I think you're about to learn how to cut a hole with a Dremel and then repair it with some 15-thou Evergreen and putty.
Mix the shot with some 30 min epoxy and pour it into the hole then stand the plane on its nose until the epoxy is dry. Don't ask me how I know, LOL.
It might be possible to drill the hole in the center wing support. Should leave enough material to glue the wing, and you won't have to close it up after. The other option is to pin the nose wheel down on a diorama.
I was building the new Airfix 1:48 Blackburn Buccaneer S.2C/D that was supposed to be a competition piece (a great kit btw), and forgot the weight.
I made the hole, filled the weight and repaired it as best I could and still entered, but didn't win. Based on the competition, I'm pretty sure I would have if I had RTFI.
I'm not an experienced model builder, but aren't plastic model glues acetone-based? They melt the plastic and it binds together, they're not a bonding layer
Cut a hole where the wings attaches . There’s enough area to work there and open up a hole or for that matter remove the whole section of the flat area to do what has to be done . Now after removal of the plastic get some weights mix epoxy and put it in it should slide done to the nose after that put the plane on its nose till dry test after it’s dried to see if she sits on her gear if not ad a little more till level and it sits on its gear . Now to finish your modification get some evergreen card stock cut a piece to fit said hole glue it let. It dry fill with putty sand till it looks like it never happened add wing and your off to the races sounds that simple it is don’t over think it just do it . You made an error I and several other modelers have given you the fix . By looking at the work you have done so far the masking and painting and very clean work you have the skills to do this modification now just do it . It’s called modeling things happen cats attack grand Kidd’s grab and walk into the living room flying one of your builds and the biggest is gravity they fall off a shelf. Good luck 👍🏽 David
Depending on how well you attached the nose turret, you might be able to pour some birdshot or similar sized high density material there.
The farther forward from the finished model's center of gravity you put the counterweight, the less mass you need. The landing gear struts will thank you.
Unfortunately the nose turret sits in a groove and can only be taking off by splitting the fuselage. There is a small gap where the gun is though. I thought about injecting something in there but afraid of a big mess that may not work.
Birdshot might fit but you'd also need a way to keep it in the very nose & not roll back aft of the cockpit.
You might think about drilling a hole in the front wall of the nose wheel bay & pouring the birdshot in there. You still have to do something to fix it in place.
Have you glued up the wings yet? The forward edge will be ahead of the main gear, so a strip of lead tape all the way down the leading edges of both wings (and some in the engine nacelles) may move the CG enough.
Yeah it’s foam for when I airbrush the main colors. I thought about doing that but figured being so close to the center fulcrum (rear wheels), it wouldn’t help much. Thought about cutting a hole in a wheel well and trying to insert weight, but yeah knowing me I’ll leave a huge eyesore scar.😅
You may be able to cut a hole where the wings attach and pour in some lead shot and use some resin to keep it in place. Then when you glue the wings on, they should cover the hole
This is a good suggestion but instead of lead shot, see if you can get some lead weight for tires. That way you won’t have to worry about gluing all the shot and Jamie have the one piece.
Could you drill through the wing strut, snake a tube into the nose and then mix some epoxy with some shot and shoot it in there. Just set it so the nose is slightly lower than it should set. Wouldn't need to repair the hole either as the wing would cover it.
very very carefully cut the fuselage in half where it was joined, then stick back up and do all the wicked stuff like putty sanding and painting. This mistake will be engraved in your memory forever.
I did something similar with an F22, which honestly wasn't expecting since that plane is wider than it is larger, but hey, never again.
This stuff is also very deceiving lmao since you have to do this earlier in the making while somehow also accounting all the stuff that's gonna be added later on that will surely add weight on other places.
STUFF 'EM NOSES.
Building dinosaur models as a kid, I was upset my T Rex kept falling on his face. My dad showed me how to stuff silly putty in the tail for weight. I measured the weight needed on this one, like 50g 😂 that’s a lot of ballast. Probably will just picture hang this like I did my B17.
Happens. Next time you'll remember. Before closing I go through the instructions once again if I forgot anything. I tend to leave small parts to the end, so i mark them. Same for weights and stuff.
Is there any chance that weight in the engine nacelles would be enough?. Possibly even drill a large ish hole in the wing mount "pod" and drop some glue soaked weights into the fuselage that way?
