanks gents for stopping by and for your kind comments. It's always a pleasure to read those 👍
4 February, 01:33
Jennifer FranklinI love your journaling, so much to learn from you, following 👀. Your work is amazing.
4 February, 02:30
bughunterGreat that you continued to work on this bird and uploaded new pics....
But, have you deleted all old pics and uploaded new ones? Normally I check the date to see, where the news are, but here _all_ pics are of the actual date 🙁 But some were definitely not new for me.
4 February, 18:23
Alec KThank you friends for your comments and support, very appreciated.
Jennifer: I am glad you like my ramblings. I realize I get into the weeds, but I always enjoyed others sharing their progress in detail and it has helped me great deal with my own modeling journey, so I am trying to do the same.
Frank, you are correct. There was a discussion some time ago about the preferred sizing of images for albums and I realized mine were pretty small, so I decided to re-upload the old pics in higher resolution. The teaser in the album marks where new work images begin. I hope it's not a big faux pas to do this as I plan to upgrade some of my older albums this way.
5 February, 01:02
bughunterThank you Alex - the new bigger picture size is for sure a _good_ reason to replace them 👍
There was also a discussion in feature request that replacing pictures by better ones do not trigger a notify. So this can be done behind the scenes without bother anyone..
5 February, 07:19
Jakub FialaHello Alec. I'm glad to see you back here after some short break 🙂
That new vacu canopy looks great 👍
5 February, 09:44
Alec KFinally painted something on this bird that will be visible on the outside. Cheers!
24 February, 02:23
Michael KohlA pleasure to follow you on this journey. Sprue goo bubbles are a problem I am familiar with too and is doesn't have to do with stirring. Unfortunately I cannot provide an alternative theory why this happens. Maybe someone out there can enlighten us.
24 February, 07:05
Ludvík KružíkAlec, good progress! 👍 I admire the precision with which you create the details of the model. My admiration is all the greater because your model is in 1/72 scale.
The bubbles could have been caused by a chemical reaction between the sprue material and the solvent, or between the plastic of the model and the "plastic slurry" during drying (similar to adding yeast to dough), but that's just my guess.
24 February, 09:13
Zbynek HonzikAlec, what a no-compromise project! Very inspiring! And fingers crossed that the wind doesn't get out of your sails. 👍🍀
24 February, 09:42
Alec KHmm, interesting observations regarding the sprue goo bubbling, thanks for commenting on that Michael and Ludvik. Ludvíku, I think there is probably something to your theory. I just bought some dissolved putty from GSI and have high hopes for it.
Gordy: "good grief" about sums it up…
Zbynku, thanks for the encouraging post 🙂
24 February, 12:39
Bernhard SchrockAlec: I am very happy to see that this great project continues. You solved the canopy problem very well. I suspect that your self-made part is clearer than the one from the kit….🙂.
Great details on the wheel bays & landing gear, which is also movable! I am looking forward to further progress.🙂
24 February, 13:56
bughunterGreat and careful work again!
May be your sprue putty layer was too thick? The extra thin glue need a way to go out. So it is may be better to work in thin layers and give the glue the chance to left the plastic.
I'm also not a fan of normal putty, but I used some days ago the Tamiya Light curing putty (I wrote about in my Swallow project). I like it! But also there it is recommended in the manual to use only thin layers up to 2mm. If you put light on a thicker layer it will get too hot inside and create bubbles. But as this hardens quickly with UV-light it is no problem to apply additional layers.
24 February, 17:27
Alec KThank you mates. I think the canopy was the correct decision, the thickness alone makes it so much better. Silver linings…
Bugs, I think you are right about the goo. I did glob it on pretty thick, forgetting all my school chemistry 😄. Thanks for the advice as well, I'll have to look up that Tamiya light curing putty.
24 February, 22:31
MariusAlec, such a gorgeous aircraft which I also want to build. I got dissapointed to find out that the Hasegawa kit has raised lines and I wasn't yet willing to do the effort you are doing now.
Outstanding work, I admire the dedication you're pouring in this project. Thank you for recommending some scribing tools, mine got old and blunt and needed new ones.
