Ukrainian Seagull - Mig88's A-model Be-12

[ajmm]

Superb! That is looking absolutely fantastic.

I too have found Amodel instructions lacking when it comes to decal placement in the past. Scalemates has occasionally helped by providing the usually better instructions for another larger scale model, but that is probably no good here. Photos or bust.

Despite the difficulties it really is looking incredible.

[Mig88]

Thanks a lot Angus!


Dirty looks!

I managed to get a reasonably decent matt look this time and then I started weathering.

I first dry-brushed some Hum147 Light Grey here and there to lighten some areas. I didn't want to overdo it as the tone is a big departure from the kit's scheme being a warm grey colour instead of a cool grey like the kit. I then worked on highlighting panel lines. I started using Hum145 Medium Grey under the wings but it was too blue so I turned to using Hum27 Dark Sea Grey instead.

The Be-12s got really stained by the engines. In some photos, the bottom half of the tail fin is almost completely coated in a sooty black. I didn't want to go all that way so I first dry-brushed Hum98 Chocolate as a base.

I then followed it with Hum67 Tank Grey. I'm quite pleased with the result. I checked several photos to see exactly what areas got exhaust stains.

The end is very near. Basically what's missing is touching up some matt varnish, brushing gloss varnish on windows and metallic areas, and making the position lights (fins and wings) and the fin-to-fuselage wire. If all goes well, I should be finishing this weekend !

Thanks for looking.

Miguel

[smeg1959]

Not getting any "dirty looks" from me, Miguel.

[ajmm]

Fantastic! Really looks the goods to me.

[Flying Derpus]

I don't know about you, but this is one of the phases I love most when building a model: when flat painted plastic slowly comes to life and everything suddenly becomes so much more threedimensional and lifelike. I think you did a great job doing just that on this model: It looks heavily worn and weathered, but not overdone or comic-like. Can't wait for pictures taken in brighter natural light (not so easy in winter, of course), because this is shaping up to become a stunner!

[Mig88]

Thanks a lot to all for your comments!

Yes, for me there are a series of phases in modelling that really like too. The first is when the fuselage and wings are assembled (taking shape), the second is when I finish painting, the third is when the decals are on and finally the weathering.


Finished!

As I mentioned, I brushed some gloss varnish on the "fake" windows and made position lights with blobs of Kristal Klear on the wingtips and the tops of the fins. These were painted Vallejo Aluminium followed by Tamiya Clear Red and Green on the corresponding wingtips. I then added the propellers and finally I added the radio wires from stretched sprue and painted them Vallejo Smoke.

I took the photos before yesterday and was fortunate that there was some weak sunlight which made the winter day a little brighter since today the day was dismal. I live in a flat and I don't have a balcony so I take my photos next to a window to try and use as much natural light as possible.

And here are the final shots:

I must say, even though it wasn't an easy build, I ended up enjoying it maybe because the attitude with which I approached it, fully aware that I was dealing with an Amodel kit and taking my time to solve the problems. I'm really pleased with how it came out and that I built this kit. As with the Fw 200 earlier this year, I've really come to appreciate the design. What other Berievs do I have in my stash....?

Miguel

(Answer: MBR-2, Be-6, R-1, Be-10 and A-40 (Be-42))

[ajmm]

That’s an absolute masterpiece. It was always heading in that direction but the finished photos are next level excellent - the build is seamless (despite being amodel!) and the weathering is completely spot on. Bravo!

[Mig88]

Thank you very much Angus.

Miguel

[ID19]

Fantastic! All the clear parts blended in such a clean way! Your weathering brings this rather sober color scheme to life - love it!
And apart from all that, it's really a beautiful aircraft and you captured that perfectly!

[Flying Derpus]

Yes, for me there are a series of phases in modelling that really like too. The first is when the fuselage and wings are assembled (taking shape), the second is when I finish painting, the third is when the decals are on and finally the weathering.

This sums it up pretty much. I mean, I like the beginning, too, when you cut the first parts off the sprue, start to prepare and paint a few details, assemble the first bits... it's all relatively carefree at this stage, and there's that "This could go anywhere" feeling. Then there's often a phase where you have to wait for a lot of odds and ends to be complete, that's not so pleasant. Then, just like you, I love that "Hey, it finally looks like an aircraft!" moment. Not only because it finally looks like something, but also because I can begin the overall paintjob at that stage. Then the decaling... I like decals, even stencils, but it's also a stressful part - maybe that's because I've made it difficult for myself with many of my kits so far - there were a lot of really tricky decaling jobs. And finally, yes, the weathering stage.

Well, your seagull has made it through all these stages now, and the result is nothing short of amazing. Whenever I saw the kit box, I used to think "Meh, what a boring paint job". Now, when I look at your model, I don't think that any longer. There are just enough splotches of colour and very detailed areas to keep your eyes busy, and all the surfaces inbetween are so full of detail and variation thanks to the incredible weathering and aging job that you did that it's just a joy to behold.

Add to that the fact that it's an Amodel kit - we all know that they can yield great results, but we also know you don't get anything handed to you on a silver platter. A great result doesn't just happen as part of the process, it requires some fighting against all kinds of difficulties.

I haven't been a member here for that long yet, but during the time I've been here, this may be your finest work that I have seen so far, and the other models aren't bad to begin with! You can be really proud of this one.

This leaves only one question for me: What on earth do they use to fire those engines? Coal? Or maybe reclaimed sunflower oil?