1/35 Miniart AEC Mk.II blog - update 3 and some news

Hello guys, I had some health issues and was forced to make a break from modelling. Now that I'm back I hope there will be more updates regarding my builds and the sprue cutters union. I also have an update regarding the S13 Silvia from the last post but that will be posted in a day or two. It has been brought to me to make a Facebook page and I've done so. If you like my work and have a profile on Facebook feel free to like my new page, here's the link ; Sven Harjacek Models on Facebook . New pictures will come up more often than on here. The AEC Mk.II was in this condition before I got hospitalized ;

I decided to paint the chassis parts before installing the engine and other pieces that will be painted in various metal shades and weather it all together. While waiting for the paint to arrive I made the engine. It's a really pleasant build that took around an hour to make. There are no paint instructions for the engine unfortunately so I'll have to do some research again.

That would be it for the AEC, here's a little sneak peak of what's cooking with the Silvia;

Hope you like it! 

Kind regards, Sven.

1/24 Aoshima Nissan Silvia S13

After a long time, I decided to build another car model. I actually started as a car modeler but inspiration for planes/tanks struck me and I kept that direction until now. As my comeback project I chose this sweet Aoshima kit. I searched for some pictures online and found this awesome S13 which will be my main inspiration. I'll swap the kit supplied RB20 with a stronger and newer RB26 ( I have a metal version produced by a guy who used nickname GIONC on many car forums, I can't remember the company name). The only problem is that it one didn't come with a transmission, that's why I'm considering the resin Hobbydesign one. Anyways, here's what I've done so far.

Hope you like it, expect new updates soon.

Kind regards, Sven.

Crna Kraljica modeling show pictures - Part 4

I'm currently preparing an update on the AEC Mk.II which will hopefully be ready by end of the week. Until then here's another and last set of wonderful models from the Crna Kraljica show;

Hope you like my selection, I really enjoyed looking at such great models!

Kind regards, Sven. 

Sprue Cutters Union #14: The Worst Part Is...

I can say that I really enjoy this hobby, after all why would I waste my time on it if I don't enjoy it? However every good and enjoyable thing has a down side or a boring part that must be done in order to have more fun with other enjoyable parts. The parts I don't really enjoy are taking care of the seams, decaling ( even though I enjoy the view after decals are positioned) and gluing parts with cyanoacrylate glue. I'm doing my best to improve these areas and start to enjoy them ( but IMO I'll never be able to enjoy sanding and filling seams). Decaling isn't a boring, but a difficult task for me. It has been so because I've never managed to really get the painted on look and get frustrated by that. I try to paint as much markings as possible (especially the bigger surfaces) to avoid those frustrations and enjoy the hobby. I'll use this picture of my recent build to describe what am I talking about.

I painted the bigger surfaces that were supplied as decals with some masking and acrylic paint before applying other decals ( black anti-glare surface in front of the windscreen and white rudder ). While I used decals for the roundels and numbers. Silvering isn't a problem, but making the decal confront to surface and enter the panels is hard. I use both Micro Set and Sol but can't achieve the painted on look. So if someone has any suggestions or tips they are more than welcome to share them. I've managed to learn some new tricks regarding CA gluing and It's a less frustrating experience now. I'm still learning new stuff and improving so these processes become as enjoyable as possible.

Other Union member posts on this topic ;

The Eternal Wargamer

Yet another plastic modeller

Fill'n Sand

That's all, hope you enjoyed it.

Kind regards, Sven.

Crna Kraljica modeling show pictures - Part 3

Still no updates from the bench, I have a lot of work for school and all of my modelling time is spent on review items. Here is the third set of picture from the Crna Kraljica show ;

Hope you like the pictures!

Sprue Cutters Union #13: Preparation

I've decided to join The Sprue Cutters Union ran by Jon at The Combat Workshop since I really like the concept ( If you are interested in reading what the Sprue Cutters Union is exactly just follow the first link).

This week's topic is preparation before starting a new model. I have only begun with some rituals in recent times, before I would just open the box and start building without any preparation. That was a major problem since I ran out of will and inspiration for the build. I've decided to try and set my goals for each new model, it doesn't have to be anything big, just to try out new techniques and have fun. ( Which many modelers seem to miss, this is a hobby that should relax you and make you feel good about your accomplishments and not frustrated and mad). I also tend to search for some references for each build, whether I plan an OOB or go crazy with aftermarket parts and detail. There are always small fixes that can make you build look better. Anything that will boost my inspiration is also welcome ( be it a movie or some cool photos of the subjects). Washing and preparing parts is also a very good habit and helps you avoid later problems with the painting process.

I somehow forgot to include this in the original post so I'm adding it now, Here are the link to posts of other Union's members regarding this topic;

Fill'n Sand

Kermit's Bench

Martin's Bench Corner

Jay's Scale Model Adventures

Motorsport Modeller

That would be it for my first entry in the Sprue Cutters Union, I'll try to write a little longer post with some pictures next time. Kind regards and best wishes, Sven. 

