A few
years ago I survived my encounter with the ICM Tupolev TB-3 kit that I converted
to a civil version (known generically as G-2):
http://www.arcair.com/Gal5/4501-4600/gal4561_TupolevTB-3_Stern/00.shtm
Since
then three things happened:
1) I became more proficient making my own decals.
2) I gathered a bit more references on the type
3) The TB-3 model –a huge model with some serious mass- suffered a panne and
was smashed.
Considering all of the above I decided to “update” the model, although I
usually don’t particularly like to dwell on the past, and pretty much leave
the models alone once built.
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images below to see larger images
The tasks at
hand were:
1) To remove the old –and therefore absolutely fused on the surface-
decals.
2) To design and print new (correct font) ones adding some lettering
missed before.
3) To build new skis according to better references (wider and
wood-colored)
4) To partially re-rig the model’s wires in a darker-colored filament (I
had used silver-colored ones which couldn’t be told apart from the model
background).
5) To remove the cover of the cockpit area and make a new one, a bit more
accurate -shallower among a few other things-.
As you
well know removing old decals can be challenging, more so if the surface
of the model is finely corrugated. In the process –and although I
don’t consider myself clumsier than a Malabama Swamp Monster- I managed
to knock off the four engines, the tail ski (yes, ski, not skid), the
ailerons, the rudder and a few other miscellaneous bits.
The
new skis were carved from basswood, painted and varnished, and then a
“metal” strip was added to emulate the original. A pedestal for the
axles was then glued.
The
new decals were applied, a task always a bit tricky on a corrugated
surface. After I took all the photos I realized that I didn’t apply the
AEROFLOT decals (in Cyrillic naturally). Those were added after the photo
session (no way I was going to handle the beast again for another
session).
Then
all the detached parts and small parts that were knocked-off during
repairs had to be put back in place, carefully since the massive model
requires attentive manipulation.
Under
proper Aeroflot management, and now a bit more accurate thanks to the
“accident”, this dinosaur from another era is ready again for some serious
load transport on the white expanses of Mother Russia.
Gabriel Stern
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images below to see larger images
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