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https://www.zoukeimura.co.jp/en/sentiment/oyajiblog_114.html Ryan

Chugging away at the CAD for the big smurf....thumb actuated slower downer thingies.

I am a bit late to enter into the “Blue Box of Happiness” group build but writing down the build preparations took longer than thought. The project is to improve the old 1/32 Revell SAAB JAS 39 Gripen as released in 1991. I can not promise yet if it can be finished, but I will give it a try. Yep…. I know there is a “risk” that JETMADS may come with a new 1/32 Gripen kit as they did with the SAAB Viggen and announced a SAAB Draken…. But I have a "weakness" for Swedish jets, and I made the old ID models/ Tigger SAAB J29 Tunnan earlier as seen here on the LSP forum..... OK, let’s looks at this old Gripen kit.... The kit #4752 has about 125 parts and contained also a sort of engine, an entry ladder and stores like missiles and fuel tanks. I bought the kit second hand quite cheap many years ago. It was clear that the accuracy of this 1/32 kit was not very good, models built over the years seemed to be too “compact”. But at that time the new Gripen was still quite secret and not a lot of the details were known to the Revell team in 1991. A few decades later more data had become available, so I had studied a bit more. A big trigger was that the small 1/72 Revell kit of the Gripen JAS-39C was released in 2014. This kit was made by Revell with SAAB assistance some 25 years later and the outlines of this kit seem to be quite accurate as I made a kit. I could also cross-measure the sections and shapes while building it and made notes. So another 7 years later, time to look at the old 1/32 Revell Gripen kit again! For those who are unfamiliar with the kit, the main parts are seen here. (Note that some parts have already some paint as I bought the kit second hand). Stores are a bit crude and seem to be a pairs Sidewinders, RBS-15F missile, RBS-15 anti-ship missile and a single central fuel tank. The cockpit is basic and there is a sort of intake funnel. The kit decals are for proto/ pre-production? aircraft with stripes (I had seen also kits with very yellowed decals in the past) ================= A FIRST CHECK-UP OK. Next, I started to look for several layout drawings though we all know one has to be careful with these. The 1/72 Revell kit ( LINK to my webpage: https://designer.home.xs4all.nl/models/gripen/gripen-2.htm ) was also measured up and notes taken. Having a few “Jane’s All the World Aircraft” books, the invaluable reference source for aviation professionals, some main data was compared as published over the years in Jane's. Some drawings were scaled up to 1/32 with computer, scanner and printed. I used a good drawing as starting point. These are some of my prepared drawings … and below with pitot tube drawn in upper view ====================================================== A big moment is now to compare some bigger kit parts with my drawings. ====================================================== FUSELAGE: It was measured and it seems that the old 1/32 kit is about 21 mm too small in total length. When the forward fuselage section is set on the drawing, the nose planform does not look too bad. The air intakes seem to be pretty good but need a bit more curve at their upper edges near the canards. ======================= WING: The overall wing span is about 10 mm too small. Increasing the chord section in span seems to way to go. =============== VERTICAL TAIL: The tail fin height is about 5 mm too small. (Note that using the “total height” data of the real Gripen can not be used at it is affected by the landing gear layout). Multiple small vertical tail corrections are needed here, also at the leading edge and a bigger rudder to be made. ============= CANARDS: The canards are not that bad. A bit reshaping with some plastic card and extenting their ends with 3 mm each would do it. Also the kit parts need removal of the stubs (which were probably prototype flutter weights?) and raised details. ================= OTHER IMPROVEMENTS Other issues for improvement found till now are: - improve internal details, particularly cockpit - improve canopy - improve the landing gear, doors and gear bays; - replace wheels; - kit wing pylons are inaccurate and need modification; - main exhaust kit part #30 does look too small, it should be about 30 mm in 1/32. A replacement could be a F-18 exhaust for the RB12/ F404 engine; - improve fuel tank if desired and seek better missiles if desired. ================== FURTHER INVESTIGATION I tried to find out what may have caused the dimensional inaccuracies in the old Revell kit. Now I saw something interesting: the Jane’s “All the World Aircraft” data from 1988 till 1993 indicated a wing span of 8 meters and length of 14,1 m. Jane’s data from more recent date (2007/2008) showed: wing span 8,4 m inclusive wing tip missile rails and length 14,1 m without nose pitot tube. So they added info about pitot and missile rails. I estimated the real Gripen pitot tube to be about 0,75 m long (that is 22 mm in 1/32) and the real wing tip missile rails to be about 0,15 m each wide (that is in 1/32 about 5 mm). This adds up to the length correction of about 21 mm and wing span correction of 2x5 mm. I concluded that the Revell kit team at the time forgot about the pitot tube length and missile rails. The team assumed this to be “included” in the overall Gripen span en length dimensions as stated by the Jane’s data (and probably in SAAB promotion documentation) when making their moulds. I looked at a lot of photos and kept in mind these issues. It seemed that corrections could be done on the Revell Gripen model. Yes, it will not be easy and would need putty, plastic card, putty, card… and a lot of patience… Though not perfect, at this point the only option for a better JAS-39C Gripen model in 1/32 scale. I concluded that these modification are “do able” so it was decided to improved this old kit to get a better 1/32 scale model of the current SAAB JAS-29C Gripen. OK, this was a long first post about the investigation. Next, first attempts to build the kit! Meindert

