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#1 - 25/08/2026
well I've had a project on a back burner for a while now and by a while I mean now going on 27 years ago.
In the mid 90's I was in RAF Air Cadets and got to fly real planes at RAF Leeming in a T.1 Bulldog. I want to do a wall frame build but I need 2 kits to do it the way I want. One kit will remain in its frame painted as 2 different half painted variation schemes. The 2nd kit built as a model in the 3rd final theme type.
All of this will be placed in a box frame and wall mounted so it has to be compact and look good.
well I've had a project on a back burner for a while now and by a while I mean now going on 27 years ago.
In the mid 90's I was in RAF Air Cadets and got to fly real planes at RAF Leeming in a T.1 Bulldog. I want to do a wall frame build but I need 2 kits to do it the way I want. One kit will remain in its frame painted as 2 different half painted variation schemes. The 2nd kit built as a model in the 3rd final theme type.
All of this will be placed in a box frame and wall mounted so it has to be compact and look good.
#2 - 25/08/2026
this is the remains of my original model from many years ago which has clearly had better days lol. However the wing is very useful.
Usually "in frame / sprue" builds have no option on wings that are 1 piece, you either see the top or the bottom. With a spare wing - I can do both. But first I have to clean the wing up by giving it a nice bath in revell paint cleaner for 30m a time until all the paint was able to be removed. It needed a bit TLC but overall not bad at all.
20260722_195107.jpg
20260728_151423.jpg
20260728_022536.jpg
this is the remains of my original model from many years ago which has clearly had better days lol. However the wing is very useful.
Usually "in frame / sprue" builds have no option on wings that are 1 piece, you either see the top or the bottom. With a spare wing - I can do both. But first I have to clean the wing up by giving it a nice bath in revell paint cleaner for 30m a time until all the paint was able to be removed. It needed a bit TLC but overall not bad at all.
20260722_195107.jpg20260728_151423.jpg20260728_022536.jpg#3 - 25/08/2026
Painting the kit in frame is pretty easy obviously, the hard part is keeping the frame clean as its also going to be on display. Everything up to this point is pretty standard.
20260818_193258.jpg
20260730_200918.jpg
20260730_201844.jpg
20260730_231315.jpg
20260731_192944.jpg
Painting the kit in frame is pretty easy obviously, the hard part is keeping the frame clean as its also going to be on display. Everything up to this point is pretty standard.
20260818_193258.jpg20260730_200918.jpg20260730_201844.jpg20260730_231315.jpg20260731_192944.jpg#4 - 25/08/2026
I wanted to use the canopy on both frame sides which means cutting it in half. I used some 0.2mm shim and using a diamond file give it a very rough edge. I then used that 0.2mm piece to cut through the canopy. So .. I only lost 0.2mm of material.
20260818_195910.jpg
I wanted to use the canopy on both frame sides which means cutting it in half. I used some 0.2mm shim and using a diamond file give it a very rough edge. I then used that 0.2mm piece to cut through the canopy. So .. I only lost 0.2mm of material.
20260818_195910.jpg#5 - 25/08/2026
the in sprue / frame part is now complete awaiting sealing only, this will be done with all the rest at the end. Otherwise you can see both top/bottom wing patterns for both variations complete with canopy.
20260819_145341.jpg
the in sprue / frame part is now complete awaiting sealing only, this will be done with all the rest at the end. Otherwise you can see both top/bottom wing patterns for both variations complete with canopy.
20260819_145341.jpg#6 - 25/08/2026
So next its onto the 2nd kit which is to build whole - ish
There are modifications to make however:
- No landing gear, it won't fit in the frame with gear its just too tall but flat on bottom works and for display you can't see it.
- The paint scheme is incorrect to the 1990's version I flew, its not giant changes but it'll be to the original spec. No yellow / black tail, no "full grey" cockpit as manual specifies
So next its onto the 2nd kit which is to build whole - ish
There are modifications to make however:
- No landing gear, it won't fit in the frame with gear its just too tall but flat on bottom works and for display you can't see it.
