Non G.I. Joe Horten Flying Wing HO-229 1/18 Scale

I already posted the completed version but some people were asking questions, so here is the WIP.
Resin kit in 1/18 scale (GI Joe size), I started by washing off all the parts with Comet.






This project got bumped for the 229... :(


Some filling, just minor pinholes for the most part, nothing to speak of for a kit of this complexity.


Dremmel mix up


The fit on this one exhaust is problematic, the other is perfect.


Painting the engines



Priming with self-etching primer.




Lots of bits!

The wing seams were real rough to fill. I really wish I would have spent more time fitting and aligning them. It would have saved me a ton of time and putty. I got the bare metal I plan on leaving behind the engines painted also.

Got the filling done, it is not perfect but will have to do:





Laid down the base coat:



It looks very green and glossy, but subsequent processes will take care of that. (Hopefully)

Masking camo:


Camo done:

I got the cockpit cage assembled and the dials decaled.

Painted. I just need to glass the dials and paint some details like the stick and seat cushion.

Got the bottom on and the cockpit and canopy installed.

OH THE HUMANITY!!!!!!
Then I noticed a huge crack in the filler on the wing. I am not sure if I flexed it by installing the screws on the bottom or when I pushed down to install the screws. Either way it made me sick!

The auto filler I use is not flexible, so I am going to try Milliput to attach and fill the wing at the same time!

I fixed the crack in the wing and got back to the build.

One change I wanted to make was to have the forward gear door attached to the wheel and split in the back like the models I have seen in my research. I really like the look of a number on the door.

Sawed up the landing bay door.


It took a lot of work to get the doors symmetrical.


I skinned over the front with thin styrene sheet.


I also got the bottom painted.


You can't tell from this picture but is is Grau.

I got the yellow nose painted and the gloss coat for decals down:


The decals did something I have never seen, they were quite cloudy underneath the clear areas. I got quite freaked out and started running all these worst case scenerios though my head.



After about 2 hours, I guess when they had dried completely, they were fine!

I used the Dubro hinges. It was tricky and I didn't do a very good job, I'm not sure it was worth the effort but I am glad the control surfaces do have some movement.


Top is pretty much done:


I am getting so close to being done with this beast, I am to that point where excitement has turned to resentment and I am just ready to be done!

Last update before I'm finished.

Did you post this in the RPF?

It turned out great!