billn53

I took a file, sanding block, and scraper to the rear hull to shrink the bulge mentioned above: I also spent time scraping the deck to get it straight and flat: Quite a bit of plastic was removed in the process! Lastly, I applied a generous layer of Bondo to the hull joins. Not the first layer that will be needed, to be sure! You smell that? Do you smell that? Bondo, son. Nothing else in the world smells like that. I love the smell of Bondo in the morning!

Welcome aboard, Jamie, it’s good to see you here. As to the kit... a good vacuform would be a lot less work.

I was out of town the past few days, hence the lack of progress reports. But, I'm back now and this evening I spent time on the mis-proportioned after hull. The photo below shows the problem: The kit's keel rises too quickly aft of cross-section "F". At cross-section "I", where I had lopped off the stern, the difference is a full 3/16-inch. My approach was to cut away the lower hull aft of "F" and tilt it down to make the shape more accurate. I used masking tape to mark out my cut lines, then went to work with my razor saw. I glued narrow wedges to the upper hull (upside down in the pic below), to add the needed 3/16-inch at the rear: The lower hull portion broke along the centerline join when cutting it away, so I had to glue it back together. I added a reinforcing strip and a sprue spacer to mitigate against it breaking again: Here, the lower hull has been reattached. Rubber bands hold it in place while the glue dries. Before and after photos show how much I've deepened the after hull. The pics also reveal a significant bulge in the upper right quadrant of the hull (recall, that's where the kit part was warped and I had to re-do the after deck). I don't expect perfection, but I do want to do something about this bulge. Fortunately, the plastic there is thick enough to allow for some serious re-shaping. My next task will be to break out the Bondo and try to get the hull more presentable, after all the abuse I've given it.

Lovely!

I’m speechless! Well done, sir.

When doing my Electra 10, I found it best to leave the tail feathers off until after I had added the wing and finished any sanding, etc. As you said, they’re very knockable and better left safe & sound until needed.

That’s a charming scheme, much more interesting than bare corrugated metal.

Good job on the tail surfaces. It’s a tricky enough assembly without also having to contend with hollow parts.

I’ve resorted to covering my head with aluminum foil, else his mind tricks would have me constantly pressing the “Buy Now” button.

Thank you. If you do decide to commission a decal set, I will split the cost with you. Also, did you take a good look at those kayaks in the first pic of G-AAUR? Some very curious design features there. A circular opening in front, too small for a person; something that looks like a little white sail or flag; and what the heck is that inflated thing in back? Some kind of float made from who knows what part of an animal? This will make a great diorama! edit... One question answered: “The kayak is perfect for hunting on the water as it doesn’t make any sound so it’s easy to sneak up from behind your prey, and if you put a white cloth in front, the animals or seals (who are easily fooled) think that you are a piece of ice.” more edits: I found another, clearer photo of this type of hunting kayak. What looks like an opening in front is actually a platform for the harpoon’s line. And, it appears that the inflated-skin float is attached to that line. Makes sense, as do the white jackets and hats worn by the hunters (looks like ice). Sorry, Moa, for hijacking your post. My curiosity demands to be satisfied. Last edit, I promise! The float is an inflated seal skin. Everything you might want to know about Inuit hunting kayaks: https://kayakgreenland1959.wordpress.com/tag/inuit/

Arrrggghhh! That would be me. Damn your eyes, Moa. Because of your find (and a very good one it is), this kit has fallen like the stock market toward the bottom of my “what will I build next” list.

Dekno is also coming out with a a Leopard Moth: https://deknomodels.com/en/module/xipblog/single?id=20&rewrite=future-release-de-havilland-dh-85-leopard-moth&page_type=post

A flimsy excuse if I ever heard one!

You’re hardly done yet! Recall you have a penance to do (something about opening up an engine cowl). Here is a little something to help you along: https://deknomodels.com/en/inicio/43-172-de-havilland-gipsy-major.html

That’s the idea! We’ll see how it turns out