- The paint scheme is incorrect to the 1990's version I flew, its not giant changes but it'll be to the original spec. No yellow / black tail, no "full grey" cockpit as manual specifies
#7 - 25/08/2026
first prepping most required parts for fuselage construction, all cut out and trimmed
20260822_232708.jpg
first prepping most required parts for fuselage construction, all cut out and trimmed
20260822_232708.jpg#8 - 25/08/2026
this is where I leave the instructions behind with "paint the inside grey". The original spec had a white interior with a matching red centre console., Yellow kick areas and more.
The included reference photo is the actual cock pit I sat in.
20260823_211337.jpg
cockpit_161731b2-3517-4132-a590-a38f2961c283.webp
this is where I leave the instructions behind with "paint the inside grey". The original spec had a white interior with a matching red centre console., Yellow kick areas and more.
The included reference photo is the actual cock pit I sat in.
20260823_211337.jpgcockpit_161731b2-3517-4132-a590-a38f2961c283.webp#9 - 25/08/2026
next is cockpit internals. Seatbelt drooping water transfers (a fiddly job), weathered seats, footwell areas and finally the instrument panel
20260824_234217.jpg
20260824_181215.jpg
20260824_223748.jpg
next is cockpit internals. Seatbelt drooping water transfers (a fiddly job), weathered seats, footwell areas and finally the instrument panel
20260824_234217.jpg20260824_181215.jpg20260824_223748.jpg#10 - 25/08/2026
Now my method of smaller builds like this is to only join the tail section first - Only when the model build has a wing that comes in from below. It means you can get the fuselage alignment correct and bonded but when it comes time to insert the wing you have play in the front to aid fitting then bond the front on its own last.
The only issue however was the gap spacing between the two halves leaving a big filler job to look good. Once dry and taken back I also have to recut the panel lines back in.
20260825_164353.jpg
Now my method of smaller builds like this is to only join the tail section first - Only when the model build has a wing that comes in from below. It means you can get the fuselage alignment correct and bonded but when it comes time to insert the wing you have play in the front to aid fitting then bond the front on its own last.
The only issue however was the gap spacing between the two halves leaving a big filler job to look good. Once dry and taken back I also have to recut the panel lines back in.
20260825_164353.jpg#11 - 25/08/2026
Fuselage assemble and joining of the wing now well in progress. I always start by aligning the wing trailing edge ( the back ) under the fuselage first a little so I can bring the front of the wing ( leading edge ) up. When I do that the back nips the whole sides together pretty tight for a nice join.
Filler will still be required. The only area I don't yet glue is the instrument panel in the cockpit, when I install the actual panel then I do it all at once.
20260825_205458.jpg
Fuselage assemble and joining of the wing now well in progress. I always start by aligning the wing trailing edge ( the back ) under the fuselage first a little so I can bring the front of the wing ( leading edge ) up. When I do that the back nips the whole sides together pretty tight for a nice join.
Filler will still be required. The only area I don't yet glue is the instrument panel in the cockpit, when I install the actual panel then I do it all at once.
20260825_205458.jpg#13 - 25/08/2026
I use cake modelling tools with different heads to work it in and flush while not yet hardening
I use cake modelling tools with different heads to work it in and flush while not yet hardening
#14 - 26/08/2026
instrument panel installed, front fuse joined with cowling in place, rear tail assemble together.
Everything can fully dry over night so tomorrow will be fine filler and sanding before antenna goes on and masking begins / primer prep
20260826_012008.jpg
instrument panel installed, front fuse joined with cowling in place, rear tail assemble together.
Everything can fully dry over night so tomorrow will be fine filler and sanding before antenna goes on and masking begins / primer prep
20260826_012008.jpg#15 - 26/08/2026
2 steps forward, 1 step back lol. Filler applied to all front area's to dry over the next few hours, its going off very quickly today so work times are very short windows.
However just as I was done, I knocked the rear tail piece off lol so back to glue drying on the back. It happens to us all.
20260826_134333.jpg
2 steps forward, 1 step back lol. Filler applied to all front area's to dry over the next few hours, its going off very quickly today so work times are very short windows.