Fortunately folks, we have some resolution! He was at the swap meet with a friend, and we've seen them there several times over the years. Done several transactions. I had hoped that this was a misunderstanding, and not an intentional act (Several years ago, we had someone walk away with a Tamiya F-4J kit without paying for it, so these things do happen). His friend who was with him is a member here at LSP, and has reached out to me, assuring that his buddy is a standup guy, and is going to get us in touch to sort things out. Won't need to get the police involved (other than myself?), and I'm going to recoup my funds. Additionally, he gets to enjoy his kits! Everybody wins. Love this community. - Dennis S. Thornton, CO USA

molds in progress + new layout of Infinity website https://www.infinitymodels.cz/en/pripravujeme/vampire/

I am quite looking forward to this and the Fw-190. I like the Zoukei Mura kits. I am a fiend for detail and even if it does all get sealed away I have fun building it. I’ve done their He-219 and had a blast. I am currently doing the Do-335 and loving the level of detail. I have the Ho-229 in the stash and have plans to super detail it with removable panels. Each to their own I guess, but I will have fun building it. Might even do some fun ‘what if’ stuff with it.

I'll explain later, but here's a quick pic to let you all know I havent fallen off the planet and am still working on the Phantom.... Cheers Anthony

Landing gear, drop tanks, ordnance installed. I'm not sure that the HAF ever actually loaded one of these birds out for a full-on air-to-air engagement, so maybe this is a bit of a fantasy exercise. Nevertheless it looks cool, and the kit has some obviously unrealistic gaps left in the underside of the fuselage if you don't at least mount the Sparrows... I feel like I need to spray some more flat on some of this, like the drop tanks. Or just hit it with a good layer of gray pastel on a wide, soft brush to kill the shine... Standing on it's own (three) feet: Hopefully I can squeeze in time between work meetings tomorrow to deal with the cockpit and canopies.

