Ratch Posted April 8, 2015 Share Posted April 8, 2015 Illustrious is an impressive 209m long, with a beam of 36m and a displacement of 22,000 tonnes. She has 1400 compartments and 15 lifts, and is powered by 4 Gas Turbines Olympus engines (a marinised version of Concorde`s), giving her a top speed in excess of 30 knots. She has a full complement of over 1000 people, and can opate with a range of both rotary and fixed wing aircraft from the Harrier GR9 to troop- carrying Chinooks. This collection comes with extra unique information supplied exclusively by the Royal Navy. (This Gift set will include paints, brushes and glue). This is Airfix’s first venture into 1/350 scale ship models.This was the biggest three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle I’ve ever attempted. I was given the task of building this ship before the instruction sheet was available, and although I’ve built a good many Airfix ships over the years, tackling this was rather daunting. I shall do my best to relate the process I devised to construct her, although my limited knowledge of maritime terminology might be severely exposed. Initially I looked on the Internet for suitable references.http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1312/4776356/16311893/377601637.jpghttp://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1312/4776356/16311893/377601636.jpghttp://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1312/4776356/16311893/377601621.jpghttp://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1312/4776356/16311893/377601635.jpghttp://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1312/4776356/16311893/377601633.jpgConstruction began with the cementing of the base (A5, C4 & C5), as this would be useful to stand the ship on as the build progressed. In turn, the starboard hull (A15), port hull (A1) and stern plate (A14) were glued to the keel (C3). I like to use Humbrol Precision Poly in the main and also use Liquid Poly to seal any gaps.http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1312/4776356/22392713/377601631.jpghttp://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1312/4776356/22392713/377601630.jpgTo me this doesn't look right and I would smmothe it by sanding or filling to get a smooth contour :idea: The lower deck (B1) was then cemented into the hull and painted.http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1312/4776356/22392713/377601628.jpgI added the aprons to the port side and then the stern and starboard aft sections.The next task involved working out the seaward compartments. These are individually designed and cannot be fitted incorrectly, although I was confused by their contents. I decided to position the rigid inflatable boats on the moulded chocks within these compartments.http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1312/4776356/22392713/377601629.jpgI constructed as many sub-assemblies as possible in a process of elimination to discover the small parts required to complete the seaward compartments.http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1312/4776356/22392713/377601626.jpghttp://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1312/4776356/22392713/377601624.jpgThe flight deck was painted in the lighter shade of grey and masking tape was used to define the stripe running the length of the deck.http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1312/4776356/22392713/377601622.jpgI used a ruling pen to mark the white lines on the flight deck. The main superstructure goes together well with a little cleaning up, mostly sanding smooth the excess plastic after the part has been clipped from the sprue gate. Assembly was interspersed with painting and research. The inclusion of lift levers makes it possible to position the lifts in any of five positions; fully up, flush with the deck to fully lowered with three other positions in between. All this preliminary painting was done by brush; four coats in the case of the hull. The boot topping was taped before painting.http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1312/4776356/22392713/377601641.jpgAs previously stated, I’d started before assembly instructions or colour call-outs were available. These reached me some way into the build and wherever possible I repainted to conform to the Airfix instructions; it was only inaccessible areas that could not be rectified. Some of my choices matched the instructions; others were used as a primer or undercoat.http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1312/4776356/22392713/377601640.jpghttp://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1312/4776356/22392713/377601639.jpghttp://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1312/4776356/22392713/377602978.jpgStudying the instruction sheet revealed that whilst I’d progressed in a different order, I had identified the components correctly in their location. I used various clamps to prevent misalignment between the flight deck and the hull. There then followed a series of airbrushing sessions, re-laying down the base colours. I would advise that the stabilisers (95D – 98D) are not fitted until after the boot topping has been completed.http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1312/4776356/22392713/377602983.jpgWith the hull essentially complete, my attention turned to the superstructure. I had airbrushed the basic colour when spraying the hull and continued fitting the various aerials and radar equipment before brush painting these additions, and then the black and white parts. The instructions call for the ships boats to be suspended from the davits; I chose Aeroclub Rigging Thread for the cables on these and for the crane cable. In the absence of decals, I crudely marked out the flight deck using ‘Inscribe’ coloured pencils. The various aircraft and ancillary vehicles were cemented to the deck.http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1312/4776356/22392713/377602982.jpghttp://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1312/4776356/22392713/377602988.jpgTo conclude and summarise; the kit has been a pleasure to build. The tooling is crisp and the components are well designed. The instructions are clear and well thought out, the experienced shipbuilders will each have their own preferred build method, but the sequence illustrated will not be far from the mark. The first Airfix 1/350 ship is one they can be proud of and will prove an irresistible temptation for many.http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1312/4776356/10047679/377602987.jpghttp://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1312/4776356/10047679/377602986.jpghttp://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1312/4776356/10047679/377602984.jpghttp://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1312/4776356/10047679/377602981.jpghttp://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1312/4776356/10047679/377602980.jpghttp://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1312/4776356/10047679/377602979.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
