GusMac

I should've mentioned I used Gundam markers for the first time on the cockpit dials and switches - very impressed with most but the red is too dark and translucent for my taste.

Got the instrument panels done with some detail painting and Airscale decals. Flat coat and gloss over the dials to come.

Got the detail painting and some dry brushing done on the cockpit components. Next up is a gloss coat then some oils and a pin wash and we'll see how we're looking. The small detail parts really become apparent after they're painted and I'm pretty happy with it all goes together so far.

This kit was gifted by Ernie as the prize in the GB last year, so I'm using his build as inspiration. If mine looks half as good as his I'll be happy.

Have had some decent bench time over the last few days as the weather here has reverted to more typical Spring weather, ie rubbish! I've got all the cockpit sub-assemblies ready for priming and painting. Lots of very small parts to attach but thankfully managed to get them all on without any losses. The plastic has a slightly strange texture being hard but waxy and some of the parts needed a fair bit of clean-up but it's not difficult to put together, just needs time and no rushing. So, next it's primer and the Kawanishi interior green then lots of detail painting.

That really does look stunning under the natural light Rob. I know it maybe didn't go quite how you'd hoped but I'd still be extremely proud of how it finished up.

Looking forward to seeing a WIP of the Lightning Carl. Having conquered my 'fear' of resin kits thanks to Ernie, a vac would be the next step but watching Tom's builds of things like his Stirling and Sunderland I'm not convinced my scratch building skills are there yet.

Rust effects look really cool Martin.

Life has been a little 'interesting' for the last week or so, so bench time has been minimal. However, got half an hour or so tonight to make a tentative start on this. Got the micro chisels and a sanding stick out to remove the raised detail from the instrument panel ready for the photoetch which is in the detail set. Ernie very kindly included the full detail set with the kit prize so there's also the resin engine, bombs and the wing fold set. Plan is to use all of them. I'm hoping life is settling down again and I can get properly into this.

Enjoy it Carl, it's the closest to building Lego you'll find in a kit. Everything just fits perfectly.

Definitely worth the grief Rob. You couldn't get that realism with anything other than actual metal. Does look horrifically fiddly though!

I thought you'd disappeared fully down the motor vehicle rabbit hole, Rob. 😁

Okay, I'm calling this one done. I'll hopefully get some better pictures outside at the weekend. It's a nice straightforward build and I can see why people are so keen for Eduard to scale this up as they get back into 1/32. Not sure if the Milka airframe ever carried a loadout like this but it looked a bit bare otherwise, so artistic licence and all that....

Can't beat a bit of Billy G and the boys. So many great records.

Sorry to hear about your dog. It really is the hardest thing to do as they get under your skin and almost become a part of you. As Kevin said I've never cried at a relative's funeral but I blubbed like a baby when we had to put the first of ours down.