Thanks everyone. JJ, I got it off ebay for $46.00 + shipping, considerably less than MSRP ($86.00 at Sprue Brothers-----they need to lower their prices if they want to compete with eBay). The earlier "uncorrected" kits can be found a bit cheaper. Owl, The pit is out of the box. GW did a nice job here. GAF, they finally replied and said they had the piece, but no word on when they would be sending it. Okay...you have it, how about sending it to me...lol. head scratcher.....we'll see. I ended up buyng another one off ebay (also reasonable) and if the new canopy does arrive, I add it to the new kit....no worries as it will get built.
Wingnut, great tune. Cheap Trick reference aside, no worries about the seam police or snitches as this is a commission build and will not be subjected to their scrutiny...
Anyways, I have a quick update. As you know I discovered the main canopy was cracked. I'm not sure if I did it or it was like that. GW tends to use way too many sprue gates which can present issues. Either way, as I said, I have an email in for a replacement and another kit on its way.
In the meantime, I masked off the remainder windows to be added to the airframe before paint, a technique I used on the Uhu and liked (normally I paint them separately and add later). I must have gotten the wrong Eduard mask set because the masks for the rear were too short. I had to supplement with some Tamiya tape. No biggie but weird since it says for the GW kit.
I assembled the airframe and had zero issues. I'm very pleased with the fit of everything so far. Will I jinx myself if I say this has been one of the easiest builds ever. Not even one wingroot gap! Here we are before a shot of primer to check the seams.
GW was kind enough to include a nose weight which fits in the radar cone. This will keep it on its front wheels. It was secured inside with 5 minute expoxy to keep it from jiggling around and then the nose was Tenax'ed to the front. Again the fit was great.
As soon as a replacement canopy piece shows up I'll mask and add it. Then it will be paint time..
I intend to paint on the red wing walk stripes. I did it on my last P-61 and was pleased with how it turned out. All I need to do is figure out how to convincingly weather a black plane. I may start in the grey ranges and work up to black.....or vice versa .
Joe