My first 1:350 build, Trumpeter CVN-68 USS Nimitz

[NWarty]

Well the wash and gloss was complete until I went back to double-check the paint scheme on the E-2 Hawkeye.

Yes, I really like the Starfighter decals, but they got the color scheme completely wrong. Nose should be solid Flat Gull Gray, anti-glare around the canopy frames, no white on the rudders, engine nacelles should have white bellies, radome completely Gull Gray.

Argh...had to go back and repaint many parts of the plane. Now I pooched some of the planes in the Hangar deck (and yes, I didn't screw up the lone Viking's paint job as seen on page 3 of this thread ), but trying to do the topside as close as possible.

Pics for comparison. Photos courtesy of navysite.de and the 79-80 Med. Cruise book.

[DWD]

Don't you just love finishing something only to realize when you go back to check your references or find new information that you did it wrong and have to fix it! Guess it pays to double check and then double check several more times. You have my sympathy sir. I have definitely been there before, many times. I am sure it will end up looking great though. You have an excellent looking air wing shaping up.

[NWarty]

Doug,
Many thanks and I'll try to throw up a photo in the next day as I'm getting ready to decal.

Ryan,
Yep, you were right, the fitment of the canopy sucks...

[boomstick68]

Sorry for your setback Blake. No worries. You're on track for a spectacular CVN when she's finished.

[NWarty]

Thanks James, I've got it looking okay at this point, but just have to fill in that rear gap.

Can't find the right size clear disk to do a spinning prop effect and don't really want to drop the dime to purchase a Waldron punch set. Looking at alternatives now, but can always use the static PE props from WEM.

Plus posting memes adds to the dramatic effect of the post

[Timmy C]

Alliance is supposed to be coming out with "dynamic propellers" for aircraft soon in PE - might be worth waiting to see what they're like.

Edit: ah ha, they're out, but only for WWII aircraft: http://www.am-works.com/store/nw35065-w ... p-266.html
But they might work anyway?

[NWarty]

Thanks Timmy!!! That may just work. There is a set of spinning four bladed for the F4U and considering the size of that prop in real life, it just may work for the Hawkeye

[EDIT] Just purchased, thanks brotha! Damn, fiddly, tiny bits get expensive

[Timmy C]

Glad to help - looking forward to see how they look attached!

[NWarty]

Wrapping up the first Hawkeye. White glue is still drying under canopy, but rear gap has been filled and painted in

Still gotta fix a couple of spots and niggles, but pretty happy with the outcome.

PE spinning props inbound tomorrow

[sgtryan13]

Very nice Blake! The wires strung on top of the hawkeye are a really nice touch.

[NWarty]

Little thick for my taste but the Alliance Models PE set does do the job well. The brass set is really nice actually.

Didn't paint the inner white ring as it was overkill after studying numerous Hawkeye videos.

Chalk this one up to being finished.

[gtbred]

nice work on the hawkeye!

[partis]

You are doing a superb job on her. The Airwing is especially looking great.....Cheers mark

[NWarty]

Thanks guys!

Been on vacation for the last week and a half, time to get back at it. Finished up the remaining Hawkeye this morning. Replaced the E-2 kit props (absolute garbage) with leftovers from the Greyhound kit. Now it's on to the Vikings

[boomstick68]

Glad you're back at it. The E2's look great. Nice detail.

[NWarty]

Thanks James.

Took this shot of her today as an in-progress pick to post to my Facebook friends. I really liked it because of the lighting. Don't mind the droopy (and not glued) port side antenna

[NWarty]

Started work on the Vikings today.

I left off the Trumpeter kit nose gear in favor of the WEM PE nose gear; cut off the kit nose wheels and used them to glue to the strut. Full compliment of PE gear door and drop tank hard points. Ejection seat heads made from Evergreen strip.

Now the canopy. Took a small shot glass, filled it with a little bit of Future and mixed in some Games Workshop Chaos Black acrylic. Three coats on the canopy and I was happy. One more coat of regular ole Future clear tomorrow. Little bit of white glue filling and the seams should be good before the wash goes down.

Some work in progress shots

[gtbred]

Your build looks great.

[boomstick68]

Great overall shot of your Nimitz. Rigging looks good. Can't wait to see those Vikings all purtied up.

[Uzun Elendil]

It really looks very nice (both the planes and the carrier) I'm looking forward to see also your progress and work for the other aircrafts (like F-18)

Again well done