Citadelgrad

This is really a nice build, Woody. I coated that side panel with gloss, then looked at that decal….and took some time off. Did you end up cutting that big decal apart, and, if so, can you explain roughly where you decided to cut?

AS an update, Bedlam has told me I can expect proofs of the decals to approve this weekend. I will post any photos they send.

Wow, that is a good looking bird.

Thanks again, Kev, for the clarification when I thought I had bought two of something. Great product delivered instantly, and fast resolution of issues, even when they aren't really issues.

That looks identical to mine, except the nylon extended nuts sticking out, but it's clearly handmade and therefore underwent modifications as time went on. About the only drawback is the need to use an allen wrench to adjust most parts of it, but that black knurled knob somehow controls tension above AND below it, loosen that, and you can fold that arm or extend it, and it pivots.

I was able to find this, through a search that led me to an old LSP thread, Bedlam Creations - Creators of custom waterslide decals for guitars, miniatures, models, and more! I have sent what I want and they were very responsive. I will post results when I get them. Thanks to all!

I just found Bedlam Creations - Creators of custom waterslide decals for guitars, miniatures, models, and more! They were very responsive and I ordered up a set of custom decals for a tank. I will report back when they arrive.

I ordered this from someone in 2017 or so, it doesnt ave a name on it, but it consists of a very heavy steel base, and there is a strong switchable magnet that attaches the armature to the base. Its very modular and adjustable, using allen screws, and it has rubberized arms that grab the model, usually the wings. Its kind of a pain to get set for a particular model, but once the wingspan and width of the wings is set, you can then only loosen the front grab arms and add or remove the model. it looks like it wants to tip over, but i havent had any mishaps yet. I can flip the plane over without removing it and get at the top and bottom, or hang is sideways to do fuselage codes. or you can just install it upside down I wish i could remember were i got it, maybe someone will regognise it.

I bought Volume 2 directly from EE, it was not cheap but the cheapest price i could find at the time. I am glad i have it, several future projects, including Gallands 262, are within that volume.

Looking great, Mike!

I friend has a close friend who was assigned to M48s in Viet Nam. He 3d printed one for him as a gift, looks to be around 48th scale? I offered to paint it for him. His unit used the A of spades on the turret as some kind of identifier. It's way too small for my Silhouette to cut a mask. Would anyone be able to print a couple decals using an ink jet printer? Mine are all laser jets. This full card decal looks like the photos the buddy sent me. It's basically a white outline of the A of spades that goes on the turret near the main gun. It's probably between 1/4 and 1/2 inch high, I will measure. Can anyone help print 2-3 of these decals? I will gladly pay materials and postage. Thanks, Bill

Hmm. I went to that maybe six months ago, there was a line of several hundred wrapped around the building to get in. There was a great variety of kits, and the prices were pretty decent, but I didn't find anything that I had to have.

I am a few years ahead of you in the return to the hobby, far from an expert in any aspect. Totally agree with Woody. Get some newspaper out and go to town. Learn how to get a nice fine line, and then use preshading itself as practice. Especially if you are using lacquer based paints, any massive screw ups can just be painted over. You'll quickly pick up the skills needed to draw the lines and features.

Spitballing, Jay, but can you try some real stencil, not a mask with adhesive but a stencil held against the skin? Seems like the area is flat enough? You'd need at least 3 hands, but maybe it will work?

Don't sweat the oilcanning/forming remnants, remember, the real thing has panels that are bent, pressed, English wheeled, etc into shape. It's not noticeable in the photos you posted.

Thats a stellar looking cockpit, Bill. I am going to do my best on mine, but it is a daunting task. TONS of pieces and many decals i hope to get down. The volume of tiny decals is freaking me out.

I made a bit of progress on this locally rainy Sunday. i clear coated much of the cockpit subassemblies in advance of about 97 Barracudacast decals and placards. i added the caution decal to the armor headrest area. i started to paint this pressurized bottle, but in very unTamiya fashion, there was a nastty seam line that i tried to deal with, i used mircro fill primer and some fine sandpaper, and primed it again with MRP yellow primer. lastly, i tackled my second set of HGW seat belts. I have to say, i really like the look, and the second set is way easier than the first set i put in the Thunderbolt. i will confess to stopping after completing the shoulder harnesses, and i stopped before taking on the lap belts. Thanks for looking in, as always. more to come. Bill

Lightning deal, they sometimes go away quickly. I don't build from this era but the price seems good. https://spruebrothers.com/mngqs003s-1-24-meng-fokker-dr-i-triplane-with-pour-le-merite-medal-special-edition/

Amazing attention to detail, Jay. I am taking notes for my own build.

My first reaction, of course, is black, especially red doors...

First pass on the silver switches is done. I went back and found another button and made it white. progress shots took the HGW belts out of the package, then looked at the clock, and decided to just study the instructions for a bit and then head back inside. thats all for a weeknight.

A little bit less macro yields this, better looking to the naked eye than the unforgiving macro lens.

Indeed it does. Thats clearly promising something not included.

Not trying to play referee, and not at this point taking sides, but as a small business owner, can I request that you post a photo of the packaging or advertisement that you take issue with? If it does indeed say that it includes the exhaust, it should be changed.

Chugging along the complex cockpit. i am working on picking out the excellent button, switch, dial, and breaker detail. i added a punched out disc to smooth the fuel selector after cutting off the dial so the decal will sit properly. Then i picked out these dials. They are black in the photos, but monochrome hides the detail, so… Then i added some white for some prominent buttons/breakers after painting the disc i know its not perfect under the macro lens, not much is, but from a foot away, i am really happy with the results so far. The incredible detail helps a lot.