Thanks BrandonK, all I'm doing is trying to keep up with forum members like you my friend!

Toshi

To lawdog114,

Wow, I didn't realize that the XF-76 was that close.  Thank you so much for all the information you've been sharing with me.  I could not have gotten this far without your assistance!

Toshi

Thank you so much Gamera, I'm just trying to keep up with the pros like you!

Toshi

That is a nice color. I've got to pick me up another zero and try mixing up that color myself. Both of my zeros are green. One with an aluminum finish on the bottom and the other just overall green.

I think I need to repaint the older one now that I've seen this Toshi.  :)

Guys, thanks for the well wishes. But this is Toshi's thread lol.

To M. Brindos,

I'd love to see you build another Zero with this paint scheme, you'll set a whole new standard in regards to the next build.  No, seriously!

As far as this thread is concerned, I'm more than honored that everyone utilizes this thread and many others that I write about.  It's never my thread, it's everyone's thread.  I'm more than happy to share this thread with forum members.

This is how I learn not only about model kit building but life in general!

Toshi

Good morning my fellow forum members,

Today is Wednesday July 22, 2015.  I love working outside especially spraying and or AB at 6:00am, the air is cool and crisp with little to no humidity, plus my cats enjoy watching the early morning birds. Today I'll be tackling the very unusual main landing gears that are not only retractable but have shock absorbers.  How wild is that.  

I can foresee the end of the Zero build only to start on the Monogram 1:48 Visible B-17G "Flying Fortress".  Once I start on the B-17G, I have my next possible build of the Trumpeter 1:32 TBF Avenger.  It's either the Avenger via eBay or the F4 Phantom "Wild Weasel" from Hobby Lobby.  Maybe if I'm good, Mrs. Toshi will let me get them both.  I'm jumping well ahead of my program here but it's never a bad thing to plan ahead.  Until I come to that juncture, here are some photos of the "Zeke", I just got done spraying (Rattle Can) Testors clear coat.  I'll work on the landing gears then attach the gears to the fuselage and it's off to the very complex engine.  

Until my next entry, I once again want to thank forum members for the read and replies and most of all, just for being here on this thread to visit.

Toshi

Toshi, your Zero is looking fantastic!  I really like the look and detail that goes into 1/32 WWII fighters.  I typically build 1/48 jet aircraft; and you can get great detail, most of the time for jets; however, since a 1/32 WWII fighter is approximately the same size as a 1/48 jet they are a lot of fun.  Looking forward to seeing this when you are finished.

To jelliott523,

Thank you for the kind words, it means so much to me.  I should have the Zero done by the end of the week or no later than the beginning of next week.  I'll then start on the Monogram 1:48 "Visible" B-17G (Flying Fortress).  I have a ton of PE for that build, it should be interesting if I can pull it off.  

Thank you for the read and reply!

Toshi

Finally, here is the results of the retractable landing gear with the spring loaded shock absorber.  It works, the only issue I have is that the more things start to move, the more delicate and intricate things can get.  If you are not careful, bad things can happen like the breaking of parts.  

In general, these little gimmicks definitely makes the model fun to build as well as giving the builder the cool factor.  Below is the breakdown of the landing gears.

Toshi

Amazingly intricate work on the gear Toshi. You won't have any problem with PE.

To modelcrazy,

Let's hope not.  I was just going over the PE for the B-17G build, some of the PE parts are ridiculously microscopic.  I'm hoping I'll be able to overcome any shortcomings.  So far, I've been able to make things happen, thanks to my magna-visor.  

Thank you modelcrazy for the read and reply!

Toshi

Here is a portion of the engine assembly.  While assembling the engine, I've been taking the luxury of photographing everything in detail, live.  

Toshi

Mr Toshi,

I used to be completely intimidated with PE, never touch the stuff, however, after dabbling with it for some cockpits I decided to jump in with both feet and bought a huge PE set for my 1/350 Indianapolis build. If you interested in seeing the thread just follow the link below.

USS Indianapolis

Now there is some small PE!  With a magnifying devise and a little patience, you'll be amazed with what you can accomplish. You will also be amazed how long it takes to work on such small parts, but I think you are discovering that now.

