Narses2's Blog - or what I'm slowly making progress on

[NARSES2]

Been looking at the prices for Hasegawa 1/72 Ki-45's and all I can say is that Hasegawa must use platinum for their moulds. Prices are flippin' stupid and I'm not paying them. I really don't understand Haegawa's, or probably Hales the importer into the UK, pricing model. All I'll say is that may your deity of choice protect us come Jan 1st 2021 if we live without a deal. 

Meanwhile I had an old man moment this morning. Took 4 photos of the Ki-102 before I realised I hadn't fitted the props  They are normally the last thing I fit, if the model has them, it's a kind of signing off ceremony. Still sorted out now 

[The Wooksta!]

May be worth trying to find the old Revell Ki 45. It was a pretty decent kit and possibly better than the Hasegawa one.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/L180-Revell-Model-Kit-H-104-Kawasaki-KI45-KAIc-Toryu-1-72/254661849402?hash=item3b4b07713a:g:4cwAAOSwHM9fGDI1

Be quick!

[NARSES2]

Thanks Lee.

I've bought from them before so bid is placed  I've put in what I'm prepared to go up to and that's it so shall sit back now.

[NARSES2]

The Ki-102 is finished and the full build is here

https://www.whatifmodellers.com/index.php?topic=48184.new#new

[NARSES2]

Very little progress as last couple of days I've been out and about a bit.

However I have managed to give my work bench a thorough clean and minor re-organisation. It actually looks well organised now although that wont last that long.

[kitbasher]

The Ki-102 is finished and the full build is here

https://www.whatifmodellers.com/index.php?topic=48184.new#new

Very pretty!

[NARSES2]

Very pretty!

It's certainly got elegant lines

[Rick Lowe]

Whew, finally caught up with the backlog of the thread.

Nice work on all, good to see the progress made. 

[NARSES2]

Thanks Rick.

A little progress today, but the hand/eye co-ordination wasn't being particularly co-operative, especially when it came to handling sharp blades, so I retired to the "reading" room.

Still the P-47 has a first coat of Klear in preparation for masking of the trim colours and the different metal panels I want to try. Plus I got some masking on the PZL so hopefully will get the upper colour painted this week.

[NARSES2]

Slow progress but at least it's progress.

P-47 has had it's second Klear coat so the masking can begin tomorrow, whilst the PZL has been de-masked so I can get a Klear coat on her before transfers. The Hataka paints don't really need a Klear coat as they dry with a nice semi gloss sheen (they also dry in about half an hour) but it might level off some of my dodgy preparation and paintwork. We shall see.

[NARSES2]

but it might level off some of my dodgy preparation and paintwork. We shall see.

Partially successful  , but on closer inspection I still need to do a little work on the pig of a canopy.

[NARSES2]

Got a little bit of work done on the PZL canopy surrounds and I found that a slightly watered down application of PPP was particularly useful for what I wanted to do. Not only did it mean I could use a brush to smooth it, but I could also use a brush to apply some of the more liquid mix into odd corners and let it flow into where it was needed.

Mr Surfacer has its uses, but this method meant I could get the consistency I wanted with plain old water.

[NARSES2]

PZL canopy is much better, still not quite there, but much better.

P-47 is in the process of being masked up for some unit markings and then the different metallic shades. I had a bit of a "oh S...t" moment this morning when I suddenly thought that the transfers I plan on using wouldn't fit because I'd already fitted the bomb pylons, but on quickly checking I think it will be o.k. If not I have another user/scenario in reserve. Indeed I may well use that on on another of the Tamiya P-47's I have in the stash.

[NARSES2]

Getting a bit bogged down, with the PZL and its pig of a canopy in particular. Some work done today, but I'm going to give it another go tomorrow and then take a break from it for a couple of days.

Firstly I have to set a new laptop up on Monday, that could be fun and then I think I'll start looking at the next few projects before returning to the PZL.

In case you are interested the next 3 will be a pair of Arma Hobby Hurricanes, both real world and a Valom Fokker T.V. which I'm going to do in Hungarian colours on the basis that the German's captured some in 1940 and sold them on to the Hungarians.

[NARSES2]

A little bit of progress before the model room got to hot and sticky.

Also had a look at the Valom Fokker and cut a few of the major parts from the sprues. First impressions are good. The sprue gates are surprisingly delicate and clean up quickly and the fit of the major parts is good, which is a good starter. The instructions are a little confusing in places, especially the undercarriage details and some of the internals, but I'm not to sure how much of the later you will actually see ? Two etch sheets and some resin bits and bobs, engines etc. Looks as though it might be an interesting build as long as I take my time.

Certainly a huge improvement on the earlier Valom kits I attempted to wrestle into submission.