1/48 Scale Kinetic S-2 Tracker Royal Australian Navy Markings | Full Build Video 

Having flown on 845 during my Fleet Air Arm days in the 70’s I must say what a magnificent job, well done.

As an old RAN sailor, who remembers the Trackers, I just wanted to say what an outstanding job you did, putting this model together, well done!!

Really appreciate your talking along with your building. Very inspiring

That cockpit was a work of art by itself. All I was thinking while watching that detail painting was "He should build this as a cutaway." 😊

You did such an outstanding job of representing our Aussie Trackers Brett. Was such a blast building along side one of the greats, thank you for sharing your time and expertise, and I look forward to sharing another buddy build with you sometime in the future. Cheers mate 🙏🍻🇦🇺🇺🇸

Magnificent! Thank you for calming my nerves on a very stressful day. I enjoyed watching this project.

My late Father used to build the Airfix models back in the late 1960/70s where you had the model, the archetypal "tube of glue" and a fist full of paint brushes - he's have loved watching this build and marvelled at how the scope of what is available has expanded both in terms of parts and tools but also the paints, all he had was the Humbrol range. That Tracker is an outstanding piece.

You're always apologizing on "no one will see it later on" But i'm with you there. You know it's there! Plus for me assembling the kit is part of the journey and these small details bring me into the Zen zone.

This is an awesome build, I followed both builds on Instagram it was good to see the progress and with this video it ties your build together. As a kiwi I gotta say anytime us ANZACS are represented it's a good day.

Great build. Being in the US Navy and on the USS Constellation for multiple deployments. You got the details down really good.

It’s insane how much you make the model come alive. The weathering gives it a story, it’s insane what you can do!

As somebody who lives in the Australian city of Melbourne, your pronunciation was perfect. And your kit was amazing to watch come together. I've just discovered your channel today but I have utterly loved binge watching through 6 hours of your content. Thank you very much for so much inspiration for my own kits.

I love the style of these videos. Im just starting in this hobby and watching your videos and you showing everything really helps

thanks for giving us Australians some respect with this model great model and fantastic job with it

Those split shot weights are great ballast. I take a hammer to them and flatten them out. It makes more room for additional weight if needed.

Wonderful build. Such an inspiration.

I believe the "oxygen hoses" were for the rescue breather bottles, similar to those used in the Sea King. If the aircraft sinks during ditching, the crew use those to breathe as they extricate themselves.

A great build and video Brett. I've flown a couple of times in a RAN Tracker many years ago in my early RAN days. Interestingly, I served in RAN submarines so have many recollections of exercising with the Trackers at sea when they were in service. As an "aviation nut", I think they are a great aircraft and the big twin radials sound just outstanding. You've inspired me to add a Tracker to my model stash and I've already started sourcing the various add-on items.

My grandfather served on the HMAS Melbourne so I really appreciate your choice for basing, great job!

Great build video. Very helpful, comments focused on the model. Great job.

The coating on aircraft carrier and all ship decks is called nn skid or non skid. Its been a while since Ive served. Used to be a sonar tech. Also was cross trained to be a torpedo man and to strap on the torpedoes to the SH60s we had on the FFG7 I was on. That wouyld make a nice diorama. An SH60 sitting on the RAST gear that traps the helo so it can be reeled in onto the flight deck and moved into the hangar. You could model the side rails and the helo bay door and the raised windowed area that the officer who is in charge of landings hides inside of. Lots of interesting details in a small area.

Wow, maybe your best yest. What a pleasure to watch, and to watch you enjoy creating the S-2. Thank you for sharing

I really like this build Brett. Nice job. The segment of carrier deck with displayed ordnance was a good choice. Well done! (I went back & watched this video again!)

The amount of detail is mind boggling. Great job!

Excellent and much overlooked point about modelling - the 'I know it's there' aspect/rule. How many times do we do stuff which others might question because WE know it's there! LOL ....Modeller's are a funny bunch! Excellent video, thank you.

That was outstanding to watch. Makes me want to get back into the hobby. Also being an aircraft mechanic i love the little details about the kit.

As for the bits at the beginning that go “unseen”, it doesn’t matter, you know it’s there and that’s all that counts. As with many things in life, often times the journey is as important as the destination, model interiors are often this for me.

As a custodian of the actual Tracker 845 (and the airworthy Tracker 844) I would say you've nailed it, well done and thanks for choosing an Australian scheme!

Very nice work! I always appreciate a modeller that puts in those extra details without making it too complicated.