However just as I was done, I knocked the rear tail piece off lol so back to glue drying on the back. It happens to us all.
20260826_134333.jpg#16 - 26/08/2026
everywhere is sanded, I thought I had some raised areas of putty left over but it turned out there are some pits in the plastic I didn't see and .. are now filled lol.
20260826_174416.jpg
everywhere is sanded, I thought I had some raised areas of putty left over but it turned out there are some pits in the plastic I didn't see and .. are now filled lol.
20260826_174416.jpg#17 - 26/08/2026
Got there in the end. Antenna added with some additional parts. All filled, all sanded. Next will be a wipe down for cleaning and then masking for first paint.. finally! ( outside of the fuselage )
20260826_201126.jpg
Got there in the end. Antenna added with some additional parts. All filled, all sanded. Next will be a wipe down for cleaning and then masking for first paint.. finally! ( outside of the fuselage )
20260826_201126.jpg#18 - 26/08/2026
well cleaned, masked and ready to go. First primer coat later will show me any spots missed but I can't spend forever on it either lol.
20260826_215018.jpg
well cleaned, masked and ready to go. First primer coat later will show me any spots missed but I can't spend forever on it either lol.
20260826_215018.jpg#19 - 26/08/2026
I left as much of the front instrument panel cover exposed as I could so it also gets a nice solid white before its final black coat at the end
I left as much of the front instrument panel cover exposed as I could so it also gets a nice solid white before its final black coat at the end
#20 - 26/08/2026
I always mask using tape sticky side out to seal edges and build a cover up to the top. 1 final piece of tape sticky side down normal pins it all
I always mask using tape sticky side out to seal edges and build a cover up to the top. 1 final piece of tape sticky side down normal pins it all
#22 - 26/08/2026
lastly because this will sit in a frame without gear its possible to add a sprue piece as a handy grab pole for clamps and hand for painting and everything up to the end. It'll be cut off and painted in but never seen so it doesn't matter at all.
20260826_220523.jpg
lastly because this will sit in a frame without gear its possible to add a sprue piece as a handy grab pole for clamps and hand for painting and everything up to the end. It'll be cut off and painted in but never seen so it doesn't matter at all.
20260826_220523.jpg#23 - 27/08/2026
so 2 passes in the booth with the first thicker for grouping and 2nd as normal. All the issues that stood out from fuselage joins I can see will bugger off as paint goes on
20260827_000904.jpg
so 2 passes in the booth with the first thicker for grouping and 2nd as normal. All the issues that stood out from fuselage joins I can see will bugger off as paint goes on
20260827_000904.jpg#24 - 27/08/2026
given the type of plane it was for us most high stress panel joins where wing and around wing to fuselage area's being aerobatic trainers. Rear tail gets some shadow undertone but not tons.
Dash cover is black again a bit OTT but once dry I'll mask that off also so it stays black and do a bit of an "undo" around that area. Otherwise thats it, dry overnight fully and tomorrow light mists of white begin
20260827_010136.jpg
given the type of plane it was for us most high stress panel joins where wing and around wing to fuselage area's being aerobatic trainers. Rear tail gets some shadow undertone but not tons.
Dash cover is black again a bit OTT but once dry I'll mask that off also so it stays black and do a bit of an "undo" around that area. Otherwise thats it, dry overnight fully and tomorrow light mists of white begin
20260827_010136.jpg#25 - 27/08/2026
so to keep on track and not let this project take forever I'm back at it. I've setup on my area for getting some white coats down. Because I still want the "speckle" effect under tone I did a 1:4 thinner:paint ratio for thickness before moving up to a thinner 1:2 ratio for solid mist coats.
That's the order of the day from here on in, light coats until that white is spot on. Because red is going to need masking I'd rather get this white wrapped up today so it can dry over night and be ready for me tomorrow.
20260827_174540.jpg
20260827_170137.jpg
so to keep on track and not let this project take forever I'm back at it. I've setup on my area for getting some white coats down. Because I still want the "speckle" effect under tone I did a 1:4 thinner:paint ratio for thickness before moving up to a thinner 1:2 ratio for solid mist coats.