On to the meat of the deal............ The airframe has progressed continuously since I started (at my own slightly slow pace of course) as this kit has turned out to be just what the Dr. ordered as far as getting the modeling MoJo back. Its also really nice to work on something besides an airplane, although I do love fixed wing and now have an itch to get back to my beloved........but that is another story for when the Cobra is finished. The MRP flat coat went down as usual, quite dreamily to a rock solid flat/ever so slightly semi sheen. I tell ya, you really do have to work to mess this stuff up! It goes on like butter and dries nearly instantly, but yet doesn't get brown or yellow, and you REALLY have to pile it on heavy to get the flat coat to bloom and get the sometimes tell-tale white marks. I used far FAR less MRP paint than I have in the past, and continue to be amazed by their paints and clears. On to the progress then! Fast forwarding a bit here things have progressed to the point of not needing the engine tower rod any more as I am now done with paints, decals, the major weathering and all over clear coats. Overall assembly, chin turret and turret weapons as well as some minor weathering to go, as well as the 3D printed XM-158s. Nothing perfect here, but a LOT of fun to be had, and things have overall turned out to my satisfaction. An enamel grime was applied, chipping via silver pencil, and some enamel stains and leaks applied, along with some grease and oil stains around the fuel filler, main mast opening as well as heavily used areas. Did not get a chance to grab underside pics, but there is some weathering there too. The black basing work is also actually apparent with the Mk. 1 eyeball as well. Sorry about the Q-tip/cotton bud hair everywhere! Ill have done away with that before finish: I swear the TBE looks way better IRL than in pics as well. The macro eye is an unforgiving mistress: I have since these pics were taken removed the chin turret masking and test fit the chin turret. It still fits great, but the main thing I wanted to mention is that if you can, I would highly recommend allowing a space for an aftermarket M-134 if you are using one, then filling some of the base with some kind of weight. Although the ICM Cobra is not a "tail-boom sitter" the CG feels distinctly farther back than it should be, and when you set the model down without the chin weight, it feels overly light and has sort of a gentle rocking motion to it when set down. I'm sure with the rotors on and some of the main rotor more out front it may help with that feel, but that tiny bit of extra weight in the chin really helps give the model a more solid, balanced and purposeful feel. I'm off to see how much cleanup and touch-up I have waiting for me in the cockpit after using the two open cockpit panels as masking! Cheers,

Hi Guys, Here's part two of the 109 builds. Here's the starboard cockpit wall of the Hasegawa kit. Yahu IP for the K-4. And in place. The Hasegawa G-6 has a Yahu panel as well. Hasegawa's G-6 as it stands right now. Trumpeter's kit a couple of days ago. it's quite a bit further on now. That's all for now. Regards, Bruce Crosby

Hi all, my first post.

new web layout of Infinity website + few new in progress pics https://www.infinitymodels.cz/en/pripravujeme/aichi-d3a-val-1-32-2/

Hello all. Please let me introduce you new products. 32020 1/32 F-15C Centerline pylon TAMIYA 32021 1/32 F-15E Centerline pylon TAMIYA 32022 1/32 F-15C Early Pylons + Rails (Tamiya) 48006 1/48 Lau-129 (4pcs for F-16) 48008 1/48 F-15C Centerline pylon GWH 48009 1/48 F-15E Centerline pylon GWH 48010 1/48 F-15C Pylons + rails (LAU-114) GWH All of them you can find on www.kopeckyscalemodels.com Please welcome and thank you! 32020 1/32 F-15C Centerline pylon TAMIYA 32021 1/32 F-15E Centerline pylon TAMIYA 32022 1/32 F-15C Early Pylons + Rails (Tamiya) 48006 1/48 Lau-129 (4pcs for F-16) 48008 1/48 F-15C Centerline pylon GWH 48009 1/48 F-15E Centerline pylon GWH 48010 1/48 F-15C Pylons + rails (LAU-114) GWH

Landing gear update - Next task would be the landing gear actuation and folding linkage. I have identified the parts modeled here on the Vought Landing Gear Installation drawing VS-10275: The parts are small - some are 3D printed, others just scratch built. Examples: You see the "shrink" lever on the right. Similar to the P-47, the F4U has a means to partly compress the oleo as the gear enters the well. This lever, marvelously 3D printed, is part of that mechanism. You see another intricate 3D printed part on the left - part of the actuator linkage. Two per side. These parts are SMALL - repeat SMALL! And in the middle the folding linkage springs and their little attach lugs - two springs per side. The springs are made of 0.008 inch diameter phosphor bronze wire, wrapped about 37 times around a 0.025 inch diameter rod. The wire diameter really ought to be thinner still to be properly scaled, with more coils - but good grief - what you see was hard enough! Here is the beginnings of one of the actuators, with a 3D printed head and a simple alum tube body. It will get an opposite side head, and piston rod with a complicated end fitting with hydraulic fittings: A lug has broken off - grrr. I will have to repair that. Here is an installed actuator, showing the attachment to the main spar, and also its hydraulic plumbing: It looks a little rough, I know. But keep in mind this view is with upper wing skin off. The important view is from underneath. The unconnected wire you see on the left is for the brake line. It awaits installation of the inboard rib that it attaches to. It is hard to show really good pictures of this nearly complete landing gear strut installation, but here goes: Alot of those 3D printed parts that have been sitting around have now been installed. I would also note the two forward ribs are now permanently installed, at least on the left wing. And that just about (not quite) finishes the LH forward wheel well. It lacks only the brake hose that has to wait for a while. The pics, I think, do not indicate just how pressure packed this work was. I had surprises at the actuator rod spar attach, and the plumbing was just ridiculously difficult. And - nearly all the parts were so small that they had to be installed with tweezers, and tweezers tend to launch little parts into another universe. That happened a couple times, and I spent alot of time frantically searching the modeling area for them. Thankfully they were found. Anyway there it is. Now, for the right hand wing - oh boy...... I think, after the RH gear, the gear doors and their actuators are next. I don't want to - they will be a little fragile and subject to damage - but before the wing gets buttoned up that work must happen. I need the access from the top. Take care y'all.

