LSP_Ray

Don't get me started! Been having a very frustrating time getting to the workbench!!! Anyway, besides, needed to spend some time researching! I did start on the seat. First I found a vac (Echelon Hunter fuel tank) that was (somewhat) close to the shape I needed: Then, cut out some pieces and shaped them: Put them together... Made some detail parts (the strip is .04" half-round): Added those to the seat: I think this looks loads better that the original:

Checked some of my ref's, and they agree with KOTR. French, Belgian, and Aussie Mirages pics all had black cockpits.

Thanks, Lynn!!

Famous Aircraft Of The World. I have as reference the following: Mushroom Models Raiden book Maru Mechanic #7 and #43(reprint of #7) If anyone is interested in having the #7 book, let me know. Osprey Aces of the Rising Sun Some pics from the Internet Pacific Fighters So I got some good ref's, Pacific Fighters helps fill in some of the blanks. Alot of the cockpit shots in the books are of stripped or restored cockpits and are not complete. So by comparing the sim shots to the actual pics really does give a pretty overall picture of the cockpit, at least good enough someone is going to have a hard time disputing what I put in there! Lynn: I would be greatful if you would post the pics. You can't have enough. There is always pieces missing to the puzzle!!!

I have a few references, including the Mushroom pub on the Raiden, but there are always holes in the info, especially with the cockpit on this one. To help fill in the blanks, I am using some screen shots of the Raiden's cockpit from the Pacific Fighters flight sim: I love this sim!!!

Here is the kit I am doing: ....and here is proof of its age, instructions dated 1972:

Actually, they are (or at least were) available! An outfit in Aussieland offered an O cockpit, as well as wheelwells. I have a couple. They are not Aires-class, details are a little soft, but they sure beat the kit items!!! If you are interested, I can check and see if I have an extra set. Also, the outfit in Switzerland that did the incredible burners is supposed to be working on a cockpit.

Hello Scott!!! My best bet would be with a Waldron Sub-miniature punch set and either thin plasticard or maybe just some scrap vinyl masking material, as I am thining those rivets shouldn't protrude very far!!!

BTW Iain, a while a go I found someone who offers decals for Cheetahs in 1/32nd. If you are interested I will see if I can find the link. I think it was on the IPMS SA site, but not sure.

I knew it!!! I don't know if I would do Spotty or one of the standard camo ones. It sure is a great scheme, though. That is going to be a nasty job for the Alps with all the light and variable tones, though. I think I would do it mostly with my Epson, and just do the undercoat with the Alps. Someday we should compare notes on decal making.

Are you going to do "Spots?" I have thought one of my Mirages should go towards a Cheetah...so make some resin copies of your changes for me!

Wow, Erwin, looks great!! It also looks big enough you could use the Catalina as the dining room table!! You are the master at balsawood models!

Ted, you are probably right!!! Murphy's Law and all.

I ordered one also. Will be interesting to see if DML does any follow up fixin' like they do to their AFV kits. I am also curious to see what the next a/c they do will be. Also, do we have any spies at Eduard? They have hinted they will bring out their first 1/32nd a/c kit hopefully in 2007. Dare we hope for an up-scaled version of their Mirage IIIC??? Or are we going to get an upscaled version of their FW series...

Not yet, but they (Meteor) are still talking about doing it.

You bum, you are way ahead of the game!! Looks like it should be a fun project. BTW, I am sure I have some F4-J decals I will never use, much more colorful than those and that would probably go on a lot better than those old Revell ones!! So if you would like, I can go through my stash. Another BTW, what might be kind of fun for the pit, is to use some of the old Tamiya F-14 panel decals. Just so there is something to look at in there! Got some of those too...

So Lancman, what do you think of the quality of parts now that you have fondled them a bit and have started cutting? I have been thinking of getting one, but if the folks at Vintage are going to do one in injected plastic...

Well I definitely agree the wheel well is not going to stop me from getting one, especially for $30 odd bucks!!! I still want to see a Radub-style review done on the kit first, so awaiting Chris'es review with baited breath!

48 hrs??!?!!?? That's......just......plain........sick!!!!!!! It looks great, Lynn!!!

Hello Gordon! Thanks for the pic. The problem with Dragon's wheel well is that they followed the outline of the opening when they boxed in the wheelwell. In actuality, the rear of the wheel well is the rear spar. What is good to see is that the walls are separate parts so it will make it that much easier to fix.

Hello Lynn!!! Loved your first datatfile, not to mention your website!!! Great to see you here!

Great job! And its a 'hakristi', not a swastika!!

Nice models!!! I also liked your Spit XIV, I remember that article (also the Ju87)!! Great work!!

Incredible work again, Radu!!! I will be looking forward to seeing what you do with the Spitfire!!!

It is always possible the guy I was talking to was an idiot!!! Although, while I was talking to him I was checking out the DragonUSA webpage, and I didn't see anything about it shipping...and still don't!! Strangely, it does say it is shipping on the Dragonusa website, but not the Dragonusaonline site, which is their online sales and ordering site! Hmmmm....