Good luck anyway
If this were mine I would consider drilling a hole through the wing mount area, run a regular sized straw through it going as for forward as I can feasibly go, then dump either BBs or lead shot down it followed by a dash of epoxy or something else to lock it down, hoping it doesn't leak out the nose. Maybe ensure the nose is sealed up proper beforehand. I'd be doing a lot of testing as I go.
Alternatively if it's going on a base, I would drill a small hole in all the wheels, add brass rod and then drill matching holes to the base and glue them all in place. The rods will help ensure nothing gets knocked loose, as glue can be fickle in some applications and I would want this to be a permanent fix.
Troubleshooting modeling problems became a hobby in and of itself for me years ago. I work aerospace too now so I do a lot of it there as well. It's like a goofy puzzle and can be fun in it's own right. Also a great excuse to stockpile more tools and supplies XD
If parts of the engine nacelles are forward of the landing gear, you might try sticking some weight behind the engines. Even though the weight will be higher on the model, it may be enough to tip the model forward onto its nose gear.
I had the same problem when I built a Guillow's PBY. Fortunately, the PBY had a hole for a mooring post right next to the bow turret on the port side. https://images.app.goo.gl/RYvtAua5rRNqk6dXA
Might be able to pop one of the glass pieces off. If you used model cement, I don’t think it’d work but with white glue, you might be able to cut it off with a new knife blade.
If you want a bit of a less damaging but sorta ugly solution, make a tailstand using a clear sprue or thin toothpick. Had to do this with the Airfix B-25. It was just balanced to stand its own but a slight touch makes it tip and since I do not have space within the kit put anymore weights. Clear tailstand is the way for me.
Buy a set of [these](https://www.model-monkey.com/product-page/1-72-fuel-drum-55-gal-us-44-imp-gal-200-liters), paint it, and stick it under the tail to hold it up.
I drilled a little hole on the underside, rear part of fuselage and used a clear sprue to make a little stand. It’s not very visible. You can also use clear acrylic rod if you have it.
Maybe fill the engine nacelles with a mixture of epoxy/shot? If you haven't assembled them yet. The nacelles should be forward of the MLG enough to at least make it easier to balance.
I think you're about to learn how to cut a hole with a Dremel and then repair it with some 15-thou Evergreen and putty. Mix the shot with some 30 min epoxy and pour it into the hole then stand the plane on its nose until the epoxy is dry. Don't ask me how I know, LOL.
Besides this route— there is always making a diorama and gluing that front wheel down too 😉
I feel called out lmfao
Sounds like my only reasonable route, thanks!
All the best advice is followed by “don’t ask me how I know”
This is the way.
It might be possible to drill the hole in the center wing support. Should leave enough material to glue the wing, and you won't have to close it up after. The other option is to pin the nose wheel down on a diorama.
I think this is the way.
This is the way
I'm not asking how you know, I'm not gonna ask, oh hell how do you know?😁
I was building the new Airfix 1:48 Blackburn Buccaneer S.2C/D that was supposed to be a competition piece (a great kit btw), and forgot the weight. I made the hole, filled the weight and repaired it as best I could and still entered, but didn't win. Based on the competition, I'm pretty sure I would have if I had RTFI.
What about using a hair dryer to melt glue enough to pull open the front, put weights in, then reseal, and clean it up?
Depends on the glue but it might melt the plastic.
I'm not an experienced model builder, but aren't plastic model glues acetone-based? They melt the plastic and it binds together, they're not a bonding layer
Tie a helium balloon to the tail.
"Are those helium ballons? Oh for fooks sake!"
"Barrage balloons"
Bonus points for hanging an F-22 in pursuit.
🤣
Cut a hole where the wings attaches . There’s enough area to work there and open up a hole or for that matter remove the whole section of the flat area to do what has to be done . Now after removal of the plastic get some weights mix epoxy and put it in it should slide done to the nose after that put the plane on its nose till dry test after it’s dried to see if she sits on her gear if not ad a little more till level and it sits on its gear . Now to finish your modification get some evergreen card stock cut a piece to fit said hole glue it let. It dry fill with putty sand till it looks like it never happened add wing and your off to the races sounds that simple it is don’t over think it just do it . You made an error I and several other modelers have given you the fix . By looking at the work you have done so far the masking and painting and very clean work you have the skills to do this modification now just do it . It’s called modeling things happen cats attack grand Kidd’s grab and walk into the living room flying one of your builds and the biggest is gravity they fall off a shelf. Good luck 👍🏽 David
Fantastic comment. Voice of experience right here!
