SPA Modeler

Kit # 610662

As I've said here in a comment and in a couple of messages, I came within a heartbeat of trashing this guy. A Tamiya kit for Heaven's sake. Who gives up on a Tamiya kit. There has been a lot going on, as there is in all our lives. My eyes, okay, eye....has been getting more in need of correction lately. It is time to get to the eye doc and get it taken care of. That may help, but in reading the directions it seems that things jump around and have to be studied far longer that they used to be. Anyway,

I had gotten to the point of installing the cock pit and wing spar assembly several days ago and nothing fit. Not even close. That is when I nearly threw it out, but I just disassembled things (getting far too good at that process) and boxed it up. Today, while waiting for things to dry/set on the Sherman, I dug this dug and it went together as it should have. judging from the glue marks, I can't really tell what was different before. I think it may be back in the game.







Cockpit deck reassembled



test fit in fuselage

There's no way that you're giving up on that, Lyle! Not when it's going good. I like what I see there!

You've got the right idea Lyle. If things aren't working out properly, set it aside, work on something else, and come back to it later with a fresh mindset when you're ready for another go. Sometimes just one little thing being out of whack will throw everything else off until we reassess with different eye.

Exactly! Can't wait to see your build.

The same kit I did. Add your landing gears last after painting. That’s what I did.

Thanks. That is my plan!

Medicman71 wrote: ↑Sun Aug 24, 2025 11:00 am
Exactly! Can't wait to see your build.

Thanks!

It is tough getting old Lyle. I need like 3 pairs a reading glasses + my Optivisor to see what I am doing. Also it seems like I need more/brighter light to see what I am doing that it used to take. Airbrushing is a real pain for me. It's harder and harder for me to see the subtle build up of the paint layers or if any of the paint is hitting the part or not ... Hope you get your eye issue resolved.

Thanks, Chris. I use a lot of lights!

I've had crap eyesight all my life Lyle so I feel your pain (I've got to go to the eye hospital in a couple of weeks as I have thinning optic nerves, whatever the hell that means) - I hope you can get yours sorted.

Looks like you did the right thing by putting it to one side - it's coming along very nicely indeed.