B38M Project (144)
1September 20, 2022220105: Initial preps - filling the cabin windows.
2September 20, 2022220105: Initial preps - Access hole for ballast, resin installation.
3September 20, 2022220105: Initial preps - Access hole for ballast, resin installation.
4September 20, 2022220106: Cabin windows filled (two-part clear resin, high-temp electrical tape).
5September 20, 2022220106: Clear resin is self-levelling and cures in ~24 hours.
6September 20, 2022220106: Clear resin is self-levelling and cures in ~24 hours.
7September 20, 2022220106: Result is perfectly smooth and clear cabin windows (but note stray bubbles on windows R6 and R8).
8September 20, 2022220106: Result is perfectly smooth and clear cabin windows.
9September 20, 2022220304: Installing the Rudder. It was a tricky thing to get it looking right.
10September 20, 2022220304: Installing the tailpiece.
11September 20, 2022220314: Engine compressor fans are beautifully molded in two interlocking pieces. Paint is Tamiya Nato Black, with aluminium leading edges.
12September 20, 2022220331: Engine components ready for assembly.
13September 20, 2022220331: Note intake interior details (masked and airbrushed).
14September 20, 2022220419: Masking will be tricky. Here cutting template using decal sheet
15September 20, 2022220419: Masking will be tricky. Here applying template to fuselage.
16September 20, 2022220419: Tamiya flex masking tape to denote white cheat line.
17September 20, 2022220419: Black electrical tape to mask above the blue.
18September 20, 2022220419: Applying Tamiya X3 Royal Blue.
19September 20, 2022220419: Unmasking.
20September 20, 2022220419: Mishap #2: Beware of using a heat gun to dry your paint. The heat also caused the masking tape's glue to interact with the white paint.
21September 20, 2022220420: Fortunately, Zvezda includes two clear cockpit domes, one with eyebrows for older 737s (or for dummies like me armed with heat guns).
22September 20, 2022220420: Damage was mostly to the clear part, although the fuselage also deformed slightly. Here it is shimmed with plasticard and filled with Tamiya putty.
23September 20, 2022220420: Replacement windshield was welded in place with solvent glue followed by CA to fill gaps. Putty is Tamiya white.
24September 20, 2022220420: Re-painting the white uppers. Small defect at the lower left corner will have to remain.
25September 20, 2022220420: Back on track, mostly.
26September 20, 2022220424: Had to re-do the grey wave, too.
27October 30, 2022220430: Decal application is taking a while.
28October 30, 2022220430: Decal application is taking a while.
29October 30, 2022220513: Some progress. Note the various elements that must be applied in layers.
30October 30, 2022220513: Disappointed in the hit-and-miss quality of the after-market decals. Compare the "737" (Zvezda) and the "MAX" (PAS Decal) lettering.
31October 30, 2022220513: Tail decal looks ok once applied and fully set.
32October 30, 2022220513: Windshield looks ok too. Good response to decal setting solution.
33October 30, 2022220513: Turns out you can buy a 737 directly from Boeing and have it shipped directly from Everett, WA in just a few days. At left is a Boeing company model in 1/200 scale.
34October 30, 2022220513: Boeing company model in 1/200 scale.
35October 30, 2022220513: Boeing company model in 1/200 scale.
36October 30, 2022220522: Mostly complete.
37October 30, 2022220523: Rollout!
38October 30, 2022220523: Rollout!
39October 30, 2022220523: Rollout!
40October 30, 2022220523: Rollout!
41October 30, 2022220523: Rollout!
42October 30, 2022220523: Rollout! Note home-made stand.
43October 30, 2022220525: First flight!
44October 30, 2022220525: First flight!
45October 30, 2022220525: First flight!
46October 30, 2022220525: First flight!
47April 17, 2023220525: First flight!
48October 30, 2022220525: First flight!
49October 30, 2022220525: First flight!
50October 30, 2022220525: First flight!
51October 30, 2022
52April 17, 2023220525: First flight!
53October 30, 2022220525: First flight!
54April 17, 2023220525: First revenue flight.
55October 30, 2022
56April 17, 2023220525: First flight!
57April 17, 2023220525: First flight!
58April 17, 2023
Comments
8 September 2024, 22:51 -
