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Desert Marlin
I guess it finally happens! I have been doing the same. Making this get done feels very good! The shading looks great!

Jason Marson
Thanks for your kind words Desert Marlin. I've had my airbrush kit for a little over 6 months and I feel that I'm finally starting to see progress in my ability. Onwards and upwards!

Desert Marlin
In my work I am still struggling with airbrushing Vallejo paints. The struggle is real!

Jason Marson
@Desert Marlin are you using the standard or the Model Air paints? I'm using the latter at the moment and in the majority. I find they work just fine and the clean up is much easier than with the other paints I've been using which includes, MrColor (aqueous and lacquer paints), Hataka red caps, and Tamiya. Let me know and I'll see if I can help at all.

Desert Marlin
I have noticed the same. I am using the Surface Primer (black and white) from Vallejo and find that helps a great deal. I have little trouble with the Mr. Color paints. I was always fond of the Gunze Sangyo paints as I felt they matched the actual colors (real life) rather closely. So the Mr. Color Aqueous has become one of my favorites. Right now, I agree that the Model Air (I used the US OD on my P-38) work very well. I have had some trouble with the "Model Color" variety as well. Thanks for your help! It's always welcome! Cheers!

Guy Rump
Looking good, following. 👍

Jason Marson
Thanks Guy!

Martin Oostrom
You can reload the right ones yourself.

Spanjaard
when new Instructions are uploaded to a kit, the old ones are replaced. so as Martin suggested, you can easily correct the issue yourself 🙂

William Joel
Hmmm. I only see a download button. Where would the upload button be?

Eddie Mann
To the right of the Facts section,

Edit
Add based on
History
Merge
Merge to Paint
Manage stash

Select "Edit" and scroll down to "Instruction sheets", you can then upload.

William Joel
OK, I corrected the files. Thanks for the help.

gorby
Booking a front row seat for his build. 🙂

Dave
Let me find chair. this looks to be very interesting project.

Jennifer Franklin
Welcome gorby and Dave!

Villiers de Vos
Booking my seat as well.

Michael Kohl
I am in this one too.

Nicolas
Taking a seat as well.

Nicolas
👀

Alberto
Nice progress 👍

CaptGPF
Following!

Michal Válek
Thanks guys

Arno
The wing should be smooth. With all the parts it looks more like a lego brick. So I've removed the supports and sanded averything smooth. The support will be replaced with metal parts.

Martin Oostrom
I love the Jägermeister livery. So naturally, I don't have any kits with them 🫣

Spanjaard
yet , i guess we will have it in "I shouldn't be doing this" list for 2025 😉
nice 956 Arno!

yngvenett
I'm in for the ride

Олег О
Very interesting. I'll take a look.

Michael Kohl
Me too. Anxious to see how you fare with the non-ACE ACE-kit.

Qwertzel
Well, the kit looks good. The plastic is solid and the fitting is good. For sure there is a little bit of flash but nothing crazy. So I hope the build goes down without any problems

Robert Podkoński
Good work so far, keep it up! (and keep the parts of the model away from your assistant 😉... )

Jennifer Franklin
I have to barricade my model into my spray booth whenever I am not working on it 🙂

Robert Podkoński
That's a good solution 😉

Michael Kohl
Hi Jennifer, you are on quite a mission if this is your first kit.
The airbrushed parts do look good.

As a hint: In case you want to orientate a picture differently, like pic 2 and 3 for example, you can do so by choosing the option "advanced" in the "manage"-menue.

May I suggest to further dilute paints you brush paint? The paint on the door seems to be rather thick. I for my part had a hard fight to alter my initial tendency to cover an area with one layer of paint - be it brush or airbrush. If you do a test brush stroke no stroke patterns should be visible. You will then probably need three to four passes to cover the intended area. Another thing that took me a long time to accept was to unload my brush on a piece of kitchen paper before I touch the model. If you then touch the model, it should not leave a drop or puddle but just a smooth thin layer of paint. Maybe this helps a bit on the way.

Keep us posted on your progress

Happy modelling

Bruce Huxtable
Watching with interest and admiration. Very neat work 👍

Guy Rump
Good progress. From experience on this kit, ensure that you put the clear parts for the nose area on before painting. The fit of these is quite difficult. (masked of course). (not the actual gun transparency, that fits fine). 👍

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you for all the advice. In hindsight, this may have been a bit extreme for a first model. I definitely need to dilute more when I do brushwork. Thankfully that was done on the interior and should not show too much in the end. I will endeavour to improve going forward.

Łukasz Gliński
Very ambitious kit selection 🙂 Following

Slackbladder
<<<<< I have a similar feline 'helper' who often appears, usually whilst trying to do the most tricky things.

Jennifer Franklin
Yes, her timing is generally remarkable, she tends to really pick her moments.

Bernd Grün
Nice start so far! Following! 👍

Juskifo
Here we go
Nice Guy😽on instruction

Tyson Tu
Great job so far - especially for a first kit! Looking forward to seeing your progress (both on this kit and afterwards 🙂)
My helpers are generally invisible, photo-wise, but their fur (especially now in the spring shedding season) sneaks into at least half of the macro shots 😉

Michael Jonker
Good luck Jennifer, it is looking very neat. I second the advice given on brush painting. Many thin coats and patience required. The fur of my two helpers are well embedded into the paintwork of my models!

Neil
Hi Jennifer, watching 👀 your progress with interest also, great work so far 👏👍

Rui
The cat is a vital element of the build for morale. Don't let it try to help; the lack of opposable thumbs is a detriment to assembly and sanding. Paint though is a different story 🐈

Jennifer Franklin
Hi Bernd, Juskifo, Tyson, Michael, Neil, and Rui. Thank you for your kind words and advice. Agreed the cat is a vital element for morale 🙂

Juskifo
please and welcome to the world of modeling

Jennifer Franklin
I tried thinning my paint before doing brushwork tonight and it helped. Thanks for the good advice. My brushwork could still use improvement but it's better than before.

Michael Kohl
👍

Martin Oostrom
For a first kit, this is looking very promising! Live and learn and after three more kits, see how much your skills improved.

Rando Dude
Quite an ambitious choice for a first kit, but it is also looking pretty good so far. Following with great interest.

Bruce Huxtable
Steady hand for the cockpit instruments, neatly done!

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Bruce, Rando Dude, Martin, and Michael, very encouraging.

Robert Podkoński
Just an unimportant suggestion, Jennifer: there is a functionality in the album editing that shows the last uploaded photo as the main one - it gives us the possibility to follow the development of your work 😉

Jennifer Franklin
Thanks Robert, that is a great suggestion, I will do that from now on.

Tyson Tu
Hi Jennifer, re pic 42: Dry brushing can definitely be an important skill for your arsenal, just be careful which brush you pick up to do it…I've ruined quite a few brushes picking up a perfectly fine detail brush and getting a bit too enthusiastic with it while drybrushing 😉

Jennifer Franklin
Hi Tyson, good to know, I won't use any of my best brushes but only my junk brushes when I do it going forward.

Robert Podkoński
You must be very talented, Jennifer - I have never mastered a dry brush technique...

David H
Hi Jennifer, I'm in , watching with interest …😁

Jennifer Franklin
Hi David, welcome and thank you for your interest.

Greg Baker
Looks like everyone is piping in with advice, so I'll share some… paint retardant. It's similar to thinner, but keeps the paint from drying too quickly, which cuts way way down on the brush stroke marks.

Simon Nagorsnik
Nice interior so far 👍

Jennifer Franklin
Hi Simon and Greg, thank you, Simon. I will try that Greg when I start working on the exterior. Thank you for the advice!

Pietro De Angelis
Nice interior Jennifer, congrats!

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Roland and Pietro. I am having a lot of fun with this model.

Greg Baker
I'm a bit evangelical on paint retardant and it's the kind of thing I wish I'd known when I started out. The first time I saw it, the implications of slower drying paint were not clear to me. I mean, don't we always want the paint to dry faster? However, using it makes a big difference when brush painting.

This video isn't in English, but the results are clear to see:

Youtube Video

Jennifer Franklin
I am definitely going to try it, Greg. The video's results were clear and definitely a win. I had dismissed retarder since I had thought who wants their paint to dry slower, I can see now this was a mistake.

Villiers de Vos
Very nice progress.

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you Villiers de Vos

Ludvík Kružík
Jennifer, you're doing great! Even though the B-17 is not the easiest kit, you're doing very well. I really like your enthusiasm for model building. I wish your enthusiasm will last and model building will bring you joy.

Skyhiker
The Sky is watching. Have fun.

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Ludvik, and hello Sky.

David Taylor
Coming along nicely.

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you David, I might even finish the interior one of these days soon 😛

Skyhiker
Here Jennifer I think this may help you.
Youtube Video

Dave
Your work on this kit looks great, and love how supervisor is keeping watch over your progress. Mine just curls up and sleeps in my paint booth.

Jennifer Franklin
*wow* Skyhiker, thank you, it is going to take me a while to go through all of that. It's a forty minute movie 😛

Jennifer Franklin
My supervisor demands pets at regular intervals 🙂

Edward MacKenzie
Wow, great work so far! Congrats, it is really looking good! But to be honest i mostly like the pics with your red/white assistant... awww....

Chan Li
Have to say I never knew any lady modeller who's interested in military motif, and things look much better than my first model, looking forward to the final reveal!

Jennifer Franklin
Thanks, Edward and Chan, I fell in love with the Memphis Bell years ago when the movie came out. It was a lovely film. My assistant is definitely the best part of any project that I do. Thank you, Roland, very sage advice. These are just temporary holds while each 24-hour glue step sets but when I do the final glue of the two fuselage pieces (which is coming) I will try to keep that in mind.

Villiers de Vos
Nice and steady progress.

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Villiers, I try to do at least 30 minutes every day.

jan zumack
Nice build so far. 👍

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you jan 🙂

Simon O'Gorman
Love watching your first build. It's really good! Love the pics with your cat in them. Also, you've inspired me to order a magnifying lamp.

Skyhiker
Jennifer if you will be doing more 1:72 scale projects the best investment you can make is a magnifying headset. amazon.ca/Magnifier-..stable/dp/B08F6YZLH2

Skyhiker
A focal length between 12 and 6 inches is best for most things in this scale.

Jennifer Franklin
Oooooohhhhhh, thank you Skyhiker, I have bought the magnifying headset, that is a great idea! Thank you, Simon.

John Hughes
A set of Infini sanding sticks would be better than sandpaper too.

Jennifer Franklin
OK, thank you, John, I will see what I can find.

Bruce Huxtable
John's advise is spot on. I use Fine and Extra Fine, and they are the best thing ever 👍 Use with water, and the sanding sticks last years. The extra fine makes the model smooth and shiny again 👍

Alexander Perov
не самая простая модель для начала в моделизме и у вас очень хорошо получается удачи в дальнейшем

Jennifer Franklin
Ok Bruce, very good to have that confirmed. I've already bought the sandpaper so I am going to see if that works as my pocket book has limits but will keep that in mind for the future.

Jennifer Franklin
Thanks to MM Scale Models for the video that taught me how to do the weathering techniques that I applied tonight. Youtube Video

Shar Dipree
Nice build so far. Continued success. 👍

Jennifer Franklin
Thanks, Shar!

Jennifer Franklin
спасибо Александр

Michael Kohl
Nice progress. Having a well organized working space doubles the fun.
May I ask which riveting tool this is? Looks pretty decent.
You may want to reconsider riveting your first model though, as riveting can be a source of quite some frustration (guess how I know).
Keep up the good and steady progress and have fun.

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Michael, it was suggested that I practice on a spoon, so I am going to try that and see how hard I find riveting to be. I imagine the real difficulty is in getting all the lines right though. The tool is by SM SunniMix: amazon.ca/dp/B09Q3D7..dt_b_product_details. I would really like to try the riveting as I kind of consider my first model to be a playground to try everything, Although scratch building I am saving for when I have more experience. I have been reading that applying the rivets to the primer layer is much easier than the bare model so I may try that.

Robin long
Careful works, it can be seen that a lot of preparation has been made.

Dave
Love well organized work shop

Neil Patrick
Very impressed by your commitment and investment for a first model Jennifer. I think most of us (of a certain age at least) started with just a kit, a tube of stringy glue and a vivid imagination.
I find riveting to be less hard than you'd guess at least on flat sections. Concentric fuselage circumferences need guide tapes I find. They add a lot of interest to large flat surfaces IMHO.

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Robin, Dave, and Neil. Yes, a lot of preparation and research has gone into this model. One of the advantages of being a certain age is you tend to prepare more I think 😉. I am much happier with an organized workshop. You have sold me on doing rivets Neil.

Skyhiker
Jennifer you will find that the size of the sprocket wheel matters when doing rivets. The smaller the diameter of the wheel the more control you will have and you will be able to reach further into the corners. Most corners will have to be individually done though. Embossing label tape helps to keep things straight. Proper blueprints are a must.

Jennifer Franklin
Hi Skyhiker, I have found blueprints and a very good video that goes through the process including the use of label tape. Thank you for the advice, it is much appreciated.

Martin Oostrom
You might want to reconsider the layer of putty that you applied, it will be a lot of work to remove the excess. The stuff does shrink, but not that much 😂
Been there, done that.

Skyhiker
Where did you get those blueprints? They're fantastic.

