rjones

Gaz, I pulled mine out and dry fitted the 2 fuselage halves with the spine. I had about half the gap near the cockpit as you had. I did not install the internal frames. It may have been a combination of some paint where the frames meet the fuselage ( as someone else observed WNW kits had some tight tolerances) and/or a bit more "warp" in the spine. For what it's worth, it doesn't look that bad-I know you're not happy with it but as you said, time to move on. On a happy note, those of us who haven't started the kit will benefit from your experience 🙄. Keep going, It's looking good! v/r, Rob

According to the website, the Mk 1a (mid) was released today. I am eagerly looking forward to receiving my kit so I can place it in my stash (actually, it goes on top of the stack and I'll start it as soon as I finish my current build). v/r, Rob

The gun door on the F-22 opens automatically when the trigger is pulled. Apparently it's not designed/able to function properly at that altitude (58,000 ft). Besides, it's way more cool to use a high tech, expensive AIM 9/X to bring down a balloon.

I received my Tamiya USA order yesterday. I need another big Spitfire like I need a hole in my head but...$99.00. The bubble top is one of my favorites. It's going to sit on the shelf for a while. I'm waiting somewhat patiently for the Kotare Spitfire to arrive this spring while working on some other things from the SOD . When I get around to it, I may do either the post-war Finningly version (silver) or I'll see if I still have the Alley Cat decals for SAAF . This is also an easy kit to build wheels up so that's an option as well.

This is a great little kit. Low parts count, fits well and quite detailed. Accuracy? who knows, but an enjoyable build nonetheless. Apologies for my poor photography skills. I'll work on them. v/r, Rob

It's cool when it's part of the plan. When you're trying to remain stealthy its not so good

Good catch on the hull number. That's embarrassing! 🙄 I was the Diving Officer. My job was to reach and maintain ordered depth. The shape of the hull made that quite a challenge at periscope depth. The large flat deck forward of the sail tended to get "sucked up" to the surface. Broaching (breaking the surface )while standing watch as Diving Officer is kind of like farting in church-frowned upon. That's a much younger me far left with the helm/fairwater planesman in the center and the stern planesman on the right.

OK. Since I'm new here I thought I'd show what I'm working on and what's in my display cases. These are just some iPhone photos so the quality isn't all that great. First up is a Meng Rolls Royce armored car in a Caunter scheme. Weathering is in progress. My second project is Tamiyas 1/48 F-35A. It's a beautifully engineered kit and a lot more interesting subject than I thought it would be. Just getting started on the cockpit. the last three are of my display cabinet. The Sub on top is USS Parche SSN 693. I served aboard her from 1993-97. Most "exciting" tour I had. v/r, Rob

Carl is correct. Their website and FB page list March as the shipping date.

I don't remember where I saw it but sometime between March and summer.

Hi Carl, I live between the Cascades and the Olympic ranges and rarely, if ever, ride them. That ended a decade or so ago. I guess it would be more accurate to say I'm a trail rider now.

Good Morning, Thanks for letting me join. My name is Rob Jones. I'm a retired US Navy Submarine Sailor (28 years) living in Washington State. I'm getting close to my 2nd and final retirement as a USN civilian supporting Ohio class boats. Other than models, I enjoy Golf, Mountain Bikes and spending time with my grandkids. My modeling interests are, well, all over the board- armor, planes, motorcycles. I'm a sucker for a well engineered kit which means I build lots of Tamiya stuff. I'll get some photos up later but I have a couple on the bench right now. A Meng RR armored car which I'm weathering and a Tamiya F-35A which will have very little weathering :). I have a stash of WNW kits and several 1/32 scale Tamiya kits to keep me busy. v/r, Rob