biggtim

I actually wrapped this one up today, and took some pics outside in the sun. It was a bit windy, so I may try some later without the white background when I'm sure it will be safe. As there is very little inf available on these planes, I took some liberties. Here is the basic premise: - This plane (red 20, 196th IAP)) seems to be the only M-105 Klimov plane consistently depicted in model kits and renderings, though no photos of it seems to exist. I chose to do it because at least I am reasonably certain it actually existed. - As these were lend-lease aircraft, I assumed it would have been delivered to the Soviets in standard 3 color USAAF colors with US stars (no bars) on them, so I first painted it in that scheme - dark green/brown camo upper surfaces, neutral gray undersides, green zinc chromate pit and insides. No U.S. ARMY lettering on the bottom, as they seemed to have stopped doing this by the E models. - I assumed that the Russians would have then painted over the US stars with whatever paint they had, so a darker shade of green over the wing top and fuselage stars, and russian underside blue on the wing bottom, with a brush, so crude circles. - Then Russian red stars on the wings and fuselage over the painted out US insignia where it occurred. I also assumed the plane would have then seen service for a time before the engine wore out. - At this point, the plane would have had the engine replaced with the M-105 Klimov, and assigned to the 196th IAP. - At some point after that, the 196th painted over everything with white, including the fuselage star, and replaced the star with a red number, painting a new star on the tail. It would then have seen service until it met it's end or the the war did, whichever came first. Eduard Brassin wheels and tires Scratch built upper front engine cowl and exhaust, cast in resin Spinner and prop from Special Hobby Yak-3 kit (heavily modified and also cast in resin) RB seatbelts

I've had 190 proof many times, but it's been a long time ago, now!! I'm afraid I'm a bit of a lightweight myself these days. Probably can't even hold my beer.....

Beer (including Guinness) is for pussies.... If it ain't at least 80 proof, it ain't fit to drink.

Not all of them (like me) on LSP are in meltdown. Most of those posts are by a few people.

Ain't no sunshine when he's gone.......

That's exactly what I do too!! Healthcare, mostly.

The "stay at home" order in WA state just got extended to May 4. I'm sofa king excited. Our economy is going to go completely to hell if they don't let people go back to work soon. I'm fortunate enough to be able to work from home, and our company supports the local hospital, so we've been pretty secure so far, but so many are really hurting. We thought we had a homeless problem before.....

So far, Amazon hasn't let me down yet! I'm also very curious about your previous life now.

Ticking along, almost ready for some paint!!

I used this: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F7Q1K3W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1, and a dryer vent in the exterior wall. I've been quite pleased with it, though it is a bit loud, as the duct run is very short.

Honestly, nothing is on my list. That's not saying that something won't strike my fancy on a whim, but I have nothing planned. I just want to finish some builds, so maybe paint and glue? Unless ZM actually puts out that fabled P-51B this year....

Maybe not on this site so far...but there are a couple over there on my list....

The "ignore" function is nice, if you get my drift

Coming along....

Just catching up on this build, very fine work going on here!!

I could cover up a LOT of coughs....

Until they shut the mail down, too.

You guys suck! My company wouldn't close until someone in the office actually gets sick with it. And maybe not even then.

I hadn't either, until now.

I contacted Tim at Grey Matter to see if he was interested, but haven't heard back. I saved the masters with reproducing them in mind, but I decided I don't really want to go through the expense and hassle of getting set up and casting them myself. I just flat don't have time right now. Maybe in the future.

Some progress photos: Decided the humps were too big, so.... Then new cowl flaps, as the kit part is awful: I made molds of all the pieces, which turned out pretty well, but as I don't have a pressure chamber set up yet, it's been tough to mold the new parts without bubbles. Got a few good enough ones, so I should have one ready to go soon. Tim

You are nuts, sir, but my kind of nuts!! All that chopping away on the M to F conversion looks very familiar. Forgive me, but I think you need one with a Russian engine......

I wish, my friend. I will have to wait for Vegas before I can go again, though Vegas is hellacious in August too. Why does this dang convention have to be in August anyway? Plus, it's always in someplace hotter than the devil's ballsack for that time of year. Never in some cooler northern city like Seattle.

I think the surge of cases that is starting right now should taper back down by late summer. That's a long way off, and viral illnesses usually decline drastically in the summer months as people get out and spend less time cooped up indoors. It's hitting my area (the PNW) right now, and we expect it to last until about June before it winds back down here, slightly later for the central states. I wouldn't cancel your reservations just yet!!

Progress so far: