Winnie

I can cast a "mini" pit set on request. It includes the glare shield, IP, joystick grip, and antenna. It can fit all resin pit sets with minor mods. PM me and I can let you know the cost plus shipping.

Wow thanks mate. I'm fine. Hope the same.
 
Great brush work. Do you mind if I steal this?
 
Good musicians borrow.
Great musicians steal.
 

You're right...no grudges...we are just small nation, and we have some invasion every couple of decades...such questions help us to remeber the particular dates and countries involved.

One of my favorite movies..................
 
 

Gloves need more wearing in! lol. awesome though!

Stunning Sword Eric.
 
Since Brick has enthralled us with his tales of Derring do perhaps I might add. Brick was my CO as a neophyte Knuck in Butterworth on the Mirage. As a CO he was one of the best and most approachable senior officers I have ever known with a razor sharp wit. Like all Fighter pilots he considered himself gifted in the noble art of Hassling and he in  good nature told everybody so. Brick had a knickname ..... "The Golden hand" reportedly bestowed upon him because of his fighter pilot prowess and his statement along the lines of "when I die they are going to cut off my right hand, gold plate it and put it in the RAAF Museum". As a follow on perhaps Brick might tell us the farewell gift the troops gave him when he left as CO of 3Sqn at Butterworth .... a nice compliment to the Golden hand  .... go on Brick I dare you
After his CO stint at 3Sqn Brick got slowly absorbed by the "sponge" as all senior officers do. Then he was posted to "Fish head central" RAAF Edinburgh home of the  P3. Surrounded by Fish heads,Navs and Airborne Eating Officers (AEO's) must have been the end of the world for a Knuck like Brick. This was at the time the RAAF received the FA18. We had a deployment to Edinburgh with our new toys and so I took my old boss for an FA18 ride. Being a senior officer this was then a reasonably big deal so the base photographer was there to record the event. I briefed the "old Fellah" on the sortie (A strike on some Canberra filled revetments on Woomera Airfield) the  seat and safety equipment etc. I watched his suiting up in Safety equipment ....and hid his Nomex flying gloves... which the "old fellah" didnt notice. We walked out to the jet and I strapped him in. He then in an impeccable turn of phrase said "Oh dear I must have forgotten my flying gloves" .... like a flash I reached into my G suit pocket and presented him with a pair of Rubber gloves painted gold. It was a priceless moment and caught by the Base Photographer:
 

 
Brick I salute you one of natures true Gentlemen

I was studying this thread for a long time last night. I fell asleep while doing so. The image was still on the screen when I awoke. Another hour has passed and I have only now, at 6.55 am come to the last post.
 
The only way I can describe my impression is thusly: I once had a master musician perform 2 meters in front of me. (played the hell out of the instrument) When done he looked at me and asked:
 
"Any questions?"
 
I had none. He'd answered them already. 
 
Reading this thread has been an unadulterated pleasure in more ways than one. Ttail and the other pilots, many thanks for the great stories and good humour.
 
Erik. Mate, there was nothing I could say to the above mentioned musician that would encapsulate my thoughts and feelings. I was the proverbial deer in the headlights.
 
What I do know is this. Your work has inspired me to try harder, to concentrate more and trust it can be done. Perhaps not done so well...., but the effort can help.
 
I feel like I owe you some cash. No movie ever gave me such value.
 
On another note:
 
Ttail, any other RAAF guys, do you remember the race between the mirage and the ferrari? I think it was in the early 80's. Any chance you knew the pilot or what AC it was?
 
Again. Thanks to all.

My Modeler/Assembler answer was more a question than an accusation and never intended as anything insulting.  All I meant is, if its the only one available and you are prepared to go to the effort and you have the skills, go for it.  If not, there are other options all as valid.
 
One of my early builds was a 1/48 Tomcat and I intended to use an aftermarket cockpit and got in completely over my head and resorted to using the kit one in the end.  I apologise if offence was taken, as it was not my intent. I just wanted to say, don't be afraid to push yourself.

To each their own I guess, but if I had the choice between two detailed aftermarket cockpits at the same price - one being a drop-fit and the other requiring hacking and sanding of the kit plasitc and the resin to get everything to fit, I'd go with the drop fit every time.
 
But then, I find that the hack-and-slash rabbit hole is a great way for me to burn off all my enthusiasm for a build and wander off to something else. 

Ze French Lady does not stall,she just finds lift to be too,too bourgeoisie for her senses below 300 kias, nes pas?

Sorry to hear of your health issues, get well soon!
 
Been looking through this build and I am thoroughly impressed. looking forward to seeing more from you soon!
 
Cheers
Harald

My alltime favorite book! Movie is fun too!

I liked the cabin chocked full. Probably not very far from the truth to be honest.
 
Very good work. I like it!

Are you sharing your cut-files?
 
Star-and-bar in particular...
 
I made a cut file for the Hawk-115 MDC, but I have not run it yet through the machine. 
 
Your work is flawless, and I could only dream about doing anything that fine!

I just heard from Joe's models. Aeroclub never offered these through dealers so finding one depends on luck and the auctions.
A couple thoughts.
1) Weren't there other assembly jigs on the market besides this one?  If any of you know please let me know all the scoop on who makes it, where to get one, etc. Thanks.
2) If I get ticked off enough I'll design my own and produce it myself. I'm a retired machine designer and draftsman, so why not? Maybe go into a garage business making them. That sounds like fun as I do not have enough problems in life as it is.   I've always wanted to be a manufacturererererer.
Stephen

How about something like this to fit in there?
 

Karim, awesome build!
 
My wife also has a mask cutter! (lol) she is into scrap booking but I believe I use it more than she does!
 
Bet tool ever.