**Doug, blkhwkmatt and JJ:**Thanks for the atta boys! I’m knocking on wood when as I say this but this has been one of the easier builds that I’ve done even with an AM update kit…
**Everybody:**Well I’ve got a little more progress but will just simply tell you all what I’ve done as it looks basically the same as it did with the changes being the installation of the underwing antenna, the wing root cannon access door and the vertical fin /tailwheel mechanism access door. I’ve got the sacrificial canopy sections pryed off and am working on the sliding canopy build up. In the interim I was working on my display shelf installing lighting for the next display shelf down and for some stupid reason pushed up on the lighting fixture that was attached to the bottom of the top display shelf that has my finishted 190 A8/R2 and Dauntless on it and considered myself lucky when it jarred the 190 up about an inch off of the shelf. When it came back down the L/H gear collapsed. I spent an hour or so re-attaching that and smacking myself mentally for pulling that stunt! I’m lucky because it could have turned out worse I suppose.
Joe: I’m sorry to hear about that accident. It’s good news that you were able to repair the damage though!
I won’t post any updates for the next week because I have to finish another Luftwaffe bird untill the end of this month: A P-47! That’s no joke fellas, I’m building a Thunderbolt in german markings. In case you think I’m completely mental now (I sure can’t blame you for doing so), have a look a this:
BTW JJ that D your building has got it going on big time! I like that alclad finish you 've got going on there. I’ve always been scared to death of that stuff!
Well I’ve got a few updates here. Section one is almost finished except for the sliding canopy build up which I am still working on, the aerial antenna mast painting and reinstallation onto the vertical fin and the aerial antenna itself. After that we’re moving on to Section 2!! Through the week about all I’m going to be able to get done is probably priming all of the panels and starting on the machine gun/ top cowling alignment/ fit so that the end of the barrels are where they are supposed to be in regards to the cowl holes. The only other problem I’m having right now is the canopy color which I forgot to sun bleach along with the rest of the fuselage!! I have a trick up my sleeve to correct that though. Here’s the latest pic as of 6:00 this morning:
I’ve been up since 3:30 this morning working on it!! lol
Joe (Mustang): Take a break. It’s not good to be so fanatic about this hobby. How the hell am I supposed to say that without it sounding like a very bad lie? Nevermind my comment, I am not to trust on this matter…
Haha! No fanatic here! I have to get up with my dogs at around 3 am now. I have 2 dachshunds that are 16 and 17 and they are a complete handful! I’m up at that point so why not make some progress? lol
Good Morning Joe, Your looking good there buddy. Keep pluggin’ away. Man, can I relate to the missing ofweathering the canopy as well as other last minute parts. I dang near pulled the same stunt on mine but caught it right as I was about to remove the mask. Definitely a “WHOA” moment. Funny how I find that when you are in the home stretch you just start encountering all these “little” things that need a touch up there, glue this here, paint that patch of glaring glue, etc…And they simply keep adding up to the point where you wonder if you’re ever going to finish.
Me too Bro, me too. I’m hoping to put a healthy dent in mine today. If I can get the landing gear and canopy glued on along with weathering the bombs I will be immensely happy today. I’ve got the EZline glued to the canopy and to the fuselage so I’ll just have to tie it all together once the canopy is on.
Thanks again to all who take the trouble to comment on our efforts it does make a difference. I am also on two or three other sites and it grinds me when other members simply don’t bother to participate - makes me wonder why they bother being part of a “GROUP” build. Anyway off the soap box now, i got the colours on today as well as the gloss coat…
Holy Sweetness J.J., That is some masterful painting in my book. Great work.
J.J., in my humble opinion this forum is characterized by the most fabulous group of folks imaginable. I’m sure other forums have their fortes but, I have had nothing but the greatest of experiences here. Learned more than I thought possible and made some excellent friends. The feedback here is not only timely but also constructive, helpful and honest.
