Maddog Manufacturing's 2010 Factory Tour Updated 12/21!

[Mark Deliduka]

Hello everyone! I'm starting 2010 with this Factory Tour showing the first models I have started or will complete in 2010. A few of these were started last year and will be finished this year, possibly even this month. It's not a very auspicious start, but there is one surprise build that I won't post until it is finished.

 

Let's start with a couple of aircraft builds I began in 2009. These are my two Swedish jets that I finally have up on wheels and are just about ready for paint.

 

The Saab Draken:

 

 

The Saab Viggen:

 

 

I also decided to try and rebuild one of my stolen civilian planes that I was able to replace: The Beechcraft Bonanza V-35. Here she is about a quarter done:

 

 

I don't know how that crack got there, but it is already filled and sanded smooth.

 

I also started the Academy F-117 Stealth Fighter "Ghost of Baghdad" but only assembled the cockpit so far, so there's nothing worth shooting pics of. More on that one will come when I have some progress worth showing.

 

 

 

Now for my Armor models.

 

Last year, I started this ambulance alongside the Bedford 4tonne truck. The Bedford is done, so you can see which of these was the easier build. So far, I've done a little refining of the outside of this little truck, and will then work on the inside next:

 

 

Last year, (or was it two years ago?) I started this UM Models Su-122 Russian assault gun. I think it was two years ago actually. There were about 5 short-shot torsion bars so this one languished while I tried to decide what to do about it. Well, at my IPMS meeting, there was a guy selling another one of these same UM kits. I bought it off him for $5.00. Now I have been able to make progress on this model for the first time in forever:

 

 

 

Now for the armor models I started this year.

 

Since I was already building one UM kit, and had just finished another UM kit (The Su-1-12 Gun Truck) I figured I'd get a few more UM kits done because their boxes were all collapsing. Hence, my newest armor models for 2010: two Russian ZSU-37 self propelled AA guns. One of these is the 1943 version:

 

 

and the other is the 1944 version:

 

 

These have come along quite well. They are ready for paint and then the tracks.

 

And to wrap up this Factory Tour, I give you my Academy Ground Vehicle Set No. 10, a.k.a the M977 8x8 cargo Truck HEMMTT:

 

 

The cab, engine housing and bed are all just dry-fit on the chassis. I have a bit more to do before I attach them permanently. And it may appear that some of the wheels are floating, but I have checked them thoroughly on a glass-smooth surface so they all sit on the ground.

 

Well that completes my first Factory Tour of 2010 for Maddog Manufacturing! I hope you enjoyed it. Thanks all for coming. Comments are always welcome.

[ghodges]

"And he's off"!....to a roaring start too! Are the planes all 1/72 Duke!

 

GIL

[Mark Deliduka]

"And he's off"!....to a roaring start too! Are the planes all 1/72 Duke!

 

GIL

 

Thanks Gil! Yeah, the planes are all 1/72 scale. Unless it's a commissioned build, I only build in 1/72 scale.

 

Then again, I was challenged......

[philp]

Nice start Mark.

 

I am also working on the HEMTT kit for review and have just a little left to paint and then final assembly.

[ewahl]

For my FIRST EVER military vehicle model, I have the Italeri M-978 fuel tanker HEMTT in 1/35 under construction--it's at the painting stage. The 1/72 has very nice lines to it in comparison to its 1/35 cousin. I'll be interested in the paint scheme you choose.

 

I also have the M-977 in the box with aftermarket wheels and tires and the Eduard photoetch detail set. On this one I'm going to stick to the monotone sand color instead of the NATO 3-color camo scheme.

 

Ed

 

 

[Mark Deliduka]

Phil, thank you. I'll be watching for your review.

 

Ed, thank you too. Great to see you post here also. I plan on the NATO 3-tone camo pattern myself. Hopefully I'll be able to get there soon.

 

Thanks again for posting guys! I really appreciate the comments!

[Texas]

Looks like a great 2010 start for the factory. You are building some interresting models.

 

Texas

[Mark Deliduka]

Thanks Mike! I appreciate that. Thank you for posting.

