well a small amount of progress. I completed my ersatz IP and dry fitted the fuselage with the IP more or less in place. Dosent look too bad inside the cockpit, a little less flattering outside
Ive yet to apply a final top coat of semi gloss. looks a bit rough, but not too bad IMO
These next ones are a dry fit with the IP and the guns in position
You can clearly see the gap in front of the IP and the guns either side. I think this was the ammo feed binsbut looks a bit strange with just an empty hole there. IP looks good when being viewed in this partial manner
Next are the fuel tanks chopped back so that they can fit into the available space. I will need to rig a support frsme for them to support them. cant really replicate the historical set up because the fuselage is in two halves that come together last.
Following is the nose section, with the prop dry fitted
Lastly , an experiment that didn't really work. I attempted to fabricate some canvas ammunition belts to fill the gap I mentioned before. Scaling was all wrong and looked just a little too rough.
ive sourced PE parts for US 50cal and 30 cal belts in 1/32 scale. they are available here in Aus, so should not have the same delivery issues that have dogged me on this build.
I will now have to wait until Friday. if any of the parts Ive ordered turn up, I can go down the path I had decided upon, if not, I think I will just finish this build with what I have.