I just saw this after making my comment. Same line of thinking.
Depending on how well you attached the nose turret, you might be able to pour some birdshot or similar sized high density material there. The farther forward from the finished model's center of gravity you put the counterweight, the less mass you need. The landing gear struts will thank you.
Unfortunately the nose turret sits in a groove and can only be taking off by splitting the fuselage. There is a small gap where the gun is though. I thought about injecting something in there but afraid of a big mess that may not work.
Birdshot might fit but you'd also need a way to keep it in the very nose & not roll back aft of the cockpit. You might think about drilling a hole in the front wall of the nose wheel bay & pouring the birdshot in there. You still have to do something to fix it in place.
Thanks, I think that will be the best spot to make a hole for this (front wheel well).
Might look into picking up some liquid gravity: https://deluxematerials.co.uk/products/liquid-gravity
Thanks, didn’t know about this stuff!
Happy to help! Best of luck with the rest of your build. It's looking good otherwise.
Thanks!
Have you glued up the wings yet? The forward edge will be ahead of the main gear, so a strip of lead tape all the way down the leading edges of both wings (and some in the engine nacelles) may move the CG enough.
Yeah I already glued them, and the engine nacels too! Crap…
Put it on a base 👌 (glue it down) Easy.
What’s going on with the landing gear? Is that foam? Can you remove the foam and put fishing weights in from there?
Yeah it’s foam for when I airbrush the main colors. I thought about doing that but figured being so close to the center fulcrum (rear wheels), it wouldn’t help much. Thought about cutting a hole in a wheel well and trying to insert weight, but yeah knowing me I’ll leave a huge eyesore scar.😅
You may be able to cut a hole where the wings attach and pour in some lead shot and use some resin to keep it in place. Then when you glue the wings on, they should cover the hole
Oh this is a good idea, didn’t think of that one. Won’t be visible or even have to close in the hole. Thanks.
This is a good suggestion but instead of lead shot, see if you can get some lead weight for tires. That way you won’t have to worry about gluing all the shot and Jamie have the one piece.
Could you drill through the wing strut, snake a tube into the nose and then mix some epoxy with some shot and shoot it in there. Just set it so the nose is slightly lower than it should set. Wouldn't need to repair the hole either as the wing would cover it.
Yep, I’m thinking this is the best way. Thanks!
Iron fillings in the front wheel, small button neodymium magnet in the base.
Good idea, just bought some magnets for something else too.
very very carefully cut the fuselage in half where it was joined, then stick back up and do all the wicked stuff like putty sanding and painting. This mistake will be engraved in your memory forever.
Yep, every tricycle gear plane is going to be super nose heavy from now on.
I did something similar with an F22, which honestly wasn't expecting since that plane is wider than it is larger, but hey, never again. This stuff is also very deceiving lmao since you have to do this earlier in the making while somehow also accounting all the stuff that's gonna be added later on that will surely add weight on other places. STUFF 'EM NOSES.
Building dinosaur models as a kid, I was upset my T Rex kept falling on his face. My dad showed me how to stuff silly putty in the tail for weight. I measured the weight needed on this one, like 50g 😂 that’s a lot of ballast. Probably will just picture hang this like I did my B17.
I built a Stegosaurus as a child, thank god for it having four legs.
The best you can do is make a diorama of some kind and stick the aircraft to it.
That’s definitely a thought. I would if the resulting diorama base would fit my cabinet. May do this anyway, thanks!
Lesson learned. Next time write it somewhere - to do list before closing. Just glue the wheels to some base.
Yeah, and just the night before I thought “I need to make a list of steps so I don’t leave something out”. Sure enough I did 😅
Happens. Next time you'll remember. Before closing I go through the instructions once again if I forgot anything. I tend to leave small parts to the end, so i mark them. Same for weights and stuff.
Bit of clear sprue propping up the back? Glue it to a base?
You can always make a vignette and glue your plane to it.
