Hello
My next project is the HobbyCraft 1/48 Cutlass with the Collect Aire conversion set. The kit is the elite version with photo-etched parts and metal landing gear. According to HobbyCraft, an experienced model maker can use it to build a museum model. Well, yes. The Collect Aire conversion kit consists of a front fuselage, air intakes,cockpit, vaccu canoppy and metal landing gear, which is exactly the same as the Hobby Craft kit.
Unfortunately it's not that easy, you have to cut away some of the kit. Then it's time for filling and grinding.

Thank you for looking

Ah yes, the "Gutless" - an old Naval Aviator I knew told me he was really disappointed when he got assigned to Skyraiders while the top grads were assigned to Cutlass squadrons. "... until the crashes started."

At the 1954 Navy Day show (the year before they changed everything to Armed Forces Day) at NAS Buckley in Denver (soon to become Buckley ANG Base) I saw one of these do a demonstration. The most impressive part was the low-speed low-level pass at a 40-degree angle of attack. Haven't forgotten that. Or the Blue Angels in Panthers.

Great start, Trachsel @matra

For the paint I use for the first time Tamiya paints, XF-16 and XF-11. Then gloss paint from Vallejo from the spray can.

4 attached images. Click to enlarge.

It looks like the project is going well. I have this same kit and I am glad to hear that the elite version has the same things as the Collect-Aire conversion kit which I don’t have. I hope the rest of the build goes well.

Thank you Dan.
There are the air intakes and the nose from CAT4. Is the easier way. The Squadron clearcanopy is also much better than the one in the kit.

Natural metal finish looks great, Trachsel (@matra). Decals should really look great on the NMF.

Decaling result is perfect so far, despite the challenges, my friend @Matra!
Looking forward to its completion!