A bit more progress to record, the Mastercasters cockpit module has been completed although it is approximately 50% scratch built. The single instrument supplied for the right side frame was completed and I subsequently "tweezerpulted" it beyond recovery range. Like the earlier lost throttle assembly a long and thorough search failed to locate it, I must have a "black hole" in my man cave as I figure there's close to half a ton of lost bits somewhere in this bloody room, but I can't see any of them! A replacement was made using scrap plastic, a spare instrument decal, and an Aeroclub bezel. I actually like it better then the original!
The forward right sidewall to firewall joint has been left un-glued; the module being too narrow for the fuselage and I hope to "spread" the sidewalls once installed permanently. In retrospect the Mastercaster's Set is a marginal product at best, it takes an inordinate effort to bring it up to basic standards.
A re-check of the reference photos showed that the stitching on the front decking of the fuselage did not continue directly below the cabane attachment locations on the fuselage where metal brackets were used. The stitching was removed from those locations and thin sheet styrene placed to simulate the brackets.
I also modified the Kit supplied cowling, The Mastercaster's cowling provided a poor fit (slightly over sized) and was the version with the cowling seams on the upper center; it was banished to the spares box. An approximately 1 mm. extension was added, the "three and nine oclock" joins added, and then the cowl retention cable was added using scrap copper wire attached with thin CA.
It's now time to close up the fuselage and start getting all these bits and pieces assembled and painted!
Cheers,
Lance
