monthebiff

So a little more progress and finally getting the horizontal stabilisers fitted, a little shimming here and there with plastic card but all pretty simple in the end Also cleaned up and thinned the leading edge slats and then fitted in to place Also reworked the incorrect navigation lights and made a new pitot from Albion Alloy and plastuc card. Infinity supply clear rounded lenses but in reality this wasn't a very streamlined area with just a bulb with no fairing over it and the kit supplied pilot tube was just an unrecognisable blob of plastic Just working my way through all the small stuff, I want to start painting a few of the sub assemblies but hanging back until the weather cools a bit as not used to airbrushing in 30° heat in the UK and don't want to ruin it with a bad paint job after getting to this point. Regards. Andy

Thank you Rob, I think PE is definitely the better option on these dive brakes, much more difficult to build but being hollow will probably look a lot cleaner in the end. Regards. Andy

It's a very heavy model Matt and I'm still adding to it so I think it was definitely worth the extra effort Regards. Andy

Should be a lot easier second time around that's for sure. Are you doing another C4 or are you going to convert to maybe a C3 or go big and do a C5? Regards. Andy

Looking very good and super smooth. Regards. Andy

Really nice job, clean build and superb finish. Regards. Andy

That is just stunning, so pleased for you that your decals were crap. Looking mighty fine. Regards Andy

So, a bit of an update and first of all test fitted the upper dive brakes to the wing This then allowed me to measure and cut the inner wing section that needs filling in, now this section is included in the etched dive brake set but in reality an etched part here doesnt really work and its definitely plastic card all the way due to the filling , sanding and rescribe work required Also been working on the undercarriage and so pleased to have a set of S.O.W replacement U/C for this build as this is now a very heavy model with still plenty to add. Straight away I decided I needed to drill and pin with brass rod all joints for maximum strength. Kit part on the right and S.O.W on the left with some work started with first leg built up with minimal glue prior to test fit Both all completed . and test fitted in to the bays Those U/C legs are pretty tricky to get right and patience needed to let one part dry properly before fitting another to ensure best strength and overall fit. Regards. Andy

Looking really good Mal, a quick question as I'm wondering about the light colours on the side panels? Are these canvas or some such materials, very interested on this. Regards. Andy

Very nice Max and feel your pain as I'm currently juggling with my Helldiver undercarriage. It's such an important part of any build to get right both in strength and getting overall look and sit correct Regards. Andy

That is incredible how it messes woth your head. The smooth lines have gone and looks stepped as though it's made from lego until you look at the pictures along the length of the fuselage

Interesting tips there Mal, I will give those a try definitely. Not on this build but will practice on some old etched sites with unused parts rather than on a current build. Regards. Andy

I've use Zap cyno both medium and thin Mal. I use small amounts of the medium to get everything in place and then flood all of the joints with thin and then leave for 24 hours. Regards. Andy

Now I do like HpH etched brass and I think it's the best out there because it's a perfect gauge with well thought out bend positions and fits together perfectly. That is if your instruction sheet matches the parts. So lots of care is needed initially as Infinty have managed to mix part numbers between the upper and lower flaps which are slightly different and don't fit properly. Ask me how I know Once you understand the issue you will be fu e but just another unnecessary issue but very difficult to resolve once glue has been introduced. Im guessing not to many people will have a problem with this as they will never get that far. Anyway some positive progress They do look beautiful once assembled but very tricky. I woll wait overnight until I test fit the the airframe to allow the glue to fully dry. 2 down and just the 6 to go! Regards. Andy

That seat is just amazing Guy, stunning build and looking forward to more. Regards. Andy

Definitely all looking very Typhoon like Max and very nice insignia,masking tutorial thank you. Regards. Andy

Looking real nice Mal, I'm really liking your research, super build thread indeed. Regards. Andy

And when they get round to release a 109E just think of the dualist boxing with Spitfires and Hurricane's. Just thinking out loud Regards. Andy

Me too, think this will sell pretty quickly.

Recieved a set of updated landing gear this morning What incredible customer service from Peter. Thank you Airscale. Regards. Andy

Ahh, is that what last year's cut in winter fuel allowance for the elderly paid for? Nice work Sir Kier.

So my plan is to now build up the etched dive brakes in particular the upper sections and the work from the outside in so I can then re-make the undersize inboard section from plastic card with no big gaps between sections May be a day or two getting this little lot together but a long weekend away awaits in London, lots of nice chill time, food and Linkin Park on Saturday evening. Regards. Andy

Thank you Dennis and its definitely worth keeping on the "to do" list but just a bit lower down. Regards. Andy

Thank you Max, picking this kit up again has really restored my mojo after probably a couple of years of not really feeling it. I'm just loving building again and the problem solving that goes with it. Regards. Andy

The landing gear upgrade is definitely a huge step up on this kit Matt and I've no concerns about strength as the fixing points are spread over a few areas but not managed to show in an update yet. Regards. Andy