JohnB

Calling this one done! I wasn't real sure I wanted to build this old mold kit with the plethora of raised rivets etc but finally decided to go on and try it. I'm glad I continued with it as I think it turned out fine. Here's a list of the modifications I made: 1. Replaced canopy with a Hasegawa item. 2. Replaced canopy headrest, etc with correct Eduard detailing parts. 3. Replaced cockpit with Eduard resin set. 4. Added FineMold belts. 5. Replaced centerline bomb/drop tank rack with Hasegawa ones. 6. Sanded off ALL raised rivets. 7. Lightly scribed panel lines. It had many fit problems, especially with the Eduard cockpit set. The set was made for one of the new tool kits and, since this is a old tool kit, it just did not fit without a lot of work. Painted with White Ensign Colourcoats, Testor's, Humbrol, and Tamiya. Decals are Eaglecals. I hope you like it!

LOL Dennis. Silk purse from a sow's ear. Thanks! 🙂

Thanks Ralph. 🙂

Agreed Kevin. 🙂

Thank you Kevin (I think!). I thought my previous mottling jobs looked good......... Did they look "wrong"?🙄

Most of the painting is done. I still have to go back and paint the gear wells and re-paint the struts. Also paint the black panel behind the cowling. Some touchup then overspray with clear gloss. Decaling and weathering to follow.

Painting under way.

Took lots of taming too! LOL

When I started this build I had no idea what problems with fit there would be. If I'd known it would likely still be on the shelf! LOL It appears at this point it will turn out okay but I'm not counting my chickens just yet!

I think it's ready for some paint! 🙂

Got the sanding and priming done. Not anywhere near perfect but it'll have to do.

LOL One of THOSE builds!

Yes indeed and NOT my favorite thing to do. 🙄

Puttied up and waiting for sanding out.

After trimming the strip plastic I decided to try to get a bit more dihedral. I'll let it sit for a while then go back and see how it looks now. No Peter, the cowl ring is from the kit.

I think the elastic helped with the dihedral. Next I'll trim the strips I put in and do some puttying.

I'll go see how well my "adjustments" have helped and post a couple more pics. 🙄

I put in some styrene strips last night so this morning I'll trim the excess and see what else is needed.

Thanks Dennis. It has had it's moments! 🤪

Finally got the instrument panels and windscreen attached. Attaching the wings is next. Not what I'd call perfect fit!!!🙄

Adding the instrument panels was a tedious process, especially the top panel. Thanks to strip styrene and CA everything is installed. I just hope they STAY there.🤪

Got most of the cockpit tub done. I plan to go ahead and cement it in place then see about getting the upper instrument panel, etc in place.

Time to add the instrument faces.

Thanks Carl. Makes quite a difference. 🙂

Thanks Peter. It's difficult to get the instrument panel setup to fit and stay in place. A bit of a cuss factor for sure. As I continue work it becomes more apparent the Eduard set wasn't designed for this particular kit. 🤪