Skyhiker
Martin has a point. There is nothing wrong with trying out the putty but I have found that it is only useful for certain types of jobs. Most seams can be sealed and sanded using cheap super glue and sanding sticks. It's much faster, easier to control, doesn't shrink, sands down better and it is better for making panel lines and rivets because it doesn't crumble. If you go to a dollar store you can usually pick up a pack of 5 tubes for about a dollar. I usually buy 50 small tubes at a time. Larger bottles tend to dry out and should be avoided. Cyanno accelerator will make super glue set instantly and debonder will remove super glue from delicate areas. A decent set of sandpaper can be picked up online.

Skyhiker
You can make a super glue applicator with a sewing needle. Just cut the top of the eye off to make a fork and set it in your pin vice hand drill. The super glue applicator will give you surgical precision. Put a small puddle of super glue in the wax of a tea light candle. Dip the applicator in and apply where necessary. The wax helps to keep the super glue from drying out too fast. If you make a lid for the tea light using tin foil it should stay liquid for two days and the lid will keep any dust from sanding out.

Jennifer Franklin
Hi Martin and Skyhiker, oh dear about the putty, I guess I am going to find out how hard it is to remove (at least from the top) and then I can try the super glue for the bottom. Skyhiker, believe it or not I found those blueprints doing searches on the Internet.

Martin Oostrom
And if you add a little pigment to the superglue, it remains just a bit softer and you can see where it is.

Skyhiker
Don't worry the putty should work fine. It's just the super glue is probably better in this type of application. Trying both in the beginning is the only way to know where to use each product.

Chan Li
Hi Jennifer, sometimes you can use the masking tape before applying putty (or whatever for same purpose) and sanding. Tape the sufaces alongside the gap, then you can sand at will.
In this case you don't worry about ruining the areas around. All rivets and panel lines would be protected by the tape, and you can even tear them off when the sanding is nearly done, saves up time, and keeps the surface neat.

John Hughes
Let's not forget Mr Surfacer Liquid Putty! Apply with a brush, cut back with IPA or Mr Surfacer Levelling Thinners.

Skyhiker
The art is to make perfectly smooth surfaces after filling. This requires more sanding than what you have done so far. Work your way from 200 grit to at least 800 if not to 2000. Keep your magnifying glasses on and use a directional light to see any unwanted shadows from surface texture. For a gloss surface it is advisable to wet sand up to 12,000 grit.

Jennifer Franklin
Hi John, I will look into Mr. Surface Liquid Putty, it sounds time saving. Hi Chan, thanks for the pro tip! HI Skyhiker, added 5000, 7000, and 10000 grit. Does that look better?

Skyhiker
It's hard to tell from photos how smooth it is. It looks like there is still a bump in the second panel of the tail. Between 100 and 600 grit is where most of the sanding should be done. Once the surface is even you can start polishing with higher grits. If you can cast a shadow in any area you should probably go over that section again. People always underestimate the prep work before priming but it is what makes for award winning work. Of course not everyone wants to make the perfect model. The main thing is to go as far as you want to and enjoy what you are doing. It is a hobby after all. But since you are just starting out it is best to learn what to look for in order to get the best results, which is why I've made these suggestions.

Shar Dipree
Hi Jennifer. What do you want to sand with a P5000, P7000 and p10000 sandpaper?
As long as you don't want to grind and polish clear parts (or high gloss finish), a P240, 400, 600 and maybe another P800 will work for everyone. 🙂

Jennifer Franklin
Oh, now I understand what you are looking at. OK, I will check for bumps. Thanks Shar and Skyhiker. I thought you were looking at how rough the surface was.

Jennifer Franklin
Interesting Roland, thank you for the pro tip.

Łukasz Gliński
If it comes to putty you might consider getting Perfect Plastic Putty
Perfect Plastic Putty (Deluxe Materials BD44, No)
Similar to acrylic ones mentioned above, can be awlays reworked using a bit of water, even when it dries completely. Not as good as super glue as it crumbles, but it's sandable as well.
Not sure however what's the availability across the pond, they make it in UK.

Jennifer Franklin
Thanks for the pro tip Lukasz, I will look into finding a supplier here in Canada.

Shar Dipree
I can highly recommend Tamiya Putty Basic Type.
Tamiya Putty Basic Type (Tamiya 87053, No)
But just don't get it on your skin.

Skyhiker
All of those putties are decent and have there uses but for a perfectly blended professional fuselage or wing roots, standard super glue is really the best. You won't have to chase the seams over and over. It is the cheapest, most efficient, fastest and does the job better than any other product. I would only use putty for areas that need sculpting where two part epoxy would be overkill. And I would only use water soluble white putty for small areas that need to be quickly filled where sanding is impossible such as near raised elements and when using super glue with debonder would be too laborious. Believe me I know what I am talking about, I have a masters degree in sculpture and 35 years experience as a professional artist.

Jennifer Franklin
Okay Skyhiker, your super pro tip has been noted. I will definitely pick up some little dollar store super glue packages. There is a store near my house.

Skyhiker
I'm not sure I have super pro tips. I think for those you should ask people like Alec K, Bughunter, Spanjaard, Harvey H.W., Andrea Brenco, Jeanette Müller, Michael Phillips, or Roland Sachsenhofer and many others here as they have more experience in modeling than I do. But I'm happy to relay some of the experience I've gained in my time with this hobby.

Skyhiker
I think Roland Revolvermann and Łukasz's method of using acrylic putty is good if you are very experienced or have a high quality kit that fits well together, but most kits are not like Bandai kits with perfect fits. Of course with practice any method can be perfected as Roland and Łukasz have proven many times over. Practice makes perfect, the tools are just tools.

Łukasz Gliński
Fully agree, this forum is about supplying all of us with options, but we choose ourselves what to pick, there's no one&only way to perfectly build any given kit 😁

Dave
I agree with the gentleman above and their Points of view. A lot of it is experiencing what works for you. On that particular kit you're working on. I know me and I have lot to learn still. That what makes it fun.

Jennifer Franklin
Sky you must have an incredibly good eye, I had to use a ruler to find the bulges. I did some more sanding and added a grey primer to try and "pick up" inconsistencies. It's not absolutely perfect but I think I may call it good enough.

Jennifer Franklin
Thanks, Dave, a very good perspective. And yes, this is terribly fun isn't 🙂

Shar Dipree
Hi Jennifer. With a black primer (and some playing with the light angle)you can see inconsistencies in the surface better than with grey.

Skyhiker
Jennifer I think you are starting to get a feeling for what to look for. Congratulations. Surface structure, blended joints, clean edges and proper lines in the structure are the best things to concentrate on at this stage. As well as making sure you have clean and transparent clear parts and proper masking. Later you should look at the overall structure such as the angle of the wings and landing gear. Then move on to focusing on the painting; making sure your paint doesn't over extend or under extend the intended area, and making sure you have smooth surface layering, correct hues and values, and proper transitions to your various layers of paint and clean edges where necessary. Once you know where and what to look for it's is just a matter of practice and a desire to improve with each model that will make you proud of your talent and success. Welcome to the wonderful world of modeling!

Jennifer Franklin
Thanks, Sky and Shar

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Shar for explaining the grit levels I should be using and Sky for pushing me to get it right. It looks so much better now.

Skyhiker
👍

Skyhiker
Any behind the scenes action going on with this project? Been a bit quiet lately.

Jennifer Franklin
You have excellent timing Sky, you asked roughly an hour before I posted my latest update.

Jennifer Franklin
So I found a good video on how to fill seams. Youtube Video Thanks to everyone for all of their great advice.

Rando
The Eclipse HP-CS is the first and only airbrush I've bought, it's done really well for me so far, hope you enjoy it!

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Rando, I am looking forward to trying it out tonight after work.

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Roland.

Shar Dipree
Yes, the Iwata Eclipse (0,35mm) is a great, unproblematic and universal airbrush.
The switching from two different Harder & Steenbecks to the Iwata Eclipse was like a revelation for me. My partner has since changed too and is also totally happy. I am convinced that you could not have bought a better one for model building and as a beginner.

Skyhiker
I have an old Iwata hp-b 0,2 mm that is a bit difficult to use because the trigger pressure is very sensitive. I'm curious if those issues have been fixed? I'm sure they have since my Iwata is over 30 years old. Perhaps I just need to replace my valve with a newer one.

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Shar. Sky you should replace your valve for sure, the Iwata is wonderful to use. I used it over my lunch break and it was mind-blowingly better than the starter kit that I was using.

Ludvík Kružík
Jennifer, it's clear that you have put a lot of effort into the preparation and that you really enjoy building the model. It's amazing the progress you've made. 👍 I wish you continued success!

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you Ludvik, I am really enjoying this whole process.

James C
Looks to be coming together nicely 👍

Jennifer Franklin
Thanks, James, I have to admit I am a little nervous about the riveting, weathering, and decal steps coming up. I have bought plastic spoons to practice on.

Simon O'Gorman
Plastic spoons rock! Just learning myself and, along with cocktail sticks, they are my new favourite accessories... I'm mostly in this for the accessories!

gorby
I'm amazed you are attempting so many new techniques on your first model. Very nice work so far.

Robert Barkoski
Great work so far! I'll admit, I like the idea of using zip ties to hold the fuselage together while glue dries. Keep going!

Pietro De Angelis
Nice progress so far Jennifer considering it's your first model,
congrats!

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Simon, gorby, Robert, and Pietro. Yeah, I love the accessories too! I am building my collection of "tools". Once my wings finish drying I need to go back and straighten that one engine, I just noticed it's fairly askew.

Cuajete
Mates advice are very much appreciated. Well done so far, Jennifer! 👍
You have a very nice furry assistant 😉

Martin Oostrom
Check out my album to see what you can do with spoons, bamboo sticks and a cat toy WIP - MyFirst Gundam | Album by Mahoo76 (1:144)

Shar Dipree
Hey, your b-17 is taking shape. 👍

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you Cuajete, Martin, and Shar. Things are taking shape and it is getting exciting. Mates are indeed greatly appreciated. The truth is I actually have two furry assistants who are almost identical looking, although most of the photos are of my girl Framboise. Loki is clumsy enough that I rarely allow him near my model. Very nice album Martin, I especially love the primary coloured spoons.

Remco van Haren
Great work so far! Not exactly a beginners kit, but you're doing a great job.

Jennifer Franklin
Yeah, it was suggested that I pick a subject that I was interested in so that I stay motivated and I absolutely love the Memphis Belle so... how hard could a Revell Level 5 be right? lol... oops... but I have to admit I am enjoying the kit immensely so even if it does not turn out as perfectly as a lot of the work I am seeing on this site, well it will be a great learning experience and my next kit will be that much better.

Mr James
Agree with everyone else with how well you're doing on your first kit. Nice work on the interior. I'm impressed with your organisation and professional approach to building. Also, you've got a great setup with your spray booth and an excellent choice in the Iwata Eclipse, I have the same one. 🙂 My tip of the day, if you dont know already, is to pop a couple of beads into your paint pots. I use Non-Magnetic Hematite Beads, £2 for 100 @Amazon. They dont corrode or effect the paint and really help in shaking the paint ready for use. Especially if you use Vellajo acrylics, which are really good for brush painting.

Michael Kohl
I actually prefer simple stones that I washed before. They are dirt cheap and absolutely never ever corrode. 🙂

Your build is great to follow not just for the quite impressive progress you are doing on the fly as you devour all the input, but it is quite interesting to see how others approach problems and which tricks they use. And all of that in a nutshell.

Continue to have fun!!

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Mr. James, I am using metallic beads of some sort that I bought on Amazon, I agree they are great. Hi Michael, I had not thought to use plain stones, that is a terrific idea.

Jennifer Franklin
I am struggling with my right engine cover. I accidentally glued it askew and I can not figure out (yet) how to correct it. I used superglue in this case. I have tried taking some plastic cement and using that to separate the parts but since there is superglue in there not too surprisingly that did not work. I have ordered some glue debonder and will see if I can make that work but if anyone has any suggestions please let me know.

David H
You can get debonder but I haven't used it and don't know how it would react with the plastic 😬

Michael Kohl
Do not have any experience with debonder, but superglue is quite brittle and often parts can be separated again by flexing the contact lines. I would try to pry the two parts a bit apart (best at a rather invisible spot).

Ludvík Kružík
Plastic glue does not dissolve CA glue. It would only damage the surface of the model.
Most debonders (CA glue solvents) do not react with plastic, but it is better to test them on a piece of plastic tree for example before use.
It is also possible that the debonder will not penetrate deep enough into the glued joint and dissolve all the glue.

As a possible solution (if all attempts to unstick the engine cover fail) is to cut the engine cover off with a razor saw. This saw has a very thin cut and the loss of material at the cut point is minimal. Carefully cut off the engine cover at the joint. After cutting, sand the mating surfaces so that the engine cover is in the correct position and glue the cover back in place.
And of course check the correct position of the cover during gluing. 🙂

Jennifer Franklin
Hi David, Michael, and Ludvik, okay thank you all for your advice, I will definitely test the debonder on one of my sprues before trying it on my model. I have tried prying the two parts a bit apart and that is not working. I have bought a mini razor saw and will pick it up tomorrow, let's see how well that works.

