Well, I've been picking away at the Stuka, now down to the etched bits by and large. I still have to build the prop up and another cannon. I've made a disappointing discovery, in that the pilots' access canopy will not fit over the fixed portion aft, making it difficult at best to display open. After a little hunt for vacuform canopies, I've come up empty.
Anyhow, since I last posted, my brass barrels for the flak cannons have arrived. I've got one built and most of the etched bits from Eduard attached.
I've attached my nose and wings, with wing walks, stabilizers and struts.
Eduard provides even a couple of little metal hasps for the engine cowls.
I've added a scratchbuilt anchor for the antenna wire in the tail.
Eduard's beautifully done flap actuators along one wing
So much nicer than the little triangular globs of plastic provided with the kit.
I had to work in a bit of putty to eliminate a step between the lower wing and fuselage.
And some more around the wheel to wing mounts. There was quite a gap in there.
And finally, just in case all the fiddly bits weren't nightmare enough, I've decided to torture myself further by using Eduard's etched cannon mounts.
Now, to work along the other wing with those same actuators and mounts, then the elevators and rudder. A few etched wires for cannon plumbing and I should be ready to shoot some primer.
I am planning to paint on the yellow V on the port wing, and am debating making my own masks using the decal kit for a template for most of the markings. A lot more work, but I really like weathering all my markings along with the paint. I think it tends to lend a little more realism.
So, I have to decide what to do about the pilot's canopy section, whether or not to use aftermarket wheels that barely fit, and whether to use decals or paint... Along with attaching a few more fiddly bits. On the plus side, my truck's transmission issues were only an O ring and a hose.
Happy building everyone.