Crna Kraljica modeling show pictures - Part 2

Here's the second set of pictures from Crna Kraljica ;

Hope you enjoyed these pictures, Sven.

Crna Kraljica modeling show pictures - Part 1

Hello everyone, I haven't got any updates regarding my WIP's so here are a couple photos from last month's show. I tried to mix and match different models and you can expect the next set of pictures during the weekend.

Hope you enjoyed these pictures, Kind regards Sven.

1/35 Miniart AEC Mk.II blog - update 2

Here's the next update, sorry for not making an update earlier but I'm really busy with school.

Last Saturday I attended a local modelling show and won 3 medals for my 1/48 P-51D, 1/72 A6M2b Zero and Su-100 ( one gold and two bronze medals). I'll have to edit some pictures and they should be in the next blog update, now back to the 1/35 Miniart AEC Mk.II;

   I decided to paint what Iv'e constructed so far, usually I would wait until I have assembled all of the interior parts but with the little time for modelling I decided to go this way. First I masked of the glue mating areas so I don't have to scrape off paint later in order to glue them. I cleaned the surfaces with some alcohol ( especially the photo etched parts) and started to apply Vallejo white with my airbrush ( I decided to use no primer, since the one I had was darker than the original plastic and there won't be a lot of touching the paint so I hope it will stay on). After 5 hours of drying I decided to add the gloss coat so I can start with the weathering. My gloss coat of choice is the Alclad aqua gloss which is perfect for this. I let it dry overnight and started with the weathering.

  I'm not sure If this is only my problem, but I had hard time finding inspiration how to weather white surfaces. I went online and just searched for some old white vans and trucks. The process was started with a home made filter and AK Interactive's interior streaking. It was applied as a filter and then removed with a brush dampened in white spirit until I was happy with how it turned out. I didn't want to weather it too much, just as a vehicle that has been used by the crew for some time. Next came washes, I used AK Interactive's dark brown and interior wash ( first I applied interior wash to all details and later dark brown was applied to the parts I wanted to make more noticeable). After everything dried for around 10 hours I started with detail painting as per instructions. I chose Lifecolor US tank brown for the cushions and Vallejo black for the shells and steering wheel. In the end I drybrushed everything with a lighter tone of the color.

Thanks to AK Interactive and Miniart for the samples.

Kind regards, Sven.

1/48 Tamiya P-51D Mustang in IAF service finished!

Hi Guys, I managed to finish this one today in preparation for next weekends Crna Kraljica show here in Zagreb. I first wanted to make the first Israeli Mustang with nickname "Zulu", but the decal for red & white stripes on the rudder broke in pieces while attempting to apply it. I ended up making this one from the 101st squadron. I used resin flaps, wheels, gear bay covers, seat and Eduard interior PE. I wasn't that satisfied with Sky's decals as I've mentioned some decals fell apart. This was my first try on NMF with Alclad and I'm not very happy with the end result, but hope my next try will be better. The model was a real charm to build and I would recommend it to everyone!

I will post more photos after the show, hope you enjoyed the pictures.

Kind regards, Sven.

Back to the workbench!

Hey Guys, Summer holidays have come to an end and I'm back home working on my models. There are quite a few updates and notes that I'd like to share with you. So let's start, there was a model show here in Zagreb late may. I decided to enter three of my models ( 1/72 Airfix Zero, 1/48 Tamiya Gaz-67B and 1/35 Tamiya T-55 in Syrian colors). I was very lucky and all models won a medal, Zero won Gold in Juniors 1/72 and smaller aircraft, T-55 won Gold in juniors AFV category and Gaz won Bronze in the same category.

Next on was the SMA big Spring contest where I got 8th place for my Zero and first place in juniors for the same model, you can check the full results and stats here . I was awarded by Biskup miniatures , Spud and Great Wall Models via Guido Hopp many thanks to all of you !!

Ok, let's get to new projects. Currently in progress is the 1/35 Miniart AEC Mk.II which I got as a sample to make a build review for Armorama on Kitmaker Network. ( The Mustang is still WIP, but I'm waiting for some tools before proceeding to Paint which will be my first try on NMF on a model, can't wait!). Here are some pictures of the AEC, if you are interested in reading some tips and tricks visit my build log on armorama site here .

Hope you enjoyed the pictures!

During my vacation, I visited two very cool cities, Vienna and Zurich and managed to find very well stocked hobby shops in both. If you ever find time I would strongly recommend to visit both, not just because of hobby shops but their general look and great people.  In Vienna I got myself a rather nice 1/35 M1 Israeli Sherman by Tamiya and some styrene shapes. Apart from that, I managed to get the new 1/35 T-90 by Meng which is an amazing model.

I also received some samples by AK interactive thanks to Jim Starkweather to try out and use on my AEC Mk.II build, thanks to both!

That's all I have for now, hope you had a pleasant read!

Kind regards, Sven.