Skyhiker
Any CA debonder will work. Just put it on and wait for 10 minutes. You may have to reapply a few times if you want to get all the super glue off. This is what I use... Glue Buster 28g (Deluxe Materials AD48, No)

Andy Heim
A nice piece of work for your first project!
Keep on, it will be a very good start to scale modeling.
The only risk is, that your cat wants to play a little bit with it 😉

Jennifer Franklin
Hi Andy, I am actually building a plastic cover completely around one of my shelves to protect my finished model, complete with a hinged front using magnets to secure it so I can open it whenever I want. Believe me, I am planning on protecting my baby when it is finished. At the moment I have a cardboard-covered area protecting it until I finish the plastic shelter. 🙂

Bruce Huxtable
The riveting is looking very neat and I'm sure will add greatly to the finished appearance. Don't rush it!

Jennifer Franklin
Hi Bruce, thank you and I will try hard not to.

Shar Dipree
It's really impressive what you do. I'm beginning to think that you're not really a beginner, 😉

Jennifer Franklin
I thought I was making enough rookie mistakes between my initial rough brush painting, the lack of use of flow improver, my seam filing, gluing the wings before doing the rivets, and gluing things at an angle that is so bad I am going to have to correct it 😉

Mr James
Sound like a normal build to me... 🙂
I've made more mistakes on planes than anything else. Leaving things out after fuselage glued... 🙁

David H
Shar, maybe our Jennifer is a ringer and really is the lady that does Jenesis models on you tube 🤔🤫😉

Jennifer Franklin
oh dear, you've got me 😛 ... lol

Tini Hendriks
With so much advice you will be able to fly the thing 😀. Very nice to see your journey in words and pictures! 💪🏼

Robert Barkoski
As a cat lover, I get where you are coming from. That "security box" is priceless!

Cuajete
Good idea 👍

Simon Nagorsnik
Rivets looks good, well done job 👍

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Robert, Cuajete, Simon, and Mona. Let's hope the cats decide resistance is futile, when they put their minds to it they can do some pretty amazing (and destructive) things.

Mona
I had a cat who enjoyed sleeping next to a 1/12 lotus 78 ...long ago.

David H
Ooh black and gold jps, ❤️

Andy Ball
As I understand this is your first go at model making?, well what a great start and super methodical too! Look forward to the finals at RAF Bassingbourne!

Jennifer Franklin
Mona, that is really sweet. My older girl might well sleep with my model but my younger boy likes to play and I don't think the model would survive him. Thank you, David, and Andy. Yes Andy this is my first model 🙂

Ludvík Kružík
Jennifer, I hope all is well with you. I haven't seen a post from you in a long time about your Memphis Belle.

Munkyslut
Cat resistant 😂😂😂

Robbie
Why modelers have cats is beyond me. Dogs don't trash your display case or your man cave. I can't see myself bolting plexiglass around everything just so furball don't mess with it ;P

Martin Oostrom
I don't have a cat, my wife does…

John Hughes
Ludvik, I suspect the recent fires may have forced Jennifer to relocate for a time. Hopefully she'll be back with us soon.

Jennifer Franklin
I am well, I have stayed in touch with an old friend from high school and he recently had severe health problems I have had him move in with me and it has taken up a fair bit of my time. I plan to get back to my modeling work soon.

Shar Dipree
I'm glad to read from you and that you're fine. 🙂

Rando Dude
I'm also glad to see that that you are well 🙂

David H
^^^^^

Ludvík Kružík
I was very pleased to hear that you're all right. 🙂
... and I look forward to continuing your work on the Memphis Belle.

Jennifer Franklin
I have finished decluttering my basement and moving everything in my guest bedroom closet downstairs so my guest now has a full closet, almost back to the model 🙂 Thanks everyone for your kind thoughts.

Ludvík Kružík
That's good news. Welcome back! 🙂

Mr James
Glad to hear all is well and welcome from 😊

Guy Rump
Glad you're back, looking forward to the final result! 👍

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Ludvik, Mr James, and Guy!

Shar Dipree
I'm glad you're back and I'm excited to follow your project. 🙂

David H
Aaaaaaand we're back. Missed you Jen. Glad you're ok and back in the saddle 👍🏻

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Shar and David; glad to be back.

Tini Hendriks
At last 😀

Landlubber Mike
Looking good! Pretty big model even at 1/72!

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Tini and Mike 😀

Andy Ball
edging along (if you pardon the pun) nicely!

Jennifer Franklin
Rofl Andy, the pun is appreciated, and thank you.

Dave
Glad to see you're back. Hope everything is ok and that supervisor (aka kitty) is still keeping watch over your project.

Jennifer Franklin
Hi Dave, my supervisor is still active. My friend is fully healed, and I have mostly finished training for the new job, so I am very glad to be back, thank you.

Rudy Poseika
I think that is 1:1 scale on the work table...

Aman S.
Great work Jennifer!

Jennifer Franklin
Good call, Rudy; definitely a 1:1 scale. Thank you, Aman.

Pietro De Angelis
Congratulations to the supervisor, really strict!😁

Ralf Topeters
Now I meet the plane build! I've only seen the dio album so far. Following of course!

Jennifer Franklin
Hi Pietro, yes, she is tough. Hi Ralf, welcome.

Mr James
I didn't realise how big that 1.72 model is. Are you going to metal finish or olive drab affair 🤔

Mr James
Just realised it's Memphis belle, silly me 🙄

Jennifer Franklin
Thanks for the chuckle Mr James. Yeah, classic Memphis Belle colours for me.

Dave
Just had a quick look at some of your photos and have admire the details you added to the kit.

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Dave. High praise coming from a more experienced modeler.

Michael Kohl
You might consider putting a cardboard on the bottom of your spraybooth and an aluminum wrap around the sides. Keeps the box longer in presentable shape. I personally like to quickly test shoot my gun adjustments on the cardboard too.
Repeating my mantra I definitely recommend a respiratory mask in addition to the booth. Whenever I change the filters I am amazed at all the stuff my lungs did not have to handle. Costs only as much as a decent kit. Choose the appropriate filters for your needs. And I was surprised at the minimal impact on respiration.

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you Michael, sage advice.

Dave
Jennifer thank for the compliment. But let's be honest I'm old enough to know better but young enough and dumb enough to do it again.

Jennifer Franklin
Well, Dave, that makes two of us.

Desert Marlin
Looks like some excellent work! Cheers!

Patrick Hagelstein
I'm 🤞🏼🤞🏼 for you Jennifer, that exterior paint session is both the most nerve wrecking and rewarding experience of the whole build. Enjoy this part! ☺️👍🏼

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Desert Marlin and Patrick; I will try to enjoy the exterior paint to the fullest that I can.

Akaidada
Following 👀

Jennifer Franklin
Welcome Akaidada

Stuart
Hi Jennifer, I have found theses PDF step by steps are really helpful if you are keen.

acrylicosvallejo.com/en/step-by-step/

Jennifer Franklin
Hi Stuart, those step-by-step PDFs look like a great help; thank you!

Ralf Topeters
Absolutely! Thanx a lot Stuart! 👍 I haven't heard of them so far and they look great.

Tom Harris
Great work, Jennifer! For a first kit, you're REALLY diving in! 🙂 Rivets! 😮
Also great that everyone is pitching in with help!
I found myself chuckling because your tool setup is so familiar! Almost the same model spray booth, 3-brush set, same airbrush pot/holder, folding table, similar iwata airbrush and I nearly bought those wooden-handled tweezers (how are they working out?)!

Jennifer Franklin
Welcome, Tom, and thank you. Interestingly, we have a similar setup, as I did not buy all my equipment from one place. Are you new or recently returned to modeling? The community on this site is lovely and has been a big help as I have progressed through this first build. I love the wooden-handled tweezers; whenever I need a third hand, they are the first thing I pull out.

Skyhiker
Now it's getting interesting. Paint! Keep it up.

Ralf Topeters
Paint and model are married now. It is getting exciting! 🙂 👍

David Taylor
Coming along nicely.

Ludvík Kružík
Painting and gluing decals -this is my favourite stage of model building. It's the exact moment when a piece of plastic becomes a real model.

Keep up the good work!

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Skyhiker, Ralf, David, and Ludvik; I have to admit this is exciting. I am getting close to finished!

Casey Beckett
Unbelievable first effort - my first Memphis Belle at oh, say 8 , way back in the early 70's was done in one afternoon....very impressive.! following.

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Casey; between when I started and now, I am already embarrassed by many of my early mistakes, but it has been an absolute joy to learn as I have gone along.

Skyhiker
Each model is a new learning experience if you challenge yourself to improving. I find that is the real joy in modeling.

Akaidada
Following Gorgeous!👍🏼 Extraodinary WORKS!

CaptGPF
Our hobby is definitely more fun with our four legged assistants! I can relate to the need to keeping the crew and kit secured while you are away, cats seem to like taste testing the pilots. 😀

Nathan Dempsey
Looking great. Nice helper you have 🙂

James C
Nice progress 👍

David Taylor
Looking good Jennifer.

Cuajete
Looking good so far, Jennifer 👍
Greetings to your great 4-legged helper!

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Skyhiker, Akaidada, CaptGPF, Nathan, James, David, and Cuajette. Have loved learning along the way with this model and could not have done it without my 4-legged helper.

Munkyslut
That's coming along beautifully………. everything you do looks so clean & neat, quite impressive👌👌

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you Munkyslut

Mark Sherwood
The build is coming along Jennifer 👍🥸🤘

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Mark; I have learned not to spray toward masking tape (I really should have known better), and I get to clean it up this afternoon.

Jennifer Franklin
I cleaned up my messed-up paint job, but I have received feedback that I may need to do more sanding, possibly filling, and seam cleanup. I am going to go through all the suggestions I received and see what I can do. Expect a potentially much smoother model soon-ish. Through some minor luck, I managed to match the paint mix again almost exactly to the first mix of the olive drab.

Rudy Poseika
Soonish: time is relative when you are developing software or making a model. Looking good at any rate!

Jennifer Franklin
Lol, thank you Rudy, very, very true.

Mark Sherwood
Yes, Jennifer. Clean up. I bloody love that when I've cocked up a paint job. Wet and dry, sand the offending edges and holidays then respray 😤 Good luck Jennifer. 🤟🥸🤘

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Mark; wish me luck matching the paint. Both the top and bottom are mixes. At least I can rely on weathering to smooth out some variation.

Jennifer Franklin
Tomorrow, I will be buying a scribing tool to rescribe panel lines. I still have some paint cleanup to do, too.

Michael Kohl
Only one?

Sorry to elaborate again, but maybe you'll find the info valuable nevertheless.
For (re-)scribing panellines you will encounter various situations that are best dealt with with different tools.
What's the shape you need? V or U? Most of the times it doesn't really matter, sometimes it does.

I take the liberty to just state what I use:
- saw: gives you a very good guidance as you can start at the still present panelline and continue into the panelless area. Creates a U-shaped groove. JLC is a classic, a lot of other brands and shapes are available. Blade width shouldn't exceed 0.2 mm.
- UMM scribing tool: has two ends and can be pushed and pulled. Sharp. External guidance recommended (ruler, tape or the like). Creates a V-shaped groove.
- punch: best for irregular shapes. Creates a V-shaped groove. Needs guidance. Works best with PE-templates (consider ordering some). Looks for ones with a wolfram-carbite tip. Gives you more punch for your buck.
- Scriber
+ Trumpeter: coarse and cheap. I like it for coarse work like cutting sheets. V-shape
+ Tamiya and others: Very expensive. Can only be pulled. Available in various widths, U-shape
- phiole/ampule cutter: dirt cheap. Properties similar to saw (highly recommended by my Master Modeller friend)

I got them all. I use the top three for 95% of my scribing. Buying UMM tools hurts - but only once. Then you should have a trusted mate. (Similar to Tamiya, but for scribing I would choose other options).
Hope that helps and doesn't confuse too much.

Jennifer Franklin
@Michael Kohl, yes, thank you, that was valuable information. I would go to my local hobby shop and see what they suggest, but now I may combine the local store and Amazon. I already have a saw, and I will check its blade width. I had no idea I could use it for scribing.

Ethan Flory
It's coming along nicely!

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you Ethan.

John E
Yes, looking good!

Clifford Keesler
Looking nice Jennifer. How is the 1/72 kit? I have the 1/48 one.

Clifford Keesler
I see you have a modeling buddy also.

Jennifer Franklin
Hi Clifford, this is my first model, so I don't have a lot of context. I've found it to fit and be fairly easy to build generally. Have you built the 1/48 one? My modeling buddy is great.

Jennifer Franklin
Oh shoot, it looks like I got the camo colour wrong... *sigh*. Guess I will figure out how to clean that up tomorrow. I hate my life right now ☹️ And I did three rounds of it without noticing it was wrong. *super sigh* So mistakes were made...

Munkyslut
What's wrong with it? Looks pretty good from here👌
Remember there were loads of variations of colours & finishes, especially on aircraft in service.
I still go by the "if it looks right, it is right" rule of thumb😂🐒

John E
Dealing with mistakes is par for the course. Like the time I cut the fuselage door on the wrong side. Or the time I used decal film instead of decal softener on a decal. Or the time....haha. You get the picture.

