I have been ARC
forum
user for some time, having submitted several build threads, but this is my very
first gallery submission (hopefully won't be the last). I build all my models
purely OOB, with no aftermarket parts at all. The only aftermarket component
that I would consider is decals (have only bought 1 thus far: a TwoBobs Blue Fox
Bandits). I build only 1/72 scale "modern" jet fighters.
First off, some
fictional background to "justify" this build (as if I needed one! haha!)
------- Start: What
if/Fictional Background -------
With the US economy still in downward spiral, with no recovery in sight, the
military is under pressure from Congress to dramatically cut their operational
cost. One of the first victims was the 65th Aggressor squadron. The politicians
simply could not see the reason for maintaining a dedicated "training"
squadron. The Air Force senior generals refused to completely lose the
capability, so they came up with the idea of integrating Aggressor capability
into all operational squadrons. This provides them with the benefit of still
maintaining the Aggressor training capability during peace time, as well as
being able to deploy the Aggressor birds during war time as "deep
penetrator".
The first operational squadron to receive this multi-purpose bird was the 1st
Fighter Wing based at Langley operating F-22A Raptor.
------- End: What if/Fictional Background -------
This model was based
on Italeri 1/72 F/A-22 Raptor. I have built several Italeri kits when I first
started this hobby back in 2007, and found that the fit on most of their kits
are quite bad, except for their F-22. Sure it's got its own problems, but let's
face it: there is no such thing as model kit with perfect fit. All kits require
some putty!
This is the 2nd
Italeri F-22 Raptor that I built. The first one was not long after I started
this hobby, and it didn't come out that well. I bought this kit for the express
purpose of building it as a "what if"/fictional bird. At first, I was
thinking of using one of the interesting camo schemes usually worn by Flanker
family.... Then came PAK-FA! As soon as I saw a picture of the T-50 PAK-FA, I
knew I had to build this Raptor using this scheme. After all, PAK-FA is supposed
to be Russian's answer to Raptor, is it not?
Click on
images below to see larger images
I used the tip I
learned from an article in ARC forums "Tools 'n' Tips" section
submitted by Robert Lenior to make this into an in-flight bird. I used a
1/8" domed nut bought from hardware store, and a $2 mini tripod. I glued
the domed nut using 2-part epoxy, then reinforced with Milliput.
For the paint, at
first, I wanted to get the "correct" paint colour for PAK-FA, but
after researching for some time, I could not find a definitive answer. So, I
decided to just make it up. Here is what decided to use:
-
- Light gray:
FS36375 Light Compass Ghost Gray (LifeColor UA026), tinted with a few drops
of Gunze Aqueous Hobby H322 (Phthalocyanine Blue)
-
- Dark gray: 3
parts of Gunze Aqueous Hobby H317 (FS36231) + 1 part of Gunze Aqueous Hobby
H322
-
- White: Gloss
White FS17925 (LifeColor LC51) tinted with a couple of drops of Tamiya Sky
Blue
I used oil wash to
highlight the panel lines, then after applying the decals, finished off with
Gunze Flat Clear.
All in all, this was
quite a fun build for me. Thank you for looking!
Michael "Chewie"
Choo
Click on
images below to see larger images
|