@fiveten @johnb @luftwaffe-birdman
Thank you for your kind words! The set is from 1996 and is almost thirty years old. I really like when you can assemble an older kit with a nice result and bring it to life. I am aware that several elements of the set had moderately refined. If the upper surface of the bomb bay can be let go, then, for example, the technology of making the turrets requires a lot of work to mask the seams. Also, the triple glazing of the pilot's cabin required gymnastics with white glue, and the joints are still visible, because the upper part is probably a bit too narrow. The main gear fitted really well. Surprisingly good and probably with less stress than in Hasegawa kit! And I usually complain about it. The interior of the model is quite basic including dorsal turret, but surprisingly it shows the individual compartments of the fuselage better than in the Hasegawa model, where the bomb bay is a closed cuboid and you can't see where the passages to further parts are. Looking at the bomb bay, you get an overview of the Academy kit over the entire airframe. There are a few details missing, such as landing lights and position lights under the fuselage, but I found that it makes the model as it is. The wings fit very tightly, so assembly after painting was problematic, because the thickness of the paint already made a difference. However, this construction proved the thesis that you can build a decent model, with practically a minimum of aftermarket goods, which for me was limited to figures of seated RAF pilots and the necessary set of decals, because the original ones were completely unusable. I bought IP panel from Eduard, but it don't fit! mabye it will works with Hasegawa kit. I made the model based on the Eduard limited set, but for a relatively lower price, because the cheapest Eduard sets start at $50 plus shipping $20. I got the model for $40 with shipping, plus $12.50 for the decal set. Unfortunately, this set of Eduard Masks fits to a very minimal extent, practically only the glazing of the pilot's cabin. the rest you have to do yourself, which was actually an interesting challenge. Overall, I rate the model very highly, with no major incidents during construction, which was very relaxing.
