BlrwestSiR

April 1st?

I sort of cheated and used styrene rod to replace some of the kit bits as I didn't want to clean up all the seam lines.

So far I've built 2 Fly kits, the Ar234 and the Hurricane. The Hurricane was the more challenging with getting the MLG bay and the cockpit sorted. I've got another Hurricane in the stash to go. I must be a glutton for punishment. I just ordered another Special Hobby T-33.

Nice start Peter. The Quinta set really ups the cockpit details. Like you, I have a bunch of the Barracuda resin bits but may have to look closer at the Quinta set.

Lovely build Peter. Makes me want to find another Kingfisher kit and do that in the yellow and silver scheme.

The pilot figures looks fantastic. Can't believe they're 1/48! Carl

Comparing the two now, the kit one is definitely better. The worst part about dropping something is when you find it after you've given up and the the build is finished.

Had a package of books from Wingleader arrive today. First three are on Spitfires. Next three are mixed subjects. I'm really liking these books.

These ones? https://www.abovebelow.ca/product/301-canadair-sabre-mk-6-439-sqn-1958-/162?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=5 Just need to wait until he reopens on March 5.

Like Harv said, hope your wife is ok.

Ernie, to my Mk1 eyeball, the colour for the lower markings look ok. I grew up in a household full of Nationalist stuff (my dad was a staunch KMT supporter) and they're close to what I recall.

Hannants has them in stock. Two different sets. https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/MXK32002?result-token=9lYq3 https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/MXK32254?result-token=9lYq3 They also have a Kits world decal sheet. https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/KW132030?result-token=9lYq3 A final option might be a Ventura decal sheet for a P-40N in AVG markings. It gives you the Nationalist stars but only in the dark blue and not the lighter faded blue. https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/VA3283?result-token=9lYq3

Here's what I have. The CE sheet: Note the size on the artwork. Both top and bottom are the same size. Compared to the kit decals: I also have the Montex set for the Trumpeter kit. Comparing the masks, the uppers are slightly larger than the CE ones, and the lowers are slightly smaller. I didn't bother with pics as you can't really make out the dimensions.

Thanks Rob. The biggest issue for me with my hands is the cramping. Usually lots of flexing helps as does taking a break. I've pretty much learned to compensate for the odd shakes by bracing my hand when I work. I don't do much brush painting for the same reason. Easier for me to mask and airbrush everything.

Gary, I see a cardiologist once a year and my family doc twice a year after my triple bypass 3 years ago. It's not heart related fortunately as I have enough to worry about there. There's a history of heart disease in my family and unfortunately Sue's as well so our sons' pediatrician has started monitoring our boys already. Which is a good thing in a way.

Ernie, I have a set of Cutting Edge AVG decals. I'll see what size the roundels are in that set and let you know. Seeing your recent pics, they do look a bit small. Carl

The cockpit looks great. The wear on the seat is a nice touch.

Peter, I do keep an eye on it. So far, it's been fairly stable over the last few years. I did see a hand specialist a few years ago. They were more concerned about my baby finger and got that as straight as they could. Thanks for your concern. It's good to have us looking out for each other. Carl

They're a limited run kit. The gent who owns the company did a small run and as far as I know, that was it. He has some other releases coming including a Sea Harrier and a Jaguar I believe. There's also a joint venture with another company called Flying S and they're going to do a Martin Baker MB5.

Gus, I checked a couple books I have on the Tomcat and the grey/white demarcation is feathered. Carl

Peter, it's primarily fatigue. To be honest, I haven't really noticed it in recent years, more the cramping and stiffness. That's due to my hand getting crushed a couple times. Once in an elevator door and the other time in a steam press at work (Thankfully I didn't hit the steam pedal or I'd have added burns to the crushing injury). Docs warned me that I'd pay for all this as I got older. Guess they were right sadly. Oh and my pinky won't straighten. Lol.

That was a great film. Definitely wouldn't get made these days.

I think he got the same boxing as the two of us with the Golden Hawks decal sheet.

One more thing, have you seen this diorama?

Some great progress there Rob. It's staring to look like a proper battlewagon.