One question: why use the saw for scribing? What is the advantage?
10 March, 06:25
Thomas BischoffI missed this thread completely - outstanding work! Landing Gear, Cockpit, Flaps and much more just makes me feel like a beginner.
10 March, 08:06
Alec KThanks you guys. Thomas, your work looks rather advanced to me 🙂 👍
Marius, this is my first scribing/riveting project on the entire model and I really enjoyed the process. Regarding my use of thin saw blade: on curved surfaces like the sides of a fuselage, I find it difficult to use the UMM scribers. It's hard to describe, you just have to experience it. To get a nice even panel line with the scriber, I apply several passes at low pressure. This is hard to do when you are following a curve because the scriber's "angle of attack" relative to the surface is important and must be continually maintained as you move the tool. Saw works much better and produces a comparable result. Cheers!
10 March, 19:18
Michael KohlI can only second Alecs arguments. Particularly if you have a panelline which was interrupted- by sanding for example - the saw can use the still existing grove as a guide much better than a scriber can.
10 March, 23:24
Gary KitchenWow. What an odyssey of a build log. So detailed and painstakingly explained. Thank you. All aboard for the remainder of this journey.
11 March, 07:03
Łukasz GlińskiDat rivets look great, watching with envy. 👍
Thx for the Dymo tape hint, I have to test it, all these fancy modelling scotch tapes seem too thin for my taste.
11 March, 10:14
Alec KThanks Gary, welcome to the odyssey. We should hit port soon 🙂
Łukasz, Dymo tape is pretty good and readily available, but couple words of caution: its adhesive is very aggressive and tends to leave residue on smooth surfaces, and it's not very "bendy". It sticks to Surfacer fine and comes off the same, but I had it peel off paint on smoother paint finish. The Carving Guide Tape (HIQPARTS CGT-6MM, No) is a better option IMHO but not sure how easily available.
11 March, 12:01
Łukasz GlińskiThx for the additional info. The transparent ones don't work for me at all - my eyesight is too poor 😉
But I think Dymo could be good for the basic rescribing, even before surfacer.
For the later corrections I have these green semi-transparent one, but its edges are not thick enough for me to do the long straight lines:
mojehobby.pl/product..-Edged-Tape-3mm.html
11 March, 12:16
Jakub FialaVery nice rescribing, Alec 👍 . As for dymo tape, I have the same experience as you.
Its nice to see, you are using Hauler products. This company is located about 500 meters from my home 🙂
11 March, 16:09
Alec KThanks Clement and Nathan!
Łukasz - for sure, give it a try. For straight scribing, I like a firmer wide tape to keep the "straightness" and Dymo tape works great for that. It's also nice and thick for guiding the scribed. My only complaint, again, is that the adhesive sometimes stay put.
Jakube - thanks for encouragement. Do you mean PlusModel? Or does Hauler makes their PE? Either way, I am jealous 🙂 👍
12 March, 00:12
Jakub FialaAlec, i mean Hauler ( scribing template on your pic#110). They really make their PE. I saw it with my own eyes 🙂
12 March, 12:01
Alec KOh yeah, sorry! Got it. I have many Hauler PE sets (as well as their kits) in my stash 🙂
12 March, 12:30
Ludvík KružíkAlec, the longer I follow your work on the model, the more I like it. The care you take with all the details is admirable. 👍
In the time I have been building my models, I have come to the same experience as you. For restoring panel lines on curved surfaces of the model (like the fuselage), a razor saw is best. It's exactly as Michael Kohl writes a bit above.
To transcribe the lines on the model I use (among other things) rulers, which I made from an ordinary rolling ruler metal tape measure. I cut strips of different lengths from it. These strips are flexible and adapt easily to a curved surface. For even more flexibility, the strip can be cut lengthwise into two narrower strips.
