SPA Modeler

This kit is a mixed bag...some nice, crisp detail in some spots, then total crap in others...but, it's a start!

Contrary to the usual start point with aircraft, I started with the wings.
After sanding the seams, I broke out my new Trumpeter rivet wheel...I love this thing!!!



Where the guns are supposed to be, the kit just has a rounded off stub. I cut the rounded end off and drilled it out. I drilled out the ends of stretched sprue pieces to represent the gun barrels.



On to the pit. This area needed some help!
I scratched up a new control yoke and rudder bar/pedals...much better than the clunky kit parts!



Added some wires to help "busy" things up a bit, reshaped pilots seat and whipped up some Tamiya tape belts.




Painting the pit....
I used the same process that I've been using lately on the outer finish.
Start with a very dark grey...



...then highlight with white. All the shading/variation is done in black and white basically...then gets tinted with color.



Then several coats of thin RLM02...

Details all painted up.
Instructions show two pegs for mounting the seat...but there is not two pegs on the sprues...I scratched the seat mounts with stretched sprue.



IP is brush painted with clear glue over the inst. faces.



I also scratched the pilots head rest...no parts are included for this, even though it's in one of the drawings in the instructions.

Not to nit pick....but in the last picture, I think the yellow stripe is crooked and I see a gap in the fuselage seam.


Another fabulous piece of work.

great improvements. Im gonna have to steal that control yoke technique, tho!

I love your sword and want to sharpen it...

Thanks all!

JimD wrote:. I don't think I've ever heard anything good about a Sword kit,

From my experiences...you have no heard wrong!

I love your rivets and want to count them...

So does this MOFO come with a beaching dolley or what?

Negative...it doesn't even come with some of the things shown in the instructions!!!
I'm gonna try and whip one up...cuz it's cooler than having pontoons sitting directly on the shelf!

That is a lovely cockpit that to made using a very basic kit.