Building ultimate 1/48 scale f6f-4 Hellcat

Jun Temma is the modeling perfectionist. Just check his work on the 1/48 scale f6f-4 Hellcat. Perfecting every single detail ..

Interview with Chuck Wojtkiewicz aka chukw1

- Hi Chuk! Really glad to see you on the blog. I guess everyone would be interested to know more about you and what do you do when you're not modelling? 

Hello, Arseny- nice to be here. When I'm not hunched over my bench in reading glasses and optivisor, I'm hunched over my drawing table or tablet at blur studio in Venice, California. I'm the lead concept artist there, and design and illustrate characters, environments, props and vehicles in historic, cartoony, sci-fi, fantasy and realistic styles. I storyboard a lot of our features as well. It's the greatest job in the whole wide world! At home I enjoy life in Redondo Beach with my dear wife Marc and our English Bulldog Dynamite. 

- Standard question: How long have you been modeling and what was your first build scale model kit? 

Batman made me do it! I got that Aurora kit of the Caped Crusader for my birthday when I was six or seven- and was immediately hooked. My big brother Marty helped me glue it together and paint it- he was an expert car modeler at the time. He's now a sculptor at GM. I built tanks and dioramas as a teenager, thanks to those wonderful Shep Paine pamphlets in the Monogram kits of that era. In college I got hooked on balsa free-flight models, and stayed with them for twenty years. After we moved to LA in 2001 I switched to styrene. There's simply no room to fly, and too much wind from the sea. I sometimes miss the smell of balsa dust... 

- Your online builds really stand from the crowd. That's most probably because of those funny (and informational as well) cartoon style pictures, which are very unique - tell us more about the cartoons. 

I really fell in love with the online modeling community and wanted to contribute. My first posted work was just typed text and photos, but I can't type and hate to do it. I got a Cintique 21UX drawing tablet at work, and within a week I was so hooked I had to buy one for home. That meant I could simply write my captions on the screen, and readers seemed to like it. My little friends evolved from hand-drawn smiley faces, to simple chuk heads, to the curvy assistants I have today. Lil' Chuk was the sailor who guided my Helldiver build, and I thought long and hard about who would be featured on a Nazi plane feature. In the end it seemed that a good girl and a bad pfennig would be a nice balance, and the other characters grew naturally from it. The Kommandant is Lil' Chuk's evil twin- I never thought I'd use that cliche, but it is fun to play the villain! The art is really an excercise to learn to draw better directly on the screen. I've been getting faster and more accurate as a result, I like to think. 

- What do you like most about the scale modelling? Is it scratchbuilding, gathering information, painting, weathering, etc. ? How often do you model? 

My favorite part of the hobby is and has always been problem-solving. Figuring out the best way to replicate some complicated and beautiful shape or mechanism in the tiny scale of our models is endless fun for me- and so satisfying when it works. Painting and weathering are a close second- today's techniques amaze and delight me. Filling seams remains a chore- maybe someday I'll come to relish that as well, but don't hold your breath! ;D 

- How do you choose your next builds? Are all your models built involving scratchbuilding or are there OOB (out-of-box) as well? 

My wife will tell you that I'm a real nutcase when it comes to the next project. I have a rather daunting stash, andjust about every kit cries out to be built. Often it is the level of detail I can cram ionto a project that brings it to the fore, but often a kit's simplicity will plunk it down on the bench. AmTech's Huckbein won out for it's simple grace- but I still had to animate the flying surfaces and jazz up the cockpit a bit. I'm hopeless! My next build will be Planet Model's Ju 388- MPM gave me a vac canopy for the 410 and a choice of any kit from their catalog in exchange for me building it with Fritzi and Hannah. How could I turn down such a generous offer- and such a fabulous kit? 

- What's your favorite model and is there one? Are there models that you've started to build, but left unbuilt? How many scale models have you built already? 

I still have a soft spot in my head for my He111- it was the first scale model kit I built after more than twenty years, with all the new technologies- PE, Resin, etc. I'm tempted to build another! A few balsa models laguish on my shelves, along with a Marvel Incredible Hulk that just needs some paint. I try to keep just one project on the bench, but I'll be juggling a few in the coming year. I'm participating in the Well Done group build at the Tank s & Things forum, featuring a French well from Monroe Perdue as the common element. An armor build after thirty years? This ought to be fun! 

Cheers! 
chuk



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Here're some of the recent Chuck's builds and articles online:
Me 410- Promodeler plus kitchen sink

Helldiver, all out build!

Photo Phixes with Lil' Chuk!

Egg of the ApeDog!

FW190 A8 Tamiya's 1/48

Here's a little update of my Tamiya's 1/48 scale FW 190A-8. There're some details to be added, but the model is almost ready. But most of all I wanted to show that I build models too. :) Sometimes.

Please feel free to post your comments and critiques.

 

I also would like to thank JimMrr from Aeroscale for supplying me with fresh new canopy. The kit's canopy was ruined while experimenting with Klear - not far as good as Future Floor Mix... 

