Peterpools

Kriss Nice to see such steady progress and looking forward to all the painting stages. .

Hi Chris Thanks so much for asking about my doctor appointments and they didn't go that well. I have the last appointment today and then we'll set the dates for the two procedures. Availability these days is always a constant battle but with MRP, add in its thin distribution network and the uncertainty of finding the colors needed and even their primers has been more then shaky and frustrating. AK Real Colors is so much easier to find and so far, I've never had a problem finding stock or the colors needed. The paint is as easy to use as MRP but needs to be thinned and for me, it's a win - win situation. The Eduard Spitfires are awesome kits and you will love building the Mk Vi kit, plus with a Quinta cockpit set - WOW! I think in the smaller scales, cammo masks work very well in representing the actual paint work on the full size aircraft. On the model, I would assume if free handing the cammo, extra care needs to be taken to keep the cammo tight with almost no overspray, making the masks a huge plus. Started decaling the Spitfire and after 14 hours of work so far, I have about a third of the decals done and needed to use a combination of kit and EagleCal decals.

Hi Gaz For the Revell Spitfire, the tailwheel assembly main strut was glued in, right at the beginning stages of the build. Not sure if you are also looking to replace the Kotare main gear as well. Last week, I finished painting and building the gear and as of a few days ago, the tailwheel is also painted and finished. Sorry I can't help out. Not sure exactly what is one solid piece on the Kotare Spitfire. Does it look bad and a let down already?

Chris Just seems it's one step ahead and sometimes two steps back to the rear. Hang in there, as once the tail is fixed and behind you, it should be full speed ahead.

Mike WOW, the interior is looking fantastic. Right with Gaz that's it a shame most won't be seen when the fuslege is glued up.

Scott Looking mighty good

Kriss Nice stat on a subject not often seen on the forum.

Paul Awesome purchase. I built the Tamiya Mossie when it first came out and she is still close to the standard of detail today in 32nd scale. Mine is the Queen of my Display Case along with my Fisher Sea Fury. Just go slowly and almost no AM is needed. A fun build and the finished model is incredible.

Thank You Peter, very much appreciated.

Mike Absolutely, as there are quite a few awesome model lacquer paints for specific cars and makes: Gravity Paints of Spain Gravity USA Zero from Japan MCW. For my car builds, I use mostly Gravity of Spain and Zero. I've kept my distance Urethane clears as they are very toxic from what I've read and just too risky for me. .

John Looking mighty good. The invasion stripes look perfect.

Thanks Ernie, very much appreciated. My favorite time period for military aviation: between the wars and for GA, 50" & 60's. Hardest and most frustrating part of the build; masking the greenhouse and the stress crack. Of course, one was my fault and the other was just a reflection of the period - no AM at all.

Thanks Chris You're so right as when she was finished and ready for her glamor shots, all the frustrations and go backs just are forgotten parts of the build. Surely will be visiting those days again for another adventure Back to the Past.

Very Much appreciated Gaz ... all in all, when the Kingfisher was completed, a fun little build back to the past. The hobby sure has changed since the days this kit was designed and brought to market. I should have used Revell tube glue, Testors and Pactra enamel paints in those tiny little jars.

Simply stellar work. What a gorgeous Phantom - so very well done 🏆

John Terrific progress but I always seem to say that. Just marvel at your productivity and quality.

Oliver, Oh no - looks fine to me. I wouldn't start over.

Mike From your 48th scale builds, I would swear you're a pro and been at plastic modeling for many years. I pretty much stick with just one primer these days: MRP Lt Gray or Black. In a pinch if I'm out of MRP primer, I'll jump on Mr Surfacer 1500. Every once in a while I'll do a car and last year I built the Meng 1/24 Ford GT40 LeMans Winner (I never agreed with the race results.) Paints of choice: MRP Primer and Gravity Lacquers. Clear coat is the same I use for my aircraft: Mr Color Clear Gloss Tamiya lacquer Clear Gloss. For aircraft: Alclad Semi Gloss or Semi Flat as the final topcoat. I'm not big on pure flat finishes. I do wear a respirator whenever airbrushing and always paint inside by spray booth (extractor) these days since being a cancer patient three years ago. Wish I used both years ago but few did back in the day - who knew how harmful solvent based paints were. I'm still trying to switch to acrylics for health reasons and it isn't easy.

Mark OMG, brilliant work. Some fantastic modeling and the CF decals came out perfect.

John Awesome work and looking so good.

Gaz Thanks so much for posting all the 'tape-together' photographs - looks as promised - a brilliant kit. So far, I've built: three Tamiya Spitfires (all with the Merline exposed and cowling off) and two more in the stash and am building the Revell Mk IIa (no Merline - cowl closed). Can't wait for mine to arrive and diving in. Will be following your build ever so closely.

Mike Terrific progress and the interior is looking fantastic. I keep tossing back and forth between MRP & Real Color lacquers and acrylics" Mig and Model Air. Eventually, I'll wind up most likely working in acrylics as there are lot of health issues with solvent based paints. Unfortunately, they are a dream to air brush as compared to acrylics. One thing I have been very careful with when shooting Model Ai, is to use only their thinner and air brush cleaner as lacquer based thinners and cleaners tends to turn the Model Air paint into a gooey mess. But no smell and water does work well.

Looking good and it's only the middle of March - so just finishing your first build is fine for all of us except John who I think has three or four already beautifully finished builds so far this year.🏆

Carl Your Gundam 'figure' is looking mighty good and the ZAM F4 cockpit tube - nice!

Mark Looking fantastic