Uilleann

I can state categorically that the F-117A canopies did have a noticeable color sheen effect in many different lighting scenarios. However, I can also state (as I too purchased one of these canopies for my own build) that the AFV color process imparts a static color, and not a shifting, true iridescent look like the real thing. It's a step, but not realistic in fairness. I had looked at the possibility of trying to have one else of my kit canopy parts anti glare coated (I'm an optician by day) through one of my labs. But the logistics were difficult to ensure proper adhesion of the metal oxide layers needed to make the effect visible on an awkwardly shaped styrene part. I will say that any of the Hasegawa iridescent adhesive films I've seen or used so far would be dramatically too intense in theory appearance. Probably better to skip that route... *shrug*

Thank you Peter!!

A truly beautiful build!!!

Yep. That.

We still have Dugan - our first Chocolate Lab...and Mosey's partner in crime more often than not. He's helping us get through with loads of lab slobber, fur everywhere, and then of course, there's the gassy end...

Sadly, I have some rather difficult news - though not entirely related to the build here. On Sunday the 7th, we lost our darling Mosey. You may remember her from back on page 4, as the cute, chocolate vacuum cleaner. We're not entirely certain what happened, but we do know that she had what seemed to be a normal morning, but by mid afternoon, it was obvious that something was wrong, and she was in a growing amount of discomfort. By early evening, she couldn't stand, and so we rushed her to the puppy ER. They discovered that she was bleeding internally - possibly from a large, previously undiagnosed tumor. Emergency surgery was suggested, but with barely a 50/50 chance she would survive. And at that, if she did pull through, the doctor was unsure if she would likely have days, weeks or possibly months left - or indeed what her quality of life might be even so. So we sat with her, made sure she was comfortable with large doses of morphine, and tried our very best to ask if she felt right in saying goodbye. She has always been a dog stronger than any of us expected, and even with her long list of ongoing health challenges, she was always a fighter. But this time, we all felt her eyes told us she was ready for her next journey. So surrounded by her family, warm and wrapped in her favorite blanket, with tears in all our eyes we let her go. I would give almost anything to have her back and see her eat another important little bit of PE or styrene, just to see her mischievous smile, and tail wagging madly. But I know she is no longer in any pain, will never again know cold, hunger or fear. She is at peace - and so must we be. Eventually. The pain of her loss is palpable, but grows just a little more bearable each day. It's amazing how deeply these quiet furry souls touch our lives. We'll certainly never forget our Mosey - and I know that as this build slowly moves along, I will always be thinking of her warm body sitting at my feet under the modeling desk. If you have a four legged companion in your life, take a moment to give them an extra pet, an ear scratch, or belly rub. Perhaps a little extra dinner, a cookie or favorite treat. Throw that tennis ball just one more time. They can leave us so quickly - cherish every moment! Thank you Mosey

Incredible!

Seriously Peter...you should just knock this off The rest of us mouth breathing, knuckle dragging, thumb heavy troglodites already look completely inept. You're just toying with us now! I want to know when you're gonna release your fully operational skin riveter made entirely from PE kit you've clearly been using for this build to the rest of us?!

Nice! Love these what if builds. And with my favorite air frame to boot!

Hello one and all, Just a quick note that I'm still around and lurking in the shadows. And still working out details on the PE side project for this kit. I don't think I had my measurements quite right initially, and it has required a bit of a re-think on a few parts. Close, but not quite to the level I hope to achieve. I'll be sure to update as any progress is made. Brian~

Any braking parachute updates old friend?

I'll take one bezel set, and two of the decals!

Nice!!

Man...February is SO far away Peter!!!

Simply gorgeous!

Oh Peter - you just had to take us there didn't you? I'm gonna throw in for both this set, and the decals together when all is ready. Will certainly stay in touch in the mean time! Can't truly begin to thank you enough for coming out with this stuff - pure brilliance, and much needed! B~

Peter, it's possible (and relatively easy) to have both in a single screen! I've done it, and can give some more details how if you want them. Probably my first attempt at scratch building in modeling.

Tony...it has a BEER FRIDGE?!?!?!

Saturn V. With full launch tower and crawler.

SNORE/WWII/SNORE Give us a 1/32 White Knight and Spaceship 2!

Snecma C-450!

Space Shuttle Orbiter!!!

Stits SA-2A Sky Baby!! Thank you. Close the polls. You can mail my award right to my house thanks.

Iain, the AFV Club canopy has a slight iridescent/metallic look to it that, while still not acurate to the original, is closer than a tint would be (such as tinted Future/Klear.) Did you happen to pick up the Aires cockpit set? That's possibly the single biggest improvement I've seen for the kit in terms of bang for your buck. As mentioned earlier, I'm still hoping to get the PE set all wrapped up as well if I can get the blasted illustrator vector files to work out properly. Would be happy to grab an extra set or several if any of you lot think they might be useful.

About the same. Still trying to sort the RCS grills, and of course the gear bay bits. I think I've got the exhaust vanes more or less nailed down, and just need to get everything put into vector format. Which for me is by far the most formidable aspect of the process. If we can get that darn chute bay figured out, I could see a PE set for that as well to include proper rivet and bulkhead detail. Jus have to find those elusive images to help get it all right!