Looking at Woodsy's previous post on Kevin's excellent Spacex model prompted me to do an quick update post on my latest model build; the long discontinued 19" vinyl model of the SHADO Skydiver produced by the Japanese model company, Wave.
I've wanted one of these models for a while as they are probably the most accurate commercially available kits of Skydiver about, and a lot lighter than comparable heavier resin models,
The only downside is it's made from vinyl plastic, not the best material for model kits, as most of the components have to be cut and prepared then reshaped using hot water. Only certain glues, fillers and paints work on vinyl too.
The model's hollow insides need to be filled with something to stop it losing its shape. Some modellers have used Gypsum plaster, or builders foam, which can react to the plastic, or in the case of foam have it expand uncontrollably. I've chosen the less risky option of tightly packed newsprint, which means it should keep its shape and still remain a lightweight, model.
I'll post further updates as I go along.