Jennifer Franklin
Yeah, maybe I will just leave it, there was a huge variation in the various aircraft in service. Does anyone know how best to remove paint if I decide to "fix" it? Thank you, John and Munkyslut, for your feedback.

Ben M
Brake fluid will strip it. Maybe windex as well. I'd keep it though.

Jennifer Franklin
I triple-checked the color Revell said to use, and I have it right. I am using what Revell says to use. It just does not match the photos of the restored Memphis Belle. Thank you, Ben. I think that will help me make a final decision. I am keeping it.

Clifford Keesler
I have not built the 1/48 one yet. I looked up the 1/72 kit and think I will get me one much more detailed than the 1/48 one. I have seen the real restored Belle and she has what would have been a "factory fresh" paint job, so the colors on your in service version are likely more accurate. I must say you are doing a beautiful job on your first model.

Michael Kohl
I can only agree with that - and improving on the fly.

Mr James
Absolutely nothing wrong with the colour Jennifer. As mentioned, you're displaying an in service aircraft. Once you've sealed it and added your washes and weathering oils ect, it'll be spot on 🙂
Can only agree with others on what a good job you're doing.

CaptGPF
Regarding paint removal - If you use acrylics, windex / isopropyl 99% alcohol will remove it for you. If you use lacquer, go with Mr Hobby Leveler - DO NOT USE MR HOBBY CLEANER - as it will literally melt the plastic!

When removing paint, it's best to mask of the affected section and carefully wipe the paint off bit by bit. That way, the panel lines will mask the differential of the paint layers. You may want to rescribe some of the panel lines of the cleaned up area as the fluid will not reach those areas.

Lastly, reprime or re-layer the paints the same way you did for the other sections to keep it level. Like John, I think everyone here has had to remove paint in the past. 😀. That said, I think the paint looks good, I would keep it as is, or if you would like, maybe applying a filter to it may tint the color to something more to your liking rather than stripping off all the paint.

Good luck!

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Clifford. Best of luck with the 1/72 kit; I have certainly enjoyed it. I would agree the light green would likely darken and if Revell is wrong, oh well, I like the colour. Thank you Michael, Mr James, and CaptGPF. I am not sure it is that I am doing such a great job as such a fantastic community is mentoring me. I appreciate the notes on how to remove paint CaptGPF. I won't be doing it in this case, but I am confident it will be helpful. It is only a matter of time before I want to remove the paint in some other case.

Nathan Dempsey
I would cut & paste what Mr. James & Clifford said.

Shar Dipree
Hi Jennifer.
I also had to remove the paint from my mosquito once. For more:
De Havilland Mosquito B.XVI at bombing | Album by Shar (1:72)
I used the following product and it worked great. Be sure to wear gloves.
Paint Killer (Carson Modelsport 500908113, No)

Jennifer Franklin
Awww, thank you, Nathan. Thank you, Shar; I actually remember that, as I could not understand why you did it until you explained as the original paint job looked okay in the photos. That is good to know.

David Taylor
Very well executed Jennifer.

Cuajete
Camo color looking so good 👍

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, David and Cuajete.

Skyhiker
Jennifer are you using Revell enamel or acrylic? Revells colors are approximations they are not anywhere near Federal Standard colors. Back before the Internet nobody cared if the colors were accurate. Modeling was something you did as a kid or after you retired. Don't worry about the colors too much. If you want to make things accurate then go for it on your next model.

Mark Sherwood
Looking good Jennifer, in service aircraft, doesn't matter what the base colour (Even a close approximation) looks like as operational wear and tear degrades it. And as you say weathering will cover it. It has saved a build I've done (All of them 🤣) many a time. 🤟🥸🤘

arron parry
Looking good so far 👍👍👍👍👍

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Skyhiker, Mark, and arron.
@Skyhiker I am using Revell acrylic. On my next model, I will be more careful with the colour.

David H
Jennifer, the base colour looks perfect, can't see anything wrong. I custom mix ALL my colours. If mine were as good a match I'd be really happy. 😃

Casey Beckett
Are you enjoying yourself Jennifer? Then keep on right the way you are. Too many armchair experts. This is supposed to be fun, not a constant criticism/correction/ wrong paint shade barrage. My first 1/48 Monogram B-17 (A Christmas gift the year it was released, I BRUSH PAINTED TERSTORS KELLY GREEN. And I had a blast. That same summer, a fella had come to inspect our furnace, saw the Great Green Beast in the basement, and LOVED IT. Imagine my grin when this "really old guy" (to me,) turned out to be a WWII Eighth AF mechanic, and and actually worked on B-17s . Gonna build a purple P-51 and post it here.

HAVE FUN, THAT'S the whole point.

Donald Dickson II
I have seen nothing but EXCELLENT advice given in a very constructive and educational manner, as would be expected from the even more excellent modelers presenting it. I would suggest re reading what was said. Jennifer thought she was using the wrong shade. She brought it up. The other folks actually said what she was doing is perfectly fine. I saw no barrage.

Jennifer, for your first model you bit off quite a mouthful! Not an easy kit to deal with given its age. And you have been nailing it. Youre doing proper research and getting absolute top notch advice. Nothing I can add to what the others have said. Keep cracking, I look forward to seeing the finished product!!!!

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Casey; I am indeed enjoying myself immensely. I have appreciated all of the advice and direction that I have received from the many experienced modelers on this site. Thanks to everyone's input, I have learned a great deal, and I love learning. I enjoyed the story of your great green beast, and I look forward to seeing your purple P-51.

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Donald! I hope to have a finished product ready to show in roughly three weeks. Another couple of days on camo, a week for decals, and another week for weathering, with a layer of gloss after each stage.

Bruce Huxtable
All that effort on the rivetting is paying dividends, Jennifer. The painting looks great, and all the fine details show up really well. I'm enjoying the paint scheme that is slowly emerging, and can't wait to see the next installment of your progress 🙂

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Bruce. I am happy the riveting work is paying off; it was rather time-consuming and attention-demanding work. Doing the exterior paintwork is exhilarating; another installment is soon to come.

Łukasz Gliński
If you keep enjoying this, that means you're on the best path to success - be happy with what your build 👍
You might not have spotted it yet, but you achieved one more unintenional success - for the 1st time ever I started thinking "hm, maybe I should get myself a B-17 too?" And I would be surprised to find I'm the only one here
Last but not least - that's one of the busiest threads lately too 😄

Rudy Poseika
I was thinking the same thing about getting a B-17! 🙂

David H
Well, I already have one (Airfix) but it's got me thinking about actually building it 🤣

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Lukasz, Rudy, and David. I am enjoying this, and I am happy with my build. Seeing what you three could do with a B-17 build would be amazing.

Ludvík Kružík
Jennifer, you're doing great. 👍

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Ludvik; coming from all of the senior builders, yourself included, these compliments are making me blush.

Clifford Keesler
It is looking great. Are you sure it's your first model? Lol. You should be very proud of what you have done so far.

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Clifford. Did you see some of the early shots of my detail painting when I did not know to thin the paint or use a retarder? Or the first time I filled a seam line? Or when I glued two parts to my spray booth? Lol, it is definitely my first model. I will never forget this model. Others may blur in my memory but I suspect this one will always be somewhat special.

Clifford Keesler
They usually do. My first one was a freaking mess. I got glue all over it and did not even attempt to paint it. I think I was like 8-9 years old. I did not start using an air brush untill about 5 years ago, I knew nothing about washes, clear coats, PE or trying to scratch build anything. It was not untill a friend of mine told me about scalemates that I really discovered the joy of modeling. I have made so many friends and learned so much from the wonderful people on this forum.

Jennifer Franklin
Yes, this is a beautiful community. I have learned so much already, and I am sure I will continue to discover more. I have four models lined up to do when I finish this one.

Skyhiker
Ohhhh now she's got the bug! Lol congrats

Carlos Cisneros
Gotta love a B-17 project! Yours is coming along great!

Dietmar Bogatzki
If the getting as good as your first 👍

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Skyhiker, Carlos, and Dietmar. I ran late tonight, hoping to get a layer of varnish by Friday morning so I can start the decals on Saturday. Only to belatedly realize that the varnish will require at least 48 hours to dry, not 24 *sigh*.

Tini Hendriks
Now, coming in the last phase of this project, do you already know what the next will be 😬?
That's part of the fun too 😉

Jennifer Franklin
Yes, I plan to build the Revell Big Boy Locomotive next. 😁 It's in my Stash.

Tini Hendriks
Nice! 👍🏼

Bruce Huxtable
Here, here, Clifford 🙂 Advice on problems encountered, as well as feed-back on our creations, adds to the enjoyment of our hobby. Being inspired by the work of others has been a big part of this community, for me too 🙂

Ludvík Kružík
Jennifer, you don't have to blush. Although I have been building models for a long time, I still (like you) see in my models that there is always room for improvement.

And this is a great place to find lots of new ideas, experience and friends to give you advice.

And that's what it's all about. 🙂

bughunter
Jennifer, I scrolled today through your build log. Impressive fast learning! It is may be not a perfect model (believe me, there is no perfect model). But the next one will be better! And you benefit greatly from the community here and can build on the experiences of others and learn from _their_ mistakes, which saves time and money not having to make such mistakes yourself 🙂
I had to grin when you glued the part onto the airbrush booth. I knocked over a large can of Revell Airbrush Clean in the booth and it still looks like that today. The stench was intense, but I was able to blow it off using the booth.
Don't put yourself under pressure to get a perfect result - the fun is much more important!

Rando
That's a really interesting splotchy camo it had to break up the outline, looks like something that was added after it was deployed. I like how it's kind of faded and inconsistent in places, makes it look asymmetric and authentic. 👍

Dave Brown
Keep up the good work, Jennifer. If you could have seen the first model that some of us older folks built,it would bring an even bigger smile to your face. I think you've done a great job with it.

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Tini, Bruce, Ludvik, bughunter, Rando, and Dave.

Michael Schubert
You've done a great job so far, and it's great to see the addiction starting with the stash starting to grow haha, it's the one vice I beleive is good 😅 love the "Big Boy" Loco!

Rui
Careful with that stash. Before you know it your home will be wall to wall shelves to hold all the kits. 😁

Martin Oostrom
The Stash Law: Build one kit, buy three more.

Guy Rump
I agree with Martin 🙂 she who must be obeyed was not happy when she looked into my stash cupboards! 🙁

David H
OMG yes, beware of the stash monster. Like coat hangers , It multiplies all on its own.

Ludvík Kružík
That's right. The ability of most of us to buy new kits is significantly higher than the ability to build them. Which inevitably leads to ever more crowded warehouses.
I've told myself many times that I won't buy new kits until I've built at least some of the ones in my warehouses. But there was always a kit that I just had to buy 🙂.
And I'm also very lucky in that "she who must obeyed" supports me in my hobby and also buys me (maybe for Christmas or birthday) new kits 😄.

David Taylor
I have more kits than years left to build them.

Ludvík Kružík
Yes, it is a "curse" for any of us who succumb to this hobby. 🙂

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you for the stash warnings; I decided I wanted to build planes that Canada flew as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan next (well after my Big Boy and my Titanic birthday gift). They are hard to find, so I decided to "preorder" them as it took weeks for me to get each of the ones that I have. I will try to stay disciplined and only buy one on completing one in the future.

David H
That's the best way Jen. Until that "once in a lifetime" kit then another. Just be strong and if the stash outgrows the store, I'm happy to look after the "excess" for you 🤣

CaptGPF
I plan on finishing my stash - even if I have to come back from the dead to do so!!!! Oh look! Sprue brothers has another sale….

John E
Jennifer, there's some great color footage of WWII Canadian training aircraft in the movie Captains of the Clouds with James Cagney. Check it out sometime. imdb.com/title/tt0034578/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Jennifer Franklin
Too funny David and CaptGPF; Glad you'd be there for me David... lol. Thank you, John, very much!!! I have an Avro Anson at my local museum. The Oxford was flown in Western Canada and I am in Eastern Canada so I will have to live with museum photos. I will definitely check out the Captains of the Clouds footage.

Marcel Chmura
That's a great looking B17. Have some bombers of my own in the stash and you're build is quite inspireing. Good job. 👍

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Marcel.

Marcel Chmura
Oh btw nice Cat. 🐱

Clifford Keesler
Looking very good Jennifer, yes beware of the stash. It will sneak up on you. I will kick the bucket before I can build all of mine, but I keep buying them anyway. My kids will have a field day when I die. Lol.

Jennifer Franklin
Thanks, Marcel; her name is Framboise, and she is the boss 😛. Thank you, Clifford; I am putting in a build-one-buy-one rule now that I have four models. I wish you luck with yours, how many do you have?

Michael Schubert
Really coming together now!! Looks way way better then my first model 😅 the build one buy one is a great way to contain the stash haha I have 40 odd in my stash, and it makes it hard to know what to build next haha

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Michael. 40?!? *wow* that is a lot of money. Options are good, though 😅. If I could do the build-over, there are many things I would improve on, but you have to start somewhere. Overall, I am happy with my results so far. I am looking forward to weathering and putting the landing gear on; I am so close to finishing now it's hard not to get excited.

Łukasz Gliński
Only 40? I must be approaching 3 hundreds me thinks 😁
Still doesn't feel like the time to call a therapist (or psychiatrist) 😋

Dick
Great looking Fortress Jennifer! I see you also like the big planes 😉

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Dick; I'm finishing it just in time for Apple TV's "Masters of the Air" series to be aired. Yes, we definitely both like the big planes 😉.

