Alex Attard’s Viper
This is my third viper, the first two were built about three years ago when I finally managed to get back into modelling. One was a full resin recast and the other a 79 monogram viper. Both can be viewed at here .
Needless to say, I’ve learnt a lot of different techniques since then and sharpened up on detail. This kit is a standard Monogram re-issue Viper. To it, I’ve added the MMI cockpit set and MMI pilot. The modifications I made to this Viper includes the raised panel running along the top of the fuselage and ALL the panels lines on the fuselage and wings, which were hand scribed, and an extra Y piece at the rear where the engine exhaust cans are.
The raised panel is plastic sheeting that can be purchased from any hobby shop. The pattern for the design is supplied in the MMI cockpit set. This was very easy to do — it was cut using their template and is attached on the fuselage as two separate pieces.
The scribing was all done by hand, this was done using a very pointy modelling file and half a pair of professional sewing scissors (which are short and pointy) and electrical tape. With the electrical tape, I would use this as a guide and run it down the panel next to the actual line to be scribed. Then with the modelling file, I would run this down to make a groove. Then using the scissors I would run this along the groove over and over until the desired depth and thickness was obtained.
The MMI cockpit went in pretty straight forward at the instructions said. The hardest part is cutting out the space in the fuselage and placing the cockpit tub in place. Using some filler you should come up with a nice finish. Some filing work is required for the bulk head at the back of the cockpit that sits just forward of the top engine.
The other main modification with this model is the addition of the Y piece between the rear engine exhausts. The only unfortunate factor with this is I had to sacrifice another Viper’s rear section to cut this out. Basically you take the rear engine piece and cut off the actual engine exhaust cans, this should leave you with a Y piece. Then it’s a simple matter of gluing this straight over the top of the existing engine rear. Most of us would agree that the standard Y piece as moulded by monogram is to far recessed. Then again there is an opportunity for somebody to mould these Y pieces and sell them ! (Hint MMI).
My previous Vipers were sprayed in a light grey, or seagull grey, I actually think this is to dark, particularly after you add some weathering. This time I used a flat white, I had my reservations that it might actually be to white, but now that it’s finished I’m glad I did. Once the weather was added, using various techniques, I think my Viper looks a treat. Late for this years modelling competition, but nice and early for next years !!
Alexander Attard