Ammo of Mig has it on preorder for 125€, expected delivery in March 2022 https://www.migjimenez.com/en/preorder/6709-132-curtiss-hawk-81a-2-american-volunteer-group-avg-flying-tigers.html content: https://www.themodellingnews.com/2021/11/preview-contents-of-gwhs-32nd-scale.html#more

All- This is model related, and I just need to vent a little bit, and ask for some assistance/guidance. At our local hobby shop this past weekend (Colpar's Hobby Town in Aurora, Colorado), I had a gentleman visit the table, along with a friend, who have purchased kits from me before. I've seen them many times, and we always have cordial conversation. He purchased one kit from my using cash ($70 for a Tamiya 1/48 F-4B), and wanted to also purchase an additional Tamiya 1/48 F-4B ($70). He did not have cash in hand for the second one, but there were other options available. I did not have my PayPal Here card reader with me, so I elected to log into my PayPal using my cell phone, and I created an invoice to him for the second F-4B kit. He advised he would create a PayPal, and then pay the invoice. I had him place his own e-mail address into the invoice, and I confirmed with him afterwards that it was correct. He said that it was. The invoice was sent, and he left with the kit. He later returned to the table and "purchased" a Hobby Boss 1/48 MV-22 kit ($80), and I sent him an additional invoice for the second kit. We enjoyed some cordial conversation, and then he walked away to enjoy other vendor tables. The event ended, and I packed up to go home. This was Saturday. By Monday, I had not received payment on the invoices, and had not heard from him. I then sent an e-mail to the e-mail address provided, and asked if he was having trouble paying the invoices, and if he was, that we could make other arrangements. I got a reply from my e-mail advising that he did not know what I was talking about, and had no idea what an F-4B was. I sent another reply asking if this person had a friend who built model airplanes that may have used his e-mail address, and I did not get any reply. The two invoices were then cancelled by the receiver (at the other e-mail address). I located a video from the swap meet, posted by one of the employees at the swap meet, and I was able to grab some screen shots of the male, and the friend he was with. I sent one of the screen shots to the e-mail address I had, and he replied, saying he had no idea who the male was in the photo. I've replied, asking him to confirm that this person did not have permission to use his e-mail address for a transaction, and that he could not use his likeness for a transaction. Still awaiting a reply. My next step is to go to the hobby shop and ask the staff if they recognize the male and know who he is, and to ask them to retain video surveillance from the swap meet at the time of the transaction at my vendor table (it's all under video surveillance). If the staff don't know him (and they seem to know all the regulars pretty well, myself included), I plan to go to the local IPMS meeting and ask around. I'm hoping to resolve this without getting law enforcement involved, but it's headed in that direction. He's looking at fraud charges, based on the information I've received from the fellow on the other end of the e-mail address. And, in case anyone is wondering, I am a cop, a Detective actually. Just didn't expect to be doing any "work" on my own issues. Am I wasting my time? Worthy pursuit? I just hate being taken advantage of. And I am confident I can find this guy using appropriate means. - Dennis S. Thornton, CO USA

Recent acquisition to enhance displaying my Fa330. Stay tuned.