Thank you Jim! Without you this model would never be built.

Brad Cancian Interview

This is really special.. Here's Brad Cancian interview for Plastic Fever Blog. To see more built Brad's WW1 models visit his WW1 Modelling page here. Highly recommended! ;)

Hi Brad! Please tell our readers a little about yourself. What do you do besides modeling? :)

I am a currently serving Royal Australian Air Force engineering officer, which tends to keep me quite busy.  In my spare time, other than spending it with my lovely girlfriend (who is very tolerant of my modeling), I have recently finished studying for a masters degree in project management, and I like to spend time modeling, reading, exercising, producing my own electronic music, and playing music.

How long have you been modeling?

Like most of us I started quite young “helping” my dad put together his models.  I have been building by myself since I was 9 years old.  I did stop for a few years whilst at university, but picked it back up shortly after.  So all up, I have been modeling for around 14 years.

Do you remember your first model? What was it?

My first modeling experience was helping my dad out with building his models when I was a small child.  Eventually he bought me my first model once he got sick of me playing with and breaking his very nicely done car models!  I remember my first model quite well, as it was just after I had seen the movie “Top Gun” – it was a 1/144 scale F-14 tomcat.  I think my parents still have it somewhere. It took me an hour to glue together (no paint) and slap the decals on.  I remember playing with it for hours making lots of aeroplane noises….the bug well and truly hit and much saved pocket money went to my local hobby shop throughout the next few years!

What's your favourite part of the process? Weathering, rigging, painting, etc.

My favourite part is finishing a model and putting it into the display case, usually after weeks or months thinking about how I wanted it to look.  My next favourite part of the process would have to be researching the subjects, reading through books and looking at photographs, and conversing with fellow amateur historians and modellers.  I find that reading about the subjects and the people, and talking to others with similar interests to me, is most fascinating. 

In terms of construction, it is hard to say – each step provides its own individual joys. I do love scratch building details and the simple joy of painting and construction, however I must confess a soft spot for applying paint and decals.  It is here where you finally begin to have an appreciation for how the finished product is going to look, and can start envisioning how you really are going to weather the model to achieve the final desired finish.

What's the scale of choice and why? 1/72, 1/48..

Definitely 1/48 scale, though I do not mind building 1/72 or 1/32 occasionally.  I find 1/48 is big enough to include lots of detail, and big enough to actually detail a subject well and with a certain level of ease, but small enough to fit into my small display cabinet (and small enough to omit some details without anyone really noticing!).  I do have a soft spot for detailed 1/72 models as these just have a “wow” factor that always amazes me, but I am not quite good enough to master 1/72 just yet!

You're mostly famous for your WW1 aircraft models. Why do you prefer WW1 subjects?

Whilst I certainly do not think I am “famous” in any modeling sense, I suppose the subject of WW1 aircraft is my most recent love.  I have always been interested in WW1 and WW2 subjects (less so with jets), simply because there is a certain simplicity associated with the exploits of the young men who flew these flimsy craft into battle many years ago.  WW1 appeals to me more so because the aircraft were all so different, and the art of air warfare was literally being written day by day during this period of history.  The subjects are also visually very intricate and interesting – the aircraft were not sleek or aerodynamic – they had square wings, wires, and protrusions everywhere.  They were also very “natural”, often made of wood, some metal, and doped fabric, which produces unique textures and characteristics. They were also quite colourfully marked, notably French, Italian and of course German subjects – individuality was often encouraged in aircraft markings of this time (British aside!). I think it the combination of these factors that makes these aircraft so interesting for me and visually appealing for others.  Many think that these models are so much more difficult than others – the fact is, they are just like any other model – all you need is patience!

That all said, I do occasionally model interesting and unusual WW2 subjects.  For example, I have built a Japanese WW2 autogyro, and a German Messerschmitt Bf-109 V tail prototype, but to name a few.  I have also now tried my hand at armour for the first time, having recently built a Tamiya 1/35 SdKfz 222.  I would also love to get into some figure painting once my skills allow – so I am interested in trying something different every now and then!

Do you the particular built model that takes the special place in your heart? :)

 
There is no one model that really has a special place in my heart other than my very first, and my vague memories of the first models I used to help my father build.  More recently, the models that take a place somewhere in my heart are the ones where I have tried something and learnt something new for the first time, that is, the models where at some point I have said “wow” at something that I have achieved.  Some examples are my first panel line washed model, my first pre-shaded model, my first biplane, the first time I scratch built a whole cockpit and put an aftermarket detail set into a model, and the first time I experimented with wood grains and lozenge decals.  I usually like to try something different with each model, so every one tends to hold a small place in my heart somewhere.  This is probably why I haven’t sold any of my models despite a number of people asking.

How many models do you have in process? Do you also have a "shelf of doom"?

