JohnB

Scratch built AN/APS4 pod ready for install.

So have I Paul. I just decided I'd get this one built and deal with all the headaches. I hope to have it finished today or tomorrow.

Yes it is. 🤪

I've decided to delete the yagi antennas and add a AN/APS4 radar pod under the right wing. In the process of scratching one since I haven't been able to find any in 1/32.

Thanks Peter. I keep finding more things that need to be addressed on this build. The latest is the wingtip lights. The kit parts are grossly over size. Luckily I was able to find some useable ones in my VAST stash of unused parts.

My scratch tagi antennas. Nothing to shout about but they will do.

Still have some things to do on it. I'm finding I need to scratch build the under wing yagi antennas. Some of the "wires" on the kit items broke off when I was trying to carefully remove them from the sprue. My scratched ones will be better than they were anyway. LOL

That's what I'd do Peter. Flaps up.

I'll check. Thanks. Yep. That's what it was. 🙄

For some reason we can't send photos via a PM. Wish they would change that.

Nice pics but the model is all but complete at this time.

Thank you Peter. I've been a fan of their GSB for quite a while as I'm sure you know. LOL

Thanks Gaz, I'm glad you like it. And thanks for the tip. I'll give that a try as it sounds like a very workable approach.

Thank you Dennis. Me too!!! Plus I'll be glad to finally be done with it.

Tail boo boo fixed and most of the markings applied.

Barring more buggerups I hope to have it done by the end of the week. Fingers crossed!

That soft plastic is a blessing and a curse. I keep files on various a/c on my computer which I refer to as a alternate to the crappy instructions for this kit. The SB2C file sure has been a help. I see in your photo you have CA glue and Zip Kicker. You will need 'em for sure!

Always seems to be something doesn't it Peter. I'll get this boo boo sorted out today and finish applying the markings.

Maybe so Ernie. It wouldn't hurt to do that just in case. 🙄 At least it was just this one area and should be a easy fix (I hope!).

It's always SOMETHING with this model. I used stencils to apply the "Z" code letters and when I removed the stencil and masking on this side this is what happened. Not a disaster but just another thing to "fix". 🤪

LOL Peter. Thanks. Can you believe I've finally gotten to the decaling stage!? I certainly had my doubts at times!🤪 I still have to add the gear covers, wing guns, slats, bomb rack under the wings, tail hook and a few other odds and ends. After I get all that done and the rest of the decals applied I'll overspray the whole a/c with a clear semi-gloss. THEN I can remove all the canopy masks. I hope to have this monster completed by the end of the week.

Thanks Andy. I've been a fan of the ol' Testor's Dk. Sea Blue enamel for years and have used it on numerous builds with no problems (other than self-inflicted!). I will say the surface detail on this kit is outstanding. Too bad the rest of the kit isn't.

One thing I was sweating out was installing the guns and related hardware in the gunners compartment. I figured it would be a very tight fit to be able to insert the guns/ring/seat, etc. It WAS a tight fit and needed a good bit of patience to get it in place but I managed to squeeze it in without breaking anything! Whew!!!

Thanks Dennis. I say go for it!