Yuk on clear fuselages skins....

It's fixed!! It's not quite back to original pre-matt varnish, but it's good enough. There was slight damage over the top wing and fuselage, but because I tried to correct the fuselage with yet more airbrushed varnish, that got worse still. Here's a shot just as I've started to fix the fuselage. This side seems to be fated, as the white 75 decal bent on application and would not straighten. The top wing looked like the brown mottle at the right of this shot; paint OK, but the gloss showing through like this and only in a line across the entire wing span just in front of the ailerons. But it's here that the real damage was done, with the white band tearing towards the top as well as distorting on the edges. It was dead straight. The tears in the paint in some places have gone down to the plastic, which is four coats of paint deep. The real worry for me was the red 6 decal as often when you mask over decals, you rip the decal apart as you remove the mask. Here, I've masked the forward edge of the decal and the rear mask you can see at top, about to be placed. I've also sanded back the tear in the white band which was deep, and the paint had run too. Here's the band after masking. It's been repainted to an acceptable level and allowed to dry. I've also masked off the red 6 with Tamiya bendy tape, as it doesn't seem to have as much stick. The divide between the upper camo and lower grey has also been masked as I'll have to spray close to that line (the green mottle adjacent to the band). Fixed. Or at least, fixed as well as it's ever going to get. This is what it looks like now, after airbrushing a couple of coats of Mr Color matt varnish. It's evened out the damage to the brown mottle and the same has been applied to the wing with similar results. This pic is about twice normal size, so unless you're looking hard, you can't see that much damage now. The white mask tape over the number was only in place for about 30 minutes, which was enough time to repaint the base and dark brown colours, and perhaps meant that the tape didn't have much chance to bond with the decal. So after lot's of gnashing of teeth, I'm now back to where I should have been a week or so ago. Here's all the major components awaiting assembly. I'm starting with the top wing, then the undercarriage, and the last bit will be the engine. Then it's just a couple more details (guns, venturi, possibly some rigging and last touch ups) before it's completed. I have started putting the wing struts in place, but won't be doing it exactly as the instructions say. I've got half the struts in place and even that's like herding cats. I'm also very glad I haven't fitted the engine yet as it would only get in the way. This is my first biplane in decades and my first Italian WW2 LSP, both types of subjects I would like to build more of, so hopefully no more stuff ups from here on. Cheers, Michael

I see one of those 109G-14’s in my future.

'I know, I'll cut out the panels under the cockpit - what could possibly go wrong?' The answer is - the front fuselage defines the shape of the front of the rear fuselage. Left to itself, the rear goes elliptical and becomes too tall. Plan A meant that there wasn't enough front left to hold the rear to the right shape. So I took it apart again This new bulkhead holds the fuselage in shape and provides a flat surface to attach the front section to. Simple - as long as you leave out the engine inlet ducts... Richard

Things have not turned out perfectly, but I am pleased none the less. The TBE is now attached and weathered, a full flat coat is now on, the chin turret is painted and weathered and the XM-158 rocket pods are painted, weathered and now complete as well. The XM-159s I had planned to add OOB were just plain BAD. Very hard to clean up, didnt look very good and would have detracted from the overall look I believe. So an offer from one of our own was just what the Dr. ordered! Mikkel (aka our own "Mebo" on LSP) has given me permission to display his work here, which is great news as they are really looking special. Mikkel offered to make some XM-159s for me, and so far they are looking amazing! Here are some 3D print previews. Really astounding work, with a variety of possible war-heads: Here are some first prints. Later the tubes will be represented with thin walled SS tubing: The 2.75" rockets are also really turning out to be a things of beauty! Loads and loads (no pun intended) of possibilities here for rockets: M151/M156/M230/M274 (10 pounder): M229 (17 pounder): M257/M278 (Illumination Light/IR): M255/M259/M261/M264/M267 (Flechette, Smoke,Submunitions,Training) M247 High Explosive: A first test print run of the rockets indicates just how small these things will be............but still amazing looking! Again thanks to Mikkel for all his hard work on these! They will indeed look spectacular when completed and on the model. More in a min!

