707boeing

Hi friends,
I wanted to show you the results of a huge restoration project. This BA 747-100 Cutaway was acquired from Mark in WPG a couple of months ago. This is kind of long and meant for those that like to restore models and not just collect them. I am only posting this to pass on some ideas on your future restoration(s) and it isn’t meant as a bragging story………..I think the important part in undertaking a project like this is to set up objectives, have a good plan, making sure it can be achieved, and sticking to it.
PS: I will post the pictures in 3 different lots, whith the file name on each telling what the picture is about. (I left (forgot) my stand in Nanaimo (150kms away from me) so I used a book to prop it up for pictures)

Project objective: To repair and restore the model, but at the same time make it look as if it was never restored. Meaning: after restoration the model must still look 40 years old.

Results: I strongly believe that the objective(s) were achieved.
I think that we (with the help of my mentor Bob Muir in Nanaimo who did 60% of the work) managed to achieve this. I’ll let you fellow members be the judge and I am totally opened to any comments, both positive and negative.

What we had to do:
1. Fabricated 3 new pylons for engines 2-3 and 4 and repainted the engines
2. Removed the stickers/glue from the top of the wing and repainted the wing, and slats.
3. Fixed crack in fuselage at the rear.
4. Removed the tail decals and repainted tail colors.
5. After hours and hours of work, Bob managed to get a white paint to match the yellowed/golden aged white and touched up the repairs
6. Touched up the blue underneath with a perfect match.
7. Made the Plexiglas as clear as it was when original (a little trade secret that I will share if anyone wants to know)
8. Fixed all broken chips in port rear stab corner and on various edges.
9. Applied 3 coats of a very light lacquer to the new paint on wing and engines. (it could use a bit more and the wings will be re-lacquered after a 6 month curing time)
10. Waxed top.
11. 3 Missing engine cones ( exhaust) fabricated and installed

What we saved:
1. The flap area was kept and this makes the model still look its age. It has scratches and a little decal loss but it was a must to keep it that way.
2. The original paint hue on the top and bottom totally preserved (the slightly yellowed white, which I love)
3. All front decals and cockpit preserved.
I am so happy with the final results. When you see it up close it looks its age and you can’t really tell it was ever damaged. It is one beautiful model and it was well work salvaging without totally restoring to make it look new.
I am not attached to it. It was done to gain experience and training. I also had never seen a cutaway from up close. J
Cheers and I hope you enjoyed.

(more photos below)
Al

707boeing

More photos

again. The file name tells the photo story.


al
707boeing

707boeing

A couple more pics

You will notice the engine drooping a bit. That is the way they were on the real airplane and original model. They only look that way from a certain angle and look fine from another angle.

al

707boeing

Finally,
It was saddly the last of my Mentor's project. He is 82 years old and very sick at the moment. Maybe a few months if lucky. He is a true artist. Totally unbelievable talent. I learnt so much from him, but still don't know 10% of what he knows. You should see the assembled plastic kits he has done. The are museum quality. His basement has a 1800sq foot train set complete with scenery and more. Anyway, when he is gone, I will really miss him and don't know if I can fly solo yet (in restoration). I am still in the process of setting up shop at my new house, but a health problem has kept me kind of laid off for a few months.

I am including a few pictures of Bob at work. Those 2 red cheat lines on my Canadian DFM 1:50th model were painted by hand !!!!! They are perfect.

A true Master at work.

A few pics of his train models. It is 10 times bigger than I can show you. Everhting you see was created by hand. You should also see that Humbrol Connie up close. It is fantastic!!


al

707boeing

That's funny.
Paid so much attention to the writing that I screwed up the title:

porjec !!!! I meant PROJECT.........now where are my glasses ?????

And while growing old (and I am) the one thing I have lost and miss the most is my mind...

QantasF1

Glad to see you are living with your hobbies....FANTASTIC....

