I've finally got some progress to enter here, things are starting to come together after a very slow start up. The cockpit module was completed finishing the flight control cables, adding HGW Laser Cut Seat Belts (a real pleasure to work with and I really like the results) and touching up the cables with Mr Metal Color "Stainless". The seat was done in Alclad "Steel" to match the steel seat in the Tripe.
The side frame bracing wires were added using #9 Guitar Wire and Bob's Buckles tubes. These, as always, turned into a large pain in the posterior as I kept knocking them off during the fitting and assembly process. I also added a red portion to the fuel indicator glass on the starboard side frame (after these photos were taken) and rigged the Stab. adjusting pulley before final full assembly. I'm not entirely happy with the final varnish coat on the cabanes but it's too late to go back now..............
At this point all of the flight control wires from the fuselage exits were pre-installed and on the dorsal deck I added fairleads from .5mm Brass Tubing for the twin elevator control cables. These will need to be filled in and smoothed out.
Next the side frames and floor components were mated and the fuel and ammo containers with the instrument panel added. I had to cut the left gun's shell casing ejector chute off to get the latter assembly in place and then re-attach it later.
Once I was happy with the final steps on the cockpit the module was installed in the port fuselage half after carefully scraping all mating surfaces completely clean of paint and glue.
Since that last step the fuselage has been "closed up" and the seams have been filled and sanded. The final fit was very tight but quite satisfactory. Like all WNW Kits a lot of care has to be taken to ensure all excess paint etc. is removed before assembly, the tolerances are basically zero!
Next comes some painting of the major components, and then I can add to the debate over the "real colour of PC12"!
Cheers,
Lance