Spent a bunch of time this weekend on the aft end of the plane. Had a few brief setbacks (like a spot of paint that just peeled back - all the way to bare plastic - and had to be repaired), but nothing too bad. Here are some views of where I got to. There are things about it that aren't quite right, but I'm leery of over-working things. Plus I'm coming up on my self-imposed deadline to FINISH this and pack my modeling stuff away until post-move. There are a few tiny touchups to do, but this week I should basically be able to do LG, ordnance, and then hopefully have *zero* trouble un-tacking that closed canopy and getting the proper, raised ones on there. Fingers crossed.

Thanks Karl. That's a great built . By the way, I love the clever way you installed those exhaust pipes. Anyway, mission accomplished : after few hours of work and a number of bad words I managed to rebuild that *** canopy frame.

OK something to show tonight. I finished the main camo painting. I used the grey-green colors made for the SMT by Mr. Paint and I like the way they came out. I still have some touch-up and a number of panels which needs to be masked and painted but the main effort has been done. I hope you like it. Cheers, David

I have never been very attracted to their kits, precisely because of how much interior detail they have. I also hate clear skins, and I don't like cutaways, either, so I have no really good way to show off their amazing work. I don't like paying a ton of extra money for something I can't enjoy. Incredible kits, but I am too conflicted about them to buy one.

Glad to see it is making progress. Doesn’t sound like it will be available for quite a while still. Had also hoped to see the follow on HS-129 versions were coming, especially the 75mm canon. No word on those. Paul

Yup!! They're stripes, how hard can they be?......Can't imagine doing a P-38 with the rads on the tailbooms...Managed to get the blue down late yesterday. This is Testors Model Master Acryl Midship Blue, 4206. This was in the Marine paint line, might not be available, now. Have to say, the Tamiya mix given in the Mustang kit is a great match as well.

This is 1/32 Hasegawa Messerschmitt BF-109G-6 with the markings of “Black 12” Modifications are: MDC cockpit set Barracudacast propeller set Barracudacast wheels Quickboost exhaust Master Details horizontal tails Barracudacast underwing cannon gunboats Paints: Gunze Sangyo acrylics Fuselage code numbers are from Customhobbydecal Happy modelling

United States Marine Corps 10 Nov 1775 - Present Cheers, Damian 1966-1972

The challenge here is to not go totally overboard: Fuel tank access panels and some ducting Richard

Good to see a company being smart and building what will sell instead of some nearly forgotten footnote in aviation history. I'll buy a couple for sure. Not overly keen on the invisible interior parts. I'm most likely to omit those parts not structurally required.

ZM know this will make them money. (Bf-109). Good on them. I'm not an all interior works builder, however I'll pick up their 109 kit when released. I'm more interested in the next Hs 129 Eastern front release. Hmmmmmm.

"A man's gotta know his limitations ......" The reason why I post in Ready for Inspection so infrequently

@BiggTim I agree, no cutaways for me either but open panels etc. are ok. Try one of the lower cost ones, I promise you will have fun building them.

Cool beans, glad this is getting resolved ....although slightly let down that there will be no "Dirty Harry" type response coming along .....

X 2!. Thanks for sharing this Ryan.

Sad that we won't see it this side of Christmas, but good things take time. For those on this side of the pond that are bad at math, that's roughly $140 for this sucker. But remember, before we get into another tussle, that's just a pre-order price, and it will likely change. I expected in the $100 ballpark based on the detail level, and it appears it'll be roughly around that. - Dennis S. Thornton, CO USA

Perhaps I can be forgiven linking to this youtube clip I found on a subreddit today re. Swedish Lansen jet. So, not the Draken. Some fun details like seeing they open the canopy presumably with an electrical engine wirring, and adjusting the side view mirror, and one can see a few instrument dials on the inside of the cockpit that seems not very large.

