This is the excellent Revell Seaking. I picked this kit as a break between
more challenging kits. I made very slight modifications to convert it from
and AEW.2 to the current ASAC.7--mostly antennae. I used sets from
Airwaves to improve the interior and exterior. Inspired by the PE tail
fold detail, I decided to take on folding the main rotors.
As usual, construction began in the cockpit. Airwaves PE also
provided the seat belts on the scratch built seats. The seats were simply
0.010' sheet styrene sides glued to form the buckets. Then 0.030' was
sanded with rounded edges to become the cushions. I didn't modify the crew
compartment seats, since they weren't very visible. Other than the
instrument panel, the seats, and seat belts, there really wasn't much more
required for the cockpit and crew compartment.
Before gluing the fuselage sides together, I separated the tail since I intended
to pose the model with the tail and main rotors folded. Since some of the
interior of the fuselage and tail structure would be visible through the fold, I
used styrene strip to simulate the stringers and formers. I also cut away
several of the plastic vents and replaced them with fine brass mesh.
Additionally, I drilled out the landing lights and then closed them with styrene
sheet--to be replaced later with MV lenses and Krystal Clear.
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With the fuselage together, I focused on the exterior details. I replaced
the kit's inflated radome with Airwaves' resin deflated dome. For the
distinctive intake filters, I again chose the Airwaves parts to replace those in
the kit. The Airwaves resin intake has includes finely detailed PE for the
filters. For the rotors, I cut away four of the rotors, adding detail with
styrene rod, strip, and sheet. I also used copper wire and solder to
simulate the complex hydraulics. Airwaves PE sets were used for the main
gear bays and several antennae.
Rather than use decals for the non-skid surfaces and the black exhaust area, I
masked with tape so that I could weather these areas through airbrushing.
I painted by hand mixing Tamiya acrylics. After several coats of
Future, I used decals from Model Alliance. Testors acrylic flat was used
to dull the finish. Stretched sprue forms the radio antenna on the port
side of the fuselage.
This is a
fantastic kit. Even without aftermarket parts, it would build into a fine
Seaking. With the fine Airwaves parts and the excellence of the basic kit
this was a really fun and relaxing build.
Thomas
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