Your getting steady enough to give it a try IMO.

Steve

Steve, if I may, what adhesive did you use for your PE on the Indy and other builds?  I have some kits that have some PE.  I considered using CA and accelerator, but I also purchased some of the Gator Grip glue in the thick and thin formula.

You know me Jeremy, CA of course, silly guy. Medium mostly, just a drop on a sheet of plastic bag or similar and I just dip the end of the part into it. Some members will use Future to hold the part temporarily prior to gluing.

Gator Grip will probably work just fine, a little slow drying for me though.

Steve, I figured that you used CA, since you explained to me and showed me your builds.  I just wasnt sure if you had a special trick.

I too, used a medium thick CA to attach the parts, and if they were super small and I wanted to make sure they stayed in place I used a sewing needle that I cut off the top part of the eye and applied a small drop of accelerator onto the CA.  Worked great.

As for the Gator Grip, I've only used it once and that was for a canopy since it is water based and it worked better than the Testors Clear Parts cement IMO.

Yeah, I should really expand my world view and give some other types of glue a try.  

J, if you try the Gator's Grip thin with PE, would you let me know how it goes? According to the maker, he says the thin formula works even better and I'm curious. I think it's probably not just a watered down version of the regular, I've tried that.

The U.S.S. Indianapolis build is amazing, what discipline it took just to get it done.  I see where you discussed the issue with microscopic PE.  Intricate at best!  Thank you for taking the time out and sharing your past builds with me as well as with forum members.

Toshi

I know it's late but I haven't had lunch yet.  Mrs. Toshi is at work and when she found out that I did not eat lunch, she was upset as she knows me by now.  She knew that all I did today was to build this model kit.  LOL!  I'll just wait for dinner, I'm having way too much fun assembling the engine.  Speaking of the Zero's engine, please see below.

Thank you,

Toshi

Thanks Toshi,

My point is that if I can do that while being intimidated by PE, so can you. You have the talent.  

Indeed.

I also get lost in my projects and I don't eat until dinner regularly. I make sure the kids get fed and such, but I get lost lol.

That engine looks good Toshi. :)

You may want to do a bit of touch-up on those push rods as you didn't get them all silver. I'll recommend an dark brownish wash over them to dull them down a touch and give them a used look as well. That should make it "pop" for ya.  :D

To M.Brindos,

I will re-touch the push rods silver as recommended.  I went to Michaels with Mrs. Toshi on Sunday and Mrs. Toshi purchased a wash for me called "Testors CREATEFX Enamel Stain".  I have FX Gray Stain and FX Black Stain.  I'll use one of these as a wash for the Zero's engine.  Thank you for the tip, it's highly appreciated.  

After dinner, that's what I'll be working on.

Toshi

To modelcrazy,

Thank you so much for the vote of confidence.  I will take on the PE project head on and complete it to the best of my abilities.

Toshi

Here is today's work on the Tamiya 1:32 Zero build.  The majority of my time was spent on the engine.  Lots of detail as well as lots of fun!  Tomorrow I'll clean up the Zero as needed and take it from there.

Thanks for following and keeping it real for me.

Toshi

Wow Toshi,  your engine came out great !  very nicely detailed.  You said "you wish your engines could look as good as mine"   your wish has come true and then some, it looks better.

Thank you, I don't know about better but, I definately had a blast yesterday building the Zero's engine.  That was a all day affair.  

Toshi

Looking good Toshi! Always nice to see the plane standing on it's own two 'feet' as it were. And the engine looks really cool.

Greg

J, if you try the Gator's Grip thin with PE, would you let me know how it goes? According to the maker, he says the thin formula works even better and I'm curious. I think it's probably not just a watered down version of the regular, I've tried that.

Greg, I will definitely let you know how Gator's Grip works using their thin formula.  I'm going to probably give it a shot today sometime.  As for the thick, I've used it to secure the open canopy on my Bf-109 and it seems like its a fairly secure bond.  At least, as secure as clear parts can be, especially in the open position.