1/32 Hasegawa Bf109K-4 Weisse 8

[speedgraflex]

I was in the hospital yesterday and I have been busy with medical tests. As a result I saw your posts today and I am responding now after publishing Clint's FB interview. Believe me, I do not want to miss this thread. I actually pulled down a copy of your photo of the oil cover/cooler that you thinned the edges earlier today as this is one of many tips that I have assimilated directly from your approach to building (as it currently stands, you're always evolving which is why it is always such a pleasure to follow your projects).

1. I like the book! JaPo has published or blogged about one of the high altitude Doras. I know they published a really beautiful book (in the same series) about the Dora and I think also I placed their book about the 190F on my want list. I have never seen one of these books in person, though, so I am excited to see one or at least the cover for one.

2. The lesson about thinning out plastic edges to achieve a more realistically scaled appearance is something that I really do want to thank you for detailing. Whenever I see you perform this task, I think, "So simple, and effective!" Thanks again.

3. The detailing work you are doing continues to be incredibly impressive. Seeing you working with brass sheet brings back many pleasant memories of watching my father build narrow gauge engines and box cars. Your work is definitely some of the neatest and cleanest I have seen.

I have to turn in now as I have an early day tomorrow. Have a great night!

[Stuart]

Excellent brass work around that tank John - that's really helped lift it detail wise.

I can understand your worries with the AM canopy. That's what stopped me buying AM parts in the end, I scrapped too many kits trying to fit it even when it was sold as fitting a certain kit.

Looking forward to seeing what you do with it.

[Duke Maddog]

No comments between updates... because I was too overwhelmed and couldn't find the words to express my admiration and astonishment at this incredible work. I still haven't got any. Good luck on the canopy framing. I'm looking forward to seeing what you decide to do.

Bruce, I hope you're okay. My prayers are going up for you. I just lost one friend; I don't need to lose another before meeting him and delivering his plane! Take care of yourself!

[Floki]

I some how missed that last one completely sorry about that John. The drop tank is beautiful really like the small dent you added. As for the canopy I've never used a PE canopy before,I would be scared of bending it all up wrong

[speedgraflex]

Duke—Thank you, and likewise you are also in my prayers. I will send you a private message rather than here—and John, not to worry I will follow both builds here and all builds to come! TGIF!

[jkim]

Thanks for checking in guys! I appreciate the input!

The joint between the forward and rear fuselage parts has been cleaned up on both halves. I've re-scribed the panel line too. I'm going to leave it there for now until I resolve the canopy situation.



Here's the canopy frame folded but not yet glued. It's reasonably close but I don't think this is going to cut it.


Gluing down the top of the canopy to the side frames improves things but it's just not square enough to sit flush. And being a delicate metal frame, it's hard to make adjustments without throwing other areas off. I think this is beyond my pay grade.


Here is the kit canopy as a comparison. I'm thinking that I can round off the top corners of the rear canopy and the fuselage from the canopy to about one panel line back. And then polish up the canopy afterwards.


For back-up, I have a copy of the Revell G-10 canopy that I might be able to use. It is narrower at the base but I think I can use some hot water and coax it a little wider just in case something goes wrong with the Hasegawa canopy. I'll set aside the metal canopy frame for now.

[LyleW]

Go get ‘em! This should bie good.

[Floki]

Never have used a PE frame before what do you use for the glass?

[LyleW]

Never have used a PE frame before what do you use for the glass?

Great question! Silly me assumed it fit over the kit piece.

[Medicman71]

Excellent work on the drop tank!

I'd go with Plan B on the canopy. Do the kit canopy and sand it to shape. Way easier than that PE frame.