Bell YFM-1
Commenti
57 25 August 2021, 06:54
Roland Sachsenhofer
Herewith I start the illustrated part of the building report: although this kit is highly praised and it should be one of the newer, better developments of Valom: unfortunately my experiences so far are not the best. Lacking accuracy of fit - especially critical with the many clear parts - and a very uncharitable mould casting make things difficult. The cockpit, which is easy to see, is so empty that I had to raid my spare parts box.
But the whole thing is also fun, above all the prospect of a really beautifully shaped, shiny model of a rare aircraft is comforting and motivating! 🙂
Herewith I start the illustrated part of the building report: although this kit is highly praised and it should be one of the newer, better developments of Valom: unfortunately my experiences so far are not the best. Lacking accuracy of fit - especially critical with the many clear parts - and a very uncharitable mould casting make things difficult. The cockpit, which is easy to see, is so empty that I had to raid my spare parts box.
But the whole thing is also fun, above all the prospect of a really beautifully shaped, shiny model of a rare aircraft is comforting and motivating! 🙂
25 August 2021, 06:59
Paul
Good luck - one of the few kits I abandoned as unbuildable; should have done more dry fitting but had none such problems with other Valom kits
Good luck - one of the few kits I abandoned as unbuildable; should have done more dry fitting but had none such problems with other Valom kits
25 August 2021, 16:02
Robert Podkoński
Following of course (with special interest since in my stash threre rests the sister kit of this one... at least I will know how much I am not able to do with this 😉 )
Following of course (with special interest since in my stash threre rests the sister kit of this one... at least I will know how much I am not able to do with this 😉 )
25 August 2021, 20:08
Roland Sachsenhofer
Thank you all for the interest and the lively responses, I'm glad!
Thank you all for the interest and the lively responses, I'm glad!
26 August 2021, 16:14
Roland Sachsenhofer
Paul, you are right. I've got a few Valom kits under my belt too, but this one is really nasty, unfortunately, as it looks so far
Paul, you are right. I've got a few Valom kits under my belt too, but this one is really nasty, unfortunately, as it looks so far
26 August 2021, 16:16
Roland Sachsenhofer
It was a tough ride, but an intermediate result has been achieved: the hull has been filled and sanded to a usable shape. By the way, I "filled" with CA glue, the openings that had to be bridged were too large and the strength that the glue gives also benefits the poorly fitting fuselage parts.
It was a tough ride, but an intermediate result has been achieved: the hull has been filled and sanded to a usable shape. By the way, I "filled" with CA glue, the openings that had to be bridged were too large and the strength that the glue gives also benefits the poorly fitting fuselage parts.
27 August 2021, 09:10
Daniel Klink
How do some of you manage to progress so fast..wow!
Looking very good, Roland...
How do some of you manage to progress so fast..wow!
Looking very good, Roland...
27 August 2021, 09:26
Roland Sachsenhofer
what looks like shaving foam here is putty, which is supposed to compensate for the somewhat rough fit of the canopies. Otherwise, I quite like the trout-like, elegant contour of the YFM-1 hull. Remarkable how exceedingly narrow it was!
what looks like shaving foam here is putty, which is supposed to compensate for the somewhat rough fit of the canopies. Otherwise, I quite like the trout-like, elegant contour of the YFM-1 hull. Remarkable how exceedingly narrow it was!
