Peterpools

John Nice work on the Aires front office and the details looks amazing. Have you test fitted the 'office' yet?

Sit back and enjoy the story of a legend - absolutely amazing.

Hi Mark Doesn't sound right that both the taxi and landing lights would be on at the same time or both off.

Thanks Rob and I whole heartedly agree - while detailed engines and open access panels look good, I do prefer the smooth clean lines for display. I've built enough Merlin's now that the next group of Merline powered fighters, will be all closed up and why I'm happy the Kotare Spit Mk Ia has no engine - I wouldn't be using it anyway.

Thanks Dennis At this point I seem to get a burst of mojo and focus on cleaning up and finishing all the prep work and being ready for the paint shop and primer.

Thanks John Absolutely is one sweet build.

Thanks Martin ... all smiles for sure. ☺️

Thanks Carl, very much appreciated. Hopefully with a bit of luck, I'll be in the booth next week shooting on the color coats.

John Sounds good to me and of course in the Ready for Inspection Forum, a photo of both together will look so cool.

Coming Together She is finally starting to have the graceful lines of the legendary Spitfire. With the wing, tail and control surfaces glued on (the ailerons and elevators still need to be fixed in position with CCA), it was time to make some decisions regarding the Merlin. I’ve built a lot of Tamiya 1/32 WWII aircraft kits and out of the grouping of Mustangs, Spitfires and the Mossie, there is at least one model of each group with the RR/Packard Merlin with the cowling panels off, exposing the complete engine and the Mossie having both Merlin’s hanging open for display. I want to show some of this late model 60 Merlin, will most likely have the bottom and top cowlings on and leaving the side panels off, at least that is my thinking right now. I built and painted the Merlin as per the kit instructions, highlighting the details both by brush and dry brushing with Model Air Aluminum. The coolant plumbing was primed with MRP Black Primer and then finished with MRP Copper. Only about five years ago I did the same and hand painted or used foil for the s/s clamps – this time around, my hand just isn't steady enough anymore for such detail painting. The prop and hub assemblies are done, all the prop/hub parts added but other then black primer, zippo detail painting as they will be inside the spinner and never seen – just no point in wasting time painting those details. All the screws/holes on the hub were drilled out a bit deeper so they will hold a light wash and have some relief at the same time. At the same time, I drilled out all the screw fastener holes on the cowling framing and a good number of hours was needed for all the hand drilling; time well spent. The Barracuda resin wheel set was cleaned up and the axel holes were drilled out to fit (fingers crossed) the landing gear axels. next the Barracuda drop down door with the much-mentioned crowbar (to be added) was cleaned up replacing the kits rendition. I just couldn’t help myself and wanted to see how Tamiya’s gorgeous glass fit and looked: a knock out and what can I say, leave the filler in the box, the fit seems to be perfect. I’ll be final sanding and getting the Spit ready for primer later this week. Thanks for checking in Parts and assemblies ready for MRP primer Primed and ready for color coats

Gaz I've always admired figure Painters, who are 3D artists. I've tried painting figures a few times, especially in my model railroading days, and they were terrible. Even now, I've 'sort of tried' and being so frustrated, just threw in the towel.

Gaz Nice start on the artillery piece and the figures aren't going to be easy to work them into your diorama setting. Will be along for the ride

John Good choice as well. Seems the only difference is the color of the nose. Either one is going to look really cool (How's that for a throwback to the seventies?)

Kai Right on the money - looks fantastic.

John My vote is for: VMFA-115, A/C 2992 Love the markings and the white tail - WOW!

Carl Thanks for the info and I'm checking it out as we speak

John That it will be and so very well earned

Carl I'm starting to look into all of the types of Hasegawa foils as they seem to have so many applications, as I just think about it. You're flying through the Lotus and it's an awesome and inspiring build for sure.

Carl Seems to be part of the hobby and winding upo with a number of kits on the bench all at the same time, is tough for fight off. These days, I often loose the battle.

Hubert, same here. Hard to believe there is such a history and interest in the door crowbar. Just read the link and I never knew

Phil Same here for sure

Carl Terrific start and progress of the Lotus - going to be a fun project to follow and be inspired by as well. I've heard about Hasegawa's mirror finish self-adhesive film and have been wanting to give it a try on oleo shocks rather then going through the full Alclad Chrome process. Will be ordering some and testing it out. Thanks for the tip and pointing it out.

Dennis Way to go

John Perfect choice for your next build. I personally like to build all my jet fighters in 48th scale as well and completely agree with Phil . Will be following all the way.

Jerry Beautiful build .. one fantastic looking Eagle🏆