BlrwestSiR

While that was drying, I started on the wings. The main spar and wheel wells were glued in. I then added the upper wings. I trimmed off the outer wingtips. Here's one side done. The Tamiya wingtip is just about a perfect fit. I then filled in the MG access panels on the lower side. I initially started with Mr Surfacer but switched to CA as it dried faster. I did the same on the upper side as well as filling in the MG barrel openings. For this I used some Wave tapered plastic rod. It fills the holes perfectly.

Trying a different approach, I used the new AK Real Color markers for the RAF Grey-Green areas. This was much faster than masking them off. First coat looks a bit meh: Much better after a second one: The IP needs a couple instruments removed from the upper side. After scraping them off, I did a bit of touch-up with some Mr Surfacer.

First up, the cockpit. I did a test fit of the major components to see what needed modification, if any. At the same time, I drilled out all the lightening holes in the frames. Then the relevant areas were painted in silver.

I picked up the AIMS PR Spitfire conversion set when it first came out a couple (more?) years back. It was designed for the Revell Spitfire MkII kit which was at the time the most up to date early Spitfire kit. Then Kotare came out with their MkI kits. Having picked up a second copy on clear out at one of the local shops, I figured that it might be the better candidate for the AIMS conversion instead. A quick comparison showed that it was definitely feasible. Then more recently, Model Maker released a set of masks for Spitfire BR416. This was a PR IV that services in Malta and carried anl distinctive Blue over White camo scheme. To tip things over the edge, @Martinnfb sent me the Aboukir filter needed. So here we are. The kit: The markings: The conversion: The filter: One more piece, the extended wingtips:

Looks good there John. The track sag especially is convincing.

Really nice work on the Cutlass. I can completely relate to the feeling of inertia on the build. I've got a similar situation with my Sea Fury.

The engine looks amazing Rob.

The price is definitely going to be a challenge for some folks. They'll have to decide if the value preposition is there. @ScottsGT, it's not much further off what you paid for your build, just in one box and not spread out over a base kit, conversion, and other AM. I think it's similar to what happened when Border Models released the Lancaster kits. Those who want one will get it and others will either wait for it to go on sale or possibly pick one up second hand. Of course a lot will also depend on the final quality of the kit. Carl

Wow, some great work there. Thanks for sharing the extra pics.

Having received the decals and masks for a 1/32 Spitfire PR IV, I couldn't resist and chased the squirrel. This is the Kotare Spitfire MkI kit with which I'm going to use the AIMS PR conversion set on. A quick test fit of the cockpit to figure what needs to be modded. I drilled out the frame holes for good measure.

Looks great, especially the zimmerit. What kit is it? Heng Long?

Not so much stuff:

And lots of it!

If it's convenient and keeps me out of trouble, that works for me. Tamiya has them labeled as Mixing Yellow, Mixing Red and Mixing Blue. I think they may have more pigment in them or just straight pigment and not a mix. I wonder if this is another of their products showing up before instructions on how to use them.

That looks great John. Like Martin said, the little flag is a nice touch.

Stunning! A great finish there Hubert.

@ScottsGT, I've only got two kits so I'm just an amateur next to you.

Edward asked to go to the LHS. He needed diorama supplies for a school project. So while he was getting those, I picked up supplies for myself. I'm curious about the Mixing Colors and how to use them. Will need to do some research. Couldn't resist a Gundam with a big gun. Lastly I had a decal sheet arrive from Victory Models. It ts OOP from Speed Hunter so I'm glad to have found a copy.

Some of the big camera shops in Tokyo have sizable model sections. Yodobashi Camera is one of them. I believe Tamiya may have a dedicated store as well. It's been too long since I was last there to remember more. Have fun on your visit. Carl

Turtle is right.

Then I'd be worried about what else I'd lost.

Does it count as purging if you've lost a model? I was mostly done building the Amusing Hobby FV-217 Badger and I can't find it now. I have the box with the few remaining parts but can't find the tank itself. Maybe the Berlin brigade camo is working better than I thought? And yes, I checked my bench.

This forthcoming release just saps the desire to finish Fisher Sea Fury. Carl

I didn't but he wasn't a stray for long. Someone rescued him off the curb before he turned back to his basic instincts.

The T-Rex is gone. I never mounted it properly to its base and it got knocked over. Broken toe and a bunch of scratches in the paint that I'll never be able to touch up.