Well, having read your link Rick - I've had to reappraise my thinking
Until I did so I had no idea that this particular SE5A had the fuselage modified around the cockpit. As I don't want to get into using the True Details conversion nor spend time modifying what is a very nicely moulded kit I shall take the easy route out - change the aircraft!
I have today begun the assembly here are a few pics of progress
New addition was this Datafile to go along with the Squadron book
I decided to go with the smooth sided as opposed to the wrinkled fuselage kit parts but masked off the uprights and scraped away between to give that sunken appearance. The fin had no indication of ribs as such so these were masked off too, the areas between also scraped for relief and the rib tapes simulated at a later stage using narrow strips of self adhesive vinyl sheet.
All but a few parts were prepped for priming in one go
Incidentally, this is my spray area - the filter, made from padded lining material obtained at the local sewing shop hides a 6" extractor fan bought off Ebay for about 15 pounds- a cheap but very effective spray booth and filter.
Because the engine will be fully cowled no attempt was made to 'enhance' the frontal area other than a basic 'wood' colour for background effect (if indeed it will be seen at all) The moulded on tensioners were scraped off and replaced using Ushi Line.
No attempt to detail the engine - just as it comes as again, most of it will not be seen.
The main cockpit assembly. The wood was done using the Alkyd oils over acrylic which dried completely over night. Given that it was going to be well hidden inside it was not coated over with Tamiya clear tints but just a light mist of Kleer (Future)
The seat belts were well annealed in a lighter flame before bending, sprayed with Kleer
first before priming as this adheres to brass much better and goes a long way to prevent flaking occurring -always a problem with brass and copper parts.
Some of the metallic parts
The dials were all scraped off the dashboard to give a smooth surface for graining. The dials will be replaced using etch parts tomorrow with luck. The formers were just sprayed and the cockpit sill is still in the throes of painting
And finally something is together. I had a 'near one' when applying some solvent on that joint twixt seat back and coaming - shaking hands flipped a brushful all over the left side
Fortunately my fingers, though holding it together, were missed so it was just left to evaporate off - a nice big, solvent induced, fingerprint at this stage would really have made my day
All these pics bear testament to Lance's comments on camera Macro facilities and the ability to make things look far worse than the eye see's them - you'll have to take my word that it doesn't look too bad in the flesh.
That's it for now - pretty run of the mill stuff but I hope that has some interest value for someone
Regards - Tug
