1/32 Moebius Colonial Viper MK-II

Capable of atmospheric flight, the Viper Mark II is a single-seat craft possessing two kinetic energy weapons (KEWs). Hard-points beneath the wings allow missiles, munitions pods, and other ordnance to be mounted. The Viper Mark I entered Colonial service shortly before the outbreak of the Cylon War. However, it is this Mark II variant (designed specifically for use with the Colonial battlestars) that has garnered the most recognition. The fighter served with distinction throughout the Cylon War, proving to be a capable fighting vehicle and winning renown across the Twelve Colonies; the Mark II Viper is regarded as instrumental in ensuring that the Colonials did not lose the original Cylon War.

The Kit:
This is the first Battlestar Galactica model kit release from Moebius Models. Also my first Sci-Fi model in quite a while, being the Snap-Tite Shuttle Tydirium from Revell my last Sci-Fi subject 2+ years ago. This is also the first kit I work with from Moebius Models. Inside the box, you will find a few sprues molded in white and a clear tree with the necessary parts for the stand and a quite clear canopy. The canopy immediately was soaked in Alclad 2 Aqua Gloss ALC-600.

Remember, since I tried it almost a year ago, I never went back to Future Floor Polish for clear parts. Faster drying time with a thinner film, perfect for the aircraft canopies with very shallow frame lines

The parts are molded in thick plastic, especially the fuselage halves. This would be a let down on an aircraft subject but this is a sci-fi model and besides, the fuselage and the rest of the kit fits like a glove. The Viper MK-II depending on what you want to do with it can easily be a weekend project.

There is room for adding more details if you’d like and as far as I know, there is already a photo-etched set available for this kit. With the exception of the lights, I was pretty much decided to build this kit out of the box and that’s what you see here. Also included is a sheet of decals with stripes and markings for two Viper MK-II versions.

I’ve been meaning to build the 1/32 Viper MK-II for quite a while but other projects kept getting on the way. Since day 1, I wanted to have lighted thrusters but my wiring knowledge is very limited. For that, I did use a battery operated Multi LED string set (5 LED’s).

These light sets are available at your local Michaels store. It is not a bad idea to keep a few in your toolbox because these are seasonal items,  they come and go.

Painting & Weathering:
After finishing the cockpit tub and joining the fuselage halves, I used Squadron’s, Green Putty. I know, I also have white putty but given the fact that the kit is molded in white, green would give me some contrast to look at and a good sanding reference. The model avionics bays were painted in black then the whole model was painted with 2 heavy coats of Tamiya XF-2 Flat White. Instead of using the provided stripes on the decal sheet, I decided to paint them instead. I used Polly S acrylic ”Rust” paint.

Weathering was done using Tamiya Weathering Kit Set ‘B‘ ”Soot”. But most of the weathering you see was achieved with Alclad II Lacquer ”Burnt Iron” It is a great product for post shading, creating stress demarcations and also gives a ”patina” overall look to your model. The kind of patina you’ll see on actual prop models. If you’ve seen the Star Wars prop models in person (I have), you might know what I mean. Painted with my trusty AZTEK A470 airbrush and Tan Nozzle.

NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR

As I said in the beginning, this is the 1st time I work with a Moebius Model kit and 1st impressions are very important. I am impressed!
For the moment this is the only Viper MK-II available. I don’t see a hint of this product being made just to have it in their catalog. It is well made for the experienced model kit builder. The casual model kit builder passing by the Sci-Fi shelf at the hobby shop, won’t have a hard time to put this kit together. I only wish the decal film carrier was thinner, but that’s just wishful thinking than a problem perse. This kit is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!