672nd Fighter Wing, Red Dragon Squadron Imperial Navy - “The Red Baroness” (SPRING CLEAN CHALLENGE 2021 by Zebraoutrider)
Thunderbolt - Kit-bashing ‘The Red Baroness’ Pilot
Having successfully stuck the Thunderbolt together, I needed to use some Citadel Liquid Green Stuff to smooth over a couple of gaps in the fuselage. Although when inspecting the components when cleaning, there was no obvious warping, it really is only when you actually construct the model that these small gaps may appear… so investing in decent liquid green stuff does prove worthwhile in hiding these defects.
Whilst the green stuff was left to dry, I moved on to creating the pilot. I knew I didn’t want to use the existing pilot and indeed when you compare the size of the pilot of the Thunderbolt to the Lightning, he does look tad smaller. I’ve an idea I may use him in a piece of scenery.
So, what would I use as the pilot and build into the free, empty seat. Well, I originally had said I’d use another Necromunda mini from Forge World, but I also came across a number of broken metal Escher minis in my bits box and considered how I could cannibalise them to make the pilot. Then a bolt of inspiration hit me… This is going to be the ‘Red Baroness’ so really I didn’t want a run of the mill Escher trooper, I needed a mini which said ‘royalty’. Enter stage left… a Citadel Finecast Vampire Counts Von Carsten hero to save the day!
Thunderbolt Pilot installed. The cockpit canopy remains detached as I next prepare for the painting. The Red Baroness needed new green stuff putty legs created and repositioning of the arms to suggest managing the Thunderbolt controls. I think she looks suitably ‘royal’ to represent ‘The Red Baroness’?Next up is undercoating and then painting the The Red Baroness…
Time Taken:
Liquid Green Stuff gap filling: 30 mins
Sorting and planning Pilot: 30 mins
Construction of Pilot, Green Stuff sculpting replacement legs and installation: 45 mins
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