Having re-discovered model building late in life, and I must say I am enjoying ever minute. Looking back on some of the kits I built as a youngster in the early 60's, these must have looked terrible as compared to some of the work I have done lately. Certainly I did not put the same amount of effort as I do today, not to mention the resources available today did not exist back then. My inspiration to start model building again comes from observing the fantastic model work from fellow board members and their submittals presented in similar forums as these. I have wanted to experiment with weathering techniques but did not have a kit I could afford to trash if it went wrong. So I came across the Virago, an inexpensive kit, somewhat obscure, not much in terms of reference material or build-ups. So here was my opportunity, built out of the box. It is done in acrylics with minor areas done in enamels.

Most of the time was spent getting rid of all seams on the wings and main body. My goal was to build and paint each of the sub-assemblies and then proceed to assemble the ship with no additional painting. And then start to weather the ship.

My biggest concern was the gear assembly not working properly. At one point I looked at ways to keep it from getting out of alignment, but once the wings were glued in place the gears tolerance shored up and I had no problem with it. While getting rid of the gaps between the front cover (part 3) and the interior of the body of the ship I studied the assembly process, keeping in mind if I ever had to fix the gear mechanism that resides behind this cover. I noticed that I could squeeze the sides of the cover and put in place without having to glue it in place. It provides an easy access to the gear mechanism.

Noticed I have not weathered this ship? Well, after I finished the paint job, I just could not bring myself to weather it and run the risk of destroying the paint job. Perhaps at a latter time when I have mastered the art of weathering, I will re-submit a weathered Virago.

Image: Sleek from the side