Ben Builds: S8 - PV-1 Ventura - ep. 1

What is up everybody! Welcome back to Ben Builds. Today, we are starting a new kit for a new season of Military Mondays. This is the Revell, 1/48th scale, PV-1 Ventura and I am very excited to dive into this twin-engine beauty.

On this episode, we are simply opening up the box, taking a look at the parts, the decals and the instructions. On our next episode, that is when we are going to start building up the cockpit and doing some painting, but we need to get the unboxing out of the way. I can't wait to crack on with this one.

So, until next week, thank you all so much for joining me, take care, happy modeling and I'll see everyone on the next installment of our PV-1 Ventura.
See you soon!

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Ben Builds Season Six: Albatros D.III ep 17 Final

Today is the day that we can finally call this one finished! Yes, this is the final episode for our Eduard, 1/48th scale, Albatros D.III. While there are still a few things more that we need to do such as rigging and some touch-up painting, this bird will be done today! 

This has been a great build and I have really learned a lot from this process. I have to admit, I didn't always know exactly what to do, but I had a blast reading articles, experimenting with fresh ideas, watching videos and trying new techniques. I had such a fun time and I want to say thank you to everyone, who followed along.

This was a build of "firsts" for me. Not only was this my first time  building a 1/48th scale WW1 aircraft, but it was also my first time trying oil paints to replicate wood and my first time rigging and working with EZ Line string. Yes, it was challenging, but I am very happy with the end result. It isn't perfect and the rivet counters would probably have a field day with inaccuracies, but I achieved something that I have never achieved before and that is awesome.

A huge thank you to each and every one of you, for hanging in there with me on this build. I know this took a bit longer than my normal run, but I really had a blast and I think I pulled off a nice looking DIII.  Next week we will be back with a new kit and a Group Build entry. Until next time, happy building and we will see you soon!

Ben Builds Season Six: Albatros D.III ep 16

Welcome back to our Eduard, 1/48th scale, Albatros D.III. After today, just one more episode to go and we will be finished! So close now.

Today, we are going to tackle the decals and some basic weathering, so keep your fingers crossed that this stage goes well. I mean, how does one weather a First World War airplane? I don't know, but let's see what happens.

I should mention that I am no expert on weathering (or anything else for that matter). I generally have very little faith in my weathering skills, but we are going to give it a try. I strongly believe that you learn by doing, by trying new things and by pushing past that comfort zone. This kit has really pushed me past my comfort zone and I have been having a ton of fun doing so.

Next week will be the last episode for this series. On that bench day, we will attempt the rigging and show the completed, finished product. I can't wait to get this one on the display shelf and I really hope that it turns out as a mostly-passable Albatros..

A huge thank you to each and every one of you, for hanging in there with me on this build. Stay strong and we will see everybody next week. Happy building!

-Intro Music by Chillhop: http://youtube.com/chillhopdotcom

Artist - Title: Birocratic - Sleepyface

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/birocratic

-Video music by Epidemic Sound (http://www.epidemicsound.com)

Ben Builds Season Six: Albatros D.III ep 15

What's going on modelers! We are back on our Eduard, 1/48th scale, Albatros D.III. Thank you so much for stopping by.

Today, we have a shorter episode. We are going to start by adding a bit more wood grain texture to the propeller, then we are going to finish installing all the rest of the small parts. That means the tail skid, exhaust pipes and finished propeller with spinner. After all of that, we are going to apply some Future and let everything dry for a few days.

Next week we should be tackling the decals and working on preliminary weathering, so hang in there, we are getting so close to calling this one finished. It won't be long now.

As always, thank you so much for hanging in there with me on this build. I know it is taking more time than I'd like, but this is my 1st WWI aircraft and I want to make sure I don't screw it up. Plus, I'm really enjoying the work. Until next week everybody, take care and happy building!

-Intro Music by Chillhop: http://youtube.com/chillhopdotcom

Artist - Title: Birocratic - Sleepyface

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/birocratic

-Video music by Epidemic Sound (http://www.epidemicsound.com)

Ben Builds Season Six: Albatros D.III ep 14

Welcome back, everyone to our Eduard, 1/48th scale, Albatros D.III. I'm so glad you have all  stopped by.

In this episode, we are going to install the tail assembly, the wheels and landing struts. We also get to do a bit of painting on the wheels and the cockpit surround. There isn't that much left to do before we can apply Future and decals, plus we need to do some weathering and finally attach all the rigging. We are getting so close with this one. 

Also, we need to scratch build some pipes for our radiator. Those parts do not seem to be included in my kit, or I just didn't see any. Either way, that just means we get to stretch some plastic.

As always, a huge thank you to everyone hanging in there with this build. I know it is taking some time, but I'm really enjoying the work and I hope that everyone is having fun. Until next week, take care and happy building!