I like to try and restrict myself to one or two on the bench at one time; otherwise I would never get anything finished!  That said I do have around 6 or 7 models started that I have not worked on for a while.  I think the longest “started but not worked on for a while” model that I have has sat idle for around three years, but I will get back to it one day!  Usually a build will bog down for me once I have achieved a milestone, like finishing the cockpit of an aircraft model, but I have a long way left to go – the end is no where in sight - and another project takes my interest.  Either that or there is some critical part or detail that I need to scratch build or obtain a detail set or reference for, and the whole thing bogs down.  I think we all suffer these sorts of things with our modeling.  They key to get out of this rut is to tackle a quick and simple build, or just stay determined and focused on one or two models until they are done – most important is to relax and have some fun – it is a hobby after all!  

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I really would like to thank Brad personally for the interview and the photo of his model shelf. Thanks a lot, Brad! I really appreciate that.

New Eduard 1/48 Focke Wulf Fw 190D-9 + Other News & Plans for 2010

Big news today - Eduard has posted their January 2010 newsletter. There're lots of new kits and also other interesting stuff.

The most interesting to me is Eduard's 1/48 Focke Wulf Fw 190D-9 (Dora). Old Hasegawa's Fw 190D-9 1/72 scale kit was the first the model I've built and painted. Brush painted ;) I have also built Tamiya's 1/72 Fw 190D-9 in Papagei Staffel of JV44 markings (using brilliant EagleCals decals). I really like Dora's lines and design - it's slick yet agressive. So I'm really looking forward for this kit.

Here're Eduard 1/48 Fw 190 D-9 kit contents according to Eduard site:

Contents:

• 6 attractive Luftwaffe marking options

• Early flat and late bulged canopy (I guess it was also "Galland canopy")
  

• Color photo-etched details

• Express mask

• Machine gun hatch engineered for all know hatch variants

• Kit provides realistically engineered open landing wheel well roof with engine backside and other inner fuselage equipment inside

Marking Options:

• 5./JG 301, Bad Langensalza, Germany, May 1945

• Oblt. Hans Dortenmann, IV./JG 26, 1945

• Stab/JG 4, Frankfurt am Rhein-Main, April 1945

• I./EKG(J) or V./EJG 2, Pilsen, Czechoslovakia, May 1945

• Stab/JG 6, Prag – Rusin, Czechoslovakia, May 1945

• Oblt. Hans Dortenmann, I./JG 26, Spring 1945

I guess Eduard did a brillinat job with this one. I'm sure the kit will the same bestseller as their lines of 1/48 Fw190A. So the first kit to hit the shelves will be profipack - everything you'll need to build highly detailed (including engines section) model of Fw-190 D-9. Eduard did great job with the kit already preselling it - you can download model building instruction sheet.

Other Eduard's plans are impressive as well. We'll see from World War 1 biplanes like Albatros D.III OEFAG to modern era fighters like Mig-21.

What is more interesting and surpise is that Eduard is entering resin seats market with their brand new line - Brassin. As far as I understand - those will details sets combining resin and photoetch stuff:

Anyway, for more news and updates visit Eduard January 2010 newsletter here.

Some cool builds for your Christmas and New Year

Found some really great in-progress forum posts that will keep your "modelling fever" temperature high during holidays :)

The first one is from agiosdimitrios from theaerodrome.com WW1 aircraft modelling forum. It's particulary interesting because of some really great in-progress pics of how to build WW1 aircraft spoked wheels. This forum post also features some great photo manual of rigging.

Another one is 1/32 F-4D Phantom build by Daniel Zamarbide called "Midnight Cowboy" in 6 parts:

As usual for Daniel all his builds come as small tutorials where you can always learn something new. Highly recommended! ;)

Vector news

Sergey Kosachev (aka Vector) published pics of his new resin model kit - 1/48 scale Hs-126. Well, we can expect nothing but pleasant build, knowing that Vector is Tamigawa of resin kits in terms of easy builds. Here're pics published by Sergey:


Vector also started selling Gnome 9b "Monosoupape" 1/32 resin replacement engine.

Inspiration works

Here're some inspiration works for your Tuesday morning:



Hasegawa P-47D 1/32 by Jerry:



Just love that stressed skin effect! Very inspiring!

First Hasegawa's 1/48 Biplane?

That's something really unusual and interesting - Hasegawa's first 1/48 biplane - MITSUBISHI F1M2 TYPE ZERO OBSERVATION SEAPLANE (PETE) MODEL 11 (WWII Japanese Navy). I can't recall any other biplane 1/48 scale item fron the mentioned Japanese manufacturer. Subject model looks really unusual and frankly speaking I would love to have it in my collection.


What is also odd - Hasegawa's also announced photoecth set for this item with the following subject covered in the set:

"Rigging wire, instrument panel, oilcooler mesh, reinforcement plate of main float and the fin of 60kg bomb etc…"

Here're more subject pics from Hobbybuy.com:

Gustav G-10 in progress

Some pics of my 1/48 Hasegawa Bf-109G-10 in-progress pics. Resin MDC (I guess the master was made by Vincent K.) cockpit is in its place. Well, quite obvious the level of detailisation is higher than in original Hasegawa kit.

Both sides are already painted, but not yet weathered. I also have to decal instrument panel and prepair Revi gunsight.