Bill_S

Thanks folks. I'm trying very hard to keep this one out of the box. No WIP for this one, though I'll be sure to post some photos once it's completed. Our local contest is September 18th, and I'm trying to get the Zero, the XB-70, and the Tomcat done in time for it. Maybe I should just ship the kits to John B...

Yes, Martin. Type 21 (A6M2)

I hate Tamiya's Hinomarus. A dozen applications of Micro Sol, and they're finally starting to settle in.

I've saved a bag of these, and finally found a use for them (other than packing). They're easily cut and deformed, and I've found I can stuff them easily into nooks and crannies. These particular peanuts are (I Think) made of cornstarch; they dissolve in water. I took one and gave it a coat of Mr. Surfacer thinned with Mr. Leveling Thinner - I didn't want a gooey mess after painting.

Thanks, Gazz. I fear, though, that final reveal shots will be difficult. The thing is so big, it's hard to get the whole thing in focus!

Some exterior paint on the A6M2...

Burner cans and decals are done; all that remains are the wheels and landing gear. I'll be glad to be finished with this one!

I'll definitely watch it soon. I sure wish Dave would upscale his Tidal Wave decals to 1/32.

I never use the words "stash" and "problem" in the same sentence. I guess I'm somewhere in the middle. About 150 kits - nearly all 1/32 aircraft.

I've never used either of these products, but I thought I'd give them a try. I haven't built a helo since I was a kid...

A good wipe down, and she'll be ready for primer...

Oops. I put it in the wrong thread!

Tamiya A6M2 - pulled off the SOD.

Peter, I just checked my kit; Tamiya provides two sets of wing tip, so you have the option of interchanging them. They simply slide into poly sleeves. John, if you haven't done so yet, you should build one of Tamiya's Zeros. Excellent kits!

Outstanding, John! Will it be showroom new, or will you do some exhaust staining? FYI - the Tamiya Zero provides the option for folded or extended wing tips. They aren't "working" folds.

Looking good so far, Ernie. That's a massive amount of AM you're throwing at this kit. I feel for you with the back; I've been dealing with spinal stenosis for a couple of years now. Surgery is my only option, and it scares the hell out of me (pass the oxycodone, please). I hope you feel better soon.

Fantastic progress, Kev! I'm curious to see how WNW designed the wings.

Mark, those instructions are available on Scalemates. https://www.scalemates.com/products/img/3/4/3/114343-65-instructions.pdf

Some nice work, John! Do you display all your built models in one place? I'd love to see a picture.

In the past, I've occasionally run out of steam once the airframe is complete. I spent some time on the gear doors. Most of the ejector pin marks were raised and only required sanding. A coat of Insignia white. I'll add a flat coat once they've received a wash. Tail planes are done.

PE nozzles have finally arrived! There are a few parts that are redundant to the Brengun set. Into the spares box they go... The instructions tell you to use the back 7mm of the lit nozzle. A few hours of hand sanding later - All the pertinent PE removed from the fret. The black piece is one of the extensions I had 3D printed. After rolling the outer conical pieces, I wedged them into a piece of PVC pipe to CA them and (hopefully) keep them somewhat circular in cross-section. All that's left to do is paint them!

The printer told me the ceiling needs to be painted.

I needed some simple parts for my XB-70 build. My local library offers 3D printing - all you have to do is create the part and pay for material. Less than a dollar!