There's such a lot to take in here, Louis! I am up to my neck in it with life at present - no serious issues just non-stop action at home and work - I have only just caught up on this thread - thanks for your advice on the Hurri and Spit (Airfix) I'll pay good attention! As this progresses it becomes more mind-bogling and just plain impressive! Outstanding, Louis!

Thanks gents for the kind words.

Paul please don't hesitate to ask any questions if you have any along the way... I'll try my best to answer correctly and be prompt. I'm happy to hear that things are going well for you my friend.

Hello John,
I agree the Tamiya kit is a real gem. So far it has been really fun to build, no problems encountered, and the fit has been spot on.

I'm not too happy with the landing gear on the new Airfix kits. It looks like the weakest link in the kit so far. The details are rather nice, and they give you a lot of options for the price. The fit isn't quite as nice as the Tamiya kit, but it's pretty close.

Louis, the man - the legend! Personally I'd go with the invasion stripes for the contrast. I think it would really put the model apart. IMHO, just do want fits you. As for the idea of showing off the cameras, it would be a shame to hide the work you put into it, but would it add to the build finish? Only you can decide really. I think it would be cool, but I'm a newbie in this current game.

Wow, you can definitely see the difference in the quality of your kits compared to the Revell molds. First obvious one is the radio mast is molded on the Revell fuselage where your versions are not. No problems since mine is more of a nostalgic trip then anything.

Things are looking good at the Factory!

Very interesting build log. Learning a lot about WW2 aircraft. Thanks louis for sharing.

Here's a short report of the progress I made last night on the Airfix PR Mk XIX.

The kit instructions would have you build the entire prop assembly and install it when the fuselage halves are joined together. I don't want to go this route, as it will be a real "pain" to mask off for the painting process later.

After some thought, I decided to "borrow" an idea from various Tamiya kits. It involves the use of their "poly caps" as a method to secure the prop. I just so happened to have a spare Tamiya Poly Cap, and it was almost the same size as the original Airfix part which can be seen on the left.

So this is what I did. It may look a little crude, since I didn't have the exact materials needed at hand. I had to improvise a little, since the prop shaft didn't fit exactly. I heated the poly cap a little and melted it so make the end a little smaller so that it would grip the prop shaft... This worked like a charm.

Then I made this rather ugly looking retainer out of round tube stock.

Here are the various prop parts that come in the kit.

First some more research on what type of harness was used on the different Marks...

Hello David !

It's great to hear from you. I don't know too much about the game, and I'm fairly certain that most Americans don't know that much about the game. Most Americans are more into Baseball, Basketball, and our "Football", not to be confused with your "soccer"... 🙂 just kidding with you my friend.

It does look as if someone took the game of cricket, and stole the idea to form the game of baseball... funny looking bats they use ! Almost like Jai Lai ...

or more like the paddles used by school principles and teachers back in the day when punishment was allowed... (when a kid got a little "unruly"). Not that I would know... 🙂

WD-40 works too James, as does a good heavy coat of wax. We use it to keep the "love bugs" from damaging the paint when they appear each May and September.

Crickets could also be a wireless phone service provider ... not to be confused with "Crikey" as our Australian friends are known to say on occasion.

Or a little insect you can use for bait when you're fishing ! Like the ones James occasionally has to wash away from the hood (or the "bonnet") of his truck.

I just looked it up and it seems that our English friend David was referring to the number of postings on this building journal to the number of what we Americans would call "pitches" in baseball ?

Wow... who would have thought a single inning has 20 "overs" ... with a 120 "deliveries".

Just a wild guess. Good stuff David.

and I learned something new today...

Thanks my friend.

Louis, yes I've used WD-40 before. Btw, my last Dodge truck had a full Bra. Wish I could have gotten one for my current truck. Not only kept the bugs off but protected the front from rocks and what not. Since I don't Rodeo anymore, I really don't need one, but it would be a nice add.

David, you must forgive some of us "Rednecks" over here in the colonies. For some, we don't know the difference between a Scotsman, an Irish lad, a Canuck or an Aussie. To us, your all either Brits or Englishmen. 😉 I've always considered anyone from over the pond as being East Texan.

Speaking of Kilts...how did your have a problem with a zipper?

BTW @dirtylittlefokker, I prefer Speyside single malts.