Ryan

Nope you sound normal to me.

I will say this though, I never have understood the phrase "It's your kit, build the way YOU want to" untill recently. My modeling time is much more enjoyable if I dont preshade or try the newest wood grain technique etc. I'm worn out with that, I try and emulate famous modelers I admire forgetting in the process I have my OWN style and dont need to copy somones elses style to have fun, Mind you, I dont want to crank out featureless crap, just neat clean kits. We (I) also forget these are not real, they are models of a real objects and the kit is designed to be a (enjoyable) step by step build ending in a miniature replica. Ok sorry for this, I hate the phrase rant so it is what it is. Pass the tylenol.

I think a large stash is depressing sometimes. If you have started a few of them like me, then you are standing in a room full of ex-wives asking why I wasn't enough.

Or start small and test the waters with a B-47.

Maybe a B-29 would be better?

Hey fellow Trumpeter warrior. Take a look at this 360 pit, its a bubble top, but you might be able to see some more detail. http://www.nmusafvirtualtour.com/cockpits/WWII_tour/WWII-23.html

Are those style of Kagero books generally nice Carl?

(to all) I have a bunch of Armor I'm looking to get rid of. Send me you wants, I'm sure I have it.

Welcome aboard! Ryan

After a blast of primer it doesn’t look bad for what it is...a couple of pieces of tape wrapped around a strut! I’ll add some bolt detail and polish it up before final paint.

And BTW, trade in time...that car will never be the same.

I was just thinking about that this morning Carl! The line is great in (2) ways, first the car is German and second it went under water. Just perfect.

When I saw Risky Business all I could think about building was Rebecca De Mornay. Not sure is this even makes sense, but all the pieces are there. Ryan

Hey guys more hellcat adventures. As mentioned above, to solve the missing oleo collars, I was going to use one of two techniques to replicate. The vinyl Tamiya tape was the winner! Once the tape was cut to wrap the strut a small notch was made to allow the tape to clear the scissor link. After the tape was set and tamped down a candy shell of thin super glue was brushed on to seal the tape. The join line at the rear of the tape is easily sanded and blended when the glue is dry. A final, but not photogenic step, is to slather some liquid putty to seal anything that the glue missed. I’ll sand it out after it sits over nite. Thanks for looking. Ryan

Thanks Mr. Poet.

That a good idea, but was going with something easier. 1st option wrap oleo with tape and build up edge with primer. 2nd option make oleo collar out of thick white Tamiya contour tape and secure with thin super glue. 2nd option would give a thicker collar.

The main gear is very robust, but missing the collars for the oleo shaft. I got a little glue happy before I realized this, so will have to fix with oleo scissor links in place.

I don’t have this kit and will be watching. Ryan

Got some work done on the tail gear, it’s very fragile. its sitting in the fuse while the joints set up. Later I’ll add some detailing and some strengthening additions.

Nice rail and overall progress. Ryan

This is a simple fix to a problem, good show Ron.

I havn't recieved it yet, but I have Cat 4 hurricane on the way.

Here is a great photo set of the spine. http://www.mikeashey.com/SCALE MODELING REFERENCE-AIRCRAFT/F6F-3-HELLCAT-LAPP-AND-BUTT-JOINT-SURFACE-DETAILS.pdf

Got the other half massaged into shape and sharpened up the cockpit sills.

Just google a review of the kit or "1/32 trumpeter hellcat bulge". Whats odd is that most of the reviewers or builders get hung up on the bulge and not the depression which is more unsightly in my opinion. The kit is general seems to be fat around the cockpit area, but if you look at the Maru pic, it does look a bit plump to me anyway. Thanks for checking in.