Lots of great details. It’s difficult enough to make a model well, but do so while videotaping the build just adds to the complexity. Well done. I learned quite a bit from this video. I have this same kit (unbuilt) but you inspire me to give it a go.

Hello mr.Hammer!i must say,your passion for detail and accuracy is an shiny beacon,for all who admire our beloved hobby.i love your narration.you can be proud conquering that little gem.with all that pe and aftermarket purshase.i would like to give more than 1thumb up.because you deserve it .but I cant.thats a pain in the ass.thank you for sharing.with best regards and sticky greetings from sandy Brandenburg/germany.your fellow modellmate.christian

48:15 Dang, Looking real good :o Now it all starts to get 2x’s more fun

“I get to document all of this”.. A list of all the after-market stuff you used would be ideal ‘documentation’ for us, your viewers. It would give us not-so-experienced builders a base-point to work off of.

Beautiful build for a quite beautiful plane. All that extra detail is just....

Well I’m a little late to the party if seems but man that is outstanding!

Cabelas sells lead wire in a neat little case with 6 spools. Smaller gauges, Super flexible!

Excellent 👍 work!!!

Superb Detail!

Another amazing build Hammer. I enjoyed watching you build. I tell builders I'm 59, been building models since I was 9, and I'm still going to school. I subbed you. Hope to learn a lot more from you as you go.

Impresionante trabajo..!!!, todo un maestro..!!, felicitaciones.!

G'day Brett, an absolutely outstanding build and a stunning finished effect! Interesting that you mentioned the near pristine condition of these RAN aircraft. As a member of the RAAF, back in the 70s, mostly involved with our two C-130 Squadrons; I can tell you that the blokes at the squadrons and their 486th Maintenance Squadron took particular pride in keeping the exterior and interior of their aircraft in 'as new' condition. This was even though our Hercs did hard work in dusty outback regions and around the world in all kinds of adverse conditions. In repeated international air forces' C-130 competitions, RAAF Hercs had a habit of winning the display and presentation categories. I am pretty much sure this level of care applied, and probably still does, to all ADF aircraft. It's a logical extension of our military personnel dressing impeccably while on parade and during duties where they are on show to the public. The ADF 'Federation Guard' formation, from all three services, are a great example of this as they are used to represent our military at all official national and international events. Your RAN S-2 Tracker is one of the best models, used in a diorama, I've seen in a long time. You are a highly skilled, meticulous modeller who deserves genuine praise. Cheers, and all the best, Bill H.

Regardless of the closed cockpit, there is some beautiful detail and attention that you have put into the build mate!

That is one good looking build! I think James went a little over board but in a good way!!

Stunning build, I especially like the extra details you added!

Very nice build, great talk through of the build and all of the challenges. Peace from Sydney Australia.

Outstanding!!!

Loved this build. Great videos and I’m picking up some great tips. Thanks!

I have to say that I really enjoy your builds. Your build style and approach is very similar to my own and it's nice to see that the results can look as good as they do on yours. Thanks for sharing.

It's watching builds like these that makes me want to get better and improve my modelling skills. Love the addition of the deck chains and all the extra details. Just wish I could move on from Airfix starter kits to something like this, only so many spitfire mk1As I can take. Happy modelling Mr Hammerhead

i am speechless. it is a awesome build, so nice 👍👍👍

That was a blast to watch...... very enjoyable. You've got a thing of beauty there now. Top marks, mate 👌🏻👋🏻👍🏻

Beautiful build. I flew with a guy who started his ASW career in the Stoof.

Great work! The chains and tie downs look very good and folded wings are always interesting. Greetings...

That was a excellent build sir, congratulations on a job well done, bedt regards from a Kiwi living in Australia 👌👍👌👍👌👍

Very good ...congratulations ! I suggest video of the assembly of the 1/48 Kinetic Mirage IIIE kit. Thank you !

Next time you look for chain, try radio controlled rock crawlers... RPP HOBBY would be a good place to start and RC4WD as well

Absolutely excellent work!!🇮🇪

Another nice one mate. Good job on pronouncing Melbourne too. We say it as if it’s spelled “melbn”

I've discovered tungsten putty for weight. They make it for pinewood derby cars and you can mold and ply it into every bit of space. I used it on my Rodon OV-1, and it's jammed in every available space like under the center console, under the instrument panel, I have it wrapped around the front wheel bay. It's amazing stuff.