13 March, 09:03
MariusThis has turned in a very helpful thread with all the discussiond about scribing. I would like to share my own method for irregular surfaces. I'm using tape for electrical cable insulations together with a pointy tool. The tool is normally aimed at scribing access panels or doors, but I use it for larger panel lines too. Check photos #36 and #38 from this album:
MiG-23BN - Iraq - 1982 | Album by Redicus (1:72)
13 March, 11:49
Alec KManaged some progress, engines are on the wings. Getting close to assembling this beast and finally painting.
7 April, 17:16
CuajeteWow...I can't believe what a huge improvement you are making to this tool. Looks great!
8 April, 18:32
Alec KThanks Cuajete. The beast finally has wings and received a coat of paint. The saga continues...
27 April, 01:41
Robert PodkońskiHow did I miss this master-class modelling tutorial? From now I am definitely following this talent show!
12 May, 08:03
Gordon SørensenGreat work on all the detail you added to the Neptune, Alex! Looks fantastic!
12 May, 14:15
Ludvík KružíkAlec, it's admirable what you've done with this model. It looks fantastic. Fingers crossed that you manage to finish it successfully. 👍
The finish line is very close. 🙂
14 May, 15:25
Alec KThanks all for leaving encouraging remarks. It's indeed getting close and chances for me screwing it up loom large: weathering is not my forte…
14 May, 16:47
Alec KDanke Oliver!
I am in the final stretch on this one. Just some final weathering and it should be done. Cheers!
11 July, 11:11
Mark MedwellThis is an amazing build... those main gear bays! I can smell the oil and fuel as if I was standing inside them on a pre-flight walkaround.
11 July, 12:40
Pietro De AngelisAn impressive quantity and quality of work, masterpiece by photoetchs and scratchbuild, congrats!
11 July, 20:36
Ludvík KružíkAlec, you're doing top-notch work. The very fine and precise execution of all the details adds to the convincingness of the model. It's really hard to believe that this is a 1/72 scale model. 👍 👍 👍
12 July, 07:43
Bernhard SchrockA true masterpiece! I have looked at the current, new photos three times. And will definitely do it again. Great great great! Detailing, cleanliness, implementation and painting! 🙂🙂🙂
12 July, 10:53
bughunterYeah, I can only sign the last comments! Your careful preparation to allow a clean mounting pays back now 👍
Last week I saw a finished model of this kit at a local club meeting and it reminded me of your build.
12 July, 16:43
Alec KThank you mates for your kind and encouraging feedback. This has been my longest continuous project to date ( too long imho). It's interesting to note that this 1972 tooling still has life in it (based on how many, even today, continue to be built). Certainly not comparable to today's fare, overall it's a very nice kit. Just have to finish few details as I plan to bring it to the IPMS-USA annual contest next week. Cheers.
12 July, 21:07
Bernhard SchrockAlec: Enjoy the exhibition. If I were in the jury, it would be the first place for me just because of the initiative and the skills in scratch building🙂. In my opinion, it is not really art to replace the half the model with brass, resin and 3D, but to create a masterpiece from a 50-year-old kit. 🙂
14 July, 18:50
Alec KThank you Bernhard for your kind comment, I really appreciate it 🙂. Getting a prize would be nice (I am as vain as the next guy), but I keep my expectations low. IPMS-USA judging focuses on build quality and execution, and my skills are not strong in this area. If two models are tied from this perspective, then the more complex one wins, but if there is a clean-built Neptune with no errors but no modifications next to mine, they win. A lot also depends on who shows up (I.e. the models on the table).
I am looking forward to the show as it's a great time to see many great builds in person, chat with fellow modelers and support the hobby. A big plus is that it's close to where I live, so no vendor room limit for this stash hoarder 😄. I will post pictures from the show when I get back.
15 July, 12:12
Ludvík KružíkAlec, I think the chances of success are good. Maybe luck will smile on you. In any case, I'll keep my fingers crossed 🙂
... whatever the outcome, enjoy the show!
15 July, 13:19
Maciej BellosLoss for words. The Neptune looks superb. Fingers crossed!
Looking forward for the show photos.
15 July, 13:48
Alec KThanks very much mates. No pressure... 😄 😄 😄 Ludvik is right, I will need some big smiles (hopefully not laughs) from Lady Luck. I have uploaded the final WIP pics, finished build and show albums hopefully by end on July.
