SPA Modeler

These ZM kits are quite the models. The use of PE only makes 'em that much better. Great work in that pit John.

Thanks guys! I've been too busy to do anything significant but have been moving forward on assembling the various bits from the photoetch set. The set uses various layers of brass to help break up the typical flatness that characterizes most photoetch additions. The seat back is supposed to feature vertical adjustment rollers comprised of tiny discs mounted to the brackets. I decided to save myself from that labor since the seat back is all but invisible once its mounted and the harnesses are draped.

Seriously, I’m just awestruck by this. Wow.

John. What you've done in the last few weeks makes me think that your modeling funk is over

Thanks guys! I THINK my modeling funk is over! I feel like I have enough gas to complete a few more builds at least! Gotta keep at it while the mojo lives!

I've decided to leave the left side console exposed as represented by the RB Productions photoetch set as well as the kit parts. I have doubts that this was the case on the majority of Ta152H aircraft in service but Radu made a compelling argument for no panel over at LSP. It's interesting because even Vincent K., who I consider to another great Luftwaffe resource and can be quite argumentative initially took the opposite stance but grudgingly ceded to Radu's lengthy explanation... I was afraid there was gonna be a fight!

I've added some wiring to fill the empty space exposed by the missing panel.

That is a neat idea! Especially on a late war fighter it's plausible to see an open panel in the pit.

Wires....

Did some work on the Ta152 cockpit this weekend. At first, I was planning to glue the side consoles in first but since the foot pedal mechanism extends underneath the consoles, it seemed easier to paint things separately and then assemble, which is my normal routine anyway. Here is the cockpit tub with the rear bulkhead and foot pedals installed. I've elected to keep the cockpit wear to a minimum... just some pastel staining on the floor.


This was the first attempt at gluing in the side consoles. Dry-fitting of the cockpit tub into the fuselage sides was more than the side consoles could withstand and I ended up dislodging them multiple times. I think I've almost resolved the fit so I'll report back later on this.



Here is the painted seat with the HGW fabric harnesses installed.


The central fuselage will be assembled pretty soon so I thought I should get the riveting done. I based it on a scale drawing that I stumbled upon on the internet. It's not meant to be 100% accurate but its good for creating some visual interest on the surface of the model.



The surfaces were treated to fine sandpaper to knock down the raised areas around the holes caused by the riveting process. I used RB Productions Rivet-R as usual.

That cockpit is looking busy, I like the addition of the wire in the open panel

Magnifique work John!

Always so entertaining to follow a build by you !

- Kari