BlrwestSiR

So it's a new year, therefore a new build. Another twin to clutter up the bench with First step was to go through the errors & omissions list that Brett Green published on Hyperscale regarding the kit's instructions. Then I started on the engines. These went together really well. Next up is the MLG and gear bays. The ribs that go into the nacelles were a bit of a head scratcher until I checked the instructions from the Dragon D/E kit. In the C-7 kit, they only show the placement of the ribs for one nacelle. The D/E kit shows both so here it is for your reference.

I've only had a chance to flip through it and I'm certainly not an expert but the pages I've read show some real effort was made into the presentation of their research. I'll be reading more of it over the next few days. Carl

Ernie, if you can find it Tamiya enamel is a great paint to use. We used to be able to get it in Canada but I haven't seen it in decades. I don't think it makes it out of Asia these days. Their new lacquer paints are nice though. But theyre only just expanding the range so not as many choices. Carl

I just got this from AK today. Instead of time at the bench, I've been reading through it. So far I'd say it's well worth the price. It also came with a cross reference chart for other paint brands.

Those pockets look great Nigel and really add something to the cockpit. As for Mk I vs Mk X, that works for me since I'm leaning towards doing a X anyways as they were the ones built in my hometown. Carl

I saw those and was really tempted but unfortunately, shipping to Canada doubles the price. Carl

Very nice collection of completed models there John. Catl

That about sums it up!

Oh I do Martin, but the wife might not agree to it. Funny thing is the LS swap doesn't end up weighing much more than the original rotary due to all the turbo plumbing.

My LHS here in Toronto carries them. They'll do mail order and are open tomorrow. Wheelswingshobbies.com Carl

Same here. He's a great guy to deal with.

Me too, but I wasn't willing to pay what they want on eBay. So getting it for $50 was worth it. Model Factory Hiro has come out with a 1/12 version but it's well, a bit pricey. I keep looking at third generation FD3 RX-7s but a friend won't let me get one. Unless I do an LS swap on it...

I know jets aren't you're thing but does that mean you'll do the matching F-14 with the pilot keeping up international relations? If we can even see the pilot being so short and all...

I went by the LHS and they had the new AK Real Colours aircraft line in stock so I picked up a couple for my Spitfire. Hopefully they'll spray as nicely as their armour colours do. These also made their way into my bag

Really looks good there Ernie. Especially in the black. I came so close to pulling the trigger on one last night. But I decided I'd best make some room on the bench first. And the stash in case the bench clearing fails. Carl

Looks good so far. For the nose weight, what about the space behind the nose gear bay and forward of the bomb bay? Is that space visible from either side of it? Carl

Looking at the entrant's list (the pic of everyone's name on a square of paper) and the winner's list, I don't see Drifter on there. Carl

Onto Betty's Dream now. The light hurdle here was that I wasn't able to install both ammo belts for the tail gunner before closing up the fuselage. So the second one had to be done first. It was only three pieces but trying to align them all at the same time wasn't going to be fun. After much finagling and a bit of frustration, everything got to where it needed to be. Probably never to be seen again...

Thanks! It's definitely been a bit of a challenge at times.

Nice looking assembly line. I haven't tried the Masterclub tracks yet as I haven't found them for a reasonable price. AFV Club do some nice tracks in plastic as does Bronco. They might need a bit more work in assembly but aren't as insane as Modelkasten ones. Carl

Looking good there Harv! Lots of room to move around too.

An awesome looking build so far. Carl

Looking good there Harv. I like all the windows you have. Carl

Ok, with a couple of my distraction builds out of the way I'm back to the main event. I've assembled the two tail control surfaces. With those done, I started the installation. Here's French Kiss: I also installed the gunner's canopy as this will seal it off in readiness for paint. Paint masks were applied as well. Now onto Betty's Dream.

My set only came with the movie markings. I don't know if another release is planned with Spanish markings and the undressing rockets they carried.