17 July, 01:17
gorbyThis has been a remarkable build to follow, absolutely stunning work mate! If this doesn't win best in show the judges should get better guide-dogs. 😉
17 July, 07:11
MariusHats down Alec, a true masterpiece. One of the most attractive and special models I have seen here lately!!
17 July, 10:23
Michael KohlI can only agree with Marius and Gorby. I enjoyed following your build immensely. And I will strive to come closer to the cleanliness of your construction, which is impressive.
17 July, 14:41
bughunterWhat a marvellous finale 👍 Hats off to your perseverance!
Good luck and have fun there 🙂
18 July, 05:58
Alec KGuys, I really appreciate your really nice comments. I just realized I started this project back in June 2022 and worked on it pretty much continuously since then (with the exception of few months during this past winter). To date, the largest project for me in all aspects. I am in active recovering now (just finished a mojoreset OOB 🙂.
Arrived at the contest yesterday and there were already many worthy builds in my category on the table, so I will be surprised if I even place. So many great modelers out there! The show promises to be a feast for the eyes (there are 2500 registered entries with many more walk-ins expected). Cheers!
18 July, 13:19
CuajeteGreat job, Alec. Fantastic result... I love it!
Congrats!
If this project is not a winner, it is because the judges have had to think a lot to give the prize to someone else. But for the Scalemates colleagues this will be a clear winner in all aspects. Good luck!
18 July, 17:54
Alec KHello friends. Lady luck got drunk and the Neptune received first place in the "1/72 large twin engine aircraft" category 🙂
For those interested, here are links to a selection of pics from the show:
Aircraft: IPMS-USA National Convention 2024 | Album by Pardubak
Military Vehicles: IPMS-USA National Convention 2024 | Album by Pardubak
Figures: IPMS-USA National Convention 2024 | Album by Pardubak
Dioramas: IPMS-USA National Convention 2024 | Album by Pardubak
Other (Ships, Automotive, Sci-fi, Misc, Venue): IPMS-USA National Convention 2024 | Album by Pardubak
29 July, 02:14
Michael KohlI'd say Lady Luck was sober and good mooded. Congrats and thanks for this ambitious, informative and extremely clean and precise build thread. I enjoyed it very much.
29 July, 05:33
Zbynek HonzikCongratulations, Alec! Lady Luck didn't get drunk, she stayed completely sober, because you deserve that first place! 😀🫵👍
29 July, 05:35
gorbyNothing to do with luck mate, purely down to your remarkable modelling skill. Fortunately the judges recognised that. Well deserved award Alec. 🙂
Thanks for the links, I'll enjoy having a look thought them later. 👍
29 July, 06:03
Robert BlaschkeTomu hovorím modelárčina. Narobíš sa ako kôň a nakoniec 95 percent práce nie je vôbec vidieť. Ešte aj tá konštrukcia krídel nad klapkami je zospodu, skrytá normálnemu pohľadu 🙂
Ale inak úchvatná práca a nádherný model. 👍
29 July, 06:49
Maciej BellosCongrats!!!! Well deserved and no luck at all, but a reward for all the tremendous effort put on this kit.
29 July, 07:06
Spanjaardarriving late to the party, but what a trip .. . amazing job everywhere, stunning patience, planning and execution. certainly no luck involved in getting the award, truly deserved!!
29 July, 07:53
Ludvík KružíkI can only agree with what those before me have written.
The honorable and precise work on this model has been deservedly appreciated. Congratulations on a well-deserved victory! 👍👍👍
29 July, 07:59
Bernhard SchrockI'm looking forward to it with you! The referees appreciated YOUR OWN performance.🙂
29 July, 08:50
CuajeteI totally agree with all mates. It is a well-deserved award and the judges have appreciated it 👍
Congrats. Enjoy it, Alec!
29 July, 17:07
Jakub FialaAleši, tohle je prostě nádhera! Gongratulations to very well deserved award. I am looking forward to see final pictures.
