Subject: Re: F-15 C, thanks for all your hard work Steve
From: "Submissions for ARC" <[email-masked]>
To: "junior De Jesus" <[email-masked]>
Date: Sat, 5 Feb 2011 11:49:35 -0800

Hi,
I just wanted to let you know your article went on ARC today.  Thanks again for sending it in.

Steve Bamford
ARC Air - Aircraft Resource Center
http://www.arcair.com

Live like there is no tomorrow;
Love like you've never been hurt.
Work like you don't need the money.
Dance like nobody's watching.
Sing like nobody's listening.
Live like it's Heaven on Earth.

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: junior De Jesus 
  To: [email-masked] 
  Sent: Sunday, January 23, 2011 6:15 PM
  Subject: F-15 C, thanks for all your hard work Steve

  Gallery Article Template

  "1/32 Revell F-15D/E converted to an F-15 C" 

  by "Victor De Jesus"
  --------------------

  Hi again, this is my third submission which is a project where I wanted to "redeem" myself since my first attempt was just atrocious compared to this one. This project was mostly an OOB build with the exception of the Astra, F-15c Bitburg (525th Fighter Squadron), decal set; a Legend, Aces II seat (resin), and an Edward, F-15c interior PE set. For paints I mostly used MM's enamels and acrylics, but a few Humbrol and Testors enamel's were used as well. I pre-shaded the kit with raw umber, but it is hardly noticeable (mostly my fault). For weathering I used the Pro-Modeler wash (black) which I've come to like so much. I opted for the Mod Eagle Camouflage scheme which consists of MM's FS 36176 and FS 36251. I also used Alclad aluminum paint and MM's metalizer jet exhaust paint. 
   
     The Revell kits can be a hit or mix in my opinion due to the fitting of some of the components. Luckily for me, this one was a hit since I really did not have any major problems during the assembly. The one part I hate about this kit is the clear canopy. On my first kit the blasted thing cracked over half of the piece. This one survived most of build, but it finally cracked just a bit as I removed the tape protecting the interior during painting. The assembly of the front and main (rear) fuselage can also be a bit daunting since it requires some major surgery and adjustments to fit and look properly. Needles to say, a whole lot of filling and sanding went on here. This kit came as a two pilot cockpit, but it also included an electronics bay. For this I had to cut out the rear pilot bay area, and later I glued the electronics bay to make this kit a single seater bird. The Aces seat is just a great addition to this kit, and the PE set was pre-painted. This was my first successful PE cockpit attempt, but although it looks neat, I felt I cheated during the build since the included cockpit could be pretty nice when properly completed. 
   
     For the electronics bay I mixed some paints in an attempt to come up to something close of what it was required. Although not truly great, I think the final shade was pretty close of what I needed. I also did a bit of scratch building here since I had to add wires and shape to some of the components inside this bay to make it look more realistic. I used the Aim 9's and Sparrow missiles included in the kit. I added to the top railing on the Sparrow missiles with plastruct strips, and I painted the stripes on the missiles as well. I also etched some of the details on these missiles to enhance their view. The construction of the Aim 9's was a little more complicated since I had to make stencils for some of the missile markings. About 50% of the markings on the Aim 9's are actually spray painted replicas of the stencils. I know I know, why the heck I just did not purchase the decal sheet for it. It was coming out so good that I decided just to continue what I was doing.        

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  The one thing I wish I would have added to this build is the metal landing gear. The one included in the kit looks so frail, and I am pretty sure it is going to break as my other kit did. I also added a fuel drop tank that I took from my spare parts from an F-18 build a while ago. All things considered, I feel that this build is far superior to my last attempt at this kit. 

   

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    I certainly hope that you foes enjoy these photos, and as always, thanks to the tips and tools provided by all of you great builders out there.
                                            "Victor De Jesus"

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  Photos and text © by "Victor De Jesus"