SPA Modeler

I can see the panel line in the photo too! Fairing in two major fuselage components ALONG a panel is more difficult than making that joint disappear, at least in my experience. For me, it involves a certain amount of puttying, sanding and re-scribing so I'm curious to see how you tackle that joint after painting.

It's definitely gonna be a true test of my modeling skills. Honestly this will be one of the most difficult builds for me ever just because of that one little problem right there. I'll get through it I'm sure but it's not something that I look forward to I can tell ya that.

I just spent part of my lunch break taking a look at port and starboard photos of your aircraft. Very interesting design! My impression is I would not necessarily trust the drawing. The raised section looks like a small blister located above the canopy and not a step per se. I know this is gonna be a test for you, Joe, but you have such a close fit already you will make this work! I would just be tempted to address with some precision what the small blister shape is. To my eyes this looks more tear drop shaped.

Photo 1



Photo 2



I definitely know you have this, Joe!

jkim wrote:I can see the panel line in the photo too! Fairing in two major fuselage components ALONG a panel is more difficult than making that joint disappear, at least in my experience. For me, it involves a certain amount of puttying, sanding and re-scribing so I'm curious to see how you tackle that joint after painting.

If you can you've got better eyesight than I do because I've got the book with all these photos in it and I can't see it in one of 'em.

You're right about the ease of covering panel lines up versus making new ones though. That's a daunting task for anyone.

Bruce : I see what you're saying about the bulge behind the cockpit on the top of the fuselage. I'm not even gonna attempt that. lol. I'm having a hard time just getting through merely fitting the nose section onto the fuselage. I've always wanted to build this aircraft but definitely do NOT like Hasegawa's approach in regards to this obstacle. Like it or not I'll get through it.

My mistake! What I'm seeing is what appears to be a panel line in front of the tall access hatch. The joint in question runs along the back edge of that hatch.

Thanks Bruce.

John: That hatch did play tricks on my mind too. I just wonder why the museum chose to cover that panel line up??? That would've been a nice reference just to see how pronounced it was on the aircraft surface.

c/o of the NASM, 2019 - and yes I asked for permission.

mustang1989 wrote:That sounds like good advice John. I'll do that pretty quick and thanks.

Here's what I'm talking about with that seam................or LACK of one:



But.....there it is in the technical drawing:

I wouldn't trust this line drawing either. compared to the picture, they seem to be two distinct aircraft. The canopy and clear parts do not match at all; therefore that seam issue does not apply here.

As for your model, I'd say just fill the seam and finish the model. It would make your model look more like the photograph. Like Nike says: Just do it. Agonizing over this just prolongs the time it's on the bench. Besides, from what my uneducated eyes see: it's the right thing to do. Be glad you have such a fine and clean join to work with.