Peterpools

Gaz Nice progress and yes, trailing edges are always an issue, Sanding and losing some detail that needs to be restored is the only option. I would have gone your route and sanded the edges down. ZM's method of adding the break lines to the inside of the gear doors works for me.

Ernie Agreed and I'm a Tamiya Fan Boy at the head of the pack. Absolutely there is no such thing as a perfect kit and Tamiya is human as well. I think the real issue is that when ZM saw there were fit issues, there should have been a notation/correction insert in the instructions about the fit issue and a suggestion of correcting it. The kit is too well engineered for ZM to have missed this.

Rob Right with Martin, just flawless and perfectly done.

Bill Tremendous progress and your detail painting is exceptional. Glad to see you haven't had any fit issues and I'm sure, knowing now what to look for help you to be prepared and ready to adapt to what needs to be done. Looking mighty good.

Chris Been there more times then I care to remember and wait until you become a senior - it only becomes more severe. Looking forward to seeing the stencils on and finished. They add so much to the overall look.

Chris PM sent

Carl Terrific build review and what a review should be - how the kit actually builds. I'm following every step and taking notes as I am with Gaz's build. I'm learning as you both are progressing through the builds. I'm more in the camp of how the kits looks after she sits on the display case shelves and I have my fingers crossed that there will be enough strength throughout not to have to worry about failures down the road. Will be following all the way.

Kev The B -25 is a must to go and the 109 with the cowl open. That should hopefully make life easier in transporting them to the show. All look so good -super work.

Gaz Nice progress on resolving the cowl fir issue. I'm you in that I find myself using more and more CCA for fille; faster drying times and filling in gaps - its extra strength compared to Mr Surfacer is a bit of insurance cracks won't appear down the road.

Carl Some mighty nice investigation work and now I am starting to fully understand the issue and problem. Other then read the instructions, I've forced myself not to tinker with the parts of my kit, as I know what will happen - I'll start building and I have to finish the Whirlwind first - I have no will power. Absolutely, the fillet is way too proud and needs to be sanded back for scale appearance and fit. The analogy to the RAM tape on all the F-35 kits to date is perfect - of course Tamiya's beautiful 1/48 F-35A will be out by December and I'm betting the RAM issue will be a thing of the past on their kit. Also looking at the horizontal stabilizer pivot plate up against the tail, it's also way too thick, out of scale and needs to be sanded back. The look will improve and there even should be room now for a small gap. I'm sure this is more of a function of IM limitations then an error in design. As Ernie point pointed out: the stabilizer needs to change incidence as the pilot adjusts his trim wheel ... As for the whole engine /cowl issue ... for me it isn't an issue as I plan on having that beautiful DB hanging out in the breeze right up there with all the Merlin's in my display case.

Chris I'm ordering some today and hopefully will have it in time for the antenna wires.

John That's not good. All I do remotely remember about painting the Sea Fury and I most likely used Tamiya acrylic paints over Mig acrylic primer and overly de-tacked the masking tape in those days. Good luck and my fingers are crossed 🤞

Gaz Guess I'm more then old school and I need to move on.

John You're flying through the Panter and I'm still masking the Whirlwind for at least three days. Can't wait to see the Cat in navy paint and colors

Carl Looking forward to your review and don't be gentle.

Kev Looking fantastic .. brilliant work

John It surely is

Scott When I built my Sea Fury, I don't remember having to deal with air bubbles but those gaps!

Chris Terric work - the canopy fit looks spot on the money as well as the radar antennas. I'm most like one of the few builders who hasn't used Uschi flexible thread or even EZ Line yet. For radio antenna lines I still use stretched sprue and I know I'm a dinosaur and have to buy some. The Whirlwind does have antenna wires and I need to decide which way to go.

December 1st is a bit tight for me as I wanted to start and finish my ZM 109 before the GB started. I'm in with the old, Monogram Vought Kingfisher, it's in the stash and ready to go.

Phil Should be a stunner for sure.

Carl I do prefer the Tamiya/ Olfa knives blades these days but finding the blades is not easy in the states. I was smart enough for me (a rarity for sure) when I purchased my two Tamiya sets to also purchase two 25 pc packs of blades as well. I'm pretty sure I bought them from BNA in Australia but not positive.

Gaz Maybe it wasn't you at all but even if it was and you went back to review the instructions, you should be able to see what your error was. If it's that's hidden and you can't see it now, most likely you wouldn't see when doing the initial assembly, the fault lay with ZM's instructions. No matter what for me, a soon to be rooky 109 builder, your struggles and comments are so important. Just can't thank you enough for all your commentary and pointing out the how and what to look for at each step of the build.

I still feel the overall issue isn't A or B team as we know how well qualified Radu is. For me the issue is just cramming way too many details and parts into a tight space, add in molding tolerances and presto - fit issues. You can't have a scale engine in a scale space as the thickness of the plastic is thicker then the scale thickness of the aluminum. Tamiya came close with its ultra-thin cowlings but I'm still willing to bet the engines are a bit undersized. For me, the answer is: leave the cowlings off or include an engine plug replacement so that the engine can be displayed off the model. Last option: start trimming the parts on the engine until the cowling will fit and can be glued into place.

John Never knew .. thanks for the info.