Clifford Keesler
Would you believe 836, that includes kits and aftermarket goodies. Plus I have stuff I have not counted yet. That is why I will never get them all built. Lol.

Donald Dickson II
I have somewhere around 200. Haven't counted lately. LOL

Finish line in sight. Looking good!

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Donald. Oh my "goodness," 836, 300-ish, 200-ish, that is a little mind-blowing for me. That must have taken a while to build up, I am assuming.

Donald Dickson II
A few years. LOL

Bruce Huxtable
I've just been watching some Masters of the Air clips on You Tube, and to see the bravery of the crews is sobering, especially as they were generally so very young....

Jennifer Franklin
Three of my great-uncles flew on B-17s during the war. One died, and I had the fortune to get to know the other two. They were remarkable men.

Tini Hendriks
I think you will also keep the record of the most comments for a model 😉😜

David H
If we're including accessories, AND decals ? I have 2 lever arch folder brim full with decal options. Let's not mention reading and eduard… don't think I want to count 🤯

Jennifer Franklin
Yes Tini, I think I will owe a lot of rounds of beer to folks when I finish this model. @David, this is all just mind-boggling.

Desert Marlin
The Tamiya 123 flush cutters are excellent!

Jennifer Franklin
Desert Marlin, I could not agree more, they are a great buy for the price. In the next photo, I did the propellers using the flush cutters and the caliber of my result was so much better.

David H
Jen , some advice with cutters. If you are cutting small fine pieces like ,say, undercarriage parts or pitot tubes. If you try to cut the part from the sprue the risk (as it's still attached at points) is the tension can snap the part . Try cutting the sprue lugs from the tree. You can then cut the lugs off without the tension as it's not attached to anything.

Michael Schubert
Good tip David, it also often means a steer angle to be able to smoothly cut coler to the model after being removed from the sprue 👍
But a good pair of nippers does make a huge difference Jen

John Hughes
For really long thin parts, carefully saw through the sprue between the connection points.

David H
That's exactly what I was saying John. Thankyou for putting my thoughts into words clearer than I did 🤣

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, David, Michael, and John. I appreciate the advice. I also have a small saw so will keep in mind when to use it.

Jennifer Franklin
I completed the weathering. I still have to do the engine's oil/rust/smoke and the landing gear/finishing details, but otherwise, this is done. Does this weathering look all right? The oil will take a week or more to dry, so I have time to correct it. I will post more photos tomorrow with it in the sun. Oh, and I have to put a matte varnish on the entire thing as a final step.

Jacquline Le
It's looking good! Nice seeing it update daily.

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Jacquline. I've put up photos of it in the sunlight. Is the weathering good guys? Can I put it in the dehydrator and set it?

Marco Gallmann
Looks great Jennifer 👍

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Marco. OK, I will declare the weathering done.

John E
Agree. It's looking quite nice. 👍

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, John and Marco; I appreciate the feedback. I did not want to set the paint until I was sure I should not remove or rework what was there. I scrubbed the wash in the direction of the airflow, and I left it what looked like a reasonable amount of grimy but I appreciate a few extra sets of more refined eyes confirming that it is ok.

John Hughes
Check out some images of B-17's online. Note the smoke smudges leading back from the engine nacelles, both above and below the wing. You might like to have a go at those for a bit more detail, but don't overdo it.

Jennifer Franklin
That is excellent advice; thank you, John!!!

Clifford Keesler
Looking great Jennifer, It is going to be very nice when finished. You can be very proud of your first model. I think I got back into to model building around 2014 or 2015 so that stash has built up since then.

Ludvík Kružík
Memphis Belle is just a few steps from the finish line. Your honest preparation for building the model has paid off.

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Clifford and Ludvik. Okay, roughly ten years to build that big a stash makes it more reasonable but that is still roughly 90 models a year that you are buying. Do you have a local modeling store or stores you buy from? They must really love you.

Clifford Keesler
There are no local Hobby Shops around where I live. Sprue Brothers, Scale Hobbyist, know me quite well. I have a group of E-Bay vendors I use quite a lot also. If you ever need aftermarket decals and other goodies check out Rebelalpha and decal supply corps on E-Bay. You can just type in the scale and the aircraft or what ever you are looking for and it will bring up what is for sale. I use E-Bay a lot.

Jennifer Franklin
Good to know Clifford, I will check them out.

Rando
I second eBay, I check it a lot for good deals on aftermarket and kits. Maybe a bad habit lol. The stash talk is funny since I got my first kit in 2021 and I'm only at like 22 planes, and think my stash is huge since I don't have a ton of space. Yet some people have hundreds, it's hard to comprehend. I do collect a lot of aftermarket and conversions for what I have though.

That plane is looking spectacular, it's amazing what a little weathering does! 👌

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Rando. I am relieved that you think it looks okay. I was worried I had overdone the weathering. For some odd reason, I was checking out eBay before I went to unmask my B17. The Canadian site has a lot of US sellers, but their shipping prices are killer.

Marcel Chmura
You're quite busy with all those comments Jennifer. Hahaha 😂

Jennifer Franklin
LMAO, Marcel, yeah, I definitely went for the record on comments with this model. This community has been remarkable in welcoming a new modeler, and I wanted to capture every moment of my build (perhaps a bit overzealous 😛).

Marcel Chmura
Yeah the guys are quite enthousiastic. They Just love women modelling. 😂

Dave Brown
Very true!

Jennifer Franklin
Awww... it's nice to be appreciated. 😁

Jennifer Franklin
That is very sweet.

Jennifer Franklin
My Memphis Belle is finally done. I can't begin to list all her flaws and she definitely leaves room to improve on my future models but you have to start somewhere. I've learned a lot building her. Thank you to everyone who has liked this project and a special thanks for all the constructive advice and encouragement I've received along the way.

Robert Podkoński
Congrats Jennifer! Great job!

Ludvík Kružík
Every beginning is difficult and you have done it perfectly!
Don't look for mistakes in your first model. Enjoy the joy of having built it. Once and for all, it is your FIRST model. And when you come back to it after a while, it will bring back fond memories of your beginnings. 🙂

Bruce Huxtable
Wow! She's looking splendid 🙂 I have no idea how you have managed not to break any of the gun barrels - I always have trouble with any projecting fragile parts.... The exhaust stains look very convincing 🙂 Congratulations on this very successful creation.

Sebastian Meyner
Well done Jennifer 👍

Alec K
Jennifer, you have do e a splendid job on this Fort. Not an easy build. Looks great 👍

Duster_d
Excellent work, Jennifer! 👍

Neil
Well it looks fantastic to me Jennifer! No small undertaking for a first crack for sure. Have followed from the start 🙂 Be proud! 👍 What's next!?

David Taylor
Your model,your way.Well done.

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Robert, Ludvik, Bruce, Sebastian, Alec, Duster_d, Neil, and David. @Neil, I am building the "Big Boy" locomotive next. It's in my stash. As soon as I finish my dio for the B-17, I will start a project for it.

Łukasz Gliński
Nicely done, great work for a first build 👍
On the other hand I see that making the 72nd kits dirty wasn't tricky only to me at the beginning - my remedy was to play with few new Airfix kits with thier deep lines to improve that, just a food for thought.

Patrick Hagelstein
Whoohooh!!! What a 'Belle'!!! Congrats on a beautiful first model! No matter how steep the learning curve, you reached this first bluff in your modeling career. On to the next one! 👍🏼

Guy Rump
Very nice build Jennifer, congrats! 👍

Dick
Congrats with your first build Jennifer, well done!!

gorby
For your first model it's an excellent result!

CaptGPF
Congrats on your first build, Jennifer! The work you put into the research and techniques to paint and weather the bird certainly paid dividends! Enjoy the fruits of your labor, you are off to a great start and I look forward to your next build!

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Lukasz, Patrick, Guy, Dick, gorby, and CaptGPF. This is very motivating for my next build. @Lukasz, I am planning on doing a new Airfix kit for my third build, I will keep that in mind.

John Hughes
Well, now we're all expecting great things from the next one!

bughunter
Nice work especially for the first project 👍
Regarding the stash discussion: do you know scalemates.com/cool-facts.php ? Please look for the Largest stash, but don't be shocked!

Shar Dipree
Congrats Jennifer! You put a lot of time and work into your first model. 👍
Did you glue the front dome and top gun turrent (clear parts) with superglue?

Remco van Haren
Nice work, well done!
Every model is a learning process. So, on to the next one and put into practice what you've learned with this one.

Cuajete
Jennifer, we always remember our first model and you can feel proud every time you see it on the shelf. You have done a good job.

Congrats!

Mark Sherwood
Nice one Jennifer. 🥸👍🥸🤘🥸

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, John, bughunter, Shar, Remco, Cuajete, and Mark. @bughunter 9648?????? I almost fell out of my chair. @Shar Yes, the top gun turret I glued with super glue and I learned the hard way not to do that again. It was the first clear part I glued.

Pietro De Angelis
👏👏👏👏👏🍾🥂🥳

Gary Kitchen
Great job Jennifer. 👍 What's next?

Ethan Flory
Much better than my first model😄 Great work, Jennifer!!

Michael Schubert
Definitely a finished model that can be displayed with pride! It looks awesome, especially for a first model. The flaws just help us improve next time, but I still make mistakes after 2 decades of building models, so don't focus on them too much or they will take away the fun of building. Looking forward to seeing the dio, and then 'big boy' 👍

Hans-Jürgen Haag
😘Nice! Great first Job Jennifer! 👍👍👍 I hopp this is the firs of many😁

James C
Congrats Jennifer, you've done bloody well for your first build. Will look forward to see what you decide on doing next. 👍

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Pietro, Ethan, Michael, Hans-Jürgen, and James. For my next two projects, I plan to finish a diorama for the B-17 and then do the Revell "Big Boy" kit. All of this feedback motivates me to get moving on both of them.

Rando Dude
I can only agree with everyone else, great work and great result. Especially for a first build it looks really good 👍 😁

Nathan Dempsey
Nice finish!

Skyhiker
Congratulations. One down - many more to go! Enjoy!

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Rando Dude, Nathan, and Skyhiker. I've appreciated all your encouragement along the way as I have built this model.

Mr James
Well done Jennifer, looks way better after a coat of clear varnish. You can see your weathering at lot clearer now 🙂 As Skyhiker writes, many, many more to go. 🙂

Donald Dickson II
Jennifer, fantastic job! It's hard to believe that's your first build. You set the bar high for your next one!

Landlubber Mike
Wow that came out great! Fantastic job!

Mona
a beautiful job Jennifer 🙂

John E
Congratulations, Jennifer! I'd have been super happy if my first model turned out as well as yours. You should be very proud.

Lost_Erik
Fantastic.

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Mr James, Donald, Landlubber Mike, Mona, John, and Lost_Erik. This first model's success has a lot of this community to thank. I could not have done it without everyone who commented with helpful instructions above and, of course, YouTube. It has been a lot of fun.

Villiers de Vos
Well done Jennifer. You are very talented and I hope that mine, which is in the stash, comes out half as good as yours.

David H
Yaaay, congrats on your first finished model. It looks abfab Jennifer. 👏👏

Kenneth
Looks really good, congratulations 👍

Clifford Keesler
Outstanding job Jennifer, you can be very proud of your first model. Well done.

Vincent
Very good work. Also great camo scheme!!!

Aman S.
Nicely Done!!

Gary Victory
Very nice work Jennifer. 👍

Andy Ball
Hello Bassingbourne. Mission completed. Great finals and landing!!

DV888ster
GREAT JOB I HAVE 8 1/32 SCALE B17S . MAGIC PLANE

Ralf Topeters
This thread really went through the roof and with every right to do so. This was such an entertaining build. You achieved a really great first model! Especially when you look at the size of it, despite it being smallscale. I never would have dared to pick such a huge one for my first. Now I'm excited to see it in the dio. Carry on your work and you will shine!!! 👍 👍

Donald Dickson II
I think you may have set the record for longest build thread! LOL

Antoine Meylan
Bravo! belle réalisation pour un 1er modèle. Félicitation! Continue comme ça!

Moreno Baruffini
It's seems that I'm one of the few that haven't left a comment! What can I add? I hope that you'll be able to continue in this beautiful hobby and enjoy your first and beautiful model!

I'm also happy to contribute to the record for the longest build thread 😁

Cuajete
I forgot to add my like to this album... It would be good to contribute in case it also becomes a record for likes on an SM album 😛
Congrats again, Jennifer!

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Villiers de Vos, David, Kenneth, Clifford, Vincent, Aman, Gary, Andy, DV888ster, Ralf, Donald, Antoine, Moreno, and Cuajete. I bought a 3D printer, and it arrived yesterday morning. I have been busy printing drawers (or trying to) to organize my modeling supplies. So much fun!

Michael Schubert
Woohoo!! 3d printers add a lot of fun I find, what model did you end up getting?

Jennifer Franklin
They went on sale so I picked up a Bambu Labs P1P. Long term I plan to get a resin printer as well.

Clifford Keesler
I would love to get a 3D printer, but that will never happen. Lol. I do not quite understand how they work. Do they actually print out a part in plastic, and what do you use as a master?

