Hi Joel, thank you. Yes, getting there now. Lots of small details Airfix have added are interesting. I like the tail lights fitted at the base of the elevators on both sides of the fin, small but nice that they are included. I think it will take a lot of paint but not as much as 1/200th scale warships I have built. The 1/200th Hornet guzzled paint like you wouldn't believe

September 10th update #2:
There are things I can't resist. The big 4 bladed wheel on the nose of "Manu's mount" was one of them. That is a hefty propeller. The tail lights I mentioned before, and the fit of the nav-lights is perfect:







This build is just falling together now, really great,

Speaking of clear parts - how are you going to mount the windscreen now that you're missing half the shroud?

No problem at all Matt, secure it to the part that is still there. The rear part of the canopy will be pushed back. Easy peasy....................

September 11th update:
Finished work around the cockpit. Needs a clean up but it's basically all done. I couldn't resist giving that huge propeller a base coat. Not too much left to do now, wheel wells, undercart, rocket projectiles, ailerons and flaps and a paint job. Of course this time I have a little bit more in mind so that isn't all............







I'll have to start trying to paint "Manu", or should I say Squadron Leader 609th Emmanuel Geerts?

Looking really good, Julian, it is a huge propeller ! Can t wait
to see some paint on it

Bernd

Thanks Bernd, really making progress now.

Yes! And thats amazing, this bird is a superlative to build

Coming along nicely Julian

The pilot figure looks great (who makes it) and it gives scale to the plane . . . . big bugger aint it !!

Cheers Kev

Hi Kev, nice to hear from you. Yes, progress is being made
The pilot figure does give a sense of scale, (the prop was huge ). The figure is made by a Belgian company: PJ Productions. About 14 Euro's so not too expensive.
It was a beast of an aircraft and the power plant must have made it a terrifying ride for the newbies.............. Of course that was when it wasn't catching fire, asphyxiating the pilot or just losing it's tail The sort of thing you would like to try? Yes please

is it my eyes, or maybe the camera angle, but the rad opening looks asymmetrical?

Starboard side lower corner? Yep, still needs a little TLC.
No sweat,

September 12th update:
A change of venue, not my favorite part of model building either,( I loathe painting little figures ). Did however spend some time putting the base coats on 'Manu",(snooty looking bloke isn't he?):





A long way from finished, these are just the base layers in preparation for further work and weathering.

Hi Julian,
For someone who doesn't like painting figures (me neither) I think you've done a pretty good job, nearly there now, keep at it.
John

Off to Duxford today but feeling pretty grim with a cold!

Thanks John, hope you have a good time at Duxford. Try hot tea with honey and lots of brandy, (no milk of course). Doesn't help the cold but after four of these drinks you are too bombed out to care

Good start Julian, take your time and it will be fine

Kev

Hi Kev, yes, whipping out the hairy sticks and doing dire things with oils

Some great work there.

Not sure if you are aware but Hannants have announced that they now stock a replacement canopy set manufactured by Alleycat

Alleycat 1/24 Typhoon Canopy

Hi Allen,
Thank you very much and also thanks for the canopy tip.
cheers,

September 13th update:
Have to face the facts: "Manu" doesn't get any better looking despite torturing him with a hairy stick. Think I'll leave well alone here. Now doing some surgery to the rocket projectiles:

I need to know what you did to these rockets?

Hi Mal,
replacing the guide-rail attachments with Evergreen strip. The model parts are very clunky.

Ah, coin just dropped: did you think I was doing a "piggy back"rig? You know, two rockets hanging under each other on one rail? No, just replacing the OOB hangers.

Manu looks 'suitably impressed' Julian

Thanks mate, but figures are a big chink in my armour. They end up looking like refugees from a zombie movie or overcooked lobsters. Poor old manu looks like he needs a blood transfusion