That should look interesting. However, from a realism standpoint, I wonder though if the maintenance types would have taken the time to remove the sheet metal from the cover, or just have pulled the whole thing off instead?

Doug

Hi Chuck

Fantastic work as ever! I wish I could solder properly! ... (Actually, watch out for a PM on that, because I have a sample you might like to try out...)

At the risk of having misread your updates correctly, I hate to say I think you may still have a bit to do on the cowl support braces. If you look at the photos and diagrams on Page 104 in Radu's book, you can see them angled to attach to the engine cylinders. The lower rear one (numbered 7 in the top-right diagram) is lying almost horizontal.

The front ring is a real cat-cradle of diagonal supports running forwards and backwards, so I can see where Doug's coming from that any ground crew in their right minds would take the lot off to get to the front of the engine (the shot on Page 128 of a pranged IAR shows everything removed).

All the best

Rowan

Thanks, gents! Rowan, I'll be using .020 plastic rod to add those last supports to the rear ring once I've got the engine painted and attached- cheers! As for that crashed example, I am willing to bet that the impact took the cowling off- look at those poor wings!

Since I have no photographic evidence of the front cowling being removed in any way, I'm simply looking to find an option that will look as cool as possible. Yes, that's me waving my artistic license about all over again- cheers!

Excellent, I agree it should look pretty cool! Looking forward to it

Hi Chuck

Hmmm - looking at all the other bent IARs in the book (as Radu noted, there certainly are plenty of them! LOL!), my first thought was that the recovery team had started work and removed the cowls. Anyway, we'll probably never know one way or the other.

All the best

Rowan

I do not get tired of saying it. You are a teacher!!! Congratulations Chuck !!

Daniel

Thanks, gents!

Whoa! An update at last! Marina is beside herself with excitement- read on!

It's hard to choose which "model" is better!

Amazing work Chuck, the cowling cage aint bad either

Chuck,
Honestly, I don't know which I look forward more to, your next update with your latest cutting edge scratch building subassembly, or which one of your "guides" will be our host. Fortunately, I've never been disappointed at either, and this update is a true masterpiece of your scratch building skills. And having Marina as our host only makes it that much better.

Joel

Thank you very much, my friends!

It's been a while, and with reason. It's been a tough summer for my wife and I- we each lost our mothers in the space of seven weeks. Nothing was unexpected, but that did not make anything easier. To top it off, I've been struggling with health problems- but I have hopes that all will resolve without dire consequence. All in all, though- it's been a rough ride- and I appreciate your patience. This update is a bit compressed, detail-wise.

Cheers!
chuk

Beautiful work as always Chuck and I am referring to the model, not your "little ladies".

Hello Chuck,
Finally the update has come. That makes my day.
Again it is truly amazing work.
You surprise us every time with stunning details.
Gonna send you e-mail for sure.
Wish you all the best with your health Chuck.

Very nice work chuck, and the modelling bits are not bad either The wheel struts look spot on as do the retraction struts, but we don't expect anything else

I am really looking forward to receiving your book

My condolences to you and you wife, sad times indeed

You are looking well, so I do hope that what ever the affliction that you were troubled with is well behind you; we need more of your modelling and other talents

Chuck,
First and foremost, my sincerest condolences on the passing of your Mother and Mother-in-law. Secondly, hoping that your health issues are improving, and the worst is past you. Believe I know all about medical issues.

The wait for this update was more then worth it. I'm speechless as to not only your scratch building skills, but the results as well. The cowling structure is amazing, the wheel wells and landing gear detailing is on a level that is simply beyond words. Those retracting struts shows the level you model at.

Joel

The landing gear and their wells remind me a lot of an A6M

Thanks, friends- I much appreciate your kind words. Pardon my late reply-I've been a bit distracted. Three weekes go my department at work was eliminated- my mates and I laid off rather abruptly. I'm back freelancing for a living, so the bills are getting paid- and I'm working for my old company at a higher rate of pay. Go figure.

Anyway- here's the latest in this odyssey in resin and brass- take it away, Margo!

Wonderful stuff Chuck, I love every detail of it and Margo is looking pretty good too

Great stuff you show again and again.

Chuck,
Simply more outstanding detail with the scratch build bomb brace. Your soldering skills are truly remarkable. And lets not forget Margo,she's really look'in good!!
Joel

Thanks, my friends! I can never tell what Margo will be wearing- she's rather unpredictable! As fo r the IAR, I need to get the. Flaps and ailerons on and few other bits- and it's ti me for paint! Stay tuned....

Chuk

Refresh my memory Chuck, what do you use for your primer?

Hi, Matt! I'm using Vallejo grey primer. It airbrushed perfectly right out of the bottle- you need to let it set up for day to harden, or spray future over it for instant hardening. Otherwise it lifts right off. At first i tried to sand it right away- disaster! Once I learned to let it cure I came to love it. It sands perfectly.

Man, I swear that I will beat this thing into a single unit if it kills me! :laugh: Here's Magda- just in time for Halloween!