Jennifer Franklin
Hi Clifford, yes, they print out parts in various materials. The most common material is PLA, which is a corn product. The master is an STL file, which is a computer 3D file that you can produce using various software packages; it is effectively a 3D drawing.

Clifford Keesler
Sounds neat. So you can print any aircraft part you can find a file for.

Jennifer Franklin
@Clifford, yes, exactly, or you can make your own file.

Dick
@Clifford Keesler: I have a few pictures from a 3D printing process in my '1:72 3D printed NASA Sofia Boeing 747SP' thread:
1:72 Boeing 747SP NASA 'SOFIA' | Album by Wolfhound32 (1:72)

Warning.. 3D printing is addictive for scale modelers, because suddenly almost everything you always wanted for a model is printable 😉

Clifford Keesler
Neat.

Kyle DeHart
Beautiful work!! Looks like she turned out great!

Neuling
Impressive build, ambitious start of a promising modelling career .......

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Kyle and Neuling.

Carlos Proença
Jennifer, I'm following the Masters of the Air series, and your work is perfect. Congratulations.

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Carlos. Yeah, I sent Nigel photos of my work to thank him for all the good tips he gives, which have helped me improve the quality of my work, and I was pleasantly surprised when he showed my work in his sixth video of the series.

Clifford Keesler
Nigel is a really nice guy, and his tips are really helpful. I love his series on the B-52, and if I ever get rich I will most surely use his advice when I get me a decent B-52 kit.

Jennifer Franklin
Nice, Clifford, nice!

Stuart
Well done Jen, what a great achievement. I love it more because I am really enjoying watching Masters of the Air at the moment with the Flying Fortress B17F planes and it has inspired me to build one also.

Great work, keep it up and keep enjoying it!

Stuart
Oh by the way just scrolling through your feed and saw you grabbed yourself a Bambu lab printer. Good for you and happy printing. You will go crazy for the first few months then you will slow down to a much more acceptable amount of prints. 😂🤣😂

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Stuart, I hope you enjoy your B17F build. Yes, I am printing almost non-stop at the moment, but I expect that to slow down eventually. 😂

Munkyslut
Ahh that's come out fantastic! Luv the underside detailing, bomb bay & landing gear & engine pod weathering are all first class💯
Some achievement for a first build!

coporado
Great build, Jennifer! Love the weathering and painting. Fully second Neuling that is a really great start into our fantastic hobby. excited about your next projects 🙂

Juskifo
Nice finish Jenn guzbandu 👏Well well done

Juskifo
Next build ?

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Munkyslut, corporado, and Juskifo. @Juskifo, for my next build I plan to do the Revel Big Boy 1:87 model that I have in my stash.

Juskifo
👍

Clifford Keesler
She is still a good sized bird, even in 1/72 scale. Still waiting for my Hobby shop to get that one back in stock, all they have right now is the "G" model, which I want also. I am thinking of doing my 1/48 one after the Sky Raider. I am going to do it as Picaidally Lilly from the movie 12 O clock High. Gen. Savage's bird.

Jennifer Franklin
Very nice, Clifford, very nice.

Tom Harris
OUTSTANDING, Jennifer! Hard to believe this your first build. Even better that you found enjoyment in the process/education. 😄
Looking forward to the diorama and your next kit!

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Tom.

Jungwon Lee
Awesome!

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Jungwon!

Alexander Grivonev
First model? Oo

Wow👍

Sergej I
Turned out perfect! Congratulations and many more to follow 👍

David Taylor
What's next on the list Jennifer.

Jennifer Franklin
David, I want to finish my dio for Memphis (as soon as I finish the 3D printer project I am in the middle of), and then I plan to do the "Big Boy" train. Thank you, Alexander and Sergej!

Clifford Keesler
I do not remember if I told you how beautiful that bird turned out to be, if I did not I am now. Beautiful job Jennifer, a real beauty.

Jennifer Franklin
Aw, thanks, Clifford, that means a lot.

Mark Sherwood
Nice job, on your first model Jennifer. 🤟🥸🤘

Michael Kohl
Builing a model is one thing. But - at least in my eyes - only a vignette or diorama truely brings it to life. You took on a bold project - and you delivered. I am quite shure you will like this machines of yours even with 50 more kits under your belt. Very well done. Something to be proud of.

Skyhiker
I was wondering if you were going to finish this project just the other day. Happy to see it in completion. The cows are a nice touch. Congratulations.

Clifford Keesler
Beautiful Dio. very very well done.

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Michael, Skyhiker, and Clifford. Each of you taking the time to give me feedback is appreciated. Part of what motivated me to keep going through the whole build was all of you.

CaptGPF
Going for gold with the diorama - complete with cows! Very well done!

Skyhiker
Your very first dust collector... Err... I mean diorama. Hopefully you can find a good place for it.

Felix
Not to mention the wing😭

Nicolas
Following. Nice to see that you got spare parts.

Felix
Dear Nicolas
Thanks! Yes, happy and excited. It did take them a month BUT they told me so from the beginning and i got all the parts. Very happy with this kit so far. What do you think of the interior yellow green?

Nicolas
Hey Felix, a very promising start. Unfortunately I can't give you any tips on the interior color, I only know that with American aircraft it sometimes depends on the factory, as the same type was painted differently in different factories.

Thomas Antonsen
Hi,
Very interesting 3D printed parts 🙂 Do you sell them?

Przemek Przybulewski
Hi Thomas
Thank you - yes, I sell them amongst 2000 other items 🙂
Here is the link:
emp3d.eu/en_US/searc..1/default/5?url=Lvsr

I've made shackles as well but those are not added yet

Thomas Antonsen
Are the shackles generic, or specific to the LVSR?
Could you please provide a link to the model, you show here?

Przemek Przybulewski
Thomas,
Here are the links to the products:
emp3d.eu/en_US/p/LVS..s-10-pieces-135/5751
emp3d.eu/en_US/p/LVS..s-10-pieces-135/5750
emp3d.eu/en_US/p/LVS..ft-4-pieces-135/5752
emp3d.eu/en_US/p/LVS..s-10-pieces-135/5753

I will share links to shackles, once I add them to the store

Thomas Antonsen
Ok, I ordered the parts from Super-hobby, as I was unable to complete the payment on your own webpage via PayPal.

Przemek Przybulewski
Not a problem - thank you

Thomas Antonsen
Hi Przemek,
Now I got your LVSR parts, and I'm not sure what do do with the drive shafts parts?
emp3d.eu/en_US/p/LVS..ft-4-pieces-135/5752
You mention in the link above the drive shaft parts should replace the F10 parts from the kit.
The F10 part is needed 8 times in the suspension, but there are only 4 drive shaft parts in your kit?

Mr D
Nice interesting little build 😃👍 good luck with it

Przemek Przybulewski
Thomas, Part F10 is needed 4 times according to the manual. 2 parts in step 3 and another 2 in step 6 (which i wrongly labeled as E1). All other drive shafts are E1 parts (2 in step 1 + 1 in step 2 plus 2 in step 4 and 1 in step 5 -- total 6 parts E1)

Thomas Antonsen
You are right, I had another look at the instructions, and it was the comment "Make Two" which confused me. F10 and your replacement drive shaft is indeed needed four times in total. Thanks for the clarification.

Thomas Antonsen
Do you btw. have any links to pictures of the LVSR, you want to share? I'm collecting LVSR ressources here:
forums.kitmaker.net/..nce-library/45327/24

gorby
Looks like an interesting project.

Jakko ‌
So far it's certainly been interesting 🙂 It's that I already had these parts and decided on this before Asuka announced their M4A3 (105 mm) kit, but I would advise anyone else wanting an M4 (105 mm) to just buy that kit and order an M4 engine deck from Asuka to put into it … (And make some other modifications, of course, like changing the rear hull to match.)

Villiers de Vos
The texturing came out very nice.

Jakko ‌
Thanks. I just hope it matches up with the molded pattern reasonably well once there's some paint over it 🙂

Ben M
👀

Pepe
Inside

Villiers de Vos
Nice scratch building work.

Pietro De Angelis
Fantastic scratching work,
i'm also admiring it on missing-lynx,
congrats!

Jakko ‌
Thanks, guys 🙂 I wasn't going to add the wading trunk, but then I hit my head and decided to anyway … 😉

Danny Ray
You're like like a Messi compared to my Sunday league footballer in modelling terms. I mean, I even made a couple of mistakes on a recent airfix vintage kit 😇😂😂😂

Jakko ‌
Thanks, but I'm nowhere in the Messi leagues — more like messy leagues 🙂

Danny Ray
😂

David Taylor
Following.

Shar Dipree
Following

Mr D
Nice project.. taking shape nicely 👍

Michael Kohl
Nice detailing going on here.

Jakko ‌
Thanks. It's almost done — I just need to wrap up the stowed .50-calibre machine gun and construction should be finished … I hope 🙂

Danny Ray
You love your M4's don't you? 🙂 good stuff again Jakko

By the way I thought I was very clever yesterday. I thought "oh the M7 'Priest' was obviously put on top of an M4 chassis. Then I realised the 'pulpit' MG nest is actually the bit above the side sponson of the main gun on an M3 Lee/Grant.
That'll teach me to open my gob when I have no idea what I'm saying! 😂

Jakko ‌
I have certainly gotten rather more enamoured of M4s (and M3 mediums) over the last five or six years than I was before, yes 🙂

The 105 mm HMC M7 is basically an M3 medium tank (a Lee, in British terms) with the superstructure removed, the driver moved over to the left side of the transmission (instead of sitting on top of it), and a new superstructure added to accommodate the 105 mm howitzer. This does put the .50-calibre machine gun pretty much where the 75 mm gun was on the M3, yes.

Danny Ray
Love how you can always provide more info on all things AFV!
You might be able to help me with something. Did a co-driver on an M4 fire the machine gun? Not the big .50 cal on top but the (what calibre was the internal MG?) one inside, next to the main gun? I think my grandfather said he did but we only actually spoke about his war experiences a couple of times and he was, in general, a very private man. I only recall one time where he spoke at length and that was when he had been drinking. A bit macabre but he told me of a driver (not sure if it was his tank or in his squad) where a German plane had strafed them and by an unbelievable strike of bad luck, a round went directly thru an open hatch and literally decapitated him. Little wonder he didn't like to talk about it all really.

Jakko ‌
Yes, the assistant driver fired the bow machine gun, which was an M1919A4 of .30 calibre (7.62×66 mm). This appears to have been his main job (outside of helping with maintenance etc.) because there are exactly zero actual driving controls on the right-hand side of the tank. It's not too surprising, really, that in the 17-pounder Shermans, he got replaced by ammunition stowage.

Danny Ray
How about crusaders? Did they have dual controls? As I've previously said, I really wish my grandfather was still here so I could ask him all about his tanker? Tanking? days!

Jakko ‌
No, Crusaders had a driver on the right and, in early ones, a machine-gun turret on the left. Most crews soon left that unoccupied because it was very cramped and the gunner would choke on the fumes if he actually fired the gun, so it was deleted partway through the Mk. II production run, and was also removed from tanks already in service.

Danny Ray
Actually I did read that somewhere. Said it got unbelievably hot in the tiny turret in the desert conditions too!

Mr D
Taking shape nicely now Jakko, good work 👌👍👍

bughunter
Cool, thanks! Too bad they don't take off anymore.
A German version can be visited in Schleißheim.

Mr D
Nice.. 👍👍

Shar Dipree
Thanks for sharing. 👍

Marius
Very cool Michael! Got to love a well photographed Tornado.
By the way, isn't the ZA447 the famous "Mig Killer"?

abpic.co.uk/pictures/view/1429184

Michael Kohl
Looks like you are right:

m.facebook.com/story..p;id=100064457569701

Although it was argued that it wasn't a Mig-29 that this Tornado took out on the ground, but a Mirage, according to later analysis. Anyway. Mig eater definitely sounds better than Mirage eater. 😉

Thanks for the hint.

Alex K
Your entire Research Vessels collection is interesting - and thumbs up for expanding it by using different means: mainstream kits, 3D prints, paper models, and now scratch-building... Respects! 👍

Tim
Thanks Alex. The options are fairly limited with mainstream plastic kits. It's proving very slow progress with scratch building. But the hull is almost done, which is a major part of the build. I've learnt a lot so far anyway! Doing water line models would be much easier, but I like to see the hull form and propulsion.

Michael Kohl
I am in

Thomas Bischoff
I am in too! Great scratch skills 👍

Tim
Thanks. The hull is not ideal. It's made from Balsa wood which proved hard to get sharp and straight edges with. If I had the skills I would 3D design and print,but I don't. I would probably use bass wood next time as it would keep the edges better.

David R. Meizoso
Way to go! Grabbing a seat!

bughunter
Nicely done! Interesting way of scratch build, which could also be used for aircraft.

Mr James
Impressive.! And well documented to help us, lesser human modellers, marvel at your skills 🙂

Tim
I've got to finish this model soon. It's been nearly 4 years since I started according to this. Think I'll not scratch build a whole model for another twenty years me thinks.

Tim
I'm calling this model finished now. Just a flag and acrylic case to add, but it's all complete now. Was a long but rewarding build. I think some simpler kits now before another scratch build.

