Augie Autor
So we start with the bomb bay modifications.

First of all, remove the part between the two bays to make one, long bay.
Also, mark out where I think the cut out is at the back for X-1 tailplanes. Based on available pictures and reverse engineering from other scale items.

Once happy with the bomb bay mods, then comes the turret removals. Or more correctly, 3 turrets, two Astrodomes..

Oh then have to also modify one bulkhead and underside with a recess for the nose..

All from scratch.. can see the spares bin being abused something chronic

Augie Autor
Have some resin on order. Have had an strange idea on how to fill out the turret holes.
First option was doing superglue casting, which is as strange as it sounds but has worked for me in the past for rebuilding rotor blades.

The other is using resin and in place casting. if it works will save a lot of time de-turreting this monster.

Augie Autor
Soo, quick progress pics.. Turrets roughly filled over, will tidy up once fueslage is buttoned up.
Been marking out on the side where cutouts, sway braces, and where on the other I have to put the lift.

Mathieu
Damn damn damn ! taking notes !!! I have had this kind of build in mind for a long time, but always lacked proper references for modifications to the mothership.
Keeps it going.
Cheers.

Bruce Huxtable
Shouldn't you be adding strengthening to your bench first? This is going to be a very interesting build. Good luck with your experimental techniques 🙂

Augie Autor
Thanks guys, Mathieu, will at the end share what references i have found.

Bruce, thanks the bench can cope 😉

David Taylor
Cracking on with it Augie.

Augie Autor
Thanks David, trying to get through it.. fun project for me

Mike Kryza
I'm here again... 🙂

Augie Autor
Lol Mike, I knew you would be, usual seat as always my friend.

Mike Kryza
Thx, is it possible to get a pint of Guinness? 🙂🙂🙂

Augie Autor
Oh I am sure one can be found for you 🙂

Patryk S.
Following! Can't wait to see the end result!

Augie Autor
Welcome Patryk enjoy

Robert Podkoński
Following too. Seems ambitious...

Augie Autor
Only thing ambitious about it is the hope I can get the Mothership nose decals.
Other than that, its all just basic modelling... just bigger....and with a couple of magnets thrown in.

Of course, she'll need to sit on her nose wheel, which by my figuring means I need to stash about 500 - 750g of weight in the front of her.. if anything like B-25's i did of monogram's then I can stash some in the engine nacelles, then in the space the fwd belly turret would have sat.

Kerry COX
Having looked at what your ambitions are here, I am in awe of your courage and ingenuity and bravery to tackle such a project. ! :-0
The super glue casting sounds fascinating and you must do a special post on how it's done for all of us to see. 👍
Finally. Augie, are you possibly thinking of entering this build in a competition when complete. ? As it sounds like it would be a world beater, having never seen anything like or similar to this idea of yours ever.
I am now following this build with keen interest. 😉

Augie Autor
Heyy Kezza,

usual seat is free 🙂
I think for the superglue casting, I did kinda do an explination when I repaired UH-1 blades with it.
I've actually not thought of entering it into a competition, too scared too i think lol

Augie Autor
Well, bomb bay extension for the X-1 nose is cut..
Next the rear ones, Just need to confirm shape

Kerry COX
Is there much research info available for you on this beast. ?

Augie Autor
Hi Kezza,

Research for this is interesting. Firstly, with the pictures you need to be careful with dates.. as the B-29 first converted as XS-1 dropship, was soon modified to also drop the X-1A also, which was longer by some 5 feet.

So for the time I am doing the B-29 had black underside still which circa 1947 mean she would have seen both XS-1 062 and 063 with original mods..

So its a fun game of going through what high res pictures I can to then try and find reference points to work out mods etc... fortunately the X-1's are the easy part. 🙂

Kerry COX
No doubt. It will be as accurate as you can make it.
Research can drive you nuts. 😉

Augie Autor
It can, but all part of the fun... I think lol
Not going nuts on the cockpit of the 29, aint going to be able to see much sadly

Kerry COX
We will know what in there Augie. As we all do it. ! 🙂

David Taylor
Are you putting bodies in Augie always gives a sense of size not that a 48 B29 is little.

Augie Autor
LOl Kezza, your not helping its already making me twitch! 😛

David, I was going to do a couple beside it for scale.. not that it needs it really, B-29's are not small lol

Augie Autor
hopefully will come out welll. the first Xs-1 is coming nicely

Kerry COX
If you want a ton of 1/48 figures. You can have mine. All rescued from my now dismantled B-17G diorama. All you have to do is soak them in paint remover and zippo, a complete ground crew. Just say the word and they are yours. 🙂 👍

Augie Autor
Thanks Kezza, its much appreciated, I have a load of them from the B-17 and others 🙂

Kerry COX
No worries Augie. 😉

Augie Autor
So the weights I ordered came.. 3KG of tyre weights.

The next two pictures are how much weight is needed to keep her on her wheels.. 300g.

James C
Nice work Augie, and hopefully the nose gear can support that extra weight. 👍 You got a link for the weights that you used?

Augie Autor
Hi James,

I think it can.. guess we'll see lol.

This is the link as requested

amazon.co.uk/gp/prod..00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

James C
Awesome, thanks 🙂👍

David Taylor
Will you be using metal legs.

Augie Autor
Hi David,

No, used them on my B-25, the same B-25 every 6 weeks I have to straighten the undercarriage because of her weight and that I used metal legs..

Augie Autor
Test fit after cutting out the rear recesses for the fin. That's held just on the magnet too.