[Weedeater]

And the Dukinator has turned on the steam, full ahead! These all are looking cool so far. As usual, your prolific building schedule is an inspiration to us all. In fact, I am going to be bold enough to challenge all DF members here to build (meaning finishing too) 1 model for every 3 that Mark completes. There is no way any of us will match your building prose. But with the right handicap, we MAY be able to keep up an even keel with ya. Model on, Brother of the Sprue!

[ewahl]

I am going to be bold enough to challenge all DF members here to build (meaning finishing too) 1 model for every 3 that Mark completes.

 

I need a bigger handicap. Make it 1 to 30 and I'm in.

 

Ed

[Mark Aldrich]

Ken,

Now that is BS. While the "Duke" cranks them out, and does a FINE job, he is working in braile scale! Those of us that build armor in the REAL scale are terribly handicapped! You should at least give us REAL treadheads a 1 to 10 handicap.

 

 

Mark

[Mark Deliduka]

And the Dukinator has turned on the steam, full ahead! These all are looking cool so far. As usual, your prolific building schedule is an inspiration to us all. In fact, I am going to be bold enough to challenge all DF members here to build (meaning finishing too) 1 model for every 3 that Mark completes. There is no way any of us will match your building prose. But with the right handicap, we MAY be able to keep up an even keel with ya. Model on, Brother of the Sprue!

 

Thanks Ken! I appreciate it. Nice idea to challenge others too. It would certainly increase the number of models shown here on the boards.

 

Ken,

Now that is BS. While the "Duke" cranks them out, and does a FINE job, he is working in braile scale! Those of us that build armor in the REAL scale are terribly handicapped! You should at least give us REAL treadheads a 1 to 10 handicap.

 

 

Mark

 

Now hold on a minute Mark my friend. I may build in Braille Scale armor but it is not the only thing I build! There are loads of large 1/72 scale aircraft and helicopters I also build. Furthermore, if the subject catches my fancy, I'll build something outside of Braille Scale that is considerably larger than Braille Scale armor. For instance, right now, I'm working on something that is smaller scale-wise, but is one of the larger models I've ever built. I'll pop that surprise later when it is done. I've also been challenged by my IPMS club president to build a 1/32 scale aircraft this year. As soon as the 1/32 scale Tigershark arrives from a fellow LEMur, I shall get started. I also have decided to build more of the larger aircraft and helicopters (some of which come close to the sophistication of a 1/35th scale armor model sans P/E) this year, so that may slow me down a bit.

 

However, if you'd like a more level playing field Mark, here's my challenge to you. You build one 1/35th scale armor model for every ten 1/72 scale armor models I build. Never mind the planes, helicopters, buildings, ships or anything else I may start. That means you need to complete 4 1/35th scale tanks as my average yield in Braille Scale Armor is 40-45 a year. Sometimes 50, so have a fifth one in the wings just in case.

 

Does that sound good? I'll also open this challenge up to anyone else who builds armor, or if you don't, yet want to accept Ken's challenge instead, I'll accept all takers!

 

Guys, thanks for all the great comments!

[philp]

I think that is too generous Mark. The average 72nd scale armor is about half the size of it's 35th scale counterpark. And with the newer kits, some of the 72nd scale kits seem to have just as many parts (which my fat fingers find very annoying). So, a 2 for 1 ratio should be enough for most but I can see you giving up to a 5 to 1 ratio. I know some guys who can put out 10 detailed 35th scale pieces a year. We have one guy in our club who used to bring in 3-8 pieces a month.

 

[Weedeater]

- Now hold on just a cotton-plastic-pickin minute.......I'm gettin all confused. Mark wants a 1 to 10 handicap....but Mark thinks a 1 to 4 handicap should do. Or was that Mark wants 1 to 4 but Mark thinks 1 to 10.....or was that 1 to 5....or 1 to.....awwwwwww nevermind.

- Before we settle this build ratio thingie that I started up, we gotta figure out a code for which Mark is which. Mark 1 and Mark 2, or Mark A. and Mark D. And for you British chaps, Mk. IA and Mk. IID. Teh, heeee, hee. Model on, Brothers of the Sprue.

[Mark Aldrich]

Hey....I resemble that last remark. I suggest "Duke" and Mark (me)! Now one to five is still hard but I am up for the challenge. I have one finished. The JSU-152 and workling on a Secret project that I cannot unveil until the Seattle show. The Duke will see it so he knows I am not cheating. I don't think he will be making the Seattle show so he won't be able to copy me.