Michael Kohl
A fine build.

bughunter
This is the (late) build report of a finished hidden project so as not to risk the surprise.
I tried to recreate the exact 2CV Ente that a good friend drove in the nineties from a few photos and gave it to him as a big birthday present.
Luckily Revell released this year a new version of this kit containing the right details like head lamps.
Special thanks to Spanjaard for the help with the decals!

Spanjaard
my pleasure 🙂 happy to contribute to this beautiful build 🙂

Martin Oostrom
Spanjaard, the decal man!
Nice job Bugsy. Now I know what changed hands at Lingen

Landlubber Mike
Really nicely done! Can I ask how you did the black top? The color/sheen looks very good. I've struggled with finding a way to represent those kind of tops.

bughunter
Thank you very much mates! In case you have not seen it you should not miss the final album!

@Martin, very cleverly combined 👍

@Mike, I painted the top with the Alclad Black Primer/Microfiller, but have not sanded it to keep the structure. Then I painted the top with AK Real Color RC805 Rubber Black (which is very gray in comparison to Gunze Tire Black for example).

Robert Podkoński
Beautiful job. Absolutely!

Landlubber Mike
Thank you for that info bughunter! Really appreciate it!

Bozzer
Bugsy, that's a sleek looking, 2CV! I always wanted to do like a beach buggy or a hot rod, with one of these. Maybe someday I'll get around to it?
An excellent rendition of a classic, old chap 👍

bughunter
Thank you mates!
@Bozzer I have still a nearly complete kit of a Citroen 2CV Charleston (+ a matching dark brown red) in my stash. At the beginning of this project I was sure that it was a Charleston but I was wrong. So I ordered the new 007 kit too to get the right parts. May be I will build or sell the Charleston - I do not know yet. For a while I will be back to the 1:48 scale biplanes.

Jakub Fiala
Lovely work, Bughunter!

Lex Jassies
Sweet!

Alec K
Great job! Those were the coolest cars. And they "swam", as I read somewhere (for a while, at least …)

Alexander Grivonev
Beautiful! Engine room especially looks great 👍

scalemates
nice Deux Chevaux!

bughunter
Wow, your feedback makes me smile, especially because cars are not my modeling home!
@Alec They swam on the roads due to the soft suspension and narrow tires, so no grip 😉
@Alexander The kit details are nice, but I added wires and have wrapped a thread around the heating pipes (that is not very well visible on the pics).
@Tim Two horses? Is that the French name for it? In real 25PS out of 2 cylinders! We call it "Ente" (duck) in Germany 😎

Spanjaard
2CV=two horses 😉 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citro%C3%ABn_2CV

Christoph Kunz
Oho, this is a beautifull work. 👍
And that movable metal rod for the hood is a nice detail, giving this model the extra touch.

Mr D
A Top job and brilliant paint job.
Well done 💯%👍

bughunter
Thank you!
Christoph, the idea with the stick was born out of the necessity that the usual paints do not survive the ordeal of the Revell solution (hood snaps over an edge) for long. This only works with a white car 😉.

Alec K
Love that open hood 👍

Ben M
Beautiful car and fun to see you step outside your usual genre.

Did you scratchbuild the cooling fan? 😂

Roberto Rocat
Nice work, busy looks.

Jean Tchao
Thanks ! It was one of my first model... so i tend to put everything i had on hand on it 🙂)

Roberto Rocat
Way to go, according to period pictures!

Christoph Schnarr
I spontaneously started building the new Morane 406 kit from Dora Wings. It was built oob. I only replaced the dashboard with coloured etched parts from AZ Model. The main reason for this was that the instrument layout for an MS.406 was far more correctly reproduced in the etched parts. In addition, the missing rows of rivets were added to the wings and fuselage.

Doubtingmango
Watching

Jakub Fiala
👍

Christoph Schnarr
The MS.406C.1 kit is ready. The model was painted with colors of the Hataka Orange Line and is marked as the aircraft of Capitaine Robert Williame from the time of the Battle of France.

Jakub Fiala
Nicely done! How does it fit together? This will be my next project

Christoph Schnarr
Thank you Jakub 😁 The kit was easy to build and had a good fit. I had no problems with it.

Doubtingmango
Excellent finish! Great camo scheme

Rui S
I like it👍

Christoph Schnarr
Thank you very much, mates 👍

Robert Podkoński
Beautiful

Christoph Schnarr
Thanks a lot, Robert 👍

Hugh CAST.
Dieses kleine Morane ist großartig. Sehr schöne Arbeit, Glückwunsch!

Thomas Bischoff
great job 👍 👍 👍

Christoph Schnarr
Thank you very much, Hugh and Thomas 👍

Matti Thomaes
Great start, following, 👍

Treehugger
What kind of clay is this? How soft, and how long until it dries and goes hard?

Mick Markiewicz
It's DAS Modeling Clay, white one. That amount is fully set and dry in about 3 days.

Robin (WhiteGlint)
Very nice work! That base sure is something, I love that idea.

Michael Kohl
Love it. Great idea for the base. But the boat is very well done too.

Neuling
Same as Michael. 👍

Matti Thomaes
Nice idea for the presentation, very original

Sergej I
Watching! Top riveting there, looks very exact and well cleaned after 👍

Tony Tonov
Great start, taking a seat 👍

Harald Besold
Impressive start! I'm really looking forward to the following photos.

Neil Patrick
Following. for sure. This looks like it will be epic!

DerMattes
Following 👍

Dave Flitton
Watching!!!!

Romain Sablou
Thank you ! Welcome aboard the Milk Run Special 😉

gorby
Remarkable work so far! Very impressive riveting.

Alec K
Taking a seat in the classroom 👍. What is happening in picture 8?

Живко Джаков
Following

Romain Sablou
Picture 8 : I screw up riveting on the second wing. 😅 I was thinking that doubling the number of rivet lines was a good idea on this part of the wing, turned out it wasn't...
I used Tamiya Surfacer to cover everything and start again

Alberto
Very promising start, I'm in!

Fabien
Wow impressionnant. super beau boulot

Alec K
Thanks for the explanation. I thought maybe you were implementing some hight end stressed skin technique 🙂. Amazing work all around 👍

Guy Rump
Looking great, following. 👍

Romain Sablou
Thanks mates !

Et merci Fabien 🙂

Eric Thornton
+1 following

Guy Rump
Watching. 👍

Thomas Bischoff
watching too 👍

Christoph Kunz
Awesome! 👍
Taking also a seat.

Nicolas
Great work so far, following

Gary Victory
A real pain doing the riveting but so satisfying once it's done. Lovely work Romain.

Romain Sablou
Thank you all for your interest ! This is my first attempt on riveting an all airplane, I wouldn't say it was painful, but rather a looong and sometime tiring job. Overall I really enjoyed the experience and the satisfation when highlighting the rivets with a black wash 👌

Jakub Fiala
Very nice work, so far. Riveting looks perfect 👍 I´ve just ordered a new release of Edugawa F/G Marauder, so i will look for some inspiration here.

Romain Sablou
Thanks ! Yes, this new release of the F/G version is great news for all Marauder fan 👌

Dietmar Bogatzki
Fantastic riveting job and also the wash 👍

Alec K
Outstanding progress 👍

Romain Sablou
Thanks guys, glad to finally paint something after all this preliminary work !

Pietro De Angelis
Impressive work, congrats!

Bernhard Schrock
Great work especially you very exactly riveting job. Chapeau.

Jakub Fiala
Great progress, beautiful details!

Alec K
Superb work all around 👍

Mike Siemers
I'm in, can't wait to see the finished kit. Great job on the interior.

Romain Sablou
Thank you all for following this project 🙂

CaptGPF
Same with others - looking great!

Finn
Following

Tzonglin Wu
It is so incredible. Following.

Spanjaard
my respect for somebody who can do a complete riveting of a plane... and you said it was your first? how, that looks truly amazing! beautiful cockpit too!

Romain Sablou
Thank you all ! Yes first time, pretty happy with the result. I received good advices from my French "Sensei" Julien Haccoun 🙏

Alex Rakhimgulov
Outstanding project!

Dave
Beautiful details, this is looking amazing

Robert Podkoński
Looks awesome already! Keep it up, Romain!

Gary Victory
Totally echo Roberts's comments. Awesome work so far on this build Romain.

Christoph Kunz
👍 👍 👍

skyfox22
wow that's amazing how on earth did you get the finish so good

Alec K
Outstanding work on those invasion stripes 👍

Romain Sablou
Many thanks everyone ! It means a lot during this time consuming project. The finish is acheived by cleaning and polishing the model prior to paint stage. Then by using well diluted paint for thin and smooth coats of paint.

Gary Victory
NMF finishes are more work, but so much more rewarding when done. Super metallics for me definitely the metals paints available.

Yury
Why haven't I seen this miracle before?! Magnificent, super! Fabuleux!

Jakub Fiala
Those worn invasion stripes look great! 👍

CaptGPF
Agree with Alex, the invasion stripes are sooowell done. Roman - how are the Mr Hobby metallics compared to the AK Xtreme metals?

Romain Sablou
Thanks mates 🙂
Mr. Hobby Super Metallic pros : much stronger during weathering steps. cons : dilution can be tricky, not much choices in shades.
AK pros : more variety of color , perfect pre dilution for airbrush, cons : very sensitive to solvant during weathering, high drying time.

Tony Tonov
Great build, I've been following it from the beginning. Impressive result and attention to details. It is an inspiration for my next model 👍

Gary Victory
Absolutely love how this build is coming together. Love the paint work Romain.

Romain Sablou
Thanks guys ! I can't wait to fully dive into weathering

Clement
At this point, I feel like most of us are just speechless, your work is really awe inspiring!

Lebloge
😮 Just one word in mind...perfection ! 😮

Sven Schönyan
Tremendeous work and a extremely good result! What solvent do you use for manipulating the artist pen brushe colours?

Shar Dipree
Awesome work. The rivets alone enliven the model immensely and then the great paintwork and conclusive weathering. Very very beauftiful B-26 so far. 👍

Neuling
Same as Shar Dipree. 👍👍

Romain Sablou
@Clement, and I lack words to thank you all for your support on this long term project. Thanks again everyone ! 🙏
@Sven, I don't use any solvent, you can manipulate the ink fresh out of the pen. But if you still want to dilute or erase something, you can simply use tap water !

Sven Schönyan
Thank you Romain!

Rui S
Looking impecable 👍

Neil
Stunning work! 👏 And a really lovely informative build album 👍

Gary Victory
Really nice work on the weathering Romain. Great progress.

Chris T. An
Incredible! I really like the weathering. This is always the best part. You can see how the model comes alive.

Tom Spiegelberg
I like your metall finish on your fantastic Marauder Romain!

Frank Brzobohaty
Coming along fantastically!

Alec K
That CHIPPING!! Just superb 👍

Romain Sablou
Many thanks mates !

Lex Jassies
Top notch modelling 👍

Dontsniffglue
Phenomenal detailing. I can only hope to get this good years from now. Especially love all the chipping and weathering added that gives it a whole new level of realism.

Romain Sablou
Thank you ! 🙂

Frank Brzobohaty
What are you using for the long aerials? MGP????? and how did you do the insulators/connectors?

Romain Sablou
Cables are made with "hyper thin rigging" from AK (AKI-9135) , insulators are made with PVA glue diluted with a drop of water and a small brush

Michael Kohl
Fantastic

Gary Victory
Home stretch Romain. Loving your work on this B-26.

Alexander Grivonev
What a beautiful build report, true eye candy 👍

Thomas Haberl - TH SCALE MODELS
Beautiful ... very nicely done 👌

skyfox22
amazing work on the aerials

Romain Sablou
And thank you for following this step by step til the end ! I'm glad so much liked it.
Final pictures of the model should follow soon

CaptGPF
Agree with Alexander - Truly an eye candy!

Jakub Fiala
Excellent work Romain! Looks very realistic.

Romain Sablou
Eye candy, I like this expression 😄 Thanks

Nicolas
Phantastic result. 👍

Guy Rump
Beautiful build. 👍

Łukasz Gliński
Incredible details, watching the rigging with envy, still don't know how you mount it so clean, must be my eyesight or sth. 👍

Clement
Amazing work really. All around impressive!

gorby
WOW! That's about as good as it can possibly get. Modelling at its best.

Romain Sablou
Tonight, it's a wrap !
Thank you for your support all along this project which was the most ambitious I've ever done so far. I'm proud to present you the final picts, enjoy !

Rando
Beautifully done.

Spanjaard
top job!!!

Thomas Bischoff
stunning job 👍 👍 👍

Duster_d
Top! 👍

Robert Podkoński
Beautiful!

Michael Kohl
Well, you have all the reason to be proud. Top job.

Dave
For an ambitious project, you made it seem effortless. Really nice end result. ( eye candy)

Neuling
Yes: modelling at its best.

Pietro De Angelis
Masterpiece!

babak chalangi
looks amazing well done

Woit
Great presentation of the process of construction, painting and weathering. Very inspirational. Lovely model!

Moreno Baruffini
Thank you for the thorough presentation of the process; I've learned so much. You created an impressive model! Superb!

Alec K
Modeling at its best, truly. Thank you for sharing your secrets here 👍

yngvenett
I'm definitely following this! The idea of using drilling holes in small parts and inserting the needles is brilliant. Wish I saw this 2 weeks ago 😳

Martin Oostrom
New lessons to be learned

Robert Podkoński
Taking a first row seat on this talent show!

