Exceptional scratch building and super detailing! The build report format is also very well executed.

Ernest

Hi Chuck

Beautiful work as ever! My only question concerns the seat. It's a different type to what I can see in Radu's book, but the kit part in your photos looks like it's designed to depict a padded back, so I'm wondering if it would be pale blue all over. Have you found any reference photos of it?

All the best

Rowan

Thanks, my friends! I've swiped the term and technique of zenithal lighting (catchy, isn't it?) from our ever-innovative armor-building brethren. It's just the thing for highlighting a cramped and busy little space, as well as making a tiny panzer model look big and heavy. As the song says, "It's an illusion!"

Rowan, you've got my attention. I'll comb through my references- if it a pad there's still a chance to paint ot appropriately- my thanks! I can't really see why a metal seat would be constructed that way, but all the built-ups I've seen have it colored like the rest of the interior. Time to see what's what!

Stay tuned for more ridiculous adventures in making tiny things and dropping them on floor-
chuk

Hi Chuck

My few reference shots show an entirely different style of seat, but the kit part looks as though the back is built around a block of some sort of padding. As you say, it doesn't quite make sense if it's not padded.

If you can come up with something about it I'll follow your lead when I finally get round to building this beauty.

All the best

Rowan

Very Nice !

Thanks, gents! At eagle-eyed Rowan's suggestion I contacted IAR maven Radu Brinzan- he confirmed the seat back to be an armor plate, not a pad. Thanks, Radu!

I've run through some rough patches on this build- but perseverance pays off. Not even a vamp like Magda can trip me up!

Chuck,
I just can't wait for your updates, as you have a new guest host just about every update. Magda is certainly up to your highest standards.

Your IP adventure is a path I've been down several times myself. Your solution seems so logical & precise, yet I've never come close to achieving those results. Now I know better.

As for your Assembly jig out of foam board, again, I've struggled mightily with one Rub Goldberg edition after another, but none came close to yours.

Joel

I just love the way that you always go that extra mile Chuck Wonderful stuff, as always

Waiting for the next update, after a speechless gazing at this awesome build so far.
Say hello to Magda.

Regards,

Robert Jan

Best installment of the series Chuck. I'll be sending you my MDC Typhoon which needs the same trailing edge fixed and ailerons fabbed thanks.

I'm glad I"m not the only fool who cuts things off so I don't break them.

If this is model building, then what am I doing!?

Excellent description and entertaining, educational and inspiring, all at the same time.

/Fred

Please pardon my absence, friends- I've been focused elsewhere. Your comments and feedback are so greatly appreciated- cheers!

Maybe not a whole lot has gotten done, but I will reveal my latest progress and discoveries. Take it away, Lili!

Hi mate!

Long time, no see! I am away from the bench due to a real life mess... I have no time to post anything, although I am working from time to time in the shadow of my cave... I am working on an Emil, and hopefully will be able to show it at some point.

I just wanted to say hello, since I am lurking here behind the scene, but I simply couldn't resist to compliment your fine build (as usual)... Great to see you are striking again lol



See you soon!

Thanks again for this wonderfull update Chuck.
Good tip on using the correction fluid as a liquid putty.
Even better the use of Tamiya thinner. I found out by accident that this very usefull to remove the 'fluid putty'.
Nice to see Lily is still around, but say hello to Magda & Margo as well.

Regards,

Robert Jan

Hi Chuck

Nice job on the repair. I've just checked my kit and the tail parts are fine, so you were just unlucky with the short-shot.

All the best

Rowan

Hello Chuck!
Lovely update, as always. I particularly enjoy the pedagogical teacher approach you have in your presentations. I learn something new every time and some of it I even put to use.

/Fredrik

Chuck,
Welcome back to our little world. Was wondering what happened to you. I figured that you just went off on vacation with a few of the girls.

Nice work on the engine, and I agree that the crankcase cover just kills all that beautiful detail, but that's the way it is in real life.

Never in a million years would I have thought about using White Out. I just started using CA clue and Vallejo white putty rather then Green Stuff for everything. Now I have another option to try. I only use thick primer to fill scratches and seal Green stuff.

A Rowan said, a really nice save on the wing tip. I also like your method of the brass pins. That will keep just about anything closed.

Joel

Thanks, everyone!

Entoni- many thanks, and I hope your problems evaporate, and to see your Emil pics soon!

Robert Jan- thanks! I got the tip for the Wite Out from another modeler who I wish I could give credit to- but I can't remember the name! I have found out the hard way that sanding resin usually reveals bubbles hidden in the casting process- so the use of lacquer thinner to wipe away the excess filler is key. The Tamiya stuff is very mild and does not harm the resin- a happy circumstance!

Rowan, my kit was genearally excellent, with but a few bubbles here and there. I thought about asking for the new stabilizer, but upon examination of the short-shot it was clear I could fix it. Why wait for the postie?

Cheers, Frederick! Glad to be of service, my friend!

Thanks, Joel! I've come to depend on brass rod stock for a multitude of modeling aids. This latest was a bit of a desperation play I dreamed up during a fit of insomnia. I've been busy with another project of late- my art book is ready to go off to the publisher, as soon as the publisher finds a new printer. My goal is to have it ready by San Diego ComicCon International, a yearly event for my wife and I and a pillar of my art career. More news as that develops.

Cheers all- more soon!
chuk

Chuck,

Wonderful updates! Always a delight.

Hmmmm, if Magda is a night stalking vamp, why does she seem to have a sun burn...er, ah...topside?

Chuck,
I keep on thinking about using White Out, but I've got some reservations about the stuff. Over a period of time will it continue to shrink or dry out to the point of flaking off? Or does a coat of paint prevent those type of issues?
Joel

Thanks, JP- I can only imagine that Magda had recently, um, fed. GAH!!

Joel, I haven't experienced any shrinkage of that stuff personally- just be sure to get the solvent-based, smelly stuff. I can't vouch for the water-based version- and don't feel the need to experiment with it!

I've had some good and not-so-good life events keeping me busy, but I hope to have an update this weekend- so please, stay tuned for more!

Chuck,
I didn't even know that there was more then one type of White Out. Guess I have to read the package to be sure.

Hope that all your life events turn out to be positive ones.

As always, I'm looking forward to your updates.
Joel

Chuck,

I, too, hope that all your life events turn out to be positive ones.

Magda - time to break out the garlic...or embrace the night! Just curious, can she help me with my P-61 and He 219?

great work chuk cant wait for the next episode its the only reason i come here now

Thanks, my friends!

Well, it's been a while- we've been dealing with personal issues, some good, some not so good. We had our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary- good! My brother-in-law's 60th birthday- good! Some dear family members in ill health- definitely not so good. My wife and I are hanging in there- think good thoughts for our mothers if you feel so inclined- thanks! In the meantime, I have been stealing a moment here and there at the bench, and having fun with this elegant little project.