Thread started by Alex G.
Alexander Grivonevadded a new photoalbum.
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80000 Feet and Climbing - SR-71A Blackbird - Full Build Report
1:48
To be fair, the kit parts look quite okay in comparison, there is just A LOT of cleaning and fitting to be done
7+ 68 3 February, 05:44
Davide VitaliWow! With your skills this is gonna be an absolute masterpiece. Also, I wanna see how you'll handle the black overall paint... Popcorns are on me, guys!
1 5 February, 12:00
Palo MTaking a seat. Very curious how the extra details will work - I have the base kit, but haven't decided whether to expand it with such nice details yet. Good luck!
1 5 February, 12:40
Alexander Grivonev AuthorYou know guys who is the most curious on what and how I am gonna do? Me 😄 My philosophy is "just start, ask questions later". It is the most enjoyable approach, you encounter problems on the go, you find solutions, try new techniques and create new ideas. Which is very rewarding. And in the end you have a nice result. Not a perfect one, but one you can look back on and smile or shake your head...
5 February, 16:02
AlexanderDefinitely watching closely as well! Interesting subject with a talented scale modeller + more than fine aftermarket = engaging and inspiring build!
1 9 February, 21:41
Alec KTaking a seat as well. Very creative way to deal with that landing gear leg 👍
1 10 February, 06:10
Desert MarlinOkay, for the Blackbird lover, this kit is a truly amazing aggregation! I really like this. I grew up around Beal AFB in California. There is no aircraft more magical or mystical than the Blackbird. Your care in addressing these fit issues is very much appreciated! A 1/48 scale Blackbird is a very large kit. Most will always have trouble finding a place to keep it. But with these new parts, I think it makes building this kit a true challenge and worth all the efforts. Your handling of the main wheel well bays is spot on! Trade offs between building and painting are very well done with your suggestions! This Habu is going to look fantastic! Bravo Zulu!
2 10 February, 15:18
Michael Kohl48 is waaaay too big for me, but I am sure I will find some inspiration in your build for the 144 kit in my stash. Following with great interest.
1 10 February, 23:05
Desert MarlinThose heat blankets look absolutely awesome!!! Yeah, that definitely works!!!
1 11 February, 01:03
Naramreally impressive landing gear painting. you better put it on a miror when finished !
2 11 February, 03:13
Stephan H.Besides the fitting issues, the detail boost is impressive with those printed parts. Awesome paintjob 👍
1 12 February, 09:14
Christoph KunzHeiliger Bimbam! 👍
I'm the one sitting in the back with eyes wide open.
1 12 February, 10:06
Nicolas LopezI'll be checking this project every morning before start working 👀👀👀
1 13 February, 10:03
Carlos RuizThis is one, if not the best, build I've seen of the Blackbird; thanks for sharing.
Do you think shaving the bottom fuselage for the wells would've helped?
1 13 February, 17:03
Davide VitaliOh. My. Goodness. I think I would've thrown away the whole thing… have you managed to repair the outside funny-looking part??
1 13 February, 17:19
Desert MarlinI'm still kinda awestruck by the painting and detail in the main and nose wheel wells!!!
1 13 February, 20:58
Michael KohlAs every sane aftermarket company would do test fits on the kits it designs its stuff for, only devine intervention can convincingly explain repetitive malalignments in a bunch of aftermarket sets.
2 13 February, 21:11
AlexanderI know the judgement of the aftermarket gods all too well. But this is definitely on another level.
I suppose it's a good reminder to not get carried away by the nice detail and still dry fit it.
But nevertheless, a perfect recovery as expected! 👍
2 14 February, 08:22
NeilReally enjoying following your build and the concise information (though appreciate likely not so enjoyable for you, as you encounter these aftermarket vs original kit issues!) However this all looks utterly convincing to me so far. This Blackbird is gonna look phenomenal 👍
2 14 February, 09:26
Alexander Grivonev AuthorGuys hold your horses this project merely just started😄
@Carlos: now in retrospective I guess it would not have hurt, but there is not a big margin to play with, maybe 0.5mm and you would have to remove the material very evenly and precisely so the wells would fit snuggly on all sides
@Davide: this is not a big issue a generous helping of super glue can't solve. Will do when the fuselage halves are closed.
@ Alexander & Michael: I don't know, I guess I subconsciously expected the parts not only fit perfectly but to paint themselves considering the ridiculous price I paid for the set. The idea of any fitting issues didn't cross my mind even once. Aftermarket parts are always a devious minefield, don't get fooled like me and dry fit!
2 14 February, 14:48
Alexander Grivonev AuthorGuys and gals, I am off on a 10 day vacation. Need to recover from all rhe stress right at the beginning of the project😄 See ya!
4 14 February, 14:51
Spanjaardthose parts have an amazing level of detail, bit looks like the manufacturer did not even try to check if they fit approximately.... what a pain in the.... wheel wells
great job to get them to behave!
2 14 February, 21:12
Desert MarlinJust to note, the interior of every part of the Habu (Wheel Wells, Engine Compartments, etc.) are all like the inside of an oven operating at a constant 475 degrees F/246 degrees C. So there is this general collection of "soot" and grime on everything...
1 14 February, 23:39
Alexander Grivonev AuthorThx for the input Desert Marlin👍 Just the fact alone this thing expands mid flight from the heat like a couple of inches blows my mind
1 15 February, 12:03