29 July, 19:36
Alec KMates, thank you all for your very kind words and support, it means a lot. This build was sucking the lifeforce out of me so it's nice to see it turned out pretty good. I was amazed how much more effort a bigger model takes (I have a whole new appreciation for large scale builders). Going down the detailing rabbit hole did not help, but that's just the OCD acting up… 😄
Few finished pics are now uploaded. I am having a helluva time fitting this thing into my photo booth, so more will follow once I have time to make some modifications. Cheers!
30 July, 10:36
SkyhikerAlec, great job and congratulations! In the future instead of using ridged rod for static dischargers, which can easily break off, you would be better off using brush bristles, preferably pig hair, but it depends on the scale you are doing. They are strong and flexible but keep their shape if they are touched. They are also great for antenna.
30 July, 14:12
Alec KThanks mates. The wire static dischargers are indeed problematic and I managed to knock them off already. Good idea with the brush bristles, thanks Skyhiker 👍
30 July, 15:57
DutchAlec, Beautiful work on this vintage kit. I have built two many, many moons ago during my teenage years and you have truly brought the old plastic to life. It looks like you could jump right in and fire her up. Great work. I look forward to more of your handiwork. Kind reregards. Dutch
30 July, 22:19
Alec KDutch, glad this brought back fond (hopefully) memories. This was a memory build for me too, although I did not get to build one back then for reasons I get into under the project's writeup. Still a very fine kit indeed.
30 July, 23:28
DutchI just build kits, you create masterpieces. There is a difference. But, yes, it brought back fond memories. It went together well and stayed together well. If I remember correctly, it was somewhere in the $8-10 range at my local hobby store. You have much more patience than I do.
30 July, 23:42
Gary VictoryFanatic build. I really admire the work and level of detail you have added Alec. Really lovely finish and build. Top job Sir.
16 August, 06:18
Landlubber MikeWow nicely done - really beautiful clean work on this one. I just spent an hour reading through the build notes. Thank you for posting such a detailed log of your techniques, I learned a lot! Master class modeling!
4 October, 17:12
Alec KThanks Mike. Really liked your flying boat, looking forward to the Henschel builds 👍
4 October, 18:43
Jennifer FranklinIt is an incredible build, and I have continued to enjoy the logs and learned a lot from them.
8 October, 03:49
Album info
I was struggling a bit to select my next build, spending time on gathering references for several project and abandoning each in turn. I had the Neptune kit in my stash for a while and as I have never built anything big, I finally reached for the Neptune kit. "It's going to be a nice relaxing OOB build" I said. Right. As in many times past, this idyllic plan did not survive the first contact with determined internet search.
I started with the two books listed in the project's reference section, thinking they would be more than adequate for an OOB build. Turns out they lack any detailed information or photos, precipitating an online hunt for detailed images. This initially also failed to produce much in terms of detailed photos and info, but as I was pumped to get started I did so without having enough material gathered. As I was progressing with the build I discovered several resources that uncovered many shortcomings of the kit. Needless to say, I learned few things I wished I was aware of earlier.
Below are links to the Tailhook Topics blog entries I referenced heavily during my build as well as some inspiring build logs by other modelers (I have included more reference links under the Project description):
Tailhook Topics- Hasagawa P2V Neptune Kit: tailhooktopics.blogs..p2v-neptune-kit.html
Tailhook Topics- Lockheed P2V-5 vs -7: tailspintopics.blogs..-5-vs-7-neptune.html
Build logs:
Keiun on 72nd Aircraft (in progress, and although of P2V-5, still and excellent and recent resource)- tapatalk.com/groups/..3Dlogin?deduce=login
Moggy on Britmodeller (older and not completed to date, but still a great resource)- britmodeller.com/for..tine-naval-aviation/
Paul Budzik's 1:48 scratch-built effort, as yet incomplete (and with his refocusing on ships, likely to remain so)- paulbudzik.com/curre..ne_Model_Budzik.html
Marcello Rosa (also on SCM)- marcellorosa.com/1-72p2v-7neptune
NABE3 (AP-2H gunship)- nabe3saviation.web.f..explanatione-fr.html