Wheel weights would probably be a good system for weighing models. Not the hammer on guys but the stick on weights. You can break them up into small sections and double them up, or leave them in long strips. Also come in a variety of weights.

Outstanding! That's a lot of work; a lot of PE! It makes me want to try a super-detailed build like this, but at the same time it doesn't. Lol! For your base, maybe try one of the textured rattle can paints from Rustoleum in the future and if it's not the right color, shoot the color you want over it. Peace and love.

We love it Brett! Trent keeps me on my toes and tests my knowledge about aircraft by asking what are those and what do they do? 😅 Another fantastic build! 👍🙂

Man that’s amazing. Great work. Love the tie downs. So cool!

Great looking build, like the way you did the display. The black panels on the engine nacelles are anti-glaree. Very common on WW2 aircraft, especially natural metal ones.

Great build.. Kudos...😎

I'm watching this over a couple of evenings but one thing I thought I'd mention is I saw someone get the quilted effect by using the knurled portion of his hobby knife to emboss some thick foil, like from a wine bottle. Maybe that'll be useful at some point.

Nice Build

Awesome stuff mate👍🏻👌🏻💪🏻🇦🇺

Nice build... My opinion for inside work. It's nice if you have half open model. Otherwise it's a lot of money and we work for nothing... But it's nice.

Perfect work 👍👍👍

Really great build, came out fantastic!

What an outstanding build. And great explanation of all things done and the work you have put into it. You have a new subscriber!

Another great build. It's great to watch your work. I always learn something and of course inspired. I have been considering an F-18. Maybe a Meng F model. Thanks! P.S. Opps, I posted my comment to the wrong video... :)

The mystery part on the seat is a Foster's Beer dispenser.

Another awesome build and video 🙌🏻

Very nice twin engined radar airplane S2 Tracker Australian Navy. I like this airplane so far unique tail. ❤❤😊👍🤗🤩😍🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺💯⭐⭐

Nice build, man! This kit requires brass landing gear legs due to its weight. Other than that it's OK (accurate geometry, crisp detail, etc.). The only drawback is very sparse detail in the cockpit, bomb bay and gear wells.

That turned out really nice. This kit is a block of wood and needs a lot of help.

Great job ! Looks amazing ! I am building a P-61 ‘ Black Widow ‘ it’s a fun build but I am having a lil problem finding Etched parts for it ? Any ideas?

Buttons are for radio

beautiful work! I have been getting back into modeling and these videos are encouraging. :) Cheers!

Awesome build! I really enjoy your videos.

Quilted aluminum foil: You know we ALL have a piece of that minimum 20 years old! 😆

Beautiful job! 👍👍❤

Professional 👍

Grato e um forte abraço!

I enjoy watching your videos and your models show exceptional detail. I have a question about your Naval Aircraft why don’t you trace out the panel lines with flat black with the airbrush for depth ? just curious

I'll full enjoy it

Fantastic 😀😀😀😀😀

Your narration reminds me of the youtuber ThisIsDanBell and that’s a huge compliment from me

Outstanding job Brett. I'm new to your channel and I'm loving catching up with your builds. You strike a great balance between detail and brevity. One question on this one. The "Y" on the starboard aft NAVY decal. Is that intentional? It seems odd. And once seeing it, it kept drawing my eye. Keep up the good work and great videos!

I had a whole lot of trouble building the Grumman S2N model from Kinetic. Mine is modelled after our own Navy. " Koninklijke Marine" from the netherlands V 159. The folding part of the wings weren't easy to fit correctly also the searchlight provided was terrible. I had to make my own. Otherwise i turned out great. I have photo's for the result. ( V is for Valkenburg before that it had the D on the rudder. You're build is quite nice...good work

What glue did you use to glue the detail parts on? Terrific build, a true master.

Great job! Subscribed!

Good stuff. Have you tried Mr Surfacer 1500 as a black primer. Its great

I do this in my job that no one will ever see it but do it its a good thing

Awesome

Really nice work mate. I have the Italeri re-boxing of this kit in the stash that I intend to tackle one of these days and had been intending to do it in an Aussie scheme as well as the decals come with the kit. Probably wont do the photo-etch as my hands and eyes are just not up for it these days.

Amazing job on the Tracker, quick question about your pin vise I've seen you use, where did you get the nose piece to fit the micro drill bits as I have the drill bit set

You might wanna look up tracker that's on USS Intrepid now, it's a tailsitter too. I mean the nose wheel was in the air, when I was there, so maybe it's just their natural state? :)