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Nice job on the clear bits there Chris. One other solution for the future is trying a clear UV gel. They would set up a lot faster so you could build up the thickness needed. You can also get a nice domed shape to them. I've used it for wingtip lights and IP dial faces.

Sorry I missed you too Ernie. I am glad the screwdriver missed anything critical though. Closest I come to that is watching an Xacto slowly roll off the bench and land in my foot. Which I'm sure has happened to others on here.

That's so cool to see the progress. Happy birthday too Rog.

I applied the decals and gave the missiles a wash with Tamiya Dark Grey. I didn't put all the decals on as each middle as it is has more decals on it than the F-15 itself.

Thanks Peter. They're Japanese AAM-3 missiles actually. Fairly recent design so I thought it more appropriate for the build. I was originally going to use AIM-9X missiles which could explain the mix-up.

Hey look, an RLM 66 squirrel!

A quick update. After checking all the hoses I found one that was leaking. Ordered a replacement from the dealer before we left on vacation. This weekend I finally got it installed and topped off the power steering fluid. All is back to normal after a drive around the neighbourhood.

Welcome.back Kai! That's some great work there. The BoP looks impressive. The Thunderbolt even more so. Any chance you're working on a Star Fury to go with it?

The only problem with that is trying to remember what it was. I know one of my earliest models was a Monogram Snaptite Jet Ranger. Definitely not my first model but close to it.

Nice job with the intakes John. Even nicer job on the Alclad finish.

Great photos Dave. Glad to see the tables filled out a lot more from the first day when I was there. Hopefully next time we'll be able to stay longer.

Martin, the cars I've missed out on because the timing was slightly off or we didn't know they'd explode in value. In the mid 2000's, Nissan R32 GT-Rs were $12-18K CAD and you could find lots of them. Then the 2010s arrived, they became legal for US import and their prices shot through the roof. Nice ones are now $80K and up. In USD on top of it! Never mind what's happened to 964s and 993s.

There's a number of turret kits now so that would actually be feasible.

A friend had an E46 M3. He was moving to Australia and offered it to me for $16K CDN. Low mileage and babied. This was around 2007. I didn't what to do with it at the time so I passed.

That's some seriously tough paint. Which is not what you want at the moment. Sigh, isn't that always the way?

Buff it out with some rubbing compound?

After getting back from Chicago, I finally got a bit of bench time. I started on the Reskit AAM-3 missiles. They're nicely printed and well protected for shipment. Assembly was fairly quick too. Next up was a coat of flat white for primer and then gloss white. Time to let them dry a bit and then decals.

Looks like the Post-It notes worked out ok. Now back to your regular programming.

Nice work on the wash. It looks a bit dark in spots but these planes got dirty and weathered. I definitely don't think it looks overdone. Mig make a line of panel washes in different colours. I have a few of them and they do provide a more subtle effect. https://www.migjimenez.com/en/280-panel-line-washes Or like Rob suggested, make your own using oil paints. Probably more cost effective in the long run.

Thanks for the review Fran. One nice thing about the kit having an interior is you can do one of the British ones used for recon later in the war where they took the turret off. Made it faster from the lower weight and gave it a lower profile too.

I could go for a 1/32 B-58 as well. As long as it isn't as much as a used car anyways.

Glad to hear that's all it was.

Dave, it was great to meet you and Tim, who introduced me to Gary from GT Resins. I also met the folks behind Werner's Wings, Flying Leathernecks and Andy (again) from AndyHHQ, the gent behind ValueGear. Judy from Eagle Edition. Just so many folks that are part of the hobby in one form or another. As for the ZM F-4E late, I had to buy one of those as I love that marking scheme. Edward actually won a model in the IPMS draw and someone else who did, gave their prize to Edward as it didn't interest them. He had a great time too. Everyone was so great with him. He got a bunch of free stuff from shops. I think they were happy to see a kid that was interested in the hobby.

We got back last night from Chicago. I came home to a couple packages for me. First up was from Reskit. Stuff for several kits in the stash, including the last bit for my AH-64 after getting decals at the Nats. Then there was a box from Sprue Brothers. Great timing there if the new GB ends up being desert related I can do an RAF Kittyhawk.

Some.vwry impressive detail there Rob. For the inbox tubing, maybe try substituting similar diameter tubing from Albion Alloy? They make many sizes in aluminum which would have a similar finish but would be much easier to cut. The Japanese really love using stainless for their PE for some reason.