Rowan:
Thank you for the kind remarks. Everyones comments have kept me motivated to finish this one.

Here is as far as I got this weekend. I mentioned before that the oil tank cowling was missing from my kit. I cut the out the replacement from the Hobby Craft parts. I used plastic strip to make the dimensions fit the Aries pieces. A lot of sanding and grinding was required . I tried the Mr Surfacer and Mr Color thinner technique to fill in the imperfections that was mentioned in Chucks Hell Diver build. It worked great, Thanks Chuck . I used an embossing gun to gently heat the warped resin pieces. I would heat then roll the parts and repeat. They are not perfect, but much better. I am about 50% done with the wiring and plumbing.

Couple of lessons learned if you tackle this Aries detail kit.
1. It is missing a lot of detail at the rear of the engine. The hydraulic pump, the water pump, and the electrical bus on the right of the engine are all missing. I chose to only partially tackle these issues.
2. Save placing the photo etch heat deflectors and exhaust till the end. They do not fit and you will have to trim them. It is easier to add the wiring with these items off.
3. Do not place the prop hub on until the end. It WILL break off.
4. The super charger intake is incorrect and does not line up with the engine bearer. I used plastic tube and some photo etch screen to improve it.
5. Oil paint (Model Master) seems to work better on the wiring pieces. It takes longer to dry, but is more flexible and resists chipping.

It keeps getting better and better Taylor. Keep it up.

looking pretty awesome taylor. It's gonna be a stunner!!!

Get this done so you can start your P-61!!!!

I'm following your every move, Taylor! Great build so far!

Keep it up!

Cheers // Polarbear!

Thank you for the comments David, Eric, and Bjorn. Sorry for the delay in posting an update. The day job has required me to be on the road most of April. When I returned home something had knocked the model off the stand and the engine and all of the wiring were heavily damaged.

I have a theory:


I did get an opportunity to work on it this weekend. First I had to strengthen the resin mounts with wire pegs.

I finished the plumbing and now I can move on to the finishing the wings and landing gear.

Taylor,

Very good job, I did the Academy S-199 and I really wish it had turned out as well as your 199 is looking. As others have said, I hope you will submit this for a "Feature". Again, well done.

-Derek

Derek:

Thank you for the kind words. I have had a lot of fun with this project and having the opportunity to share on this sight has added a new dimension to the hobby for me. Now I am goin to try and sneak past the wife and work on the landing gear.

It's coming along superbly I've got a dog and two cats Lost a lot of models over the years but what can you do? This site gives me a lot of inspiration , there is some great builds here , as is yours.Keep it up , thanks Bob

Bob:

Thank you for the encouragement. Next to the damaged plain there was a once full bag of Jolly Rancher hard candy that I enjoy when buliding. Considering the amount of dried drool I could make a strong case. Now how she got the door opened and closed is another mystery.

Hi Taylor.
Look on the bright side. The model could have been covered in drool and half eaten!
Ive been watching this since the first post and Im really enjoying it.
Its going to be stunning when its finished and will look great as a feature.
Ive got one of these Aires sets for the 1:72 Tamiya Spitfire and one day I'll summon up enough courage to break out he dremel and the razorsaw and start hacking away!
Keep up the excellent work and keep posting.
Oh,yeah,,,send the dog out into the yard, no matter how cute the puppy eyes get
Nige

Nigel:
Thanks for the encouragement. I am getting the idea you are a glass half full person Yeah it is a good thing that the drool was not on the plane. Its pretty caustic stuff. Probably great paint striper.

Well a few update photos. The MG131s are placed and the landing gear attatched.