Peterpools

WHAT A DISSAPOINTMENT Additional bench time was needed to remove a good deal more of flash, mold seams and finish cleaning up parts. Finally, time for priming; MRP Black Primer was used and then the interior colors were applied; Tamiya acrylics. So far, the Songbird has been a huge disappointment and a letdown. As a limited production kit, I was prepared for the sloppy part fit but it was worse then I anticipated. As I struggled to assemble the cabin, trying to locate where parts belong, it became a guessing game, as the instructions are vague as to part location and orientation, everything being hit or miss. were hit or miss. Once the interior was glued in place, it became so obvious that the relationship in size, orientation and placement of the parts wasn’t close to what it should have been. The cabin windows were added, fit was poor, as expected and what it is, it is. A mask set for all the windows and front windscreen would have been a nice touch and there was none included. I decided to go with the fuselage door closed (all clear plastic here), as looking inside just wouldn’t do. There is an injected molded gray plastic door included but the clear window was not included on the fret; very strange indeed. Of course, getting the door to actually close was an exercise in frustration but finally I was close enough. And of course, when gluing the two fuselage halves together, mine were warped: par for the course. Once I sanded all the seams and started working on the horizontal stabilizer, I thought why not test the two part canopy and as you can see, the fit is awful and I just can’t imagine how much additional work this is going to take to correct. At this point, even being the Songbird, I'm starting to question my sanity for moving forward and banging my head against the wall. Black CCA used to fill in a few seams for added strength. The canopy fit. The top portion on the Songbird was painted over in the fuselage color but there are still more fit issues to deal with.

Martin Going to be a great build and it's on my list.

Martin Looking mighty good and that surely is the best way to deal with offending AB's that no longer want to cooperate and be part of the team.

Carl Nice work on the nacelle fairings - looking mighty good. I think it's more of a case you wore Jimmy out with all the rework.

Looking mighty good - just love those Quinta detail sets.

Scott Nice work on returning the bottom of the fuselage to 'roundness' shape. Agreed, she sure is going to be one huge model when done and in the display case. I completely agree, manufacturers try to make the models look better then the actual aircraft were with badly fitting parts in some places. If they reproduce it that way or don't succeed perfectly in correcting it, we take them to task for it. Just one of those situations they can't win.

Dave Looking mighty good in black primer.

Rob Much appreciate the short bio on how the pilot lands his plane - sure he hasn't much faith in his aircraft. Interior cammo decals look good but not sure why they would go to that extent? Glad you decided to go with the HGW bets - they surely look mighty good.

Ernie Nice progress and a good work around the glue issue. I've seen videos and some discussions that some of the newer kit's plastic doesn't respond well or even glue-up when using some of the solvent based cements such as Extra Thin but does work with Fast Drying Extra Thin(?). I've avoided the entire issue and with the slightest hint of an issue, jump right on the case with Revell Contacta Professional Glue (blue applicator). Works like a charm. Matter of fact, I've been using it more and more in all my builds - great stuff for sure. Almost like the old days when Revell tube glue was the glue of choice.

Thanks Guy The IP was a bit testy to detail, as the easiest part of the detailing was the size ... everything else needed to be worked in and looked correct. Unfortunately, once I assembled the fuselage (update hopefully later today), nothing fits as the size, scale and proportions of the interior assemblies and parts seem way off.

Thanks Kev, Long way to go and loads of time, no most of the build time has been delegated to part clean up and the IP. Getting ready to post an update later today (hopefully 🤞) as I finally have the fuselage together and working on the wings, engines and gear. John is in a class all by himself: incredible speed and brilliant workmanship.

John Good POA and fingers crossed you locate the decal sheet. 🤞

Shouldn't be but sometimes it's a relief to know the build is finished and time to move on.

John Good call. When the fun and enjoyment are gone and your enthusiasm for the kit has vanished, it's time to move on and start a project that calls you to the bench. At our stage of the game, banging our head against the wall to keep working on a kit and being frustrated, makes zero sense. You absolutely made the right call.👍

John Nice start on your next Corsair and a FAA aircraft sounds mighty good - something different for sure.

Paul Great find at a great price.

Martin Enjoy the Paasche Talon AB, I've read a lot of good things about it. I have two H&S Infinity Plus and Iwata AB's for many years and as time has gone on, spend more and more time stripping them down, doing deep cleaning and replacing parts, which especially for the H&S AB's, the cost of the parts is insane. I've been looking at replacing them as they are all over a decade old. No complaints as I've surely gotten my money's worth but the upkeep costs, have made the decision for me on replacing them before ordering more parts when needed. are

Paul, WOW, those kits look awesome and have to be a build thread for sure.

Ernie Looking mighty good and yup, we surely all get spoiled.

Mike Glad the windows went well and all worked out as planned.

Mike Good call for sure and might just go the CA route at the corners and see what happens.

Phil Looking so good and progress is progress, as speed has nothing to do with it. 🏆

Oliver Looking so good and the figures seem to be the equal and a nice compliment to your work.

Gus Looking good and always a treat to follow your progress.

Mighty nice work and I'm sure it's a relief that the paint work is done and came out looking spot on the money.