Robert Podkoński
Absolutely fantastic idea and execution.

Kerry COX
Augie. This is going to look spectacular. ! Now I see the X-1 in position, the imagination takes over. 🙂 🙂

Augie Autor
Thanks Robert, Kerry 🙂

Glad you guys like, lot of work to go but starting to give me hope.

Roberto Rocat
Great work so far!

Augie Autor
Thanks Roberto,

Roland, There was orange one.. and a white one 🙂 The orange one is still in the box but thats to be built too.

Robin (WhiteGlint)
"Here we can see the mothership carrying her young."
Nice work, Augie. 👍

David Taylor
Sorry got to say it.Hope the wheel weights balance things up.LOL

Augie Autor
🙂 Thanks guys

David, 300grammes at the nose and she sits right.

Augie Autor
So, taped together, hung from ceiling.. think I am mad right? well maybe, but it also lets me view it from angles that match reference photo's to make sure things are in right place 🙂

James C
Looks like your surgery has paid off. Going to look spectacular 👍

Augie Autor
Thanks James, I think your right, I think the cuts are just right.. so just need to fettle the nose recess and get the B-29 cockpit done so I can get it togther..

Robert Podkoński
I agree with James - absolutely spectacular, even at this stage of assembly. Fantastic!

Maciej Bellos
Joining in late to the party. Why put so much weight, when you can hang it gloriously from the ceiling. And speaking of the ceiling, quite a nice collection of Phantoms you have there Augie.

Mathieu
Now that's a nice double ugly stash ! Hope you tested the magnets before hanging them so high.. keep it up. Cheers

David Taylor
Gonna be one of your best.

Augie Autor
Thanks Robert and David 🙂

Maciej, the weight is so she's not an arse sitter when she's done.. the hanging is just so I can see angles better.

Matthieu, thank you yes Its a lovely rhino stash and I will be adding to it..
The magnet had been tested, its good for about 200g weight and the XS-1 is about 120 so I should be fine.

Maciej Bellos
Yeah, my (not so clear) point was that hanging from the ceiling would be grand, rather than having her on her wheels. Should have used a smiley or something.

300 g is a lot, hope the gear holds up.

Augie Autor
Ohh 🙂 Yeah well I did think it but I want to have it beside the other XS-1

Gear seems to stand up to it so far, better than the metal ones I used in past.

Erik Leijdens
Impressive combination!! Watching

Augie Autor
Two images showing the mount I have made on the wing spar to attach the XS-1

Kerry COX
I love it when I see peoples creative juices start to flow. ! Look out folks. ! Augie is in one of here moods. !!! hehehehe 🙂 🙂 👍

Augie Autor
Lol thanks Kezza 🙂 It does the job and does not look too out of place once painted up and the XS-1 installed. I'm re-watching The right stuff on how they depicted some of the internals of the B-29..

Kerry COX
"The right stuff." !! Awsome stuff on how these guys were 'chosen' to be the first astronauts. !
Because they, 'knew systems' as they said. Chuck Yeager especially. 👍
Seat of their pants flying with all feed back 'through the stick'. 🙂
I once read about how hot it got in the cockpit of the X-1, 2, and3. That things were too hot to touch coming to the end of each flight. Jeez. ! Courage by the truck loads. 🙂

Augie Autor
Yeah its quite amazing 🙂 then they largely got forgotten about for a few years as they were not astronauts

Kerry COX
Just like those American negro women who worked out mathematically how to put the first men into space. ! Youtube Video

David Taylor
Seen the film.Exellent.

David Taylor
Will you be doing the loading pit as a dio.

Augie Autor
Hi David, No.. planning to to one loaded, (with a dolly if needed) one with wheels.

Augie Autor
So, photo's to follow, fueslague is together, wings on. tried her on her legs.. fell on her arse..
Another 70g of weight needed between nacells and in gaps..

so we're at about 400g weight needed in the front to not arse sit.

Kerry COX
And the new wing is being added to the house.........................when. ? :-/
Crikey Augie !!!. I bet that when the Leprechauns see this in its finished state, they will want to fly it. !
There must be a smile a mile wide on your face as you progress with your adventure. 👍 🙂
You have got us all eating pop corn and drinking heaps of our favorite beverage. 😉
I love what you have done. I tipps me lid. 👍 🙂

Augie Autor
Lol kezza, no new wing, just more shelves at some point.

Its coming along alright, decided I am going to try something new so going to be trying to foil this one
a few more filling and patching sessions to go to get the holes vanished and a few seams that popped after gluing the wings on....

She's not light lol

Kerry COX
The weight factor is something I wondered about. Especially all the mention of metal landing gear.
The BMF sounds a good idea. Maybe 2 or 3 sheets. ?
Now you have to worry about the roof joists holding that thing above your head. !
After all this work and planning. Are you thinking of competing with it. ?
🙂 👍

Augie Autor
Yeah weight factor I learned the hard way with my Russian B-25.. bloody thing ended up weighing over a kilo with weights and it bends the metal undercarriage I used.. I end up straightening it once a month lol. The plastic gear in this thing is immense and I think its actually stronger.

The BMF, not sure, waiting on the adhesive to arrive, then going to use baking foil and some burnishing techniques to get differentiation of tone.

As for competing with it, No idea. Probably not tho.

Kerry COX
BMF I use is ordinary kitchen foil and spray a quick dry adhesive, not too thick or it looks lumpy.

Augie Autor
Soo, two more pics, as you can see started on the glazing.. However there is a slight gap issue to over come.
Will be fun!

