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Ok, with the BF110 out of the way, it was time to start plugging away at the Kingfisher. I decided to fill in the pontoon struts with epoxy putty to give the wire some added strength. While it was still soft, I joined the halves together. This way, there wouldn't be any gaps from too much putty in the pylons. At least that's the idea.

This is great Martin. I almost started this instead of the Kingfisher. Still might break it out especially with you building one. As for an all black version, that's the release I have: I'm thinking Coastal Command myself but I need to make a clear some to cover the antennae on the fuselage. Carl

Thanks for sharing the pic. I was wondering what the adding would have looked like.

Actually, all the Kingfishers had removable floats. They could swap out for the landing gear depending on their base of operation.

Harv, here's the profile I have with the thimble nose.

I've got a drawing of a Horton with a thimble nose radar mount. Sort of like on a Mossie. Definitely more aero versus the antler look. Let me see if I can dig it up. Carl

I remembered that Dragon did a night fighter version of the Ho229 years ago. Here's their take on it. https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/m/image/10062500 The radar is mounted to the nose on a long pole.

Ok, I checked the BF110D nachtjäger kit. I don't need the radar antennae for the G-4 so you can have those if you want. Only thing is the arms are really square. I think they might look out of place on the Ho229. The other thing I dug up is the radar from the Revell FW190 A-8/R11kit. The arms are at least round. There's two of these sprues and I'm planning to build it as a day fighter so won't need them either. They're supposed to be mounted on the wings but should be adaptable for mounting to the nose of the Ho229. Let me know if either set works for you. Carl

Let me check my BF110 kit. I've got the AIMs G-4 conversion for it but as my donor kit is the night fighter version if I don't need the kit bits, I can send those to you. Carl

Okay, time to wrap this puppy up. First up, the remaining canopy bits. I've decided to do them in the open position so that meant the hinges for the one above the pilot and the pinched in one for the gunner. In order to get the pilot's one to set at the correct angle, I had to hold the plane upside down until the glue set. Then it was the antennae along the bottom and she was done! So now to go full steam ahead on the Kingfisher. Carl

Thanks Gaz! Your T-34 dio is looking really great too.

It sprays the same as Gunze in my view. Same approach to thinning it and cleaning up too. Thanks Ernie! Now that I know I can pull off these squiggly line camo schemes, I might try building the He219 in my stash.

Looks great Harv. Nice to nice you back at the bench too. Carl

The BF110 is nearing the end of its stay on my bench. Which will leave more room for the Kingfisher. Carl

Can't wait to see the finished bench Ernie. Especially once it's piled high with projects. Carl

Very true Ernie. When you're a kid, you're invincible.

And finally, the wheels are on, the wings are glued in place and the cat is not in the picture. Right side up: So there's not much left: - antennae - defensive MG - canopy covers. I might this done by tomorrow. Carl

So although Dragon gives you the instrument panels for the nacelles, they're not really going to be visible. So I used the ones from Eduard on my PE set. I added a drop of clear UV gel to each dial to replicate the glass. Here they are installed on the nacelles. Next up, I installed the MLG doors and props. More cameos by our cat. This is something new for her. She's getting some impeccable timing.

Thanks! I'm definitely getting close. Thanks Peter!

Thanks Martin! As for Harv selling his with the AiMs G-4 conversion, it's not an easy one so I can't blame him there. I've got the same one in the stash still and it's daunting. Which is only confirmed by some of the build threads. Rob, I sometimes wonder the same thing. Actually I did end up with one of her hairs stuck in my clear coat so there was a quick touchup needed.

Thanks Ryan! You're right, it does sort of look jet powered. Like a Meteor. Carl

Amazing story Martin. I think your grandfather was probably right as well. Carl

Looks great Rob. I'll have to try some of those pigments out. Do you use any of those fixer coats after you've applied them? Carl

Time for some guns! And stickers too! Finally, a couple with the wings slid on. Photo bombed by the cat! One more try. I've got the tall gunners MG, rad doors and antenna left. So hotdog it'll be done soon. Carl

Thanks! Yup, they weren't the only parts on this either. I did the wheelbays the wrong colour too and had to fix those as well. Glad it's sorted though.