Re: Leif Ericson Galactic Cruiser
Spent some more time on the scoutship yesterday. I wanted to jazz up the stern of the ship a little by adding engine bells so I took some 1/16" diameter aluminum tubing and cut off about a half inch length to fit in my dremel's chuck. Then I spun it while shaping it with my pointy scribing tool and needle file. I ended up with two 1/16" long or so tapered engine bells which I sawed off using my miter saw and glued on top of the original kit exhaust openings:
Scout Ship Engine Bells by
trekriffic, on Flickr
Scout Ship Engine Bells by
trekriffic, on Flickr
It's a nice little improvement don't you think?
Moving on...
The PE grills had some small gaps around their edges where I glued them to the shroud plastic so I filled them with AVES.
Once the AVES dries I brushed on some Tamiya silver leaf around the edges and let dry.
Decalling went well with some minor tweaks needed to get some of the stern decals to fit. I used Micro Set under the decals to snug them down followed by Micro SOL on top:
IMG_2668 by
trekriffic, on Flickr
Stern Impulse Engines by
trekriffic, on Flickr
IMG_2561 by
trekriffic, on Flickr
IMG_2543 by
trekriffic, on Flickr
One nice thing was the uppermost decal on the stern had a squarish spot right in the middle that I could punch out and fit right over the red stern light in the top center of the stern plate.
Serendipity to be sure and it looks great IMO.
The wings got the "UNITED STATES" decals starboard side on top and port side on the bottom. The number "8121" can be seen fuzzily on the opposite wing surfaces top and bottom. I went with this number as an homage to Matt Jefferies who base born on 8-12-21.
I had to modify the red stripes framing the launch bay, shortening the ones front and back and using the excess to extend the stripes on the sides of the bay opening. Nothing I'm sure you guys haven't had to do from time to time.
Today I'll finish up the decalling and let dry overnight.
Then I'll seal the decals with Glosscote followed by a shot of Dullcote. Then I'll do a little weathering.
After that, more Dullcote to seal and, if it's too flat, I'll hit her with Krylon clear Matte spray which is more like a Testors satin finish to my eye.
Later on today or tomorrow I'll add the crew figures to the bay.
I'm thinking of using a clear water based craft glue made by Elmer's to glue their feet to the floor of the bay rather than CA.
Lastly, I'll dab the windows with Future to make them glossy again.
Then it'll be time for finished pics.
Thanks for reading!