Steve Eagle

Incredible perseverance and workmanship

The GM XII nose worked ok with the Revell IX for me. A little tricky but workable.

Nose gear would be my vote. I have it in place, but I am trying to be very cautious. I know it probably survive much stress. Switching it out shouldn’t be too difficult.

It appears that early and late aircraft can be built with what I see. They’re indeed a tropical filter. Also, I like seeing the wheel well cover is included. Okay, who is going to be brave enough to buildout the wheel well with all the wiring and tubing

There are quite a few books that have photos that would need.

Okay, I bit the bullet this weekend. There was a PCM 202 kit at the LHS this weekend that I picked up very reasonably!! I noticed parts included for the 205. I’ll do a 205. Will enjoy your take on the build.

Looking like your doing well with this.

I’ll be interested in seeing if they include the early and the later armored glass windscreen. That would open this up to build about any series 202. I can see more decals hopefully coming.

Sorry, go for the Trumpeter kit. All others would be too complicated.

That sounds promising. Hope it can be done.

Tim, I think I would be interested in a conversion if you can pull it off. The -5 has been a wish forever with me. Back in the stone ages, I tried to convert the Revell -1a kit. It didn’t look too bad- if you closed both eyes

I’m going to save $229.99

It really would be nice to have an IM kit of this bird. Mine has been on SOD for some years. Ruined the paint job doing touch up. Probably will get an Aztec decal sheet and restart. But, thumbs up on the work you have done on your build. Probably not an easy conversion.

All that green on the inside makes me think of “ the Green Mile”- Long walk from front to back.

Looking good.

I had fun with the challenge of building this kit, but it crashed off a shelf several years ago. Still have all the parts- give or take. Thinking maybe I can use the PCM nose parts to modify the nose from the Italeri. Just a dream. Will definitely be obtaining this new kit- maybe two.

YIPPEE!!!!

I have been fitting the fuselage subassemblies, and fortunately haven’t run into fit problem with the cockpit/shelf or the turret ring that you had. I’m a little behind you with everything. But, the old carpenter’s adage, “measure three times and cut once” is something to keep in mind when you all out there start your kit. Still, I am quite impressed with the fit and detail HKM has delivered in this kit. One other thing I would recommend to those out there, anneal the seatbelts with a flame (I use a butane lighter for doing this).Heat carefully until red and immediately remove the heat. This will allow you to bend the seatbelts more easily. I’ll be quiet now

Looking at your pictures has clarified where the ammo container is positioned in the rear gun section. Thank you. I was having a problem figuring out how the container was to be positioned. I am also in the process of assembling subassemblies. I agree that many of the ejector marks won’t be seen after assembly. I have decided not to complete the bomb bay internals because I just want to close it up. Also will save some weight. Nose gear seems somewhat fragile.

Got my kit yesterday and started tinkering with it. Fit is very nice. Instructions are a little iffy on what goes where. As an example, I am puzzled about how the ammo box is positioned in the posterior area of the ventral gun position. To me, a sheet of cockpit stencil decals from Barracuda would be beneficial. I’m not planning on any AM stuff at this time- other than cockpit decals and decals for Europe/ Pacific birds.

OMG. Just opened my box up. Veeery nice detail. Where do I start? I’m sure this kit will be a home run for HK.

I was indeed stationed at NAS Lemoore. It was fun seeing the different aircraft on the flight line.

Welcome to LSP. I was a dentist stationed at Lemoore from 76-78. Really enjoyed working with the community there. Good luck with working on the A7.

I’m close enough to go pick it up still haven’t seen any notice. I fine- I’ll just keep telling myself this. Not worried.

Sounds good folks. Haven’t looked at my email yet. But mine was preordered through Sprue Bros. also.