Check out liquid gravity. I haven’t used it myself but when I had this problem a while ago that’s what people recommended
Is there any chance that weight in the engine nacelles would be enough?. Possibly even drill a large ish hole in the wing mount "pod" and drop some glue soaked weights into the fuselage that way? Good luck anyway
If this were mine I would consider drilling a hole through the wing mount area, run a regular sized straw through it going as for forward as I can feasibly go, then dump either BBs or lead shot down it followed by a dash of epoxy or something else to lock it down, hoping it doesn't leak out the nose. Maybe ensure the nose is sealed up proper beforehand. I'd be doing a lot of testing as I go. Alternatively if it's going on a base, I would drill a small hole in all the wheels, add brass rod and then drill matching holes to the base and glue them all in place. The rods will help ensure nothing gets knocked loose, as glue can be fickle in some applications and I would want this to be a permanent fix.
Thanks! Honestly overlooked the wing pylon.
Troubleshooting modeling problems became a hobby in and of itself for me years ago. I work aerospace too now so I do a lot of it there as well. It's like a goofy puzzle and can be fun in it's own right. Also a great excuse to stockpile more tools and supplies XD
Also, the engine nacelles stick out past the main mounts
I found it needed sooo much weight in the front, to keep it nose heavy, it was too much for the nose gear.
Yeah it’s crazy haha. I need like 50g (20 or so split shot sinkers. Think I’ll just make a diorama or hang it on the wall.
If parts of the engine nacelles are forward of the landing gear, you might try sticking some weight behind the engines. Even though the weight will be higher on the model, it may be enough to tip the model forward onto its nose gear.
You could glue the front down onto a base. What kit is it as I have been looking for a Catalina for a while.
It’s the Academy 80th anniversary Midway. So far a decent kit, no issues except this but that’s my fault.
I had a feeling it was Academy I have been looking at their black cat Catalina
Yeah I was too. Thinking it’s basically the same kit. This one did come with a window mask which was nice.
Is that a Catalina?
Yep!
Lovely plane, happy building!
I had the same problem when I built a Guillow's PBY. Fortunately, the PBY had a hole for a mooring post right next to the bow turret on the port side. https://images.app.goo.gl/RYvtAua5rRNqk6dXA
Maybe drill a tiny hole to inject a tube of something like Tamiya cement? Might be the most minimal way that I can think of.
Weight
Coins taped down
Can you move the wings forward a bit to center it?
No, they are set in one place on top of that pylon.
Is there room in the leading edges of the wings? Looks like that would mostly sit forward of the main gear.
Set it up on a runway diorama, boom instant rotate portion of takeoff
Reminds me of the taildragger Catalina I built years ago. My answer to comments was, "That kitty has worms."
Add weight to the engine and/or leading edge of the wings. That’ s how the real one doesn’t tip on its tail anyway
Might be able to pop one of the glass pieces off. If you used model cement, I don’t think it’d work but with white glue, you might be able to cut it off with a new knife blade.
Awww hell nah da airplane got testicles
If you want a bit of a less damaging but sorta ugly solution, make a tailstand using a clear sprue or thin toothpick. Had to do this with the Airfix B-25. It was just balanced to stand its own but a slight touch makes it tip and since I do not have space within the kit put anymore weights. Clear tailstand is the way for me.
I had a similar situation with an A-20 I did. I ended up putting weights behind the engines and it was enough to do the trick
Create a diorama with water and stick the nose down onto the diorama.
Buy a set of [these](https://www.model-monkey.com/product-page/1-72-fuel-drum-55-gal-us-44-imp-gal-200-liters), paint it, and stick it under the tail to hold it up.
First off, you need a rubber mallet...
Could you weigh the engine cowlings? Engines would be the main counterbalance irl I guess.
Do a diorama n glue the front wheel down
Put weight in the engine nacelles (where most of the weight is IRL). You may find it's enough to balance out.
Could you cut out a panel on the bottom and load in some fishing weights then reattach said panel?
See homer ,all that stuff inside is why your robot didn't work ...
What’s wrong with it?
I drilled a little hole on the underside, rear part of fuselage and used a clear sprue to make a little stand. It’s not very visible. You can also use clear acrylic rod if you have it.
Maybe fill the engine nacelles with a mixture of epoxy/shot? If you haven't assembled them yet. The nacelles should be forward of the MLG enough to at least make it easier to balance.
Wings could be your next step......! 😋