I wasn't too sure about posting this here, because I expect it to be such a long term build. But there isn't another one of these models posted yet, so I guess it might still be of interest to someone, and maybe others will try out these kits too
The kit contains a huge number of metal parts, some laser-cut wood, more wood of various sizes (all lime/basswood), and various other materials for wiring etc. When you open the box it actually looks quite empty, but once the metal parts are taken out of their very cramped container, it fills up quite well! Actually while the packaging certainly stops things rattling around, it does warp some of the larger metal pieces, so some reshaping is required later on.
The first stage was making the all metal engine. I've put together the main parts for this, but I'm leaving it for now, while I decide how to proceed. It's ok for what it is, but has rather soft low resolution detail. For example, there are less than half the number of cooling fins the real engine has, presumably to avoid any casting issues with detail that's too fine.
I will either: carry on with it as is, scratch make some parts with plastic card, make a CAD model and have a company print it out in resin for me.
The third option will be expensive, and my job is producing 3d models... so not something I do for fun in the evenings anymore! It would produce the best results though.
So while I make my mind up on that one, I've made progress with the wings instead. The first step is to prepare all those ribs, and that alone took a few evenings. After staining them, each one is sanded (got to get rid of charring from the laser cutting process) and pinned to the rib caps, so that the rib lies in the middle.
I've now got the ribs in place on the spars. Still lots to do, but I'm finding it a very satisfying part of the kit to make.