David Taylor
Slivers of plasticard maybe.

Augie Autor
Well I think I have found a solution, need to dry fit a few things.. will update

Kerry COX
Ill just pop out for more snack food and booze. BRB. 👍 😉(

Augie Autor
Sooo.. seems with some jiggling its getting there.

Sergej I
Checking in, got a pilot figure of Chuck aswel?

Augie Autor
Quick update with pics. So canopy is together, needed to ensure a good fit.
Slight mod to the Cockpit area, these thin fillets, will once the canopy is fitted, let me fill where needed without it filling back into the cockpit area and leaving white areas.

Then, my first ever foiled part. A test piece on one of the un-used bay doors.

Spanjaard
You never use metal foil before and you choose this huge baby to try? Wow, respect!

Augie Autor
Lol Spanjaard, before I was able to use my wax gilt method to do metal finishes, but this birds too big for it. So thought I'd give the foil a try 😄

Robert Podkoński
You are simply awesome - keep my fingers crossed for your success in foiling 😉

Kerry COX
Deep admiration Augie. 👍
The progress you are making is commendable, and especially with the BMF on the bomb bay door. !🙂
If the BMF is too much of a task. I would like to suggest the tubes of true metal colours from 'Interactive', as these spread a long way from a small amount and it's 'buffable' too once it is dry, and really gets a wonderful smooth finish that looks quite real.
One thing for sure.
You have the worlds attention. 😉 👍
PS. Your work bench top when your finished with it should be framed and mounted on your hobby room wall as testament to all the mods you have done over the years. Some deep scoring is found there. 😉 😉 😉

Augie Autor
Thanks Kezza,

The BMF, I think is going to be easier that the true colours metal.. I tried them and can never get a good finish 🙁

The desk, is well scored, not bad for only 5yrs old.. gotta love cheap kitchen top lol

Augie Autor
Hi Roland, yep, thats weights that will sit behind the engines, 425g in total has been needed to get her to sit on her nose.

Augie Autor
And so foiling begins, and I spill the bottle 🙁 so ordered new bottle. got some so can continue.

Kerry COX
I was going too compliment you on how nice your legs look, but then, on closer inspection, I realized it's a tea towel or something similar. !!! Cheated I feel. !
But the BMF is coming along nicely, and it hide no detail. In fact, it shows more than you want to see at times. 🙂 👍

Augie Autor
Thanks Kezza 🙂

thats going to be the only problem with it.. how it does over the turret filling

Kerry COX
Augie. I do believe that if you only cover the frame of the turrets, there will not be a problem. thin strips cut to rough size and burnished into the frame edges will have them looking quite cool.

Augie Autor
Yeah... about that.. was slightly more involved than that lol.

Augie Autor
Foiling... slow and steady

Bruce Huxtable
Looking crisp and neat... Sun glasses required yet? 😉

Augie Autor
Not yet, but she's a handful. Once wings are done, will start on the fuselage.

Kerry COX
How many sheets do you think you will need Augie. Not counting the 'waste'. ? hehehehehe 👍 🙂

Augie Autor
Kezza, suspect I will use the whole 10m roll I bought.. but hey, its kitchen foil so less than £2 spent..

Kerry COX
Smart move Augie. 🙂 🙂 🙂 Here I was thinking it was the BMF product you were using. !

Augie Autor
Well we'll see if its smart if it looks ok once done lol 🙂

Treehugger
I wonder if there is a way to polish the metal sheets without damaging them.

I vaguely remember reading in a book some 30 years ago, about putting alu foil in hot water with egg shells to change the texture of the metal, making it matte iirc. Never tried this out myself. Hm, now that I think about it, probably a bad idea with self adhesive foil.

Spanjaard
i would have never thought that kitchen aluminium foil would look this good 🙂

Augie Autor
@ Treehugger:- Yeah I heard about some of the techniques like egg shells too, but as its the first attempt wanted to keep it simple and rely on some painting techniques after to weather / tone it.
It polishes ok with Brasso and maybe with a wash of future over it.

@Spanjaard:- Thanks 🙂 Its a surprise to be me too to be fair, If it was the BMF stuff would of cost me about £40, so fair its been £4 for the glue and £1.50 for the foil lol.

Spanjaard
and you have plenty of glue (and foil) for a few models 😉
there is quite a few modelling products that can be replaced with household variations 😉

Augie Autor
One wings now completed, now to finish the other and get the glazing faired in, once done its fueslage foiling..

Kerry COX
I am super impressed with your results Augie. "I tipps me lid. 😉 Well done !!!

Augie Autor
🙂 Thanks Kezza 🙂 Glad its looking as good as I thought it did

James C
That is looking incredible Augie! 👍

Augie Autor
Thanks James 😄

Robin (WhiteGlint)
This looks good. Is this really just kitchen aluminium foil? How do you keep it so smooth?
Or is it rather easy to roll any wrinkles out of the foil?

Erik Leijdens
Looks rather good with foil Augie 👍

Augie Autor
Thanks guys 🙂

WhiteGlint, it really is just kitchen foil, i use paper burnishing sticks to smooth it onto the plastic and remove any blemishes that come up

Thomas Bischoff
Brilliant idea 👍

Augie Autor
Thanks guys s 🙂 i'm really pleased how it looks

Nathan Dempsey
Brilliant is the word for sure ?