That's the order of the day from here on in, light coats until that white is spot on. Because red is going to need masking I'd rather get this white wrapped up today so it can dry over night and be ready for me tomorrow.
20260827_174540.jpg20260827_170137.jpg#26 - 27/08/2026
getting there slowly which is fine, more so now running on a 0,2 instead of a 0,3 needle but it is what it is. Getting pretty vivid now which irl - it is.
20260827_203250.jpg
getting there slowly which is fine, more so now running on a 0,2 instead of a 0,3 needle but it is what it is. Getting pretty vivid now which irl - it is.
20260827_203250.jpg
#28 - 27/08/2026
I think the plan of action after 1 more coat and leaving it to dry over night will be:
Tomorrow masking off all white areas and then a light grey "all over". That will complete the wings element and provide a deeper colour to the red I need
I think the plan of action after 1 more coat and leaving it to dry over night will be:
Tomorrow masking off all white areas and then a light grey "all over". That will complete the wings element and provide a deeper colour to the red I need
#29 - 27/08/2026
well she's done finally, last coat on with more focus on the parts that remain white but otherwise time to leave it alone and let it all settle/dry for next phase.
20260827_222757.jpg
well she's done finally, last coat on with more focus on the parts that remain white but otherwise time to leave it alone and let it all settle/dry for next phase.
20260827_222757.jpg#30 - 28/08/2026
I selected a different path after thinking about it. By completing the short amount of black first (inc nose cone and prop while at it) it means the whole top pretty much ( white / black ) is done and can be masked off much easier.
Then its all about the line divide between red and white front to back. If I just do the whole wing and fuselage in red at once then all I need do is mask for grey wing bands at the end and.. that's it tbh in terms of full colours
20260828_173855.jpg
I selected a different path after thinking about it. By completing the short amount of black first (inc nose cone and prop while at it) it means the whole top pretty much ( white / black ) is done and can be masked off much easier.
Then its all about the line divide between red and white front to back. If I just do the whole wing and fuselage in red at once then all I need do is mask for grey wing bands at the end and.. that's it tbh in terms of full colours
20260828_173855.jpg#31 - 28/08/2026
not unhappy with that. Nice clean lines, vivid black and restored the dash cover. Let that dry for a few hours before I mask up for red
20260828_180613.jpg
not unhappy with that. Nice clean lines, vivid black and restored the dash cover. Let that dry for a few hours before I mask up for red
20260828_180613.jpg#32 - 28/08/2026
lots of tedious masking and cutting to get it right ( hopefully! ) There is a trim around the wing root ( where it meets the body / fuselage ), Same goes for rear tail section and the red band is tapered to the back so it meets with the point of the tail section on both sides.
Obviously not the most complex shape but the size makes it fiddle in general. Either way, red coats can finally commence!
20260828_223733.jpg
lots of tedious masking and cutting to get it right ( hopefully! ) There is a trim around the wing root ( where it meets the body / fuselage ), Same goes for rear tail section and the red band is tapered to the back so it meets with the point of the tail section on both sides.
Obviously not the most complex shape but the size makes it fiddle in general. Either way, red coats can finally commence!
20260828_223733.jpg#33 - 29/08/2026
Well one more coat but otherwise done with red. Went down lovely so no drama or issues. Assuming the tape held up every where lol
20260829_000915.jpg
Well one more coat but otherwise done with red. Went down lovely so no drama or issues. Assuming the tape held up every where lol
20260829_000915.jpg#34 - 29/08/2026
well in order to paint the final block colour of grey I need access to the wings. So we get to see the job on red and see the tape did its job well. Always paints to ensure the edges are nicely in contact with a blunt or round object like plastic. Works all the time 🙂
20260829_154648.jpg
well in order to paint the final block colour of grey I need access to the wings. So we get to see the job on red and see the tape did its job well. Always paints to ensure the edges are nicely in contact with a blunt or round object like plastic. Works all the time 🙂
20260829_154648.jpg
#36 - 29/08/2026
Well you always hope your tape holds up when unwrapping but I'm very happy with this result. Each line is super crisp as it should be nothing got into the cock pit area .. all is well. Now this can sit over night and fully set. Next has to be masking up the canopy cover for white trim and .. decals time 🙂
I pondered if I should even bother with the bottom decals given its mounted in frame and I've opted not to, I think I'd rather save them for other kit bashing and such. Just a waste otherwise really.
