DocRob

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

Nice progress with the Corsair. The masking and preparation looks great. Cheers Rob

Very nice Arado, I really like the chosen scheme and it sounds like a great father son project. I have the same kit in my stash and you made me thinking. The early 196 looks a bit boring in monochrome livery. Cheers Rob

Thank you Mike, believe me, I can take the blame, I have wide shoulders . Of course, I studied some builds of the Hasegawa build, but I would have liked to see, what you do with the Arado. I would go for another Fly kit, if I build a second one. The kit has it's flaws, but the resin is amazing and you only need AM for the instruments, provided by Jahu and seat belts, in my case from HGW. The rest is oob, all the detail is there. It only needs a courageous modeler to form a diamond from the partly crude kit. Cheers Rob

Thank you Harv and Carl, I first thought about omitting the fastener decals as well, but then, I looked at pictures of the real thing and found them very prominent. I started with some strips on the underside, to see how they behave and if the canopy can cope with Micro Sol. After all efforts, I put into the Nachtigall, it would have been a shame to leave this feature out. After all, the decals work well enough, some broke, but it was an easy fix. Cheers Rob

Progress is slowly, as there is not much bench time and I started another in between project, but I finished the underside of the Arado, adding pitot tub, antenna, the parachute release ropes for the starting rockets, steering horns, ... I also touched up the underside color, where necessary. Flipped to the other side, I started decaling the canopy framing with the supplied rivet decal strips, a task, I wasn't looking forward to. I don't like to work on canopies, but the Arado needed it all, sawing, sanding, painting, masking, gluing, drilling, in other words, many ways to potentially damage the canopy. Luckily this was not the case and the decals behaved mostly well, some, I hope to lay down better with following coats of Micro Sol, fingers crossed. The framing isn't finalized, which will be done, after the decals have thoroughly dried. Cheers Rob

Nice progress with the big cat, Carl. It seems, your up and making it to the deadline with your actual speed. I like the 'spreader' idea and keep it stored on my brain-HD. Cheers Rob

No lo sé, like they say here in Spain, I have no idea, but there are some projects ahead of the Mossie for sure. Cheers Rob

That pit looks fantastic, Phil. The RedFox panels are simply stunning, but your paintwork is also. Good decision with the ammo chutes, I have to check, if the Brassin ones, I own have ammo replicated. Cheers Rob

Happy Birthday Martin, never run out of Tamiya Extra Thin . Cheers Rob

Are you that strong, my dear Peter ? Cheers Rob

I guess, the speed dropped down dramatically with all the clutter on board. I assume, in a night fight, only the gun pod will be left for drag. I wanted to show the Nachtigall in starting configuration, with everything destroying the image of a sleek and slender airframe. Cheers Rob

Thank you Paul and Phil. With all the effort, I put into this kit, it was only a little bit extra work for the stencils . Cheers Rob

Looking great Ernie, you are cruising through the build. The kit seems at least decent, all we can hope for from Trumpeter. Cheers Rob

Fantastic result Kevin, the Tempest shines in all her brute beauty, with your skill full painting and weathering. Cheers Rob