CANicoll

Rob, Definitely looks like the body issues were something you expected, and you already seem to have a plan to tackle. Can't wait to see the outcome but especially paint on that beautiful body. Chris

I realized that I have three Spits : 1/48, 1/32/ 1/24.... And no North Africa bits for any of them. Depending on progress, I may come back to do one of the Spits. But going to start with the Bf 109 as it has a paint scheme I'm interested in. A combination of Desert and Eastern Front... Stay tuned!!

Mike, that is one gorgeous build. You pulled it in under the deadline - nicely done! The wiring of the wing floats is perfect. Just beautiful.

Your paintwork really is stellar. I keep coming back to your pictures of this build. One of your best, I think, and that is saying something.

Agreed with Martin and the others. Can't make chocolate cake out of a pile of XXX but you did a nice job with an old kit. Certainly looks the part! Nice paintwork.

Making progress! Got the fuselage closed up now and a coat of primer, as I clear the bench for the SandBox GB. The fit of the Italeri kit is, well, not fantastic. As expected... But here goes. Talk about a simple front office?? Nose weight is some cut up solder and a couple of washers that fit really well. White glue to hold it in place. Below is upside down. Lots of toothpick painting More to come, finishing this as the paint on the Bf 109 dries in stages.

Very interesting subject and your weathering technique is stellar. Perfect for your build.

And 'cutting and pasting' it doesn't really work......

Carl, That is so cool. Can I ask what the rig set you back?? Hubert is also doing 3D printing. We have a 3D printer in our woodshop (making connectors and such) but not sure that it matches the quality of what you have there.

In Hong Kong its September 1.... Just saying....

Scott, GREAT news!! glad to hear you seem to be on the upswing of the mend. Take it easy and don't overdo it.

Doesn't qualify for the Sandbox GB, not only in size and also starting a day early but pulled it out of the stash to get in the mood for the group build. Not a lot of parts and not even decals for the IPs, but I like the sand pink color and the markings. Planning on building the box-art aircraft - Mig Eater. The wings are movable but will keep them fixed in the retracted position. The fuselage is split top and bottom which eliminates that top seam - bonus!! The instructions are highly simplified and for some reason, they have been cut apart. Paint call-outs are also fairly general but workable. Wrong in some areas even with my very limited knowledge and research. I think I picked up this kit (years ago) at a meet or something but everything is there. Have dipped the canopies in Future and have the Eduard masks. But might use this build to try out the nail-brushes bought earlier from Amazon. Decals are colorful, but might be a bit thick - we will see. I expect this will be a quick build...

Fully understand your views Rob - and completely agree with you. Thanks for the thoughtful response. I know the book you are talking about for WNW. It's a good one and that is what I had in mind. Looking forward to watching your build. Cheers! Chris

I'm itching to get started, too! Now I have five kits to choose: 2 old Monogram 1/48 P-39's, the Airfix 1/24 Spitfire, Italeri 1/72 Tornado and an 1/48 Eduard Bf 109 F-4. Tempted to get a modern P-39.... Any suggestions? I like the Eduard P-39/P-400 kits, but don't know much about Arma. The reviews are excellent on the Arma kits.

Mike, Beautiful build!! You'd never know the travails you've had to endure to get to this point. The colors look terrific. I don't mix paints as much as I should, so I need to follow your example. Nice on the Green in particular, but that yellow wing really stands out. Your masking is terrific. I'm sure Mr. Tamiya loves you for using all of that tape.

Ha ha!! I have some of those kits!! The Eduard Royal Class 190's, the Tam Me262 and the 1/48 version of the 109F-4, Red 14. Nice haul!!

Nice set, Peter!

Beautiful job incorporating the cockpit 3D decals. They look exactly like they were molded in - perfect.

Rob, At the end of this, I still think you should work on putting this together as an ebook on assembling the Cobra. Your work is meticulous and exact, dealing with the intricacies of a multi-media kit. You are full of excellent skill and advice. If you are interested in this direction, I know someone who publishes these eBooks for modelers. I'll help! your work is too good not to share. Chris

PW - Nice work getting it into shape and really looking the part. Amazed how time has damaged the kit. Wow. Love the paint work.

Hair? I left that behind long ago!! Saves me a lot on shampoo and haircuts... Thanks Carl, I'll be better soon! Taking advantage of the time to get ready for the next GB..

Carl, Oh damn that looks GOOD.

Rob, you know, once the wheels are on you won't hardly see any of the discs so it is not an issue. I should have thought about that before commenting. Your close-up photos are fantastic. You need to submit those for an e-book on building this kit.

Great to hear John! Thanks and appreciate the wishes.

Scott, We are definitely on the same page. Last night I was up every 45min to 2 hours, but the bladder/prostate are working better than the previous night (15-45 minutes up. Ugh). If I can get 2 hours sleep in a row I feel like I won the lottery. But it will get better. The procedure is pretty simple, so looking forward to the fix taking hold - 30-60 days apparently. But already better than before with the meds so that helps. Good to hear you are being proactive. Having endured kidney stones that area down there sometimes feel like its 'open for inspection'. LOL. Why do the urology nurses all have to be in their 20's??? of course, at that point the pain is usually so bad it doesn't matter. I feel for your co-worker. Wow.