20260829_232028.jpg
Well you always hope your tape holds up when unwrapping but I'm very happy with this result. Each line is super crisp as it should be nothing got into the cock pit area .. all is well. Now this can sit over night and fully set. Next has to be masking up the canopy cover for white trim and .. decals time 🙂
I pondered if I should even bother with the bottom decals given its mounted in frame and I've opted not to, I think I'd rather save them for other kit bashing and such. Just a waste otherwise really.
20260829_232028.jpg#37 - 31/08/2026
The white trim around the canopy area toward the front isn't on the canopy its on the body, so back to masking that up. Half the nose cone is black other white and the propeller has a striped config. Canopy itself required one band over the top. All done with 5 layers of white and ready to dry entirely over night.
20260830_235051.jpg
The white trim around the canopy area toward the front isn't on the canopy its on the body, so back to masking that up. Half the nose cone is black other white and the propeller has a striped config. Canopy itself required one band over the top. All done with 5 layers of white and ready to dry entirely over night.
20260830_235051.jpg#38 - 01/09/2026
Well its been a long day of other tasks but I managed to get the rest of the construction together. The canopy etc is still drying so can't clean or buff etc anything. Going to let it all settle and tomorrow its time for decals. Already happy with how it looks so should be pretty nice once its actually done. I also pondered weathering and decided I probably will a bit just to give panel lines and ribs in the ailerons etc a bit more depth.
20260831_233513.jpg
Well its been a long day of other tasks but I managed to get the rest of the construction together. The canopy etc is still drying so can't clean or buff etc anything. Going to let it all settle and tomorrow its time for decals. Already happy with how it looks so should be pretty nice once its actually done. I also pondered weathering and decided I probably will a bit just to give panel lines and ribs in the ailerons etc a bit more depth.
20260831_233513.jpg#39 - 01/09/2026
so this is where we split paths again. The box art markings, tail graphic, ident numbering and letting do not match. So to stay true to the original plane it's time to break out my stash of left over / spare decals from kits previously. A stash like that takes little space but just sometimes provides you with the correct things you need - in my case - I've found the correct slanted tail graphic and enough alphanumeric spares to make up the correct idents.
KPM72399_1_-_Copy.jpg
80da0d_0fb2ed057ddd4632b07400ae84d29987mv2.png
so this is where we split paths again. The box art markings, tail graphic, ident numbering and letting do not match. So to stay true to the original plane it's time to break out my stash of left over / spare decals from kits previously. A stash like that takes little space but just sometimes provides you with the correct things you need - in my case - I've found the correct slanted tail graphic and enough alphanumeric spares to make up the correct idents.
KPM72399_1_-_Copy.jpg80da0d_0fb2ed057ddd4632b07400ae84d29987mv2.png#40 - 01/09/2026
Ready to be framed finally. Next step is the last step, choose my background, mount the pieces and hang it on the wall 🙂
20260901_213656.jpg
Ready to be framed finally. Next step is the last step, choose my background, mount the pieces and hang it on the wall 🙂
20260901_213656.jpg
#42 - 02/09/2026
So finally last night I frame mounted the parts using UHU Por contact glue (Not regular UHU). My original cadets badge as centre point.
I have all 3 variations of the T1 Bulldog that I either flew or also seen at cadets. The extra wing bottom left shows the reverse side of the in Sprue frame wing so we can see both sides of each variation on top.
Overall very happy with this "quick" project (LOL). Till next time!
So finally last night I frame mounted the parts using UHU Por contact glue (Not regular UHU). My original cadets badge as centre point.
I have all 3 variations of the T1 Bulldog that I either flew or also seen at cadets. The extra wing bottom left shows the reverse side of the in Sprue frame wing so we can see both sides of each variation on top.
Overall very happy with this "quick" project (LOL). Till next time!
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