The Little World

The Gloster Meteor F.1 is done. And I couldn’t be more pleased with a new kit maker. Dragon Models is a winner in my books – with only a very few slip-ups during the entire process. I shall now look them up in the net to see if there are any more 1:72 items they make that can meet my needs.

The basic fighter has gone together perfectly and the added feature of two jet engines – one for the port nacelle and one for an engine stand – means that I have extra value as a display. The mechanism of the engine cover worked perfectly – I left it on while the camouflage paint was being applied and only prised it apart at the very end. Fortunately it released easily.

I’m not one of the lead string and photo-etch parts detailers so that engine will do just fine as is. I would welcome other makers providing detailed piston engines and removable covers for other aircraft.

The AK paints went on well and the final finish is a semi-gloss. The decals seem fine under it. I’m still debating how to do the clear coatings but the overall realism seems to be improving. I’m even considering fishing out some of my first gloss efforts and dulling them with a semi-gloss. That is, if I can make sure that they have not picked up too much dust. I note that this is a problem even in the scale modelling club shelves – glass doors and all – they still pick up lint.

I suppose the next thing will be venturing into panel line washes. I’ve got some supplies in, but I don’t altogether trust the advice I read on the net. Whatever I do, I want it to be reversible in case it is a sad disaster.