SPA Modeler

I’m with Kari 100^ on that, great work so far! Also- thank you for going in-depth in the log with the resin cockpit decision-making process. It was great to get to see your process, on that one. Awesome!

Thanks guys! Yes, I've read that article on scribing, Bruce! Luckily, I won't have to establish many new panel lines on this build but there are many similarities to riveting, including the careful drawing of the rivet lines on the model using pencil. I'll probably run my scriber along all of the existing panel lines. I've been doing this to all of my kits to make the panel lines more uniform. Depending on the manufacturer, I've found that some panel lines get weaker around certain areas.

The photo etched instrument panel that I'll be using is indeed from the Aires set.

Let's paint the instrument panel. The panel faces are painted Dark Grey (RLM 66) with the bezels picked out by brush in black.




The clear acetate has the gauges printed out in black. To bring out the dial detail, I sprayed the back of the acetate white.




Flipping the acetate over and placing the painted instrument panel faces on top, you can see the gauges. The shiny acetate is on top, which gives a nice impression of the glass in each of the instrument faces.

Looking good with the IP John.

Yes, lookin' good, indeed!

Very very nice!

- Kari

Now that I'm finally caught up with this, I can honestly say what an amazing bit of work you've done. Well done documenting your results as you tested everything. Looking great so far!

Thanks guys! The plastic acetate under the unpainted PE fascia is one of my preferred ways to represent an instrument panel. It's only drawback is the relative flatness of it, which is the main disadvantage of unfolded PE. Another good way is to use a plastic or resin instrument panel with smooth dial faces and punching individual gauge decals for it. This involves a lot more work but it has more 3-D relief than PE. The Eagle Editions D-9 resin cockpit that I used for Black 1 has resin instrument panel meant to be used with decals. If I ever do another Dora with an open canopy, I'll probably opt for the Eagle Editions cockpit.

Both have their merits. And both are sexy as Hell. But I gotta say, I like the looks of that IP with the decals punches and placed in there.

Please forgive the stupid question, but- what’s the best method for punching those out?

John, truly...

Magnificent.



Downloaded as inspiration!

Looks ready to use.

Paints, brushes?

Talent. That is talent. Congratulations