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Peter, so sorry to hear the frustration you've been experiencing with the build. Definitely not something one signs up for in a hobby that's supposed to be relaxing. I am glad to hear things went well with Diane at least. Like others have said that's the important thing. Take a breather , regroup and like they said in Monty Python, "It's only a model" Carl

@Laurajames, generally I prefer to use vinyl masks. They can be re-positioned and even reused if you're careful. The first masks I used were made from vinyl and were painting RC car bodies. They do have a few limitations though. If you're not careful, they can stretch and as they age, they can separate and warp.

Very nice Sherman there John. You should do more armour kits.

Here we go!!!

That's a big squirrel!

Next up, the first cut to the fuselage. The instructions give fairly clear instructions on where to make the cuts. So razor saw in hand... A quick test fit. More to come later.

Last one is the camera setup for doing an FR variant. For markings, Laminar Flow includes vinyl masks for an RCAF versions and a Belgian one. I didn't grab pics of those as there isn't much to see. So first thing I did was cut the new nose free. The surface finish is very smooth and doesn't seem to show any striations. I'll see what it looks like under a coat of paint. The inside has supports to aid in attaching it to the kit fuselage.

The parts are all 3D printed. They're encased in cages to protect them during shipping. The new nose: Underwing rads, tailplanes and some of the templates for scribing new panels. New retractable tailwheel. Prop blades and spinner.

When I heard about this conversion kit for the Tamiya Spitfire to make it into a Griffon engined variant, I just had to grab one. A peak at the contents. The donor kit:

Definitely! I was going to continue on a second Tamiya F-14A but this may have just bumped it off.

Great work Ron. Looking forward to seeing it under paint.

Just got back from a week of camping. Had a package waiting for me. Might just have to be my next build. Need to send the one Martin asked me to order for him out as well.

Can it be built as our very neglected Canadian ones?

I have a love/hate relationship with decals. Usually they go wrong for me which is why I prefer to use masks for as much as possible. And yet, when I don't have a choice they work out. Most of the time.

Last of the gear bits, finally. Got them painted and installed today. With those in, I installed the seats and canopy and it's finally done! We leave tomorrow for a week long camping trip so perfect timing. I'll take more pics when we're back.

Great work Ron. Must be very satisfying that everything fits. I like the approach that AHHQ has taken with the interiors so far. To think that a 1/16 kit can be around the $200 CAD/$150 USD price point and be fairly decent is amazing.

Thanks for sharing the additional pics there Ernie. Peter, great insight into how judging works. Just wondering, can one display a model for the sake of displaying it and not have it part of the judging?

Nah, don't worry. My birthday was yesterday so you didn't.

Beautiful model Ernie.

Really nice paint job. Definitely distinctive that's for sure.

Thanks for sharing the pics. Lots of great looking builds there.

Thanks everyone! They were some small chocolate bars but Jimmy is a big dog and the actual amount of chocolate in them was so small he should be fine.

Ron, my LHS has them listed now with a pre-order discount. $187 CAD which was a bit too tempting. Luckily for me, we're done having kids.

More progress on this build. The ejection seat pull rings are done. I used the kit ones as the Aires ones don't include them. First up was a base of yellow. Then I masked them off using 0.7mm tape. Sprayed the black and unmasked them. Finally cut off the kit part and glued onto the seats. I also did the tail hook at the same time. Can't believe how much is still left. I keep thinking I'm almost done and then find some more small bits.

Thanks guys! Sadly, while we were out for dinner the dog ate my present from our oldest. He was quite upset but I told him I appreciated the thought.