Augie Autor
Hehe thanks Nathan 😄

Robin (WhiteGlint)
Thanks Augie. Looking forward to see this metal bird in its full glory. 👍

Rui S
Looking great👍 can you show the glue you are using with the foil?

Augie Autor
Hi Rui, the glue is Micro Metal Foil Adhesive

I'm using it not exactly to instructions but it works well.

Rui S
THX 👍

Spanjaard
I gor one, and smells just PVA white glue.... do you agree?

Augie Autor
Mhhm not sure, smells a little "sweeter" micro krystal clear is straight PVA from what I can tell.. the foil stuff is a little different

Kerry COX
There is 'suspended' raw latex in the Microscale Foil adhesive. That is the 'glue'.

Augie Autor
Ahhh that'll be it.. Its an ok glue, but it bleeds from under panels very easily..

Spanjaard
Thanks

Augie Autor
quick update with where we're at. Donks are almost complete, wings are done.. ready to start on the fueslage now glazing it fixed

Brandon H
Genuinely shocked that it's just kitchen foil... Looks incredible!! Keep up the good work

Augie Autor
Thanks Brandon, Its not just kitchen foil, its cheap kitchen foil 😄

Bruce Huxtable
Looking truly splendid - inspirational work ? ?

Augie Autor
Thanks Bruce 🙂

John
Your Superfortress is coming along very nicely. I have seen this approach for reproducing NMF using foils with mixed results in the past, it sure is a challenging process. You seem to have it mastered. Have you experimented to see how well paint and finishing materials will stick to the foil?

Augie Autor
Hi John, I've experimented on one of the unused bomb bay doors with foil to see how the rest will work.
Decals will be fine with my usual softner and fixer, weathering wise, oils are on the cards and behave well enough (the metal finish is actually better than the plastic in this respect.) Paints are the same so it shouldnt be too much of a pain

Skyhiker
What are you using to apply the glue for the foil? How thin do you have to put it on?

Skyhiker
I've tried this with normal PVA glue and failed miserably.

John
Very cool Augie - looking forward to watching your progress through the build.

Augie Autor
Thanks John 🙂

Skywalker, I am using Microscales Micro metal foil adhesive for this. I brush it on, wait about 2-3 mins then begin to place the foil. I use paper burnishing sticks to get it to sit and to flatten out onto the panel.

Kerry COX
🙂 🙂 🙂 I think your amazing. 👍 👍
It must be the dark ale, or...................uisge na beatha. 😉 Cheers. 👍

Robert Podkoński
Yes, absolutely amazing!

Augie Autor
😄 thanks guys

Augie Autor
Canberra is thinking I am crazy and slightly sore with me after taking a wing tip from the B-29 across the face earlier lol

Augie Autor
And foiling continues, only 3 panels but that took 2 hours.
Theres also a strip on the nail (not in view)

John
Hey Augie - how are you getting different shades with the metal? Are you running it in different directions, or are you polishing it?

Augie Autor
Hi John,
Running it in different directions is exactly how I am shading it. Even after its been polished up further, it still has a good shade effect.

Some are also done with the matt side of the foil up instead of down.

Augie Autor
A little more of a naked pic of her, more panels on and quickly buffed to make sure the finish is working

Maciej Bellos
I was worried about the puttied surface near the tail and it shows. Are you going to leave it as is Augs?

Augie Autor
Hi Maciej,

No, those are going to come off and be fixed just needed to get it so I could see it 🙂

Hanno Kleinecke
An awful lot of work for sure, but worth every second. Very realistic result !

Maciej Bellos
Great!

Augie Autor
Thanks guys 🙂

Augie Autor
Bit of a temp spike here in the UK, so having to put modelling on hold until the temps cool.

John
Same for me. I airbrush in my garage due to the fumes and it is 85F / 29C in there this past week. After a spray session, I look like I have been swimming.

Augie Autor
Yeah, I brush paint.. plus it really does not react well with the foil glue

Kerry COX
Looking as good as we all thought it would Augie. 👍
Question. What are you dissolving the excess glue with. ?
I have been reading on other modelling sites and blogs that water is the way to go. Given that any chemical solvent can seep / bleed under the foil and spoil the adhesion. (Just a thought). 😉
Wonderful results are happening for you girl. Well done. 👍 👍 👍

Augie Autor
Thanks Kezza

for excess, water and when needed some lighter fluid.. seems to work so far 😄

Kerry COX
All good then. 😉

Thomas T
Hi Augie. Great Subject, great build, she comes along very nicely. I wouldn't be that courageous to put foil on a monster like this, kudos!

Clifford Keesler
My God Augie that is beautiful, how have I missed this so far?

Augie Autor
Thanks Thomas 🙂

Thanks Clifford, you had other things to worry about, glad you like her

Clifford Keesler
I have been "kicking" around the idea of using foil on my B-36, your results are surely inspiring. My only worry would be, would the white paint stick to the foil on the belly? I would not try to use acrylic's, it would have to be enamel or laquer.

Augie Autor
Paint seems to stick fine 🙂 I've tested some on this one

Andrew dyson
@Augie this keeps popping into my feed and I think it is brilliant.

Augie Autor
🙂 Thanks Andrew

Augie Autor
And so, sorting the top begins, some foiling had to come off.. and then as I was sorting it, I decided to sort the glazing fit. fingers crossed.

Bruce Huxtable
There is perfect, and there is Perfection.

Augie Autor
Yea, true.. then there is insanity lol

Maciej Bellos
I know that you know what you 're doing 😉

Bruce Huxtable
Ommmmm...... Every micron makes all the difference for sure 🙂

Augie Autor
Yeah tho still questioning my sanity

Augie Autor
So some seepage under the canopy of filler.. bugger.. but other than that, its nicely fitted in now.

