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I'll try to get to a post office later today or tomorrow. Carl

In case others are interested, I thought I'd post these pics here. Doing a closer comparison of the various superchargers Tamiya had moulded for their kits, the one in the Mosquito looks to be the closest to the HK kit. I quickly pieced together one of the HK Merlins. Here's the Tamiya supercharger from the same angle: HK oil tank: Tamiya: For fun, here's the Eduard Merlin. This is just the block, one cylinder bank and supercharger. Comparing some of the other Eduard bits, it would also be a good choice for the Lanc.

Fran, it's been a a great kit so far. The fit has been great and same with the engineering.

Here's the lower camo colour done.

Thanks folks! It's been a bit crazy at work so I haven't had as much time at the bench. I finally had some free time so started on the paint. I filled in a couple small seams and sanded them back. I decided to give Jeroen's shading technique a try on the bare plastic. After all if it doesn't work out who's going to say it's inaccurate? The shape of the fuselage really makes me want to put a shark mouth on it. We'll see if I can find something suitable. Carl

You're off to a great start Ernie. I like the idea of Ryan's Raiders myself. They had the wraparound camo right? Carl

I dug through my spares. I have a full engine sprue. Here's the core sprue. For the supercharger, Tamiya has three different variants (four actually as the Mustang has yet another but I need that one) The Spitfire VIII and IX have this one: The Spitfire XVI is this one: The Mosquito is this one: Here's the main engine sprue compared to the HK Lanc one. It's definitely more detailed. Let me know if you want the engine. For the superchargers,

Ian, Let me see what I have. Usually you need the engine block and supercharger when doing a closed cowl on the Spitfire but I did convert one to a XIV so those parts may be around. Carl

Looks good Harv. Definitely looking like a Tempest! Just need to add the yellow leading edge stripes so they don't mistake it for a 190. Carl

Ian, would parts from a Tamiya Merlin work on the open cowl one? I've got lots of spare bits from all the Spitfires I did with a closed cowl. Mostly cylinder banks, heads and the small bits. Carl

Nice one! I just email Scaleworx the other day about the 2 seater Cheetah D conversion. I'll have to get that once it's out. I always thought the Kfir looked good. Then I saw the Cheetah... Carl

Harv, I looked for one at the same time as I was searching for the fuel tanks but no luck in my stash. Carl

Harv, saw this after our talk yesterday. Carl

Even cooler. I missed out on the bubble top when it first came out and bow all I can find are the car door versions. Probably for the better since it's such a big kit as you mentioned.

Poison gas I think?

Looks good there Gus. Is that the MDC kit? Carl

So, very, very true. I'm definitely guilty of that one. Great work Phil.

I just finished my bottle of Woodford Reserve. So I had to switch back to single malt... Jeff, I've got the Symphony setup and it's been great. My bench is a lot more organized. Not that you can tell at times. Carl

Nice progress Harv. Looks like the wing roots have a nice fit to the fuselage too. Carl

Maybe use some plastic rod for the inner frame since it sounds like it's visual only and not structural?

Thanks Phil and Rob! RLM166 it is! I know there's a few folks on here who will build a Hasegawa kit as a refresh/palate cleanser but oddly enough I've yet to have a 1/32 Hasegawa kit go together that easily.

Actually their favourite is I believe Floquil Reefer White. At least for the Star Wars fans. Gunze make a line of paints specifically for Gundam kits. It's called creatively Gundam Color. Tamiya X-18 semi-gloss black has been sold out at a lot of places here in Canada. I found a shop with 4 bottles in stock so grabbed a couple. Hope it's enough.

HLJ isn't allowed to sell them overseas. It was part of the original C&D that was issued by Disney over where the kits could be sold due to licensing. As I mentioned, it's change since then. Culttvmanshop.com is a good place. They specialize in sci-fi kits. I bought my PG Falcon from them (the one Smitty just got). I know folks have bought them at Hobby Lobby too. I've even picked some up from Amazon but those can take a bit longer to arrive. Carl

Tim, glad to hear your mom is ok. Your dad too. I'm glad the way they design cars these days to protect the occupants. Even if it does make them a bit less fun. Carl

No kidding eh?