First appearance of the kit are very good, however the instructions do need updating. Also most location holes/marks for the struts are absent. The build itself, using all the parts provided less photo?etch parts which I understand will be included in the final product.
Reference pictures are difficult to find, therefore making any instruction update more important. The fit is very good for a resin based kit. To strengthen the model brass pins are inserted into predrilled holes. This is a necessity for the individual struts especially for the undercarriage.
The following captions will help explain the build sequence:
1)Resin parts are easily removed from the moulding block. Several passes with a scalpel either side will be enough to gently snap it off.
2) Areas such as the crew hatches are opened by carefully guiding the blade around the inside.
3) Final clean up using sanding sticks. These are basic modelling tools, providing both a way to clean up the parts and a good final finish.
4) Thin super glue was used throughout. A useful tip is to place a few drops onto an old CD, to prevent it drying too fast. Also thin brass rod is ideal for applying the adhesive to the precise area required.
5) Strangely there is no slot to except the tail plane. However this can be simply marked out ,using the plans (port side view) and cut using a fine razor saw. Final clean up with a mini file, if required.
6) & 7) A good example of how good the fit really is.
8) & 9) Alternative adhesive such as Gator Grip is ideal for non stress parts such as the fuel tank.
10) & 11) To add strength for the struts brass pins are inserted into pre drilled holes and inserted into the wing. Final alignment is achieved by using the plans and gently bending them into place.
12), 13) & 14) Repeating this same process for placing the fuselage, will result in a very strong assembly.
15) & 16) Careful measuring and marking for the top wing joint pins is the only way to ensure a secure fit.
17) I would suggest possibly marking the propeller housing for strut location positions.
18) & 19) A hightech way of keeping the undercarriage aligned. A simple blob of White Tac and a cocktail stick cut to length. Allow the super glue to dry over night.
20) A steady hand is all that is required to drill a straight line ( I steady my nerves with Vodka )
21) This is my interpretation of the plans. However the rear top struts (11) are too short and I did not have enough of the longer (10) struts which are correct.
22), 23), 24) & 25) Compared with original photos the kit looks perfect.
26) Just wish I had the right parts.
27) I really do not know the mix up here. Using the plans and the correct part we end up with this. Just glad we find it now rather than later.
I hope this helps and what you required along with the model I have returned the left over parts and updated plans.
Best Regards Mick Capell
P.S. Part 17 is the Centre Cabane strut located just in front of the pilots hatch. Parts 4&18 Appear to be the port and starboard struts located underneath the forward fuselage going into the fuel tank. Pictures 18&19 of this building stage attached and should give some ideas about these parts.
Масштаб: 1/48
Weight: 500 g