Dumas Kit # 317 Lockheed Air Express

[heywooood]

best way to do the fuselage portion of the masking for red paint was to cut the job in half. I bagged the tail end of the airplane up to the parasol struts so I could focus on just getting the wheel pants done without making myself crazy. Next step will be to bag the front end all the way to the front of the vertical stabilizer - then mask the tail surfaces for their paint. It'll take a bit longer but should be much easier to keep the airplane clean / prevent red overspray.
..at least - that's the theory

[heywooood]

so there has been some progress - and a couple of setbacks..
but here we are to date :

[Oldyzracer1]

That looks great! Thank you for taking the time to ost these pictures and updates. I am especially impressed with the infilling and that perfect-looking smooth finish!

[heywooood]

hey I really appreciate your encouragement - and if you want to see some of the processes and methods I use (by no means do I pretend that they are the best way - or special - just the way I do this stuff) then go to youtube here : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbAea8 ... tNr9mQv1Iw
there are three builds there, in a series of videos including a Stearman Cloudboy from Flightline - an Aeronca Champ on floats from Guillow's and this Dumas Air Express - all modified and finished in this same manner

[heywooood]

now with Roscoe Turner in the cockpit..

[heywooood]

The decals are from Callie Graphics and they are outstanding - there was one small issue with the fuselage 'Gilmore' decals being slightly oversized but Callie has sai she will reduce, remake, and ship them to me at no charge...so that's awesome. Also - I ran out of red paint to do the wing, so have ordered another can along with some other colors and supplies but that order won't be here for another week probably..
The cowling decal was difficult and had to be sliced up a bit in my attempt to make it work - sadly - it didn't and had to be peeled off and the cowling refinished.
Since I butchered that job I asked Callie to remake and resend those as well and I will pay for them..
For those who wonder - the cost to me for the entire set of graphics for this model from Callie was only $32 - very reasonable just for a set of good decals but for the quality of THESE markings it is a terrific deal.

[heywooood]

news for today..

[Arlo DiPasquale]

It's looking awesome! Such a cool airplane.

[heywooood]

the airplane by Lockheed and principally designed by Jack Northrop, was and is a beautiful ship.
The first Vega flew in 1927 and was miles ahead of every other machine in the air.
I have come to appreciate the Vega and all of its variants since undertaking this project and can recommend the Dumas kit for anyone, whether they want to build it for flight or display.
Thank you for your generous appraisal of my effort so far.
I will have more updates as the work progresses

[heywooood]

here is another update...

[heywooood]

the aircraft is now registered with the FAA
Roscoe is in the cockpit..
and the engine exhaust has been installed

I still need to fabricate the windscreen, apply the Gilmore decals to the fuselage sides, reapply the cowling decals, install the wing to the parasol struts,
and make a few other small details..work work work

[heywooood]

new details : cowling mounting ring added to the Hornet engine, and new cabin air intakes added to the forward fuselage

[heywooood]

not much farther to go

[Oldyzracer1]

It is straight and true, and the finish looks perfect!

[heywooood]

thank you, sir - One of the things I work the hardest on is just that..getting the airplane components square to each other and true

I made a short video of the build here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLeJ56Y5BV4&t=6s