New cockpit (A400M)

I know that it is inefficient to start a new model when I have so many in various stages of construction and in the paint queue, but the attraction of the new is hard to resist. At least I was able to get some Squadron white putty on three troublesome seams (Norseman, Beech Starship, and DC-3). I should be able to buff those up tomorrow and they too will take their place waiting for the next paint session.

But I did begin work on two new models. One is the Revell 1:72 Airbus A400M. Most of the interior has been built, and I need to spray on some canned primer before finishing up the detail painting. This kit is large and has a vast number of parts. There is a low-tech feel to the bits I’ve put together so far – large sprue gates, dodgy fit on some of the large parts, and even some flash in evidence. Still, I am definitely not one to complain about a kitmaker that takes a chance on a 1:72 transport aircraft, especially such a large one.

I’m also a bit skeptical about the way construction shapes up. The interior is a series of floors surrounded by an internal shell, which in turn fits into the two fuselage halves. Since I tend to build aircraft all buttoned up, I have no interest in doing anything with the interior other than the cockpit, though I do acknowledge that it is a pretty slick solution for those wanting to have the cargo ramp dropped and open to the world. I suppose I could just ignore the interior shell, but I don’t know if it serves any structural purpose, so I will just leave it in place unless it causes fit issues with putting together the outer fuselage halves.

I’m working on a second cockpit, for the new tool Airfix BAC Lightning F6. I had heard of some problems with the canopies on these kits, but breathed a sigh of relief when I checked and found it unblemished. I do wish I had these kits of the F6 and F2 in the late 80s, when I was building a lot of Airfix Lightnings (using the ghastly old tool version of the time). I do wish Airfix would follow up with an F3 and F1, since the decal options are much more extensive and colorful for those marks. But even if they don’t, I can still squeeze some models with interesting markings out of these two variants.