JohnB

Well, I THINK I have it under control! LOL 😄

Been doing some test fitting and, as Andy mentioned, the bulkheads needed trimming for the fuselage halves to go together satisfactorily. No sweat now but could have been a problem if I had all the parts in place, etc. Thanks Andy!

Thank you Carl. We do what we have to do sometimes. LOL

Thanks Peter. I just wonder at this point what else is "inaccurate". So far all looks okay though.

Finally have the instrument panel done. It's not exactly like the real thing but I'll settle for it. I used Airscale instruments as the kit supplied items were next to worthless.

That's good to know Carl, thanks. I look forward to receiving the Helldiver seat. Looks like it'll be a good addition to the model.

Thanks Hubert! I found a Helldiver pilots seat w/belts by them on ebay a few minutes ago and ordered it. We'll see how that works out before I bite for the full set.

Agreed Peter. The instrument panel in particular looks much better than the kit one which hardly resembles the real thing. I'm considering ordering one of these but hate to put out nearly $50 for more "stuff" for this kit.

I was looking at the RESIN@detail 1/32 Helldiver cockpit set and I was wondering if any of you have ever used it or even have it? How about some input? $49.95 & free shipping looks workable, etc.

Maybe we could start a group build on the Whirlwind LOL!!! Just kidding!!!!!!! 🤣

Cool! Thank you Martin.

I've been checking around a don't seem to find anyone that has the rear gunners set. If any of you guys have one you'd part with please send me a PM. Thanks!

Mighty pretty Peter! Nice work.

I have the Whirlwind in my stash. I'll get around to building it one of these days.

Thanks Andy. I'll look around and see where I can snag one.

I'm about to start on the instrument panel. I'm not too sure about the kit decals so, as a backup, I have some AirScale one's I can use. It seems to me the approach they took on the panels is assbackwards. Why mold the panels in clear when you have to paint the fronts?

Thanks for the info. I had considered getting the rear gunners set but haven't done anything toward that as of yet. Still considering it though. John

You've done a nice job so far Andy. The cockpit, etc look great! We'll see how mine goes but I do anticipate a bit of a cuss factor (or factors!) as I go along. Have you done anything with the flaps? I assume you will be using the PE ones. Something I don't look forward to! LOL

Agreed Gaz! Interesting likely puts it mildly LOL.

Thanks Paul. We'll see how it goes.

Thanks Carl. I have high hopes for this build. 😉

The preliminaries should be easy peasy. We'll see how the rest goes!

As is my usual procedure I painted all the interior parts prior to starting assembly. Still have others to paint (black, etc) but I have most all of the Interior Green done.

We'll see Phil LOL.

For better or worse I'm getting started on this kit. It has been on my shelf for a good while and now I think it's time to get with the program. The only add-on I bought for it is the PE dive flaps and they look to be a real bear. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. Meanwhile I'll get started on the fuselage, etc. I intend to do a overall GSB a/c but exactly which one is undetermined right now. Shouldn't be a problem though.