Patrick

Well, it's about par for the course isn't it? The etch ones I have (and I'm deeply looking forward to the 2-section 1/72 one I get to do next week, lucky me ) all have a bit of film with the dials on. I read the migrant reply (having grovelled to him about doing him out of a sale!) before lunch and knocked up this once the bike was out of the garage: As per the article referenced, home-made punches from brass tube and dowel: took about ten minutes. Sharpened the larger one with ye Deburring Tool - aka the blue thing - the smaller one I think I'll just run a countersink over to edge it. Next set of these things I do will be for my Ar234 (hence the smaller, visible set of MDC decals in 48th*) which is waiting for an Airwaves etch set out of Hannants. I can say if they work shortly after, iyl Patrick * MDC are now trailering their 32nd 234. Woe is me for it may need acquisition.

That given, it'll be interesting to see if the reported imminent mixed-media 234's (different companies) get the same treatment. Presuming high prices for high quality, existing 48th equivalents for working money, and the same sharks in the water capable of homing in on a good thing...

Mister, Usual caveats - I am a relative newbie on this subject, and do not claim to be definitive (for this can I recommend sources such as the excellent Lynn Ritger's 109 Lair?) Am interested in 109's, but still very definitely taking first steps. However: Isn't the 109E in your pic one there's some very good pics of, on www.airliners.net? I think CF-EML is the bird, photographer is Mark Kryst, type is E-4 so square canopy/no visible ETC bomb rack under the pilot/open nose cone/the shorter 'normal' supercharger intake. FWIW the 109 got heavier armour as things warmed up: http://www.hyperscale.com/reviews/accessor...4reviewbg_1.htm is a good pic showing the frontal armour. Your subject hasn't got it, if it's the one I think. Types - to paraphrase Jerry Scutts' "Combat Legend": The E-1 is (IIUC) earlier (rounded) canopy and machine guns in the wings. E-1B got a bomb rack (various types) and MG-FF cannon (earlier canopy) E-3 had heavier canopy (the square one) and MG-FF's. Some had the longer (tropical) intake, some had the rounded prop spinner. E-4 had even heavier canopy and MG-FF/M cannon. E-4/BN got the tweaked DB601N engine. The E-4 got the ETC bomb rack as an option (for the Jabo - fighter bomber - version) E-5 was the photo recon version with the radio (accessed via hatch, half way down the port side of the fuselage) replaced with single camera E-6 (or at least E-6/N) was like an E-5 but 2 cameras fitted. E-7 let the owners bolt a drop tank off the bomb rack. Various versions including the E-7/B extended range fighter bomber, E-7N same with high pressure oxygen system, E-7/Z same with DB601N and GM-1 nitrous boost. Various factory option kits available (E-7/U* types.) E-8 is the extended range version with a DB601A ('based on the E-1 but similar fit to the E-7') HTH - Patrick

Mister, You're doing a lot of nice work to it Couldn't quite understand your original post though: the aircraft's an 'E' and the kit's an E/trop - just the intake & spinner are different isn't it? BTW the RB etch canopy (out of himself or MDC) is designed for the Hase 109's. Piece of art, if you're into that kind of thing...

Jeepers. I know Mike the Boss knocks 'em out like they're going out of fashion, but I really do envy you people who can build that quickly and still have a good finish at the end of it. It takes me about six weeks to do the cockpit, and I'll bet yours is better looking

Hmm. Pretty How'd you find him? I've got a couple of those, figure they'll take some time to do....

All, The recent thread about how much the posters spend on models intrigued me. (Personally this was £28 - Airfix Wulf 1/24 - but this and several other models have had rather a lot more spent on them.) The question is, is anyone else waiting anxiously for the release of The Hawk?

That is pretty (is that what you were after the 66 for, the other day?) Admire your attitude to what seems to be pretty frightening surgery. Can you post some more pics, as and when?

You evil trolling website owner you How much did you pay for that, then?

Just be sure to cover your model after Klearing it. DAMHIKIJKOK, as the saying goes

That's the one Sorry - confused. Might well try the Klear/Talc thing fairly soon: have the Hobbycraft Vampire and IIRC you have to cut the wing roots off for starters (what you might call a development opportunity, certainly Filler Will Be Required ) Tks - Patrick

OK....aren't there old wives tales about something and talc, looks good, goes on fine, about a year later turns into horrible oily mess? Apologies for labouring this, just trying to understand...

ah, sure, noted

Pardon me, but why'd you want to? Milliput, 'poxy, correction fluid - job's a good 'un surely? Please enlighten

Oh dear. Have a good weekend, sir PS You know anything about 1/144 Tornados? Couple of 'em sort of threw themselves at me today. I know absolutely nowt about modern jets, and the last time I made a 1/144 I was in school...