Clifford Keesler
Looks good. You know you are a master modeler.

Augie Autor
Thanks Clifford, I'm just crazy to try things 🙂 would not say master at it.

Treehugger
If you wanted to, you could use strips off a silver decal sheet to paint the outside of the canopy, but I would think the strips would have to be cut as bent shapes to match the curvature of the forward canopy. I have a few colored decal sheets (whole sheets), but haven't tries this myself. Presumably silver decals are not transparent.

Augie Autor
Good idea Treehugger, I also have some thin aluminium tape, that I was thinking of trying to do similar with.

Treehugger
I would also check to see if the metal frame around the canopy on the nose, have straight corners, or if there is some oval shape in each corner where the metal bands cross each other. If there is oval shapes, then maybe easier to just use masking tape as usual I am thinking, because then one can easily include the oval corners when painting, something that isn't practical if putting on tape or strips of decal sheets on the canopy framework.

Augie Autor
They look to be rounded, but at 1:48 the radius is going to be too small.. same with if its raised or not as on real 29's they look flush

David Taylor
Humbrol do some good metalcote.They burnish up brilliantly.

Augie Autor
Indeed, I use them as well as other things for metalics 🙂

Kerry COX
Augie. Have you ever used the buffing metalizer paints from Testors. ?
It is meant for air brush application, but can be brushed on in thin applications and buffed to a high shine.
Just wondering mate. 😉

Augie Autor
Not testors ones, but I have humbrol. For the nose area I am trying the wax method, with a slight difference. Once its dried, polishing it with a bit of foil.. works fairly well oddly 🤔

Clifford Keesler
Sounds interesting.

Augie Autor
Its bizzare but its working. I'll have to get some more pics up, she's progressing, only the backend to do

Clifford Keesler
You go Lass, It is just amazing what you are doing with this kit.

Augie Autor
Hehe thanks Clifford 🙂 I got lucky, some ideas paid off

Augie Autor
So I've been slow with updates, so here's a pic of her current status.

The front 2 inches is actually not foiled, as I could not get it to conform to the curves, so its my usual wax method polished to a shine with foil, then just normal paper.

Kerry COX
Exceptional results Augie. 👍 And the use of paper and the wax paint and polishing of that material sounds like that bees knees. 😉
Very creative indeed.
When did you discover the paper/wax polish effect. ? That is something I would have never given a thought. Just brilliant. 🙂🙂 🙂

Glenn
This is great work Augie. Still? questioning your sanity? Don't worry we all lost that during this Zombie Apocalypse!!!!! If you weren't before you might well be Bat s#it crazy by now! 🙂

Glenn
I was wondering if your using powerful small neodymium magnets to hold the X-1 in place like i plan to do with the 1/72 scale build i want to do after the Apocalypse...

Clifford Keesler
Just stunning Augie. I love what you have done.

bughunter
Wow, very careful work panel by panel! 👍
For work that lasts indefinitely, you need music that plays indefinitely. 😉

Bruce Huxtable
Flawless.... ??

Augie Autor
@Kerry:- The paper and wax guilt, was a first as I usually don't polish it up usually but needed to get it to match the foil in this case

@Glenn:- Sanity still questioned, the magnets I am using are Neodynium ones.

@ Clifford, Bughunter, Bruce Thanks guys 🙂

Augie Autor
So some seams are still showing.. they have been sanded to within a inch of their lives, filled, puttyed and they wont F*$k off.
so its no perfect, but I really love how it looks.

More importantly, its slowly getting more and more silver..

Augie Autor
Hehe thanks Roland, she is a little shiny

Clifford Keesler
That my friend is an under statement. Lol.

Augie Autor
more foiling.. think I have about 3 more evenings of foiling then should be done.

Bruce Huxtable
Really neat work ??

Augie Autor
Thanks guys 🙂

Alberto
The work with the foil is really worth it. What a difference it makes! It looks brilliant

Augie Autor
Thanks Guys 🙂

JEAN-LUC LELODEY
Superb work, the rendering of aluminum leaf is simply fantastic. I did not know this technique.

bughunter
I should have stolen your idea on my Kondor, possibly with the matt side facing outwards. I wanted to use thicker foil, but that didn't work because of the shape of the fuselage. It didn't turn out so great with paint.

Augie Autor
Thanks Guys

@Bughunter:- foil works over paint 😉 never say never

Clifford Keesler
I am going to try it on one of my T-33's, that are in NMF.

bughunter
I know, but I mounted already to many parts around, so this time it is really to late.

Augie Autor
@Clifford Go for it. you'll be suprised
@Bughunter Fair enough I can understand.

Roland Sachsenhofer
Wow Augie, that is brilliant!

Augie Autor
thanks Argento, its foil.

Roland, coming from a modeller like you thats quite an honour 🙂

Roland Sachsenhofer
There, I say thank you, also for these inspiring pictures. You applied this difficult technique with such a convincing result, so really full respect!

Augie Autor
Quick update, as you can see foiling is nearly complete, I got some black on the underside as you can see, its quite imposing size wise lol

Nathan Dempsey
Loving those wavy lines ?

John
Those top turrets are gone without a trace - great work.

Robert Podkoński
Stunning!