 

Phillip,

We have a couple that do that also, I just can't. If I manage 5 or 6 a year, I feel like I accomplished something. I try to keep track of what I have built, but this will assisst in that.

 

 

Mark

[Mark Deliduka]

Phil, I sure know what you're talking about! Sometimes I'm amazed myself at how much extra detail parts Dragon and some others put into my favorite armor scale!

 

Ken, I think me being "the Duke", or "Duke" and Mark Aldritch being Mark is fine. That is the best way to keep track of who's who.

 

Mark, if you'd like to accept a 5-1 challenge, that's fine by me. And I shall keep your Seattle project a secret so that others won't know until you want them too. Thank you. Although I do trust you. You are a model builder after all. I still may copy you in small scale.... after the Seattle show!

 

 

 

Meanwhile, feel free everyone to check out my latest work.

 

Well, today was a rainy day and so I decided to get a few more of my models up to the painting stage along with half of the previous ones posted. After that, I went ahead and started a few more models too. I'll post the models I've been working on first, then show the ones I started today.

 

To start with, for those not following it; here is the Dragon 1/72 scale Su-100 I'm building for the Anti-Tank Vehicle Group Build on the LEM.

 

I managed to get all the P/E on this model that I was going to use. Some of it is a bit too small for me to mess with.

 

Here it is showing all the P/E work:

 

 

After this dried a bit, I added all the final detail parts. All I have left to do is drill out the holes in the idler wheels before installing them. Then this bad boy will be ready for paint:

 

 

Here's a shot from above showing all the P/E work on the deck:

 

 

 

Next, I got my HEMMTT all assembled and ready for paint. The blue stuff on the windows is the liquid mask I applied. The crane in back is not quite fastened down yet, that is why it is crooked in this pic:

 

 

 

Now, I did mention that I'd started the F-117 Stealth fighter but didn't have enough progress worth showing. Now I do:

 

 

I'll be masking the windows, wheel and weapons bays and shooting it black.

 

Next, I got my Beechcraft Bonanza all ready for paint as well. This one will be white. The blue stuff on the windows is liquid mask again:

 

 

 

 

 

Now for the models I started today. First the aircraft.

 

I started a Japanese version of the Sea Knight who's box had been crushed. I got the clear parts installed on the side of the fuselage halves and assembled the cockpit and interior which is shown here:

 

 

 

 

Next up.....and I can't believe I'm saying this...... I started the Maquette C-73 cargo transport. Man, is this a dog of a kit! This is another one of those 'assemble it and then carve the model out of the resultant block of plastic' kit. They didn't give me enough clear parts to fill in the windows! The windows themselves were so full of thick flash that I had to carve them open with a fresh Exacto blade. That is why they don't look all that even or consistent. I'm also using some Testor's Clear Parts glue to fill in the windows. That is why they look opaque now. Here is what I have assembled so far:

 

 

This shot is to give you an idea of how horrible the molding is on this model:

 

 

I swear this thing reminds me of a poorly poured resin kit! If it weren't for the fact that regular plastic cement works on it, I'd swear it WAS resin!

 

On to something simpler now. This is my Airfix 1/76 scale Matilda with the Spigot mortars on the tail end. I got everything assembled except the main hull since I have to add the tracks first before I close this up:

 

 

Well, that's where I am now. Thanks all for looking, comments are welcome.

[VonL]

Go git'em Duke! Dig the HEMMTT (I want one) and the Stratocruiser kluge (a truly heroic endeavor - more power to ya). Keep us posted.

[Mark Deliduka]

Thanks Bob! That HEMMTT is actually a fun little build. Once I get it done, I'll have completed every 1/72 scale "Ground Vehicle Set" offered by Academy. Ten in all.

 

Stay tuned for more!

[philp]

Looks good Mark. How did you handle all the ejector marks in the bed walls?

[Mark Aldrich]

Got the first build of the new year done. Check out the reviews......it's the JSU-152!

 

 

Mark

[RobMorales]

My hats off to you, Duke! That's more building in a few weeks than I got done all last year!

