| Image Comments |
| highace1 | 18-Feb-08 08:12 |
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| highace1 | 18-Feb-08 08:12 |
| Finally i was able to maiden my MM hellcat on the weekend after what seemed like an eternity. I decided to paint it like a Wildcat, mainly because i wasnt happy with the standard dark blue and wanted something i could put some detail into. I ended up using the outlines for the decals from the MM website and then hand painting them onto the model. |
| highace1 | 18-Feb-08 08:13 |
| The flight went really well, which i was surprised about. Havent had much luck with maidens recently. It took a few clicks of trim on all axis to get her flying hands off and when that happened a big smile appeared on my face. Being a lttile heavier than wanted (8.8oz stupid paint) she flew quite scale like with plenty of power from the "blue wonder". Loops were easy from level flight but rolls were kinda sluggish. She didnt want to roll all the way over for some reason, i think i need some more rudder, which is really effective btw.
I ended up flying about 8-10 mins on the first flight whcih turned out to be able 1/2 way throught the charge on the battery (2cell 800 20c). |
| SteveM | 18-Feb-08 11:26 |
| Molt Models says flying weight should be 8-9 oz. You're within the expected weight range despite the paint. What did you use for covering and paint? Not the typical SoLite covering I take it. Thanks for sharing your photos and information, I am planning to trying a MM plane some day. |
| moostang51 | 18-Feb-08 17:04 |
| Now that's some panel lines!! |
| RodN | 18-Feb-08 23:46 |
| Nice line work. Great to see a flying work of art!!! |
| highace1 | 19-Feb-08 07:23 |
| Flying work of art! WOW didnt expect that! Thanks!
I covered it with doculam and scuffed it up with some fine sandpaper to allow the paint to adhere. I then used 2 coats of simple craft acrylic to get a decent colour.
Too many panel lines maybe?
All i can say is that MM kits are awsome. I have built a Tantrum (some pics of hat on here as well), Switchback and the Hellcat. All very easy most importantly look great as well.
Thanks again for the comments
Ace |
| jgood | 19-Feb-08 07:35 |
| Do you know how much it weighed before covering, and/or painting? Any flying pics? It really does look super, much better than my shiny dark blue Hellcat! |
| highace1 | 19-Feb-08 18:01 |
| No im not sure of how much it weighed before i covered/painted. I did have the intention of measuring but forgot. Bugger!
I have only flown it once so far, waiting for the wind to calm down from gale force winds :-). If i can find a camera man i will put up some pics and some video on rcgroups. Cant wait to fly it again.
Ace |
| OLD A&P | 19-Feb-08 21:37 |
| Looks really nice , highace, good job! |
| poppy | 01-Mar-08 18:32 |
| Beautiful! Superb craftsmanship and I luv those lines. It flies as well, Super!!! |
| highace1 | 12-Mar-08 07:30 |
| Had a few flights on it now, all i can say is that im having a ball with this model. Loops, rolls, wing overs, strafing runs etc etc are all really good fun to try.
Would like to try a bit of weathering but not really sure how to go about it. Might try it on a 30inch Spitfire im building. Now that thing is going to rip! |
| Creosotewind | 12-Mar-08 10:24 |
| Since the weight of paint is a concern, I wonder if using something like Dr. Martin's Dyes would work? They don't have the pigment and binder that seems to add weight. They can be found at art supply stores. Similar to India Ink, but in a large range of colors. |
