Peterpools

Mike Great to see the Big Sikorsky underway again and you're pushing through to finish this beauty. A well thought out game plan for adding he wing to the fuselage, I'm a decal guy and unless there are a lot of lumps and bumps, that would be my preferred method for adding the US insignias. Nice work on catching and correcting the antennas as it would be nearly impossible after the wing is in place. Right with you on worrying about the gear being able to support the Big Sikorsky but with the metal rods you're adding, I'm with you and it shouldn't be an issue. Nice details and corrections to the forward hull, as they add so much to the look and fee.

Thanks Paul, very much appreciated.

Thanks Dennis, very much appreciated. never thought decaling would have been such an issue, especially this being my sixth 32nd scale Spitfire, but every build always seems to be a new adventure. Hoping to cross the finish line late next week, as I'm now tackling all the remaining smaller parts.

WOW, the Huey looks tremendous and surely is now on to buy list for my whirlybird stash and upcoming builds.

John Much appreciated and after your email, I'm right with you. ☺️

Thanks Chris, very much appreciated. We're in complete agreement about the storage and cracking issues and what I personally think needs to be done as a customer service and courtesy: Vendors cold store the decals - I know this would be nearly impossible, but AM decals would last and be useable so much longer. In their description, show when the inventory was purchased so we would have a good idea how old the decals actually are. Testing decals doesn't seem to work well as what do you do if they crack and shatter? Contacting the vendor after how many months or years after purchase doesn't seem to be an answer. Another plus for masks.

IT’S DECALING TIME TAMIYA DECALS TO THE RESCUE With the cammo completed, it was decaling time using the EagleCal EC 115 decal sheet. One issue that still needed to be decided upon: the outer wing leading edges on some squadron aircraft were painted yellow and others just had the cammo right up to the leading edge. Tamiya’s painting instruction for the Squadron didn’t have them and the EagleCals did. Research showed the cammo was field applied and it was the same on my research photographs. I decided to leave the yellow leading edges off as all my other Spitfires have them and this would be a bit different. Decaling didn’t go well at all. Starting on the undersides, the EagleCal decals cracked and shattered when the roundels were eased up and over the canon blisters and the shell ejector opening. I guess a lot has to do with how vendors store decals waiting for sale and in any case a solution needed to be found. I decided my best course was to buy a set of 1 Man Army masks and go from there. But just before ordering the masks, I did some stash diving in my very humble decal stash and found a few sets of Eduard decals that had the right sized roundels and that were printed in 2016. I decide to give them a shot, cut a few relief slits in them – worked almost perfectly. Some touch up brush work was needed but not a single wrinkle to be found. After completing the undersides using a combination of EagleCal (stecil data) and Eduard decals, I moved onto the fuselage and ran into quite a few issues with the EagleCal decals. The EagleCal decals that were comprised of multi colors, as the roundels and squadron codes, had to be double and tripled layered – what a pain. When applying the first white layer for the squadron code which would be the white edges, they cracked and shattered to the touch. After deciding not to use the EagleCal decals any further, I substituted the fuselage roundels for those on the Eduard sheets (all the colors on a single decal) and they went on with no issues. Needing the correct fuselage squadron and aircraft code letters, I went with the Tamiya kit decals for the balance of the fuselage decals. The wings were a combination of EagleCal decals for the wing walk black stripes and stencil data and the roundels were Tamiya, straight from the kit and went on just wonderfully. I’ve used Tamiya decals a quite a few projects over the years and except for one, where the decals cracked and shattered and were replaced by Tamiya Customer Service, no issues at all. Personally, Tamiya decals have gotten a bad rap and if applied with the Micro System, work very well.

Finally, my Saraf arrived as well as the needed two Quinta detail sets. For weeks I’ve been knocking myself out trying to figure out the right colors and which paints to use: MRP IAF paint set to the rescue. I’m ready and loaded for bear. Of course, I’m holding off and hoping the next GB will be the sand theme and I’m ready to go.

Ron Thanks you and much appreciated. Hopefully will be taking the photos around 6 PM today and I'll post them tonight or tomorrow morning. Just been so busy plus we have construction going on next door so just too many trucks in the street.

John Another awesome 109. Perfect finish and she looks so good.🏆

John Amazing speed and progress as usual and the 109 in the photo is looking real good.

Gus Brilliant build as the completed build looks gorgeous. Following since day one and knowing all the hard work that went into building the Viggen and overcoming so many manufacturers' roadblocks, I'm still drawn and focus firstly on the cammo finish - incredible work. Certainly, she will be the star of your display case. 🏆🏆🏆

John Agreed, keep both, they're beauties.

Thanks Carl for the heads up. I've purchased from BNA in the past and their service from Oz to the states is fantastic. I'll be checking everyday now.

Thanks, Guys, for all the best wishes for enjoying my new toy - I've been spending a lot of time learning all the new computer systems and wizardry in the Sportage X Pro and it is simply amazing. I am torn between the classic smart drivers display and the new "Glass IP" look. - still deciding. The safety features in the car are amazing and I'm slowly setting them up. Sound system is awesome My previous SUV was a Kia Sorento, fourth Kia (I've been a loyal customer) and her name was Hotlips (from MASH, the TV show) and that tradition continues.

Kia Sportage X Line Pro - my new wheels. OMG, right now just trying to learn how to use all the electronics is overwhelming for my generation. I'm working on how to use the emergency brake and even how to open up the gas fill door. Who would have thought a car could be so complicated but for being almost 77, it's quite a huge step for me in technology. In a day or so, I should hopefully in a day or so, I should have come to grips on how to use everything and have the setup done to my likings. Right now it feels as if I'm sitting in the left hand seat of a 787 getting use to a brand new glass cockpit. Later today, I'll take some images of my car, as this is just a photograph I found online.

Phil WOW, the Spitfire looks great and looking forward to a build thread. Enjoy 👍

John Simply stellar builds ... three SH F-80, all beautifully built, impressive doesn't come close. 🏆🏆🏆

John Has to be a first. I've built the same model twice over the years, but I don't think with the same cammo scheme. I would keep them both as the cammo schemes are different, yet the same and quite the conversation piece. 😉

John Pretty amazing how different the cammo patterns are. I'm with the guys as well as the rear 109 cammo is more eye striking.

Change of plans and one last try with a few decal sets I found in my stash: Eduard RAF decals printed in 2016 and for the most part, they work ☺️. Now ain't that something.

Chris Congratulations on your Big F4 crossing the line - what an achievement and a build that belongs front and center in the display case. Just so glad I was along for the entire journey.🏆 Jumping back to the MRP Gloss Clear, I have found the same. For years now I have been using the various Alclad Clear Glosses and the results seem to match MRP, in that they tend to be a bit glossier then I thought from the outset, but I do like the effect and my go to 'matte' finishes. And no mixing or diluting needed.

Thanks Rob ... I'll be out buying some tis week and getting ready when the masks show up.

Rob Surely was but your efforts and the end results - beautifully done.

Hubert Brilliant! Your attention to detail and coming to grips somewhat with your AMS is a great compromise. Rivet work looks so good but the nose gear well - unbelievable - the detail is amazing.