Hasegawa 1/72 F-15DJ Eagle, Gary Pashley memorial build

[WordenB]

Having stalled on the weathering on my Abrams for the 'Not the Usual Conflicts' group build I thought a change might do some good. ISM facebook are doing a memorial build for one of the members that sadly passed away recently, his favourite plane being the F-15 so that is the general subject. I don't do social media but wanted to join in especially as it's something new for me having never built a jet fighter and only my second plane build in 50yrs.

This is the kit I chose to attempt











I know nothing about plane kits really but it does look pretty well detailed although there is a bit of flash here and there and sink marks on the fuselage sides.





Time to test the modelling skills.

[WordenB]

I have come to the conclusion that I should build the kit as it comes because, a) at this stage my knowledge of after market products and availability is minimal when it comes to planes and b) lack of funds.

I have started with the cockpit, the seats look OK to me and a bit small to attempt adding detail although I did drill out the yellow handle things as I imagine these will really stand out.



Had a bit of fun trying to paint the instruments but eventually ended up with an assembled cockpit.

[digger303]

That looks pretty good and the yellow handle shows up nicely...good eye candy.

[BigWall]

Nice work!

[WordenB]

Thank you very much for the encouragement chaps.

Bit more progress, not used to dealing with seams but going ok so far. I didn't quite follow the sequence in the instructions for the intakes but it all seems to fit together.







Nozzle assembly was a bit fiddly but got there in the end.

[BigWall]

The nozzles look pretty good!

[digger303]

The nozzles look pretty good!

I was thinking the same and wondering what the fit will be like.

[WordenB]

My inexperience with planes is really starting to show. Having been satisfied with an early test fit I decided from the start to have the canopy closed. When I came to glue it on however, it became clear that the canopy was a fraction too wide and I could have made things easier by leaving it up and concentrating on the interior a bit more. Also I masked the canopy before I glued it on which I now think is probably not the best idea as I can't see if any dust or debris has crept underneath from my filling and sanding attempts to get a good fit.



I added the wings which seem a really good fit.



After several hours work the canopy and wing seams look better after a quick blast of primer (not that the photos are good enough to prove it).





Just got to add the fins then on to paint.

[WordenB]

Following a week of work and many metres of masking tape the main painting is done. After a couple of days I was starting to question my choice of scheme but I'm now very happy it's done and only a few minor touch ups needed.

Two tone grey base colours. Not having much in the way of grey paint I bought some Mr Color as they were the ones shown in the call out and I fancied trying something new to me.




Then the blue, also Mr Color




The kit comes with decals for the white stripes but having tested them on the elevators I thought they where a bit translucent so I opted for a further 2 days masking.




Then a light clear coat before decals and the shiny bits at the rear




120 decals next, I thought that was a lot but am assured it's kid's stuff in the plane building fraternity.

[digger303]

Beautiful color scheme accomplished with expertise.

[Tomcat64]

Now that is superb work with the masking - cracking job mate

It looks stunning already - can't wait to see how the decals take it to another level

[WordenB]

Beautiful color scheme accomplished with expertise.

Thank you very much Mr Digger Sir, I've started the decals today, they seem to be going down OK so far.

[WordenB]

Now that is superb work with the masking - cracking job mate

It looks stunning already - can't wait to see how the decals take it to another level

Thank you very much Neil, I was very pleased when the tape came off to see there weren't too many indiscretions!

[WordenB]

It took many hours but the decals are done. Going to take a break on this now until my 'Not the Usual Conflicts' Abrams is finished.

[WordenB]

Finished at last. I really needed to get this build done so I can begin something for the Maritime group build.

In the photos I have of the full size plane it looked very well looked after so I didn't really do any weathering (weak excuse), just a bit of dirtying up.

I do like this kit, it may be a bit old school compared with more recent offerings but I found it all went together very nicely. Maybe this scheme was a bit ambitious (although being a trainer there were no arms to deal with) but I really enjoyed my first fighter jet build, made plenty of mistakes but learnt a lot on the way.

[digger303]

Excellent result.

[BigWall]

I think it looks great!

Are the stripes all decals?

[Tomcat64]

That's a beautiful clean build in a really striking colour scheme.

Cracking job - really stunning

[Garion77]

Stunning result !
And being your first jet it's even more stunning !

[PrivatePublic]

Looks absolutely beautiful, a real eye catcher!

[Twokidsnosleep]

God, that is FANTASTIC!!!

Really nice work

[HughGordon]

Looking good Worden...good work and a fine tribute.

[WordenB]

Excellent result.

Thank you very much Mr Digger Sir!

[WordenB]

I think it looks great!

Are the stripes all decals?

Thank you Joe. The kit came with decals for the white but I ended up painting everything as they were a bit translucent.

[WordenB]

That's a beautiful clean build in a really striking colour scheme.

Cracking job - really stunning

Stunning result !
And being your first jet it's even more stunning !

Looks absolutely beautiful, a real eye catcher!

God, that is FANTASTIC!!!

Really nice work

Thank you very much for your kind words chaps.

[WordenB]

Looking good Worden...good work and a fine tribute.

Thank you very much Hugh, I don't know if Gary would have approved of the colour scheme but at least it's an F15.