Joe, I think it turned out great! Would never know it gave you so much fits. As for the Gunze thinner, crap! Lucky Models stocks it too. I would try only 70% rubbing alcohol and no retarder because the semi-gloss gunze aqueous paints dry a little slow anyway. But I’m sure x-20A would be ok. Here’s what it looks like:
There’s smaller bottles too. I too had trouble with the drop tank on my Eduard dora and ended up scratching some brackets to attach it to the mount. BTW I like that spinner spiral shot!
Thanks for all the compliments. I noticed in the replies that many of you have started this kit only to eventually banish it back to the box in frustration. I was in that same boat…twice…but I am somewhat stubborn and just couldn’t let this thing beat me. Hopefully my persistence will inspire the others to break it back out and have another go at it. Feel free to use this thread as a guide.
Nathan- Thanks for the pic of the thinner. I’m gonna first try the Tamiya X-20 then maybe order this stuff next time around. I need to find out which Gunze color will fade the Olive Drab and RLM colors for weathering, I was thinking maybe one of the sand colors or even white. I was going to get Neutral Grey as well, but I think Tamiya’s example is the best out there for this particular color. Also, I don’t suppose you could post an up close pic of that drop tank assembly so I could see how you did it.
I looks very nice, but the landing gear well looks like an A version’s. D versions’ were not enclosed, they didn’t had those plates with holes, allowing to see the back part of the engine. Tamiya’s offering also have this problem, I thought Eduard’s didn’t had this issue. Best regards.
Thanks for the comments. Jose, the above is where I explained why I closed the gear bay earlier in the thread. Doh!, I knew I shouldn’t have taken a pic of the underside to open this gate of controversy. This turkey won’t be entering any contests so I’m not concerned about “Pen Light Police” inspection.
No surprise here but I too fought this kit. In the end there is a warp in the fuselage but so be it. Unless you really look for it or I point it out no one would ever know. I have the JV44 set and have the second one to finish. Looks good!
