Category: Blog news

Hi all,

Continuing on with the GSE models, I have been able to finish checking / testing all the models so far, which are:

• 1/144 Towbarless pushback AST-1 F 600.
• 1/144 Ground Power Unit Houchin C690.
• 1/144 Ground Power Unit TLD 414.
• 1/144 Baggage carts (close/open) and luggage.
• 1/144 LD3 turntable trolleys.
• 1/144 LD3 containers (three styles).
• 1/144 Tow truck JST-25.
• 1/144 Belt Loader TUG660.

This means that I will begin the stock process very soon. In the meantime, I am also going to start the tests on the 1/200 scale models, they will be smaller, so I am sure that some adjustments will be required prior they are ready.

The GSE models in the three scales; 1/144, 1/200 and 1/72 will share the same instructions (with some possible modifications) same decals and same photo etched parts (in some cases, since 1/72 may allow me to make parts actually in resin). This means that the process for 1/200 and 1/72 should be just a bit faster since things are used from the original design when creating for 1/144 scale, still, every single model will be required to be checked in those scales and the list as you can see includes several models.

Another reason for taking a long time is because everything such as the decals have been made consciously keeping in mind that later it should be represented in 1/72. When I designed the models in 1/144 I added as much detail as I can, so although you can’t read the word “Diesel” in the fuel port of the 1/144 or 1/200 GPU, decals have been designed so when they are printed in 1/72, everything reads as per the real 1/1 model.

Since tests for the 1/144 scale are completed, I will start building an example model of each, for product page description/gallery.

I built an 1/144 TLD414 GPU this weekend to check how it looks like when painted.

Photos were taken from a distance which resembles how you would actually see the scale model (it is actually much smaller than what you see on screen), since it is just about 25mm, 1 inch long. Also notice that the wire is short, this was placed for testing purposes/example, but the kit will actually include two and longer.

I also managed to make the figures with helmets:

Can you guess from which airport/country these workers are? These white gloves are a clear hint 🙂

Progress continues so I am not sure I will be able to update the blog next weekend, I prefer to wait till having all the models completed and have something more to share.

Mid-end November is still the date for these to be released, at least in 1/144 scale, I will do my best to have as much as I can in 1/200 and will then start with the 1/72.

Wish you all a very nice week,
Guillem

Hello,

This week has been quite the “software” week. I’ve had some issues that prevented me to do the progress I wanted on the GSE items.
I had issues with my printers, and also running out of space in my hard disk, the cherry at the top of the cake has been a cut on my thumb but without major issue.

In any case, all the issues avobe are being addressed, some seem to be fixed, some seem to require just a bit more work, but all in all nothing that can’t be solved with a little bit of patience as most of you know, sometimes software issues are really annoying, updates, drivers etc.

I have been able to do a first initial test of the LD3 containers. I have done 3 different versions this time, these are; a solid unit, a solid unit with a side door and fork lifting holes and a side tarpaulin door version, all of them based on real LD3 units.

I did have a chance to test the clear resin and I am afraid I may give up that idea. Being unable to cure the resin to avoid the yellowing for that thin thickness is making the cabins way too fragile, so instead I will add a frame on the grey resin versions so that the acetate sheet can be placed from the outside in the case of the front/rear windshields and from the inside in the case of the windows, which is how windshields are placed on the real vehicles. It will be similar as those windows placed on the old catering truck cabin.

Lastly, I am doing the final tests on the belt loader model Tug 660 and finishing the figures, I seem to still have a little issue on the helmets, so I will rework the area.

November is right at the corner and I set that month for the release of the GSE items. Instructions are nearly completed, decals are completed as well except for the belt loader and the LD3 containers, photo etch for the items that require it have been designed and some yet to fit-test.

I know that time will be required to create the stock units since there are basically zero units made yet, however before that I want to fully focus onto the 1/200 GSE models and see if I can have them also available for the global release of both scales in November (around mid-end). If I see that I won’t be able to arrive with all the 1/200 models, I will then release all of what I have in 1/144 scale and release as much as I have for the 1/200 scale models at that time.

Wish you all a nice week and hopefully I can share a bit more on next weekend, before I finish this entry, I would like to wish you all a happy Halloween and a good day for All Saint’s Day. Winter is coming where I am located at, temperatures are more comfortable than those hot humid days, and feels better to stay in the warmth of home, hopefully that can give me more comfort to work and focus with everything as much as possible.

Guillem

 

 

Hello everybody,

There has been more progress on the 1/144 scale GSE models and I wanted to give a better detailed update.

These are the models I am working on: Towbarless pushback AST-1, Tow tractor JST-25 (with or without cab), baggage carts “open”, baggage carts “covered”, LD3 turntable trolleys, TLD 414 GPU, Houchin C690 GPU and belt loader Tug 660.