1 September 2021, 15:54
Roland Sachsenhofer
So! The sanding of the main hull as well as - and above all - the masking of the two nacelles was a certain amount of work, which is now done! Now we should get some momentum back into things- and a lot of putty on the model. The accuracy of the fit is above all- an adventure 🙂
So! The sanding of the main hull as well as - and above all - the masking of the two nacelles was a certain amount of work, which is now done! Now we should get some momentum back into things- and a lot of putty on the model. The accuracy of the fit is above all- an adventure 🙂
19 September 2021, 17:03
Gordon Sørensen
Roland, I really like that description of the kit's fit - 'The accuracy of the fit is an adventure'…. 🙂
Roland, I really like that description of the kit's fit - 'The accuracy of the fit is an adventure'…. 🙂
19 September 2021, 17:44
Lex Jassies
A lot of work goes in this kit Roland. But very nice to see the progress and curious to see the trout turn into a flying fish 😉
A lot of work goes in this kit Roland. But very nice to see the progress and curious to see the trout turn into a flying fish 😉
22 September 2021, 07:11
Roland Sachsenhofer
The Airacuda fights back wherever it can to avoid becoming a finished model: there really is a lot of room for improvement in the accuracy of fit of the motor nacelles! I don't even bother to fill these gaps with putty, instead I used quick-setting CA glue to fill the gaps, on the one hand it glues, on the other hand it is rather easy to shape.
The Airacuda fights back wherever it can to avoid becoming a finished model: there really is a lot of room for improvement in the accuracy of fit of the motor nacelles! I don't even bother to fill these gaps with putty, instead I used quick-setting CA glue to fill the gaps, on the one hand it glues, on the other hand it is rather easy to shape.
28 September 2021, 19:47
Daniel Klink
Holy Moly, that definetely does not look like a fun build!!
Respect so far Roland! 👍I think the start of mine will be postponed....
Holy Moly, that definetely does not look like a fun build!!
Respect so far Roland! 👍I think the start of mine will be postponed....
28 September 2021, 20:44
Clifford Keesler
Unusual subject Roland, but I know you will turn it into a beauty.
Unusual subject Roland, but I know you will turn it into a beauty.
29 September 2021, 00:34
Robert Podkoński
I will take Daniel's way too for some time... Keep it up, nevertheless, Roland. It is a pleasure to follow your build process, as always... 😉
I will take Daniel's way too for some time... Keep it up, nevertheless, Roland. It is a pleasure to follow your build process, as always... 😉
29 September 2021, 06:00
Roland Sachsenhofer
Thank you for your motivation and encouragement! I really can't promise that this would be a trouble-free project! I'm just curious how the whole thing will look after the last clear parts masks are removed. I'm bracing myself for anything 🙂
Thank you for your motivation and encouragement! I really can't promise that this would be a trouble-free project! I'm just curious how the whole thing will look after the last clear parts masks are removed. I'm bracing myself for anything 🙂
29 September 2021, 17:36
Bruce Huxtable
Nil desperandum... Puts what I think of as difficultios into perspective, for sure. Learning lots from your steady progress 🙂
Nil desperandum... Puts what I think of as difficultios into perspective, for sure. Learning lots from your steady progress 🙂
29 September 2021, 20:15
Roland Sachsenhofer
Thank you all for your really motivating commenst, mates. Today I was able to finish sanding the nacelles once - "nil desperandum" applied!
Thank you all for your really motivating commenst, mates. Today I was able to finish sanding the nacelles once - "nil desperandum" applied!
30 September 2021, 06:28
Bernd Grün
Hallo Roland, as always you will turn a terrible kit into a real eye-catcher. Keep on modelling.
Hallo Roland, as always you will turn a terrible kit into a real eye-catcher. Keep on modelling.
30 September 2021, 11:24
Robbie
Egads, You are trying to like polish a turd. Thank gawd I did not add this kit to my stash...
Egads, You are trying to like polish a turd. Thank gawd I did not add this kit to my stash...
30 September 2021, 19:32
Roland Sachsenhofer
There is a lot of work behind the new pictures this time: on the one hand, the CA-filled joints were sanded to shape them - a, you can imagine, time-consuming job, in order to then join the wings to the fuselage. I used metal bolts to build pins for this purpose, because the blunt gluing of the elevators and of course of the heavy wings does not seem to me to be secure enough in any other way. In the meantime, everything is a stable unit and compensates me with its unique appearance for the modelling challenges 🙂
There is a lot of work behind the new pictures this time: on the one hand, the CA-filled joints were sanded to shape them - a, you can imagine, time-consuming job, in order to then join the wings to the fuselage. I used metal bolts to build pins for this purpose, because the blunt gluing of the elevators and of course of the heavy wings does not seem to me to be secure enough in any other way. In the meantime, everything is a stable unit and compensates me with its unique appearance for the modelling challenges 🙂
1 October 2021, 19:22
Cuajete
Hard job but very well resolved.
