Bill_S

Cylinders and crankcase are molded together, Rob. I'm sure it was my error, but I got it straightened out!

My first conundrum... There are two engine sprues; both are the same. All mating parts are keyed, and I've taken pains to ensure that all went together as designed. A quick test fit of the gear reduction housing/radiator assembly, and I get this: The opening of the radiator on the left aligns with the rear cylinder; the opening on the right aligns with the front cylinder. I've got to do some investigating...

Good luck in your new venture, Tim. This is awesome news!

I like building radial engines. I don't particularly care for painting crankcases, cylinder shrouds and picking out the little details. I got a lot of work done in the past couple of days.

Some progress: So far, the fit on this kit has been phenomenal. I've started on the landing gear; I'm waiting for a few bits to dry prior to installing the IP and control stick. Once I paint the lap belts, the seats will be ready to go as well. Then, it's time to button up the fuselage.

Outstanding! I wish that Model Monkey was available when I scratch built the cockpit for mine...

Look for RAF Gray-Green or BS283. I'm still using Model Master RAF Interior Green, but I'll switch to Mr. Color C364 when the well runs dry.

You won't be sorry, Jerry. I really like the stuff, though I do keep a fine wire handy - if you leave the cover off the tip, it can clog.

I couldn't resist. Time for a test fit of the fuselage. I'm impressed! I still have a number of bulkheads to fit toward the tail; I'll check them one at a time.

Thanks, Rob. According to the instruction booklet, the upward firing cannons are for the green (boring) paint scheme. I thought I saw a photo posted by Martin (who else) that had the dark "streaks" over aluminum. I like that paint job, even though it may be challenging. Carl, if I do any weathering, it will probably be minimal. I've always been partial to the "factory fresh" look. Or maybe I suck at weathering...

Unfortunately, Quinta Studios doesn't make a set for the Ki-45 (or I would have bought it). Yahu makes a panel for this kit.

So far, the fit has been excellent. This is the PE instrument panel; I'm thinking a drop of future on the dial faces will be in order. And the radio box. More PE. Rear gunner's station. I still nave to finish the seat. View from the front. Still some detailing to do on the seat, side consoles and stick. Coming soon will be fitting all this into the fuselage halves. ZM provides multiple warnings about test fitting. We'll see how it goes.

Saw this on Amazon for a great price. Now the only kit with a figure that I'm missing is the MvR Albatros.

I'm seeing too many Kotare Spitfires being built. I've decided to put mine away until my back heals well enough to focus on detail painting. I picked up the Z-M Nick from a fellow club member just before Christmas... The plan is to build it (mostly) OOB. The kit, as received, came with the Z-M cockpit PE set, so I'll be using that. I've a fondness for upward firing cannons, so the scheme I'll be building is the late production Kai Tei version. The kit comes with a boatload of clear plastic; almost a full airframe. Give me the opaque styrene, please. I've always been an "engines first, then internals" kind of guy, but I'm switching modes for this build. Cockpit color is Mr. Color C384 Kawasaki cockpit color. To my eye, it's a great match to the colored PE bits.

Nothing's on my radar at the moment, but that Val looks SO tempting!

Just a small envelope for me:

Mike, Piano wire is tough stuff! Depending upon diameter, the recommended method is to use bolt cutters to chop to approximate length, the grind to final length. In my case, the diameter was small - I had an old pair of sprue cutters that I sacrificed to the cause. Even at this small diameter, the cutting edge got pretty chewed up (a good excuse to buy a new tool!). I didn't have to do anything to round off the ends.

Harv, did they supply any cargo for the belly of the beast?

Thanks for the review, Ernie. It looks to be a good kit; my wallet is going to curse you!

Some war stories here! Thanks all for the well wishes!

On Monday, I finally had it done. Supposed relief that has plagued me terribly the past couple of years. Spinal stenosis, a closing in of the vertebrae, causing a pinch of the spinal cord. The surgeon removed part of the aft side of four of the lumbar vertebrae, leaving just muscle and scar tissue to protect the nerve. No pins, screws or rods involved! Right now, it is one angry nerve, too. I'm still in a lot of discomfort, but at least the pain down both legs has subsided. While I'm recuperating, I've yielded to temptation and started drilling lightening holes in the Kotare Spitfire. Don't expect progress reports any time soon.

Will we see a review, Ernie? Please?

The photo is pretty blurry; it's 1/32.

Got a really good price on this one off Amazon. I was at Noreastcon in Albany on Saturday. I picked up a 1st (Tamiya A6M2) and a 3rd (Pfalz D.IIIa). They had a pretty good vendor area. I got this for a decent price. Dana Bell was there; I missed his talk, but I picked up one of his books in the raffle.

Great review, Ernie! Mine is waiting in the wings; so far I've resisted the temptation to start it.