John Laidlaw

Agreed!

The new Caracal Decals "Test & Drone Zippers" for F-104s in 1/48th. And, courtesy of a "Welcome Deal' on Aliexpress, a DSPIAE super fine single blade nipper. It's genuine, but because of the deal cost me only around $11 with free shipping.

That is a thing of beauty - always wanted one, together with a David Gilmour Strat.

Yup - it was my local, and I could be there in 15 minutes. Lovely place. Happy Hobby is, erm, unique. The owner used to ask which kits you were interested in so that he could turn on the correct overhead lights. Every other part of the store was in semi-darkness.

Thanks Dennis - I've recently used birthday money to order from scalehobbyist.com (who are now my default retailer), so I'm stocked up at the moment. I do appreciate the offer, though!

I did find the clear parts fit to be a real challenge, and the end result is nowhere as neat as the one you achieved. That and some other factors consigned it to its temporary rest. Milwaukee's a great place, and the locals are lovely (my wife's from here). I was doing fine until Greenfield News and Hobby closed, then its successor (Panther Hobbies) closed. After that I was just angry 😁. I think Happy Hobby on Burleigh might still be going, but I can't easily get there from here.

As I've had this model on the shelf of doom for some time, I can thoroughly appreciate the model you've created from it. That finish is great!

Pete, that was heartbreaking to read - I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope the time comes soon where memories of him bring more smiles than sorrow.

I dunno - I blink and there's another beauty of a model from you. Just gorgeous!

Due to a recent orbit anniversary: Mr. Color Thinners x 2, Mr Color Leveling Thinners, Mr Rapid Thinners x 2. Vallejo Airbrush Thinner, Vallejo Flow Improver. A "High Roller" trigger for the tiny, tiny, tiny Badger Renegade Krome airbrush in the hope my hand will stop cramping the instant I try to use it. Vallejo red, green, yellow, blue and smoke "transparent" colours which turned out to be so pigment-rich I've had to experiment with mixing them with acrylic gloss medium to get them to a see-through state. A bunch of Gunze Mr Metal Color and Mr Super Metallic 2 paints. All the following are 1/48th: Tamiya P-51B Tamiya P-51D Tamiya P-38J Kinetic Dassault Mirage IIIE Kinetic Republic F-84F Thunderstreak

Definitely on my list, if it makes it to the States. My old home town of Hastings has a Shannon class boat, so I'll be making masks ready for when I get the kit.

Four lovely builds, and all epic.

Some lovely stuff there! The mini sub caught my eye, too.

Lovely builds there! So sorry to hear of the loss of Richard - what an intriguing face he had.

Lovely results, Dennis, and it's great to see you building again. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the graft doing its job, and doing it quickly for you!

That is a superb photo.

I knew you would have no problem with this one - you're doing your usual cracking job! You're giving me the confidence I need for my build 😁.

Superb!

Here's a pretty good article on the subject, even if the advice comes down to "it depends" - at least they're honest about the trial and error aspect of the process. Anyway, it's a start, and I hope it helps: https://www.anycubic.com/blogs/3d-printing-guides/how-long-to-cure-resin-prints

Following along with this one - I have another version of this kit (all greys) and want to see how you handle this one. I have no doubt you'll do it justice.

They're so mean! 🤣 Have a great time, Bill.

Lucky Varnish used to be great some years ago, but now - for me - is sufficiently bad that I actually threw it away. Winsor & Newton Galeria Matt varnish is consistent, and thins with water or IPA. Never had a problem with it.

Add me to the list of those following, please! I've been eyeing up this kit in its offered form, and I just know this thread will continue to be a mine of technique and information.

That is a beautiful build! Can't say enough good things about it.

Welcome, Sooty!