This is the worst Valom kit you've ever built, Roland?
Hard job but very well resolved.
This is the worst Valom kit you've ever built, Roland?
1 October 2021, 19:40
Bruce Huxtable
Breathing life into it 👍 It certainly is an unusual configuration, and the results will be worth all your efforts 👍🙂
Breathing life into it 👍 It certainly is an unusual configuration, and the results will be worth all your efforts 👍🙂
2 October 2021, 07:00
Roland Sachsenhofer
Thank you, friends! Your comments are fuel for the motivation engine. Indeed, I've come across some wonderful Valom kits now - but this one is scary!
Thank you, friends! Your comments are fuel for the motivation engine. Indeed, I've come across some wonderful Valom kits now - but this one is scary!
2 October 2021, 10:18
Robert Podkoński
Top class in solving the problems (and sanding to shape 😉 ). Looks cool already>
Top class in solving the problems (and sanding to shape 😉 ). Looks cool already>
2 October 2021, 17:57
Roland Sachsenhofer
Thank you mates! I appreciate your trust and encouragement!
Thank you mates! I appreciate your trust and encouragement!
3 October 2021, 15:52
Roland Sachsenhofer
Thanks David!
....the whole thing now in black: this is the primer for working with Alclad metallic tones. Currently, this aluminium finish is also ready after a few sprays - pictures to follow!
Thanks David!
....the whole thing now in black: this is the primer for working with Alclad metallic tones. Currently, this aluminium finish is also ready after a few sprays - pictures to follow!
9 October 2021, 08:37
Bruce Huxtable
The transformation begins.... 🙂 Hoping there are no more surprises for you, Roland.
The transformation begins.... 🙂 Hoping there are no more surprises for you, Roland.
9 October 2021, 10:41
Roland Sachsenhofer
Thank you Bruce! The only surprise: no more surprises- so far! 🙂
Thank you Bruce! The only surprise: no more surprises- so far! 🙂
9 October 2021, 19:08
Roland Sachsenhofer
This look is planned once as the finished Alclad surface. Despite all the imperfections I'm still looking forward to the effect of the decals - and, I have to confess, I'm looking forward to the end of this slowly tiring building process!
This look is planned once as the finished Alclad surface. Despite all the imperfections I'm still looking forward to the effect of the decals - and, I have to confess, I'm looking forward to the end of this slowly tiring building process!
12 October 2021, 04:40
Villiers de Vos
Roland, you certainly have the talent to turn a challenge into a jewel.
Roland, you certainly have the talent to turn a challenge into a jewel.
12 October 2021, 06:48
Bruce Huxtable
The panel variations are looking great, Roland, so well worth the extra effort! Perhaps a break will allow you to come back with fresh eyes and restored mojo? getting to the end of each stage seems to give me re-newed energy and focus, for the next steps 🙂
The panel variations are looking great, Roland, so well worth the extra effort! Perhaps a break will allow you to come back with fresh eyes and restored mojo? getting to the end of each stage seems to give me re-newed energy and focus, for the next steps 🙂
12 October 2021, 07:20
Roland Sachsenhofer
This is wonderful and motivating feedback, thank you! Bruce, a break yes, ..... with a nice relaxing Tamiya kit perhaps? I think I've already found something there too! 🙂
This is wonderful and motivating feedback, thank you! Bruce, a break yes, ..... with a nice relaxing Tamiya kit perhaps? I think I've already found something there too! 🙂
12 October 2021, 11:03
Roland Sachsenhofer
Thank you mates!
On the home stretch - decals applied, now it's time for the final assembly of the last components.