BTW I have a soft spot for general aviation kits, love the Bonanza

[Mark Deliduka]

Looks good Mark. How did you handle all the ejector marks in the bed walls?

 

Thanks Phil! First I sanded them down a bit then applied some Mr. Surfacer 500 to the inside and sanded again. That took care of them pretty well.

 

My hats off to you, Duke! That's more building in a few weeks than I got done all last year!

BTW I have a soft spot for general aviation kits, love the Bonanza

 

Thank Rob! I was able to marathon some of these due to the week of rain we had. I love General Aviation models too. I have a civilian version of the Skymaster I''ll be starting soon I hope. Stay tuned!

[Mark Deliduka]

Hey everyone! New updates to show!

 

Well, I got a little bit more done on my C-75 cargo plane. This first pic shows just about how bad the seams were when I cemented the fuselage together:

 

 

It was actually worse; this was taken after I'd shaved off the extra lip for the offset joint. Man, what a mess!

 

Here it is after about four hours of sanding:

 

 

I know it's tough to see but it is a smooth as a baby's bottom in this pic.

 

Here it is with the windows refilled, (they keep sinking in) and the main cockpit windscreen on:

 

 

Usually by this time I have the wings and tail on, and maybe even the landing gear installed! Man this puppy is tough!

 

 

 

 

Moving on to my armor, it seems I was too quick on the draw with the basecoats.

 

The two ZSU-37's needed a couple of little brass fender braces so I added them here:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That white thing is the light shining off an unpainted fender box that was also installed after the basecoat.

 

On my Su-100 in the Anti-Tank Group Build, I had to add a couple things; most notably the two idler wheels. I also added some Mr. Surfacer 500 to some gaps in the area behind the main superstructure:

 

 

 

 

And finally, on my Su-122, I left off a whole mess of things!! Everything I added after the basecoat is in a lighter green or in metal here:

 

 

 

You can see I also added some Mr. Surfacer 500 to the top of the gun mount to smooth things out better and eliminate the seam that was there. Now I can re-shoot all these vehicles.

 

Oh, and I also added the camo pattern to my Ambulance:

 

 

 

 

Now all I have to do is detail out the interior a bit, and then paint the outer windows that I was too lazy to cut out and fill with clear parts. When all that's done, it'll be ready for decals.

 

Well, that's about all I have to show for now. It's supposed to rain Friday and Saturday so I should get alot more done then. Thanks all for looking and comments are welcome.

[Mark Deliduka]

Hmm, no replies yet eh? Okay well, I'll just continue posting my progress anyway.

 

Today it was raining again so I took some time to build some models. I didn't get as much done on other models as I wanted to because of all the sanding I was doing to my C-75 but I finally have the wings and tail on it now, and the windows have all been sanded smooth so far.

 

Check it out::

 

 

 

There's still a gap there at the wing root. Already got it filled with CA glue. Gonna sand it later.

 

I started the camo pattern on my HEMMTT too. But I haven't got the black color so it's time to go shopping for paint:

 

 

 

 

And finally, I was given an instrument panel for my F-106 Delta Dart that I'm building for a friend. I took some time to get it painted:

 

 

 

Oh, and on the the Anti Tank Group Build on the LEM, I was finishing up my Su-100 when suddenly, Hans Rudel struck:

 

 

In actuality, the tracks were too tight and so the idler wheels and one of the first roadwheels on one side broke off as I was weathering it. This pic shows where I used the Tenax-7 to 'weld' them back on with some reinforcement so hopefully I'll have this finished tomorrow.

 

Thanks all for looking, comments are welcome.

[RobMorales]

Hmm, no replies yet eh? Okay well, I'll just continue posting my progress anyway.

 

 

Oh, and on the the Anti Tank Group Build on the LEM, I was finishing up my Su-100 when suddenly, Hans Rudel struck:

 

 

In actuality, the tracks were too tight and so the idler wheels and one of the first roadwheels on one side broke off as I was weathering it. This pic shows where I used the Tenax-7 to 'weld' them back on with some reinforcement so hopefully I'll have this finished tomorrow.

 

Thanks all for looking, comments are welcome.

 

 

AHHH!!! I HATE it when that happens!