All of these items except the Houching C690 GPU are basically completed. Resin parts are done, so I am currently on the process of decal and photo etched parts design. At the same time I am also making the instructions for these models.

Here is the progress so far:
– Pushback AST-1: Parts completed, need to check the driver figure, need to remake the photo etched sheet using most of the previous PE parts and need to remake the acetate windows. Decals will need to be double checked and wish to make new versions, if you have any design in mind, please do let me know, on the top of my head I remember the Hello Kitty pushback, but others would be good too. For more info on the decals, I mention more about it at the end of this update.

– Tow tractor JST-25: Parts completed, need to create the acetate sheet for the cab windows, need to make the decals and design the PE which will consist of the front grid, other elements may be designed afterwards for the 1/72 scale. Instructions are currently at the 80% completed.
I am aware that some countries/airliners do make use of safety helmets, I recall ANA workers, so I will try to include these versions as well as summer/winter models to choose from (short pants, t-shirt/long sleeves, long pants).

– Baggage carts: Both the open and closed type are finished, set will include 3 carts and 30 pieces of luggage. Instructions are completed. Separate luggage will also be available.

– LD3 container turntable trolleys: Parts completed, need to double check. LD3 containers will be made new, decal sets to be re printed. Suggestions for specific airlines, please contact me.

– GPU TLD 414: Parts completed, decals at 95% designed, instructions are completed. This one will include a small wire for connecting to the aircraft, photo etched design of the access doors has been created. The PE set will include 10 access doors, 5 different dimensions so that you can use the one that fits best on the aircraft.

– GPU Houchin C690: Parts completed but modification is required. Still have the old decal sets, but may reprint them. Photo etched needs to be respositioned on the design and instructions are yet to be started.

– Belt loader Tug 660: Parts completed, need to create the driver figure. Decal design and instructions not started yet. This model will include a small PE sheet with the handrails, will most probably include a deployed and retracted rail parts.

Once these models are completed, I will start to test the 1/200 scale versions. This may require some time since they will be smaller and everything needs to be tested as well.
Unlike in the past, these 1/200 models will include decals, as long as my printer is able to print such small detail.

Photos of the new things done for the 1/144 models:

This model includes two fully closed curtains in case you want the cart to be completely closed, it also includes two small courtain pieces to have an open side.

There is the copilot looking back and making sure no luggage gets lost, kudos for him! Helmet versions will be made.

The belt loader will have many rising positions due all the small cross bars located under the belt. Driver figure is on the works. I think it would be ideal to add another figure standing and actioning the belt.

I finally made the cab for the JST-25, since the cab will require of the acetate sheet, I may separate the two models, one without and the other with cab.

 

That is all for now, still a lot of work to do… I keep in mind the catering model, the FMC15i loader, the hydrant dispenser, and other accessories I want to make (never forgetting the 1/12 B737 cockpit). I am also going to be doing tests on the 1/144 airliner parts such as the A350 and A320 sharklets, the WiFi radome and will begin working on the 1/200 detailed landing gears for the Hasegawa kits, starting with the B767.

I am also considering providing decals of most airlines in different sizes so that you can add these to any GSE model you wish. For example, in the previous belt loader, Swissport and Ground force were included, but I may create several decals of several airlines/services at different sizes, from 3 to 8mm approximately so  that you can have more freedom to create your desired scenario, these would be available separately since it would be a mess for me to add the options on every single GSE. This is something I am still thinking about and will probably end up doing.

Thank you all for the patience and for the time spent reading these long entries.

Wish you all a beautiful Sunday,
Guillem

 

Hello all,

Things are advancing more with the GSE models. I am at the moment working on the figures for the JST tractor and making the baggage carts. As before, there will be two types, a covered and open version. These sets will still include 3 carts and will include luggage. Due the possibility to make more units, luggage carts will include more luggage than before, still luggage sets will be available separately in case you need extra luggage.

The carts can be build very easily but naturally, you are going to need a pair of sharp tweezers. I wanted to try to make the side rails actually round/solid. In the past these were made with PE and I think that even now being solid, the factor scale is still possible.
I would like to take this chance to say that all the parts will be packaged as seen in the first photo, that means that all the parts will be “assembly-ready”, no base separation is required as it was before. I am aware there are a lot of very tiny parts, so I will put an extra effort on protecting the smallest parts in separate bags making them visible from the bigger parts.

The baggage carts and the pushback tractors are designed so that the towing bars actually fit into position of the tow tractors/other carts. All these baggage carts have turntable front axles.

The belt loader can be seen here with just the wheels and the front of the cabin attached, the whole body will be one piece, making it easier to build than the past version. Also, the model is a different one, this is based on the TUG 660 belt loader.

Tests are continuing on, I am also working on the belt loader / tractor figures. The next models I would like to present are the belt loader, the covered baggage cart and the Houchin GPU.

