Super detailing-Spitfire Merlin

Hi guys… I’m a new member and am looking for input on a new project. I am starting a Hasegawa 1:48 scale Spitfire VIII in American markings. I purchased the Merlin61 engine from CMK, new resin gear, cockpit seat, and am about to start cutting the model. I am looking for “Gotchas” that I may run into before starting such a detailed maintenance diorama. I also have alot of photoetched pieces and want toknow the best glue or adhesive to use… I have been out of the hobby for awhile and the old glues are gone.
Thanks…

Can’t tell you much about the Spit, but I can tell you the best glue for photoetch (PE) parts is cyanoacrylate or superglue (Zap-A-Gap and Plasti-Zap are two good brand names to look for). You can get this stuff from xtra thin to super thick (for seam filling). For PE, I personally like the thin stuff.

BTW, welcome to our forum family, jimwagg! Hope you enjoy your stay.

Gip Winecoff

Hi Jim
I have lots of info for you. How far are you into the project? I have the CMK Merlin too and it is a nice starting point but you need to add a lot of plumbing and wiring etc to make it look “busy”. Here is a photo of the Merlin 66 in Mk923, a Mk IX that I was ground crew on for many years.

Cheers
Bob S.

Hi jimwagg, my ace in the hole for pe parts is 5 minute epoxy - it hasn’t let me down yet. It takes a while to set up, and you can scrape away any excess as it begins to set up. That’s only if you are a little uncomfortable with how fast super glue sets. I have really bad luck with it myself.

happy modeling!

I’m with Gip on glue suggestions…pretty much word for word, and welcome to the family!!! Hope you find all of the help you need in the forums!!!