-Intro Music by Chillhop: http://youtube.com/chillhopdotcom

Artist - Title: Birocratic - Sleepyface

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/birocratic

-Video music by Epidemic Sound (http://www.epidemicsound.com)

Ben Builds Season Six: Albatros D.III ep 13

What's going on everybody? Today, we are back with more Eduard, 1/48th scale, Albatros D.III and in this episode we are finally going to begin to assemble this cool little plane. But before that, we need to do a few things before we can hit that glue. For example, I want to do some shading on the rear tail and I want to install some of my homemade turnbuckles and see how that all goes.

A side form that, we are moving right along and this kit is getting closer and closer to being done.

As always, a huge thank you to everyone hanging in there with this build. I'm really enjoying this build and I hope that everyone is enjoying   watching this journey. Until next week, happy building!

-Intro Music by Chillhop: http://youtube.com/chillhopdotcom

Artist - Title: Birocratic - Sleepyface

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/birocratic

-Video music by Epidemic Sound (http://www.epidemicsound.com)

Bandai A-wing Build Report

RZ-1 A-wing Interceptor

Kit: A-wing Interceptor 

Mfg: Bandai

Scale: 1/72nd

Of all of the many ships in the Star Wars universe (and trust me, there are a lot,) my favorite design is definitely the RZ-1 A-wing interceptor. From the first moment I watched it in Return of the Jedi as it went careening into the bridge of the Emperor's Flagship, I became an immediate fan. Sure, it isn't as iconic as an X-wing or as prolific as a Tie Fighter, but this plucky, little interceptor immediately earned my admiration and respect.

Even with its very limited screen time, the A-wing became embedded in my brain as the sleek, sexy, F1 race car of the Rebel Fleet. Unfortunately, when I was a lad I never got a chance to build a kit of this subject. My local hobby shop and toy store, never had one on the shelves. That was fine, since I usually stuck with World War II aircraft and Cold War jets, but I kept the A-wing on my Model Bucket list.

As the years went on, I still maintained a healthy admiration for the little ship and when Bandai began pumping out Star Wars model kits I knew my time had come. The A-wing Interceptor was my 1st target in the Bandai line. After a good 25+ years, it was finally time to build that awesome ship.

Now, back in the 90s, most of the Bandai kits that I built were based Anime series like Patalabor, Tekkaman, Neon Genesis and of course Gundam. Even though, none of these shows were well known here in the U.S. that didn't stop me from trying to get my hands on as many as I could. I have to admit, I built a lot of these subjects and loved every moment of assembally.

Fast forward to 2016, I find out that Bandai is producing Star Wars kits. Based on my earlier experiences, I figured that these models would probably be great in both fit and function, but I needed to see for myself. I can happily report that after eight YouTube episodes and a completed A-wing, I can confirm that these kits are in fact, awesome.

Construction Report

Let me start out by saying that Bandai makes excellent models. Their ability to engineer kits that are both detailed and intricate, yet extremely simple to build is unrivaled in this market. I can honestly say that I have never been disappointed by any of their kits.

While building the A-wing, I didn't have any fit issues. I didn't have confusion at the instructions. The parts were flash free, cleanly molded and right on the money. Assembly went along without any issues. From the cockpit to the cannons, this kit just flowed, from one step to the next.

Much like my old 90's Gundam kits, certain aspects of the Bandai A-wing give it an almost toy like feeling. Yes, it has stickers for markings and it has some gimmicky laser bolts for the guns muzzles, but these are all optional. Bandai has included parts and pieces that gives this a very legitimate, fine scale vibe. You have the option to use actual decals instead of stickers, you can paint and weather the kit, instead of keeping it molded in colored plastic. There are some really nice details in the landing gear areas, the cockpit and the engines. This kit can be enjoyed by modelers of any skill level and that is a beautiful thing.

Not only do you get a very nice A-wing, you also get a stand to showcase the A-wing in flight and a bonus Turbo Laser tower that attaches to the A-wing's stand. Of course it is WAY out of scale, but it is still a nice addition. Even the clear engine parts are designed with the potential of lighting them with LEDs. This kit is truly awesome.


Final Thoughts

As a kid, Bandai had a very impressive list of selling points for their models. Not only were these kits robust and well engineered, they didn't require any glue or paint. They came molded in color, with clearly illustrated and very colorful instructions. They used stickers instead of decals, (which for a kid is excellent news, by the way.) They could take quite a beating without breaking or snapping apart.  They were designed in such a way that you could actually play with your finished models. That was unheard of in the fine scale hobbies. These kits were poseable, colorful and looked epic on your display shelf. For a young boy, every step with these kits was super fun. 

Fast forward to today and my modeling tastes have changed a, yet the Bandai kits still appeal to me. It isn't just for kids or younger builders. No, this kit possesses enough detail to give a more advanced builder a ton of options. If you want to super detail this kit, you can. Go crazy! The nice thing is, even after you are all done, the kit will still retain that "fun" factor that Bandai instills in all of their kits. And after an imaginary flyby, past all of your other finished kits, it will look great on the shelf.

If you are so inclined, I have the full build series on my YouTube channel and the images of my progress are on my Facebook page, so feel free to check them out.

Until next time, I hope you enjoy your kits and thanks for stopping by.

~GB