X Wing Flyboy Posted May 8, 2015 Share Posted May 8, 2015 An impressive build there mate, will done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IllustriousTom Posted October 30, 2015 Share Posted October 30, 2015 I am new to this and am thinking about buying this ship. I wondered what paint do you guys use, do you use the paint supplied in the kit of buy separately.malso do you undercoat it if so with what and what brushes to use. Sorry for all the questions I am very new to modelling cheers Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratch Posted October 31, 2015 Author Share Posted October 31, 2015 I built this six years ago and can't recall which brushes I used, and I don't think I undercoated. All I can say is that I used brushes suitable for the task in hand - wide flat brushes for the big areas and small pointy ones for the detail. I may have used an airbrush - read through the opening post. This was a pre-release sample I was given to build. I had no instructions, so I don't know what colour call-outs are given, but I used...Hu: 7 Gloss Light Buff = lower deckHu: 127 Satin US Ghost Grey = interior bulwarks of lower deck, hoists, winch, hull, superstructureHu: 123 Satin Extra Dark Sea Grey = skirtingHu: 21 Gloss Black = gas cylinders, aircraft windows, vehicle windows, Admiral’s launch portholesHu: 64 Matt Light Grey = fences, Admiral’s launch, gun platform, forward capstan deckHu: 19 Gloss Bright Red = fire hose reels, gas cylinders, rotor stripesHu: 32 Matt Dark Grey = rigid inflatable boat, Merlin panelsHu: 69 Gloss Yellow = recovery crane truckHu: 167 Satin RAF Barley Grey = aircraftHu: 28 Matt Camouflage Grey = rigid inflatable boat, ship’s gunsHu: 27 Matt Sea Grey = rigid inflatable boat, rotors, flight deck stripHu: 34 Matt White = rotor tipsHu: 64 Matt Light Grey = flight deckHu: 11 Metallic Silver Fox = aircraft canopies, searchlight lensHu: 67 Matt Tank Grey = tyresHu: 48 Gloss Mediterranean Blue = low-viz markingsHu: 200 Gloss Pink = low-viz markingsHu: 55 Metallic Bronze = propellersHu: 130 Satin White = split platform, radar domesHu: 82 Matt Orange Lining = life raftsHu: 70 Matt Brick Red = below the waterlineHu: 33 Matt Black = boot toppingHu: 16 Metallic Gold = jack staffsHu: 163 Satin Dark Green = tow trucks, tow bars Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oliver Hyett Posted November 29, 2015 Share Posted November 29, 2015 hi is there a pe sheet with the kit these days or can you get it from somewere else as i saw a build using one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratch Posted December 15, 2015 Author Share Posted December 15, 2015 If you saw a build using PE then PE must be available from somewhere or other. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Norton1707820138 Posted December 16, 2015 Share Posted December 16, 2015 hi is there a pe sheet with the kit these days or can you get it from somewere else as i saw a build using oneEduard and White Ensign models both do photoetch sets...... for about twice waht the kit costs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
william_parker1 Posted December 18, 2015 Share Posted December 18, 2015 HI TO ALL AND A MERRY CHRISTMAS I HAVE JUST STARTED BUILDING THE HMS ILLUSTRIOUS AND I TOO WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE 1/350 SCALE I HAVE NOT HAD MUCH LUCK WITH AIRBRUSHES SO WILL CAN SPRAY AND HAND PAINT SMALLER PARTS WILL TRY TO TAKE PIC ALONG THE WAY ...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratch Posted December 18, 2015 Author Share Posted December 18, 2015 Hi William, please don't shout. We can all read lower case too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oliver Hyett Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 .what? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oliver Hyett Posted December 26, 2015 Share Posted December 26, 2015 hi is there any tips on making the perfect lusty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratch Posted December 26, 2015 Author Share Posted December 26, 2015 I've never made any perfect model and the day I do will be the day I pack up modelling because there will be nothing left to achieve. We all strive to make our next model a bit better than or last. We see imperfections in our own builds that the casual observer often misses, but to us they stand out like a sore thumb. Just take your time and think through sub-assemblies and dry fit them before introducing glue or paint. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oliver Hyett Posted December 31, 2015 Share Posted December 31, 2015 what i mean is are there any tips on making one that doesnt look like a pile of bent plastic with paint doloped on it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oliver Hyett Posted December 31, 2015 Share Posted December 31, 2015 hi guysdoes anyone know where i can get some more harriers for lusty as airfix have only supplyed 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratch Posted December 31, 2015 Author Share Posted December 31, 2015 Airfix sell an Air Wing for Illustrious under code AH0022 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oliver Hyett Posted January 3, 2016 Share Posted January 3, 2016 they dont sell them on the website anymore,but,i have found trumpeter do 1/350 harriers in boxes of 6same with sea kings Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratch Posted January 3, 2016 Author Share Posted January 3, 2016 There are other outlets Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oliver Hyett Posted January 23, 2016 Share Posted January 23, 2016 how thick is the black waterline on the hull? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratch Posted January 23, 2016 Author Share Posted January 23, 2016 I don't know. The last time I saw the model it was in the showroom at Margate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratch Posted February 5, 2016 Author Share Posted February 5, 2016 What is going on with this kit. The catalogue and Yearbook list it as A14201 yet this site says that code doesn't exist. The books say its available now yet even the A50059 Gift Set is out of stock. Is there a projected release date for the A14201 boxing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elliot02103 Posted March 29, 2020 Share Posted March 29, 2020 hi i have got the hms illustriuos model kit and i have looked on the website for it and it doesnt appear to be on there does anyone happen to know what colour numbers are required for this model as i need to order them in enamel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratch Posted March 29, 2020 Author Share Posted March 29, 2020 I posted a review build on here when the kit first came out. I built a pre-release sample. Have a look for that - way back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratch Posted March 29, 2020 Author Share Posted March 29, 2020 I built this before the instructions were printed, so the colours I used were my best guesses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peebeep Posted March 29, 2020 Share Posted March 29, 2020 There is no list of colours, but the basic colours are on the paint guide and detail colours within the instructions, they are the numbers with pointers that are not encircled. If for any reason you don't have the instructions you can download them here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratch Posted March 29, 2020 Author Share Posted March 29, 2020 27 - 33 - 54 - 64 - 70 - 127 - 163 - 165 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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