Thank you Totz for that most polite reminder to GET ON WITH IT. I have been slacking very much over Holidays but lately, I have been sitting at the bench. The cockpit area is painted and ready to assemble. That is a Yahu instrument panel and as commented elsewhere, it is hard to imagine how good it looks until you have one. I am sold and will get one for the rest of my builds if available.
Looks good, the aftermarket has come up with some phenomenal stuff to dress up our builds, especially the IP's, couldn't paint one of my life depended on it. I know some who do some incredible work on their cockpits including the IP such as Brian F-104nut.
Progress, but haven't had time, inclination and sunny day to photo. Lacquer is the only way to go for Natural Metal. I got Tamiya gloss black and Alclad Duralumum which is fairly dark and matt I painted up another test and the tape didn't pull any off no mater how I peeled it off. The Tbolt is now drying with a black base and the duraluminum top. Drop tanks are a mix to give a little contrast.
I feel that I'm losing motivation on this build. The natural metal parts aren't looking very natural and I've started putting the D-Day stripes with the provided decals. Not going to do that again. I can't get them to snuggle down. I've started on the checkerboard nose and we'll see how that works out.
Well, I have never received such a polite in a while. Challenge accepted.
I have the underwings stripes and cowl on; sometimes it was a struggle, the next time, plopped right into place.
This is the worst part, a little wrinkle but it will make a good 5ft model. That is 3 pieces and the trick is to make a cut at the front edge of each checker.