In the meantime, I am also about to start with the etching process, lots of things are going on such as starting to make the new instructions and GSE decals as well, instructions will now be clearer and with better illustrations.

I wanted to thank many of you guys for writing me ideas that I really love and wish to fulfill, this is specially particular in the 1/200 scale, where I see there are many modelers too, so my wish is to equally things that I made so far in the 1/144 scale. GSE models are not going to be the only items I am interested in producing, I will also make other stuff for 1/200 and 1/144 airliners, I am not forgetting the 747 cargo project (and the 1/12 B737 cockpit is not over, just in pause).

Wish you all a nice week!
Guillem

Good Sunday,

I have been doing more tests during the last days and can now post some photos of the new GSE models, a baggage tractor (JST-25) and a new GPU model, the TLD 414.

A few things that I would like to mention about these; both will probably include decals, the GPU for sure will since there are lots of warning marks (and TLD logos) on it, for the tractor I may add the tail lights.
The photo etched parts will be the front grid for the JST tractor and probably the GPU won’t have any other PE detail except for an extra access door to be attached to the airplane’s fuselage. The TLD will include a thin wire for connection to the aircraft and if I am able to adjust the cabin on the tractor, will include an acetate sheet for the windshields and PE wippers.

Details are very small and some modifications are required, on the JST tractor the gear has to be thicker and I still need to adjust the cabin. For the GPU 414 I would like to add some rivets on the base.

There are lots of tests going on, for the pushback AST-1  that I presented last week, I am currently working on the driver figure, added the fire extinguisher, cones and the headlights that I forgot.

Before I move forward with other models, I want to apply these corrections to these 3 models and move forward with the tests, next one will be the Houchin GPU and belt loader TUG660.
The rear fender of the JST tractor is designed to fit the towbars of the baggage carts.

It is taking me a lot of time and material to start fresh with these models, but so far I like how things are going and after all the 1/144 models are completed, I will focus on the 1/200 versions.
I would like to remind and apology for the lack of items in the store, I am about to start testing the new procedures on the photo etching process so more time is required.

More work will continue this week, so I hope to share more progress soon.

Best wishes,
Guillem

Hello all,

Apologies for being late on giving updates on how are things going, it has been a bit complicated time for me.

I am glad to say that I finally found the settings and materials that gives me the best results and so I was able to make one of the first GSE models that I first scratchbuilded a long time ago.

As I mentioned in the earlier entry, I would like to do a bit of overview of the items that will be substituting the old GSE range. I think I mentioned this before, but I am not producing new substitutes for the purpose of reselling “old stuff” the reason of re making the GSE is due a change of production (no more silicone molds in this case) and at the same time, an improvement over the previous models.

The new AST-1 pushback does have a bit more detail than the previous version, detail is now more subtle, better scaled if you will.
In the photos below you can notice a few extra details such as; tire marks, more detailed center rims, subtle smaller wires inside the main body, the chain mechanism for lifting the cabin and the steering wheel actually being solid.
I apologize for the poor quality of the photos, I tried to paint the model slightly white to highlight details but the camera of my cellphone is perhaps not the best to take such close up photos. There will be new photos in the item’s webpage.

This model will also include the photo etched parts that were included in the previous model, with the exception that the photo etched steering wheel will be removed since there will actually be a solid resin steering wheel.

The decals will also be the same, however, a couple more decal objects will be included for the cockpit screens, also, a driver figure will be included. At the same time I would like to include a couple other details, one of them being  the fire extinguisher as it was in the previous model and a couple of cones piled on top of each other to be placed in one of the sides of the cabin. Regarding the decals, I will include other details such as the exhaust which will actually have a “weathering” effect, the decals for the tail lights and the panel grids.

Photos of the model still without the PE:

It is uneasy for me to have the store with 0 GSE in stock and other models due the time it is taking me to do these new models and the lack of photo etch, but I do believe that if I had to do this change, that it was for the best and to provide the best parts possible, so even it takes a bit more time, I hope you can understand that it is because I am fine tuning each item to provide it as best as possible.

I am going to be doing more final tests during the next couple of weeks, the next model I would like to overview are the two GPUs,  the Houchin C690 and a new one; the TLD 414.

What I am doing is producing each model at a time to see what needs to be adjusted prior I move to the next item, although all the models haven been tested, corrections done need to be checked. Once that I have all the items tested (including build tests) I will start production and also get inmersed in the photo etching process.

The 1/200 scale will be tested once I start to make the 1/144 photo etched parts, since they will come from the same model, some of the smallest parts will need to be checked due physical limitations.

Situation is sometimes overwhelming because I do feel it is like starting from scratch. I apologize for all the time it is taking me to have this available and hope for your understanding.

See you all in the next entry.

Best wishes,
Guillem