Pros and cons of the ZM 1/48 TA 152-H

[speedgraflex]

The colored Eduard stuff also has a fabric texture that can be distracting. I usually give it a shot of clear flat to knock it down. I have not personally tried the Yahu panels but they look amazing. If they make one for the Tank fighter, I'd definitely consider it as a top option.

Good morning, John. Thank you for your tip re the Eduard Zoom IP. I keep circling around what you wrote that the cockpit cowl hides the majority of the IP. The way I understand this, my ideas are

1) Use an available Eduard Ta 152 photo etch panel flat coated to dull the fabric sheen
2) Buy a punch and find or fabricate dials to fit the ZM IP
3) Wait for Yahu to release a Ta 152 IP

I don't know if I'm going to overcome this easily. For me, I hoped to be able to build this kit with additional seatbelts like you did, but adding aftermarket parts adds up to an expensive gamble. I'm still tempted by the Aries. I think the top panel of the Yahu FW 190 late model IP is close enough and cost effective to be a contender. I don't mind scratch building but my project goal is to build something for me, and I'd like that to be a new modern kit; one that does not require a lot of finesse with AM expense. I am upset and blocked by this one piece of a 150 or so piece kit and in danger of losing faith. Perhaps that is too strongly worded, but maybe I can overcome this point of view through doing the kit. "Perhaps, maybe, I don't know." It's tough for me to decide. Any thoughts? You did this, and you did this beautifully. So I ask you... what should I do?

[BlackSheep214]

I'm hearing Yahu brand aftermarket IP are pretty good compared to Eduard's..

Blacksheep, your ears are good, sir. I checked out Yahu and found a late version 190A and a note on their site that the Ta 152 was coming soon. The 190A looks like:


Image: Yahu

Available in the US: https://store.spruebrothers.com/product_p/yah4813.htm

Thank you so much, Blacksheep!!!!! Thank you, sir!

Thank you. The wait might be worth waiting for but the work you've done is phenomenal! Either way, the choice is yours. Looking forward to seeing the final product done.

[speedgraflex]

Blacksheep, your ears are good, sir. I checked out Yahu and found a late version 190A and a note on their site that the Ta 152 was coming soon. The 190A looks like:


Image: Yahu

Available in the US: https://store.spruebrothers.com/product_p/yah4813.htm

Thank you so much, Blacksheep!!!!! Thank you, sir!

Thank you. The wait might be worth waiting for but the work you've done is phenomenal! Either way, the choice is yours. Looking forward to seeing the final product done.

Blacksheep, thank you, sir. I needed to take a step back and consider what to do. I ordered the late war 190 IP. I bet that I can reconfigure the fuel/oil pressure gauge, coolant temp gauge and oil temp gauge that are located at the bottom of the IP, or if I can't, I'll do something else, but panel 1 is a very close match; it's even closer when comparing the PE part of the 190 to the actual interior of the 152. And honestly I'm here to learn by doing, so I have HGW and Yahu PE coming my way, and I'll finish the Horten in time and will be ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work real soon...


190 interior / 152 interior

[Stuart]

Great work on that IP Bruce.

So you're planning on building this kit? How're you planning on doing the camo with a brush? It can be done - I brush painted my 1/48 109 below with Humbrol Enamels. It sounds insane but you can do the mottles with a q-tip. That's how I did mine. Not airbrush quality, but not too bad either.



Cheers

Stuart

[speedgraflex]

So you're planning on building this kit?

Yeah, I am going to do my best; with a larger scale; for this one, I wanted something special and the Zoukei-Mura kits qualities are some of the highest around: details, fittings, design. I am still trying to choose the plane—maybe "Yellow 1" if it is a H-1, but I think it's a H-0—or I could go with "Green 9." I was hoping for a simple roll call list of planes, but "Lord Google" has not been easy about giving me this information!


Photo: NASM

WOW NICE WORK, PORTMAN:

I was considering the Bf 109 F-4 by Zvezda in 1/48 so, wow, great job. I hope I can do as well as you did! I have all sorts of crazy ideas—the latest is using pipe cleaners to paint the mottled surface—and as I type that I feel someone has done this. Q-Tip swabs is definitely going on the list now as well. Thanks!!


Stuart, do you have a build log for this, because I for one would really like to see it.

[jkim]

I think the 190A panel is a good choice, Bruce. I try to be as accurate as practicable but I won't fall on my sword for accuracy's sake. It's more important, for me anyway, for the plane to "look the part" and so I focus on execution and not necessarily the correct number of rivets. It shouldn't be too tough to fit the Yahu panel into the Z-M cockpit. Are you getting the HGW harnesses? I've used Radu's (RB Productions) belts before and have the HGW set for a future 1/32 build but have never attempted assembling fabric harnesses in 1/48. Do you have a magnifier and a good set of tweezers on hand?

[speedgraflex]

John, I am relieved by reading what you wrote; thank you, in particular thank you for what you wrote about not wanting to fall on one's sword for the sake of accuracy because in my case I am learning how to build an historical model. Being able to converse regarding the build of the kit with you and others has been the greatest boon, gift, shot in the arm to understanding and defining an approach to building not simply this kit but a kit based on an actual plane, a kit that was measured and clarified by a very specific team.

My initial plan was to build the Tank without modifying any parts, only adding seat belts, so I had to modify that plan, adjust my plan accordingly. Thank goodness for you, Black sheep, Thomas, Stik, Portman, Bolleken, Borg, all members here. Sincerely, I would be hemming, hawing and wasting time without your input; also, thank you for reading my long sentences, I worry that I am not able to describe properly what my emotions and actions are but I do try, I may use a lot of words, but I will try to get to the point.

Small Tools

I need advice. I need basic ones. I have two X-Actos, blades, a Zona knife, more blades and the Tamiya tape Thomas advised. So, if you have any thoughts on small tools, please let me know.

[Stikpusher]

I recommend a pair or two of tweezers and a set of needle files. Later on, a pin vise and set of micro bits are also good to have around. And some sort of scribing tool to replace the details that get sanded away in seam and gap clean up.

[speedgraflex]

Thanks so much, Carlos! I am using either a pin or dull X-Acto blade for scribing which is dumb, I know. Any particular brand and outlet for the small tools you mentioned? I want to start smart with good advice and your advice is always helpful. Thank you.

[Stikpusher]

There are more choices out there than easily mentioned for brands. Two brands that I do like quality wise are Model Master, and Squadron. But I will often grab whatever catches my eye at the local shops or shows.

The pin is not a bad idea from what I've read. But hopefully you have a good handle to hold it with.