Kerry COX
The whole world modeling fraternity is watching this amazing adventure Augie. 🙂 And no wonder. ! This slice of history has never been attempted by anyone. Be sure to send some images to Revell/Monogram, as they will no doubt love to see what you have achieved. 👍 👍 👍

Bruce Huxtable
Superb ?

Erik Leijdens
Excellent Augie. Looks like real metal, oh wait.. it is! 😄

Augie Autor
@Nathan: Thanks, they are a pain freehand lol
@John: Thank you! its amazing how much filler was needed
@Robert: Thanks
@Kezza: Lol thanks m'amigo, I cannae be the first silly enough to try this but you manage to make me blush lol
@Bruce: Thanks m8
@Erik: Thanks 🙂 I still look at it slightly amazed its really metal covered now

Villiers de Vos
That metal finish turned out very, very good.

Munkyslut
How have I missed this????
Just incredible levels of detail……… I'm not worthy!

Augie Autor
@Villiers 🙂 thanks, its easy when its metal
@Munky 😄 thanks

Kerry COX
Have you been wearing gloves of any kind to keep the finish clean. ?

David Taylor
Nice one Augie.

Augie Autor
Thanks David 🙂

Kezza, I have, but it still marks a little.. but then its like weathering too oddly. Else its just too clean lol

Robin (WhiteGlint)
This looks great, Augie. 👍

Augie Autor
Thanks Glint, its better in the flesh, the metal is just so shiny its hard to get a good pic of.

David Januska
So it is really big piece of a lovely kit. Excelent job so far.

James C
That metal finish you've achieved is impressive. Looking fantastic!👍

Augie Autor
🙂 thanks guys 🙂

I'm kinda awestruck at how many have commented on it

Neil
Hi Augie, Just looking on the feed at work - Way outta my own skillset, but I too think the technique is paying dividends, the model(s) are looking fabulous 🙂

Augie Autor
Thanks Neil 🙂

Rui
I have been watching this build for a while now in quiet fascination. Simple amazing work.

Augie Autor
Thanks Rui 🙂

Rui
You're welcome Augie.
BTW… my last sentence should have read: 'simply amazing work' I'm sure there is nothing simple about the project; it looks like a challenging endeavour, which is probably proving to be very satisfying ?

Gordon Sørensen
That looks great, Augie! That is a lot of plastic to cover, and the metal looks fantatastic!

Ben M
Definitely inspired to try metal foil now

Clifford Keesler
I agree with everyone, just fantastic work. What did you use to smooth the foil out when you put it down?

Clifford Keesler
I agree with everyone, just fantastic work. What did you use to smooth the foil out when you put it down?

Treehugger
What about riveting? Not trying to sound elitist or something, just thought it might look awesome with rivets. Though, if there were rivets from before, then perhaps there is a risk of punching through the foil if unwittingly making a rivet where there is a moulded rivet cavity hidden under the foil. I guess, if the kit had rivets, it would show at this point through the foil. Also, riveting would be a lot of work, but perhaps one could limit the riveting to some select spots. Ofc, I don't know if such planes have noticeable rivets. Some planes afaik had their surface made flush in places to increase speed. I think I've read that the Mustang P-51 had flush surfaces.

Augie Autor
Thanks guys

To smooth the foil down, i've been using paper burnishing sticks which work a treat.

Treehugger, riviets are an interesting question, i have rivets to put around the glazing to replace whats been lost sanding it in to fit. They were raised so obvious. The rest, is harder as b-29's were flush riveted. I've as yet not given much thought to replicating then as pictures i've seen of 21800 does not readily show them up

Clifford Keesler
Thank's Augie.

Kerry COX
Augie. I just found this on Youtube. ! Youtube Video

Augie Autor
Lol thanks kezza 🙂

Bruce Huxtable
Can't decide if 14 is nicer view than 42, so maybe something that shares the best of both? Please ? Your careful progress is inspiring my baby steps. Patience and care yield glorious results ????

Augie Autor
Bruce, once she'd in a better place will do a picture like 14 again 🙂

Robert Podkoński
I like the look of the X-1 waiting on the shoulder of Canberra on the last photo 😄

Augie Autor
Ha thanks Robert, yeah its ready and waiting for it to be able to take its place.
Engines are on the 29, last bits of foiling to do still on the tail and then decals are up.

Clifford Keesler
Looking outstanding.

Augie Autor
Thanks Clifford 🙂

Kerry COX
What a change this is for you Augie. 🙂
Not one single brush was harmed in the production of this adventure. !
Wow and wow again. :-P
What are you going to top this one with. ??? .......? 😉
I love it. 👍 👍 👍
(And who was the smart ass who said Coke is not good for anything.?) 🙂 🙂

Rui S
Incredible 👍

Augie Autor
Thanks Rui

@ Kezza 🙂 Thanks Kezza, some brushes were harmed but nothing too bad.
For my next trick once this one is done.. I dont know actually, I was eyeing up my B-1
And yea, the coke shelf ends were a moment of madness with some superglue lol

David Taylor
Brill.

Augie Autor
Thanks David

Kerry COX
Roaring with laughter Augie. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Keep it happening mate. 👍 👍 👍

Augie Autor
Thanks Kezza 🙂 will certainly try lol

Slavo Hazucha
Finally made it here... wow, what a cool job! Never tried foil and still keeping a respect-distance to this technique - not to speak about this magnitude...

Looks outstanding all over, my compliments! 👍

Augie Autor
🙂 Thanks Slavo, its been emotional this one.. but for the size, I cant fault the foil.

Augie Autor
So, in contact with a decal printers to get nose art and BuNo printed for her.