Alexander Grivonev
Welcome guys, yes holding spoilers is sometimes a real pain in the a**, I've learned this the hard way

Rui S
I'm in 😎

Mike Bird
This kit is on my Christmas list! Watching along!

Dominik Weitzer
i will take a seat! awesome kit.

MS K
😎🍿

Martin Oostrom
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Живко Джаков
The base is very well chosen for the 1:1 scale cat model. And if the model makes purring sound effects, it won't get kicked out of there I guess.

Jennifer Franklin
Indeed, it should display the cat model nicely, and will most likely be accepted by the region's cat inhabitants.

Ralf Topeters
As the smallscale and diorama fan that I am, I feel honoured to take a seat and watch this one grow. 👍

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you Ralf

Nicolas
I'm watching too.

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you Nicolas

Ludvík Kružík
Jennifer, you conceived your first model in a spectacular way. Not just the model, but the whole diorama. I wish the construction of the diorama goes as you wish. I'll be watching.

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you Ludvik, that is high praise. From watching all of you, I can see that I still have many techniques to learn. I am looking forward to refining my skills with time.

Pierre Pierre
any progress ?

Jennifer Franklin
Hi Pierre Pierre, I make a little progress most days. Yesterday, I built the trailer; today, I painted it.

Pierre Pierre
looking good ! following

Christian
"I'm back and I'm building 500 lb bombs" sounds like a line from the third reel of an action hero movie. I'm very interested in seeing where this diorama goes.

Jennifer Franklin
Thank Christian. Hopefully, I won't disappoint you.

Jennifer Franklin
Ralf, you must excuse me; this is not entirely historically accurate. They would have been square and smaller if they had used hay bales (which not everyone did then) during World War II. The concrete slabs should be more symmetrical and vary a little less in colour. They used trailers to haul bombs to the Memphis Belle. However, it was a smaller trailer, not the M-989 used for their Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) missile pods and munitions. Once I start doing scratch work, I will endeavor to be more accurate. I was doing the best with what I could get my hands on.

Guy Rump
Following with interest. 👍

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Guy.

Ralf Topeters
Hi Jennifer, believe me I'm definetly no rivet counter and not a historical accuracy freak. 😄 😉 I just enjoy well made scale modelling and especially dioramas. You have constant progress so far and it looks really promising until now. So let's have fun modeling! 👍

Jennifer Franklin
Well said, Ralf; glad to hear that. I know that the Memphis Belle flew out of the British countryside and that they used to use trailers pulled by a jeep to load the plane, so I am trying to build a scene reflecting that as best I can. During the war, England created many temporary airfields everywhere, which I was trying to capture. So, I really wanted my airfield to be obviously next to a farmer's field.

Landlubber Mike
Wow, this is going to be some diorama! Great start!

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Mike; I appreciate your enthusiasm.

Felix
Following with great interest! And what's not to like about a furry helper?🙂

Jennifer Franklin
Welcome Felix!

Marc Stecher
Also following! This is very interesting since I also plan on a B-17 diorama some time. Except I own the 1:48 kit.

Jennifer Franklin
Welcome, Marc! I am curious to follow up on your B-17 sometime in the future.

Mark Sherwood
A nice start on your figures Jennifer, looking forward to the finished product. 🤘🥸🤟

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Mark 🙂

Finn
Looking good, will follow

Ralf Topeters
The guy on pic 55 looks like he's carrying a couch table on his shoulders. 😄 Funny!

Neuling
A good one, Ralf!

Jennifer Franklin
He totally does, Ralf; I agree, Neuling that is a good one. Thank you, Finn.

Bozo
There's some gear. Good job.

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Bozo, working on building up a bench.

Pierre Pierre
very good progress ! What brand are these figurines from?

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Pierre, the figurines are from Reed Oak.

John Hughes
Any progress on this recently?

Jennifer Franklin
No, John. Thanks for checking in. I bought all four new IKEA Billly shelves with doors for my office and have been working on some 3D printing projects. I'm almost done with the office setup, including gluing the shelf backs and reinforcing with wood strips down the back of the middle to screw all the shelves into to stop them from sagging, and then I should be back to my model work.

Ralf Topeters
That's nice to hear. Even if it is in the future it is good to here there will be progress. Keep up the good work! 👍

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you Ralf!

Dave
This sounds very interesting. Jennifer, wish you luck with your progress.

Alec K
This will be awesome! Saving my seat for when this resumes 🙂

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you Dave and Alec!

Ludvík Kružík
I also look forward to the next sequel.

Jennifer Franklin
Thanks Ludvik!

Ben M
🐄🐄🐄

Jennifer Franklin
Love it Ben

Nicolas
I love the cows.

Ben M
Me too. I have a B-17 diorama I want to build as well. Looking forward to learning here.

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Nicolas and Ben; the cows were a request from my sister.

Ben M
Oh wow! This looks great. The different shades of concrete really works great here.

David Taylor
Nice.

Guy Rump
Very nice setting for a great model. 👍

Dave
Very nice end result with your dio.

gorby
Fantastic work for a first attempt Jennifer. Well done.

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Ben, David, Guy, Dave, and Gorby.

Robert Podkoński
Great job, Jennifer! I admire your talent and perseverance (despite feline challenges... 😉 )

Nicolas
Nice result👍

Ralf Topeters
Finally finished and what a great outcome. Especially for a first this dio is really grat. Well done Jennifer! 👍

Erik Leijdens
Great Work all around Jennifer! Also nice to see that cats behave the same way anywhere in the world!

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Robert, Nicolas, Ralf, and Erik. Erik, your cat looks so well-behaved in your photo, but I guess he or she has their moments, too?

Jennifer Franklin
According to this site memphisbelle.com/2016/04/20/faq/ the Memphis Belle had a bomb load of 8000 lbs. So much has changed since then. Another site says "normally, 4,000-6,000 pounds (1,815-2,722 kilograms) of high explosive bombs were carried. The internal bomb bay could be loaded with a maximum of eight 1,600 pound (725.75 kilogram) bombs."

Ludvík Kružík
Jennifer, the dio looks perfect. You managed to bring the whole scene to life with a simple and believable story. There's no doubt you have talent and taste. It's hard to believe this is your first modelling venture. I like it very much.

John Hughes
Are you sure you haven't done this before? I'd say this rates a proper display case to keep the dust (and helpers) off. Well done!

Jennifer Franklin
Thank you, Ludvik and John. Coming from experienced builders such as the two of you it means a lot.

Alec K
I echo mates' sentiments: very well done. Looking forward to your next venture 👍

Danny Ray
Nice bit of my bare foot in the pic. Good job I was wearing pants! 🙂

Danny Ray
Love my new Archimedes drill. Makes doing very small bores that much easier. Speaking of small bores, am I speaking too much? 😂

Danny Ray
I think, in future, I'll paint most of the small items, like tools, before I attach them. So much easier.

Choppa Nutta
🙂 👍

Jean Tchao
THX 🙂

Calvin Gifford
Spectacular!

Fab Ian
Nice interior and load of small gimmicks, but to be honest the paintjob isnt very well done....

Ulf Petersen
Bonjour Jean! Bien que vous montrez votre modèle ici.
Please excuse that I am switching to english now.
Nice Tiger!👍 You did everything to achieve the look of a vehicle in use.
Obviously you painted your model with brush.
May I suggest to mix your colours thinner next time. That would avoid that all the brush strokes can be seen and that the paint becomes so thick that it swallows the fine details.
Another hint I would like give you: use less parts lying around on the hull and the turret of the vehicle. All those things would slide and roll around and fall off, when the tank moves. You would never see such a mess in reality.

Jean Tchao
Hi there !

Thanks for all your comments ! Yes the paint is too thick. I would have prefered use airbrush but I don't master the tool and painting with brush calm my nerves 🙂 anyway it's a model I build some years ago ! I have bought thinner since !!

As far as the stuff on the tank is concerned.. let say the scene represents the tiger stopped and beeing reassorted by people... liking carrots & tomatoes 🙂))) I assume, I like to put a lot of things on my model 🙂))

Enjoy day and Thanks again

Es-haq Khosravi
Awesome!

Jean Tchao
Thanks a lot 🙂

Hister Farjas
looks very good, the flowers nice touch

Jean Tchao
Thanks Irving ! it was the "peace" touch in a world of brutality ! 🙂

Hister Farjas
oh yeah

Wesley De Braekeleir
Don't wury abouth the paintjob, you did a great job!😉

Jean Tchao
Thanks so much Wesley ... but Ulf was right.. I paint like a drunk dog 🙂 but... I had pleasure anyway ! and that matters much !

Wesley De Braekeleir
Don't whory, the hangover comes later!!! Haha! 😉

Wesley De Braekeleir
I'm also building the Tamiya Tiger I in 1/35 scale! It's almost finishd, just some more weathering and painting the figure and it's done! This weekend is the reveal i think! 😉

Jean Tchao
haha ! surprise surprise ! I will attend the show !

Kim Branders
Nice one Jean. Always happy to see a Tiger.

Jean Tchao
Thanks Kim. Yep I do agree it's my prefered with the panther !

Jennifer Franklin
I'm excited and following. Is this a Mistel?

Jakko ‌
Thanks!

Brian Eberle
Awesome work. A Hobart funny.

Jakko ‌
Thanks, though the fun was wearing a little thin at times building these models 🙂

Robert Podkoński
Wow, what an intricate detailing - I admire your patience and determination here, Jakko!

Jakko ‌
Thanks, it was certainly trying … perseverance got me through eventually, though 🙂

Villiers de Vos
Nicely done, painted and realistic weathered. Your Sherman has seen some service!

Jakko ‌
Thanks 🙂 Not sure about long service: it had stood outside for two and a half years at the point this model represents 🙂

Spanjaard
amazing job. from scratchbuild details, to high tech 3D parts. fantastic!

Pepe
Great job... 😳👌

Jakko ‌
Thank you!

Danny Ray
That's fantastic. This is the famous derelict crab at Westerbeke? You've done her proud!

Danny Ray
Westkapelle even 🙂

Pietro De Angelis
Beautiful work, congrats!

Jakko ‌
Thanks, and yes, it is the tank that's now a war memorial at Westkapelle, but in the state it was in before it got to that point.

Danny Ray
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Danny Ray
Absolutely sublime jakko!

Danny Ray
Hi. Did you buy different tracks from those provided in the dragon kit? Nice work by the way!

Bogicevic Vladimir
Tank you Danny. Yes, I used Bronco AB3542, you can see them in project list.

Jakko ‌
You have more perseverance than I do, if you completed those Bronco tracks 🙂

gorby
Excellent!

Danny Ray
Did you not like the 'magic tracks'? By the way you have to glue the magic tracks I believe? Somebody suggested a slow setting glue. Is that the same with the Bronco tracks? Which glue did u use?

Jakko ‌
The Bronco tracks are hard to build. They consist of two pins moulded together, to which you have to glue the guide horns and then trap them between the halves of two blocks to make an articulated track. The pins are fragile and break if you're not careful, glueing on the guide horns is tricky because they're tiny, and you have to be careful with the glue so you don't accidentally glue the pins to the blocks. And all this comes after you've cleaned up a ton of parts.

I much prefer AFV Club, Panda Plastics (alas, now defunct) or even MiniArt Sherman tracks when it comes to building them.

Bogicevic Vladimir
Danny, sorry for late reply. I make my glue and I can mix it to dry slower. I painted tracks on the sprue, glued them together, weathered them and installed on the model before they were totaly dry. I don't remember why I used Bronco ones instead of Dragon.

Danny Ray
I always feel so inadequate on this site. You people make glue. Scratchbuild. Write books on AFV paint schemes, etc. I make models. Poorly. 😂

Danny Ray
I have a few miniart kits now and I think at least one has individual tracks. It's hard to keep up with all the kits I've bought! Have a stug III with interior, Stuart 'honey' with interior (these 2 will be the final builds because I'll need to learn a lot before i attempt them and a Mirage Vickers 6ton and Hobby boss 38(t) with separate interior. I also have a miniart Grant MK II. So far they seem to be the best kits I've personally seen. The Minart and Border models too. I've not seen any Ryefield or Takom kits but I've heard they're very good too?

Jakko ‌
> I make models. Poorly. 😂

We all started at that point. Some people forget this about themselves, though 🙂

Bogicevic Vladimir
Well, making models poorly is a blessing. Learning how to make them right is a fun part. I made my first model when I was 5,. I am 52 now and I would give all my skills for the drive, motivation and fun I had back in my early modeling days. So, take your time, enjoy, explore...
I made only one Takom model, 0 RFM, so I can't judge about their quality.

Neuling
Another top build from your bench. Excellent detailing and paintwork, moderate weathering. 👍

Danny Ray
I must admit, having the right tools is a massive advantage. My father wasn't a very practical man and had almost zero technical knowledge so I didn't have that stuff taught to me, like many do and our rare attempts at model building, using tubes of cement was a real mess. I bet many of you, even now, would struggle if your only glue was those horrid tubes! Lol
They would invariably have massive amounts of excess glue coming out the seams, frosted, fingerprint covered canopies, thick paint with no line demarcation, etc. you know, a bit like what I produce now! 😂
In all seriousness I really appreciate all the help you fellas give me. A lot.