Thank you mates!
On the home stretch - decals applied, now it's time for the final assembly of the last components.
14 October 2021, 06:52
Roland Sachsenhofer
In the end it went very quickly - but also because I finally wanted to have this part off the workbench! 🙂
Waiting for the final result while removing the masking was really exciting. A little reworking here and there, but now I'll leave it as it is; I can't get it any better anyhow. As I mentioned during the construction, this was one of the most difficult and time-consuming projects so far! Thank you for your interest and motivating comments, they really helped!
In the end it went very quickly - but also because I finally wanted to have this part off the workbench! 🙂
Waiting for the final result while removing the masking was really exciting. A little reworking here and there, but now I'll leave it as it is; I can't get it any better anyhow. As I mentioned during the construction, this was one of the most difficult and time-consuming projects so far! Thank you for your interest and motivating comments, they really helped!
21 October 2021, 18:42
Robert Podkoński
You are a wizard, Roland. Finished model looks so perfect and flawless that one could think that the base kit is good... Impressive work!
You are a wizard, Roland. Finished model looks so perfect and flawless that one could think that the base kit is good... Impressive work!
21 October 2021, 19:22
Bruce Huxtable
Well said, Robert. She put up a struggle, Roland, but your efforts paid dividends. Congratulations on a fine result. I'm enjoying the variations in the silver panels, which really add lots to the visual appeal 🙂👍
Well said, Robert. She put up a struggle, Roland, but your efforts paid dividends. Congratulations on a fine result. I'm enjoying the variations in the silver panels, which really add lots to the visual appeal 🙂👍
21 October 2021, 19:37
Villiers de Vos
Certainly worth your every effort. A very unusual subject, beautifully presented.
Certainly worth your every effort. A very unusual subject, beautifully presented.
22 October 2021, 04:25
bughunter
Fantastic model of an interesting type 👍 Nice addition to every collection.
Fantastic model of an interesting type 👍 Nice addition to every collection.
22 October 2021, 10:27
Gordon Sørensen
Your 'Valom Adventure' was a great display of modelling and problem solving! Finished result is spectacular!
Your 'Valom Adventure' was a great display of modelling and problem solving! Finished result is spectacular!
22 October 2021, 11:17
Thomas Kolb
Beautiful natural metal finish and a great result with a really difficult kit.
Beautiful natural metal finish and a great result with a really difficult kit.
22 October 2021, 12:31
Roland Sachsenhofer
It is now really more than time for me to say thank you for all your wonderful feedback and interest! It is incredibly motivating to receive such appreciative words from such modellers, thank you, mates!
It is now really more than time for me to say thank you for all your wonderful feedback and interest! It is incredibly motivating to receive such appreciative words from such modellers, thank you, mates!
22 October 2021, 14:10
Oliver Zwiener
Klasse Ding !!! Irre Anstrengungen bei den Spachtel- und Schleifarbeiten !!!
Klasse Ding !!! Irre Anstrengungen bei den Spachtel- und Schleifarbeiten !!!
22 October 2021, 15:21
Olivier
Thanks for bringing this strange and most forgotten plane into the limelight again.
Thanks for bringing this strange and most forgotten plane into the limelight again.
23 October 2021, 10:13
Lex Jassies
That turned out very well Roland. Beautiful result of a definitely not everyday subject.
That turned out very well Roland. Beautiful result of a definitely not everyday subject.
24 October 2021, 10:09
Robert Podkoński
And here we have the answer, why this model is not seen build very often, Christoph. It is presumably intended only for such master-modellers like Roland 😉
And here we have the answer, why this model is not seen build very often, Christoph. It is presumably intended only for such master-modellers like Roland 😉
24 October 2021, 15:04
Roland Sachsenhofer
It remains for me to thank you very much for your contributions and to tell you how pleased I am, thank you!
It remains for me to thank you very much for your contributions and to tell you how pleased I am, thank you!
24 October 2021, 18:28