DocRob

Thank you Carl, not sure about the next one, I was preparing the 1/72 resin kits of a Gee Bee racer and a Doodlebug fuel transporter and also a 1/12 Tamiya Renault RE-20 formula one car, lets see... Cheers Rob

Thank you Kevin and Rod, it was a long journey, but worth it. I learned a lot through this build and am not frightened enough to consider a second one sometimes. It will be a single seater than without night fighter equipment, way easier to build. Cheers Rob

I built this kit some years ago and I have to say, it's a true gem, Mike. You'll have fun with it. I choose a scheme from Sylt, because I have been there often. Cheers Rob

Thank you Peter, it was indeed a long journey and I am relieved that the Arado is done. I started to get a bit careless with the build, a clear sign to close the book. In the end, I like most of the result and I am a bit proud to have pulled through. Cheers Rob

I call the Nachtigall done . You can find the final pictures under the link below. Cheers Rob

It was a long journey, which started in 2019 and led to two long pauses in the SOD. Nevertheless, I never questioned my desire to finish this demanding build, because of the fascination of the Nachtigall. It is one of those kits, you simply cannot put aside permanently. There is so much detail provided, specially with the resin parts, which are simply stunning. Aftermarket bits where used, namely HGW seatbelts, Master brass antler antennas and Yahu instruments, camo masks from LF and marking and stencil masks from 1ManArmy. You have to be a bit masochistic for this build, mainly around the canopy glazing, which cost me tons of sweat with all that sawing, sanding, drilling, gluing, painting, decaling and these vulnerable pieces are the focal point of this build and there is no margin for errors. I expanded my self torture by wanting the canopy opened, which required surgery. Speaking about errors, I made some, which I will not point out here. If you read through the build log it's there. I'm happy with the result, which of course could have been better, but somewhere you have to draw the line. The kit needed modifications in several areas, mainly to reinforce the landing gear with brass rods for a bit more stability, because the Arado has a hefty weight Cheers Rob

I hope, it stays like that Gary, there went a lot of work into it. At least, everything remains visible with the Arado. Cheers Rob

Seeing your progress with the rivets makes me wonder, if I should go that tedious route with my P-38. Anyway, the result is looking great and I cant wait to see them under paint. The figure looks fantastic, I especially like the slight gloss on the leather jacket. Cheers Rob

Seriously Bill? It's simple physics, what's there to talk about? Cheer Rob

I finished decaling the canopy fastener strips, but still have to add more Micro Sol in some places. I used the sawed out clear hatch and decaled the fasteners framing in and outside. Left of the canopy, you can see a hatch for the operators compartment, which was cut and bent from some clear food container. I will add an opening lever later. On the upper fuselage, I added the ring antenna and the Naxos radar with it's clear cupola. The antler radars got also glued together and are awaiting some color. Cheers Rob

I picked these two for some change in a sale in Japan. For the Yamaha, I have some extras coming, like tobacco sponsor decals. This copy of a Pony Car appeals to me for some reason unknown: Cheers Rob

Wow Mike, this little sub project turns into a very detailed gem. Leaving the bay open would for sure look very interesting. Cheers Rob

When I'm drained out for some reason from modelling, I don't rush into a new build. I just let it happen. I'm in the hobby for years and the mojo always fought it's way back. I've nothing to prove or to rush, it's jaust it, a hobby. Like you said in your case, running might help. In a slump, not only modeling wise I tend to do the same, surfing, swimming, riding my MTB or running through the woods with my dog. After a while, I'm normally in sync again and I start to feel the itch for the next project. I never do an easy one automatically to regain the flow, as many simple projects are not very satisfactory and feel like a senior plate in a cheap restaurant. I have to be tempted and if I am, I'm on the track again with modeling. P.S. Nothing against an easy build, but to me not as a mojo restorer. Cheers Rob

You put yourself into a situation here, Mike. I guess with your professional approach, it will only prolong the building time a bit. Sometimes, these difficult kits give, after a lot of hacking and slaying even more satisfaction, when transformed into a gem. Cheers Rob