SPA Modeler

Welcome back,

Forging ahead in no particular order. A colleague once remarked that I use the instructions only as a abstract and they are somebody else's idea on how to build any way! I have started working on the cockpit, only because if I don't I cannot really proceed! I added some 0.05 rod to the base of the control column and starboard wall and a half piece to the port. Eduard PE pedals and map case and some 0.03 lead wire for the control column. Then base coat of Warbirds Enamel RLM 66 to the interiors:



The side panel PE required about 1mm to be removed from the front to sit correctly. The lower instrument cluster was fitted and then all got some Future to bond them and set aside to dry:



The Ultracast seat got its RLM 66 base coat and then I commenced detailing with the leather thigh straps whilst I had the MM Learher out for the control column boot and toe clips:





I had detached the instrument hood from the sprue and attached the upper instrument cluster backing board so I could paint it. It was too tempting just sitting there so I attached it using a small piece of styrene glued on the underside, between the forward edge and the panel. This addresses the issue of attaching it to just the forward edge of the cockpit. There is a little thin gap on the sides but the windscreen will cover that. It is just wide enough to allow a bond on each side:





The two piece PE instruments were set in place with Future:



Having pushed my luck far enough in that direction, I went back to the wings and wheels. The MLG supports and engine cover were fitted without incident. I then thinned the material around the edges of the wing root cannon cartridge ejector openings to give a better scale appearance:





The wing upper interiors that would be visible through the ejector openings were sprayed MM Flat Black and the chutes for the nose mounted MG 17 ejector chutes were marked out for removing the centres to give the impression of open chutes rather than closed:





I think I have tempted the modelling Gods enough today. The large piece of round rod that is visible on the lower port engine support is there to rectify an overzealous use of snips.

Regards,

That is a fantastic looking build, Kent. I am always amazed at the detail of their 72 scale kits. You are doing an excellent bit of artistry here and I can not wait for the finished project.

You know how to handle that bird, Kent. Very promising build so far!

Great and very entertaining!

- Kari

A superb looking build and a very interesting thread!

Great progress so far. The upper and lower wing fit always seemed to give me some problems due to all that stuff in there with the gear that had to be lined up. I'm looking forward to see your take on this when you get there.

I just managed to get caught up on this. very nice work so far; I commend you on your careful alignment and good eye for fit. This is looking really good. I'm looking forward to seeing more.

Thanks lads,

I continued working the ejection chutes, first drilling two holes in each then cleaning out the material with a micro chisel. Then a coat of Warbirds RLM 02:





The rest of the internals were shot with RLM 02:





I also chain drilled the wing root cannon openings to incorporate the covers:





The covers are meant to fit over the inners with the interior ribbing setting the position. However there is no wriggle room, so some of the ribs were removed. This resulted in a better idea of fit and what needs to be done to get the seal correct:







I continued with the cockpit tub, adding some more PE:





Regards,

You did well on that blister fit - that tub looks good!

Clean work on the covers, Kent. These can be a PITA, seen a lot of modellers who binned this kit because of them.