Well PJ has just sold Weta Digital for $1.6bn - maybe he’s done that so he can afford to buy two of the Border Lancs…

most decals on...well, a lot of decals on, painting and construction resumes; Thanks for looking

Helldiver - Atlantic scheme here: https://www.infinitymodels.cz/en/sb2c-4-helldiver--atlantic-scheme--1-32-inf-3202-2/ A-20 is on waiting list :-)

Out of Glue Error Time for another not so sexy update.... To begin with I noted to my horror that I´m out of CA-glue! That means I can´t glue things together but I can still make things fit I started polishing the rump of the thing to remove printing layers and support points. More sanding... And repriming...seems I got rid of the baddies on the spine Still have issues on the sides though. There are pits where the printing supports used to be...I tried scraping and sanding...now it´s down to filling! Ok, fun fun fun...... onto the main wheel wells.... After a bit of Dremelling in the hull I got a decent fit....and then The Dremel ran out of juice OK, how about the main wings do they fit? Well to my surprise the did fit.... after a bit of filing scraping of course. and on the other side too, here I used my defect wing to fit, I asume the replacement wing will look the same so if this fits then it will fit too! If you wonder what the issue was with it it´s this; the wingtip hasn´t cured. I´t is soft and sticky and totally unworkable. Hope I´ll get the new wing soon or this build will come to an halt* (*I did) Here we have a fit issue...when the tail cone is added this horrible gap appears. Fitting the wing to the tail cone shows no issues there. And the wings are of equal dimensions....ergo- the issue is in the airframe So out with the caliphers (hi dad) and... aha, there is almost 1mm difference between the right and left sides. Out with a marker pen and then a sheet of sanding papper on the table.... after a few cycles of sanding and fitting I arrived at this. I will have a nasty seam between the butt and the bod... But I got the fit with the main wings under control! There are more small fit issues to deal with but I´m good for today Cheers!

Thanks Terry! It is slow and tedious work, but I'm still really enjoying it . In another mini-milestone in the very long journey, I've completely moved all the way up to the forward most panel (has quite a unique shape and rivet pattern to it) and am making my way up the LH side. It's really interesting to see all the different shapes and patterns of the various panels, and you've really got to watch which panel you're up to! I really want to put the DF football on and pitot probes on but I know I'll knock them off........ almost up to the level where I can resume work forward from the radio room again, although I probably need to do some work on the RH side too...... Many, many more rivets to come! Craig

Very slightly O/T but I just wanted to say that in the following film we learn Sir Peter Jackson uses the word "kitset" to describe a scale model aeroplane assembly package

The front fit is good but the back of the panel needs to come down some... but you get the idea.

Cockpit is, as expected, a symphony of black: The Flightpath etches are nice: Richard Cruel close-ups!

In doing the exhaust cans, I'm trying to approximate the pattern of brassy metal and (lots of) soot that you see in this photo: I started by wrapping lots of bands of tape around them to get the segments that run down the exhaust "petals" The thinnest ones are 1 mm tape sliced in half lengthwise... I then sprayed them with a combo of MRP Exhaust Metal and Flat Black This is what it looked like with the tape peeled off. In retrospect I could have used even thinner tape strips and had slightly wider bands of soot between them. I then added (as you can see) small masks I made that cover the central ~75% of each petal. Back to the paintbooth, and you get That's obviously way too bright, so oversprayed with the soot color, heavier towards the business end of the nozzle. Here's one done And both I wish the edges of the painted areas were fuzzier, but at 1:48 this was hard enough to do with tape - Blu-Tack snakes would have been impossible. They are not done - next I'll overlay masks that completely cover the petals so I can mist some light gray over the interstitial sections (which have a lighter, ashier tone in the photos I'm looking at). The a final pass with pastels to blend and flatten a bit.

I use them and don’t give a second thought to what others may think of my use of them. I make my kits for my own enjoyment (or is that frustration) only, and look forward to future releases. If there’s no set available for what I’m building I’ll fall back on my old traditional lack of skills using various sets like Airscale etch or Grand Models and Anyz stuff to muddle my way through. I will stick to HGW for my belts though.

box ready https://www.facebook.com/339312286698433/photos/a.339315843364744/899663100663346/?type=3&theater