The Little World

Way-hay – completed the De Havilland Twin Otter before teatime. And onto the photo floor just afterwards.

The planned assembly of the plane went well – I propped the fuselage up on the jig and glued one wing and supporting strut with liquid cement. An hour later I was able to flip it over and do the other side. To the credit of Revell, the struts fitted well. I’m confident that the wings will stay on and up.

I’m also confident that the stencils and decals will stay on – there is a good layer of Mr Hobby Topcoat on the whole of the plane. Just as Testors Dullcote is the final matting agent of choice, so I think the Topcoat from Creos GSI is the safest and most effective solution for semi-matt or satin right now. I am still hopeful that the Gauzy gloss coat will be workable or that Cabot floor polish will be good for glossing.

I did not follow my new practice of outlining control surfaces with a propelling pencil – this plane has enough colour and writing going on anyway.

My complements to the Revell decal team – even though the decals went over a semi-matt paint, there is no silvering. And despite the complexity of the side flash around the windows, it all went on in a civilised manner.

I guess I can work up a little more courage and tackle more Revell kits.

PS: Skis? Only when I need them. I’ve got two sets that can be deployed if I photograph a winter set.