MSR777

A fantastic job, you have every reason to be pleased with your model. Sad to hear about your friend, hope he picks up.

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DINO

Great job Al.

I have a similar 747 BA cutaway, in need of restoration and I can't find anyone to undertake this project. I'm willing to pay good $$.

707boeing

Dino,
Maybe we can arrange some kind of a trade plus a few $$$

I would take yours and turn it into a CP Air orange. (For Mark)

Anyway, the door is opened and we can talk.


al

DINO

Hey Al,

Not sure I want to trade/sell this model. I would really like to get it restored to some degree. Overall, it's in pretty nice shape. Needs some tweaking, nothing too major. I have considered selling it, since my last cutaway purchase (Delta Convair 880) but at this point, I'm still seeking a restorer.

707boeing

I totally understand.
Can you send me some pictures at my email alpeltier@shaw.ca

D-AIHK

What a great looking model. I know that this is a skill and unfortunately a dying bread of art and craftsman. We are very fortunate to have Doug in the UK, a ex Westway employee who is doing models for collectors and airlines. Way cheaper than Atlantic, Phelps and PACMIN. I just hope he continues as long as he possibly can...

tcafan

Great model....great restoration by a skilled modeler.....and a great post. Thank you Al for sharing.

DINO

Al, pictures sent.

DINO

Al,

Did you get the pictures?

707boeing

Hi Dino
Sorry. Yes I did. It is the very same model as mine. Will send you private emails.

al

Retroguy

LOVELY !BRILLIANT!AMAZING! now and then we are blessed with someone in our lives that truly are an inspiration !these men ( and women) are true artists !Hope he gets better.Thank you for sharing the photos, truly amazing work !
rc

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707boeing

Thank you so much for those kind words. I was truly blessed to meet Bob. Funny, how we met in the late 90's. I was writing articles for Computer Pilot Magazine, Full Throttle and Microwings (the Round Robin adventures which were navigation tutorials). I was also the owner a computer store (after retiring from the RCAF) and specialized in high end Flight Sim machines (still do the odd ones). Bob called my store one day, and asked to meet me as he loves his flight sim machine. Anyway, he bought a pair of CH rudder pedals from me and then asked me to autograph one of his magazines, to show his friends. I was so embarrassed as I had never done that before. Again, it's a long story but we became very best friends. Problem is, he won't get better. When you are 82 and at then end of your journey, it's time to go. But if I am lucky we can do a couple more projects together. Talked to him last night and told him about Karen's broken 777 and I could feel him light up on the phone.

This is a great hobby. I have had many models over the years that are gone. Now I can't afford to have all that money on my shelves and my wife wants me to get rid of some, so stay tuned. My pleasure now is more in the refinishing blanks and restoration than just collecting. And the greatest thing that came out of this hobby is the friends I made. Some have even visited me on Vancouver Island and stayed with us for a while.

So again, cheers and thanks.

al
707boeing

PS: An old, well known, collector told me a few years ago : "remember that one day, your models will be in someone else's house!! "

And that goes for all of us. So, I try not to get attached anymore.

qantas747sp

Wow - what a great model! You are out West? Have you thought about contacting any LA special effects/miniature shops about working on your model? Or local architectural model makers in Seattle /Vancouver area? I'm sure they would charge a hefty price, but you never know.

stratoliner

Hi, please help me, i have the same issue with my continental 747 cutaway from westway. also im missing the elevators. paint is yellow and chipping. minor cracks. scratches and scuffs on the plexiglass.

car15

I may be able to help you out with one of your horizontal stabilizers (elevator). Some time a go I had someone make a mold for one of my missing hor. stabs. on my 1/72 EAL 747 cutaway. A cast was made using the mold and it turned out great. Now I do not remember which side it is but if you have any interest please PM me.

stratoliner

Hi, thanks for the response. I would be interested. Please email me at starscream747@hotnmail.com . thanks

Josh94JB26

Wow! Looks great, Really good job with it.

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