Clifford Keesler
Great,looking forward to seeing this one finished.

Augie Autor
Me too, been doing some bits on her, last foil on her arse is done.. Little tidying to do around there. Decals have started, just the national markings so far.

Kerry COX
I got to agree Augie. 🙂
There is nothing better on a girls than a well foiled ass. (hehehehehe) And a well placed decal of a tattoo. ! what. ?!

Augie Autor
lol behave kezza, you been on the meds again?

Kerry COX
Hehehehehe. 😉 Meds. ? NO. But the Guinness helps. 👍

Augie Autor
hahah 🙂

Kerry COX
😉

James C
S&%t!! that metal finish turned out good! 👍

Augie Autor
Thanks James 🙂 Its metal, so easy enough to finish hehe

David Januska
It is unbelievable how good and real (it is real, I know) it looks. Amazing result👍.

Augie Autor
Thanks David 🙂 Much appriciated.

Augie Autor
Quick pic, they have arrived, perhaps the most expensive decals I have ever purchased. £70 custom printed.
And now I have spare.... anyone?

bughunter
Looks like you need a bigger bench 😉 Fantastic!

Augie Autor
Lol yeah, hard to belive when its 15ft long.. The 29 is just huge compared to most of the birds I have built.. the bone will be bigger lol

Bernhard Schrock
The effort was worth it: NMF looks superb! I agree with bughunter: a bigger work bench would be good🙂
Augie: did you do the artwork yourself?

Augie Autor
Hi Bernhard,
Thank you very much 🙂 the, artwork was originally knocked up by me, the printer worked some magic on it also.

Augie Autor
lol thanks Roland, yeah its shiny alright. the a-10 looks further along than it is.. most of that is tape so I could work out the weight needed up front.

Kerry COX
There should be a 'selfie' with you holding your bird, and the smile that goes with it. 👍
A BIG salute Augie. Thanks for stirring up those creative juices in all of us. 🙂
Truly inspirational indeed. 👍 👍 👍 😉

Thomas Bischoff
Great looking bird and looking like a great bird ...
One day I would like to build the D-558 carrier which unfortunately had unfortunately a different nose art

Spanjaard
Certainly impressive

Andrew dyson
Still unbelievably impressive

David Taylor
Big bird and decals look great Augie

Augie Autor
@Kezza, She's actually hard to handle and hold for long periods, makes my arms ache..
Thomas, Spanjaard, Andrew 🙂 thank you guys

I could not resist, so she has her tail number on and her nose badge (Yes, I know the back turret needs cleaning up 😛 )
She comfortably passes my 4ft test so, just need to decal other side, get the tail done.. and then sort out her lumps and bumps and aerials along the back.. and the braces for the X-1.. ohh an build the other X-1..

Nathan Dempsey
Always loved that nose art. Nice work Augie 👍

Donald Dickson II
NOT going back through all those comments. LOL Are you using bare metal foil or plain aluminum foil? Looking great regardless.

Clifford Keesler
Outstanding Augie.

Bruce Huxtable
Unveiling the cabin windows makes it for me, she's looking very smart indeed with the nose art too 🙂 I'm always impressed afresh, each time I see how you have dealt with the nooks and crannies 👍

Augie Autor
Thank you all 🙂

Don, its just plain ole kitchen foil.

Roland Sachsenhofer
Marvellous, just great! I am very umpressed and delighted!! And: what a cool project!

Augie Autor
🙂 Thanks Roland

Donald Dickson II
Fantastic work Augie!

Thomas T
Plain ole kitchen foil means you have hardly any foil left to cover your toad in the hole now? Hmm... 🤔
However, fantastic work, Augie, you see me deeply impressed. 👏🏻

Augie Autor
Ha thanks Thomas 🙂

James C
That is an amazing result just using ordinary kitchen foil 👍👍👍
Unfortunately, over here all the brands I've looked at have an embossed pattern stamped into it, otherwise I'd be keen to try it myself on something a little smaller perhaps.

As for the price of those decals.... Yeeeeiiiikes!!

Bruce Huxtable
And so the international trade of plane / plain kitchen foil was born... No cash changes hands, only bespoke decals or 3D resin items....

Augie Autor
Thanks James, shame about the foil, here the cheapest store stuff is plain. The decals were expensive but worth it.. and it means now I have 4 sets spare.. if anyone is interested

Maciej Bellos
Whoa, 70 pounds? Man, do they have any golden flakes somewhere? 😄

Looking great Augie.

Augie Autor
Hi Maciej,

Yeah was 30 for the design work and 40 for the printing.. cant complain really, could not get hold of any others so.. probably means I have the only known ones in existence now

David Taylor
Lets be honest we all spend too much on our hobby LOL.Better than smoking or drinking.

Augie Autor
True,

Now I have made the sway bracing for the XS-1

Donald Dickson II
Wow oh wow! Better and better every step!

Augie Autor
🙂 thanks Don 🙂 its getting there for sure.

Clifford Keesler
I agree with Don, just outstanding.

Augie Autor
Thanks clifford 🙂

David Taylor
Are the magnets holding X1 ok.

Augie Autor
Hi David, they hold it perfectly 🙂 if anything, they might be a little too strong.

Ben M
Holy cow.

David Januska
Wow, nice place for nice bird👍.

Roland Sachsenhofer
Magnificent! What a successful, impressive and inspiring building!

