Peterpools

John Terrific build - what a gorgeous looking Jug. 🥇 Also post the completed build forum.

John Simply a stellar build and a brilliant NMF. So glad you rescued the Jug from the SOD. 🏆

John Looking mighty good, especially the NMF.

Kriss Nice progress on the P-61interior and the corrections surely seem to have taken care of all the issues to date.

Thanks John. A fun build and nice to work on a kit with virtually no vices, well done instructions and the parts fit didn't present a single issue.

Thanks Paul, much appreciated.

DONE AND IN THE BOOKS My Kotare Spitfire was rolled out on to the flightline and I’m calling it done for now. Yes, there a few small bits I still need to add but that will wait for another day. I have on order some weathering pigments I want to use for the engine exhausts and MG staining and that can’t be done until my order arrives. Also still need to add the antenna wire. The final clear top cote Alclad II Light Sheen ALC 311 went on smooth as can be, as I’m not a fan of a full matt finish, as it doesn’t seem to replicate the look and feel of aluminum under paint. The exception would be if the aircraft is in a diorama or vignette, adding to the story line. After letting the Alclad dry overnight, the remaining parts were added: main gear and tailwheel, prop and spinner, antenna, pitot tube, the drop-down door, canopy latch, the rudder actuator rod, the remaining clear parts and the various lights were painted. My overall thoughts on the kit: SUPERB. Yes, it’s not Tamiya and yes Kotare didn’t charge Tamiya prices. I’m firmly in the camp and tickled pink there was no Merlin to build – tired of building them. Besides I prefer to how an aircraft looks all buttoned up and showing off its beautiful lines. Decals were superb, instructions excellent except in a few places they could have been a bit clearer. My only negative comments: NO CANOPY PAINT MASKS and how landing gear needs to be played with and fitted. Final comment: Absolutely a gem and highly recommended. Well done Kotare.

John I can remember those days as if it were yesterday - too bad it was over sixty years ago.

John Another awesome save and looking mighty good. NMF looks is spot on the money. The Jug is one of my all-time favorites, even ahead of the Mustang and Spitfire and Hellcat. Republic was a Long Island Company located in Farmingdale and just a few stops east from Grumman's on the LIRR as the crow flies . When I was growing up, my bedroom window faced east and I could see every once in a while, a F-105 Thud in the pattern at Framindale. I've seen many P-47's over the years and the sound of the big P&W R2800 is music to my years. If any aircraft has the tough, New York attitude, it was the Jug. Will be following al the way.

Got ya - been there and done that more then I care to admit.

Ernie Yup, it's been an enjoyable and rewarding journey for those of us on board and following your progress. Take it from a guy who spends a lot of bench time looking for parts and yes, somehow, they always seem to show up. Awesome work for sure🏆

Welcome aboard - terrific 109 and figure.

Only wish it was once or twice on a build but I'm consistent, it's all the time.

HI John Same deal here with my 76-year-old eyes and hands and of course, throw in the quickly declining lack of coordination these days. I work now almost 100% under a LED magnifying lamp, tripled the room lightening and use tweezers more then ever. Of course, I spend as much time looking for parts I've dropped on the floor as building and try to avoid getting on my hands and knees to look for parts, as getting up is a whole deal unto itself. 😉

John Amazing and even a new record for you. 🥇 A few of the benefits of 48th scale to my way of thinking: Variety of subject, smaller display space and of cost on the average.

Oliver Terrific work on the toolbox and adding a good number of tools for effect.

John WOW, even for you, this has to be a new record. Fit looks perfect and I'm ready for your upcoming painting photos in a few days' time.

Kriss Not so, all the details will add up and easily bring your P-61 up to a new level. Both the panels look remarkable.

Thanks Kev Finally making nice progress and if all goes well, the Spitfire should cross the finish line this week.

Thanks Paul, much appreciated.

Martin Mine just arrived a few minutes ago as well.

Just arrived and I was amazed it was a Sunday delivery, of which I only paid for standard delivery.

Thanks Sott Very much appreciated.

Thanks Dennis Getting there slowly but surely - seems to be now some nice steady progress - hope I'm not putting a jinx on the build

Carl Thanks for the update ... seems years ago we had so few paint companies and now, and abundance to choose from. Please do a short review on the paints and especially how they differ from all the other paint lines. It's almost to the point now of having too many paint lines to choose from - if that's possible.