Murad ÖZER
Magnificent indeed. 😎

Sergej I
Hanging nicely! Impressive build and journey, don't bang your head in it 👍

Bruce Huxtable
Dramatic from any perspective 👍 That must have needed several pairs of hands to securely display your creations. Almost invisible supports! She really dominates now she is no longer grounded 🙂

Robert Podkoński
Simply stunning! I am deeply impressed. (and I feel much less guilty when looking at the number of boxes in the background 😉 )

Robin (WhiteGlint)
Wow, Augie. This looks great!
Impressive display letting her fly. 👍

Kerry COX
This deserves a place at the head of a model expo competition Augie. It has gold written all over it.Your really something else girl. 👍 👍 👍 😉

Augie Autor
Wow, didn't realise I had not added a comment after sticking up the pics.
Its been an interesting journey in new techniques and sheer bloody mindedness in making things work.

Thank you all 🙂

@Kezza 🙂 thanks m8, not sure she's really that good for a expo

David Taylor
Fantastic Augie well done.

Augie Autor
Thanks David 🙂

Roland, yes guilty lol, just waiting for the GR3 GR1 / AV-8A to come down in cost

David Taylor
Got two myself.

Brandon H
Looks absolutely outstanding Augie, job well done!!

Donald Dickson II
Honestly, as good as all your other builds are, I think this is the best I have seen. Absolutely fantastic!!!

Augie Autor
Thank you Brandon and Don! 🙂

Nathan Dempsey
Definitely great subjects to depict & well done too. Thanks for bringing us along for the build Augie.

Augie Autor
Thanks Nathan 🙂 been a pleasure.

Clifford Keesler
Excellent job, and an adventure to watch. My hat is off to you.

Augie Autor
🙂 Thanks Clifford much appriciated

Maciej Bellos
Splendid work Augie!

Augie Autor
Thanks Maciej 🙂

James C
Congrats Augie, that's an impressive looking result! 👍👍👍

Augie Autor
🙂 Thanks James

Donald Dickson II
Does anyone else have an urge to raid Augies stash? 😉

Sergej I
Yup, that B-1B looks raidable 🙂

Augie Autor
Lol its not that good a stash 😛

Clifford Keesler
OH YES IT IS!!!! Lol.

Spanjaard
Sure, 230 full kits is not a "good stash". And almost all with wings!
Fantastic job ( as usual) Augie

Augie Autor
Lol thanks Clifford & Spanjaard.. a lady has to collect something.. was kits or shoes 😉

Spanjaard
LOL

Gary Victory
Really nice work Augie. You gotta love the B-29 and you have done a fantastic job. Top Job. 👍

bughunter
Augie, you finished a fanatstic project! I like the outcome 👍
A technical question (I'm an engineer 😉 ): Would it be possible to retract the landing gear? It looks on the pictures, that there is a conflict between the wing tips and the main gear? Looks also like a tight fit on the original pictures.

Augie Autor
Thanks Gary

Bugs, your right its a very tight fit and its possible to retract the gear, I measured it out to make sure when I worked out where the XS-1 sat in the bay. Its a tight fit, from what I can tell on picture I saw of the original retracting her gear, the clearances look to be inches..

gorby
Just noticed you mentioning this in Bughunters thread.....WOW, what a stunning build! 😮

Skyhiker
That came out great. Congratulations. Looks like you have a few more kits to finish In that "little" stash of yours. Looking forward to it.

Ben M
Very cool build! I like the subject as well!

Augie Autor
thank you all 🙂

Yeah I mentioned it just because if that kit was cheaper, I'd be tempted to do it again lol

Dave
Very impressive build. Looks great, just can't imagine how much time you spent on applying that aluminum foil piece by piece.

Ben M
I have no words for the patience that must be required. The result is great.

Augie Autor
Thanks guys, took about 2 weeks all told if I recall correctly.

Michael Hickey
Awesome effort Augie...👏

Augie Autor
thanks Mike 🙂

Clifford Keesler
Looks great hanging from the ceiling like that. Mine is sitting on a shelf in the garage, covered in dust. Lol, a long with my B-1. I just don't have anywhere big enough to put them inside now that we live with my son.

Augie Autor
Thanks Clifford, I am sure one day you'll find a bit of room for them, hang em from ceiling or the like..
I seem to be collecting the big buggers these days. 5 x C-130's... and no idea why

Clifford Keesler
You like C-130's that,s all. I have a bunch of big one's also. B-24J, Ju-52, B-25's and PBJ's.

Desert Marlin
Love this one!!!

Donald Dickson II
Well done young lady! 🙂

Rui S
I think the teaser photo dosen't do it justice 🤔

Augie Autor
Thanks Guys 🙂

Clifford Keesler
Augie, I do not remember if I asked you. What glue did you use to put the foil down? I am thinking about maybe trying foil on the F-94C I am building.

Augie Autor
Hi Clifford, it was Microscales Micro Metal Foil Adhesive.

Clifford Keesler
Thank you very much. Did you thin it and brush it on, or just brush it on straight?

Augie Autor
It was thin enough so I used a cheap brush put it on thin, left it to dry a few mins, then put the foil on. Used a paper burnishing stick to then work the foil onto the plastic and spread the glue under it

Clifford Keesler
Thank you. I am going to order some glue and give it a try. You used regular kitchen foil right?

Desert Marlin
Charcoal blending sticks work pretty good!

Augie Autor
Yep, plain ole Kitchen foil, the only thing I would say on that, is the stuff I used was smooth, some are embossed with patterns.

Clifford Keesler
I will use the smooth, thank you a lot.