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**Scuff** · 10-11-2011

Or Not Another Bl@@*¥ Spitfire......

Thanks for all of your encouragement on my Me262 on another thread.

My current just started build is a Tamiya 1/48 Spitfire mkVb, chosen for nostalgic reasons as t was the first aircraft I built as a lad with the help of my dad.

This my first build using photo etched parts... And its taken me all day to do the cockpit. I just can't believe how fiddly some of the parts are. I used a magnifier, cocktail sticks with 'spit' on them to manipulate them.

May I ask how you PE veterans do it, or is there no easy way. Thanks in advance.

Here is what i have done so far.

Regards
Scuff
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**Dave W** · 10-11-2011

Nice looking cockpit.I struggle with PE parts myself.I have found using tiny spots of superglue gel applied with a tooth pick works for me as theres no risk of it running all over the model and ruining it.I also use use Microscales Crystal Clear for attaching some parts as any excess glue can be wipped off.

**Scuff** · 10-11-2011

Originally Posted by Dave W

Nice looking cockpit.I struggle with PE parts myself.I have found using tiny spots of superglue gel applied with a tooth pick works for me as theres no risk of it running all over the model and ruining it.I also use use Microscales Crystal Clear for attaching some parts as any excess glue can be wipped off.

Thanks for your advice Dave

**Vaughan** · 10-11-2011

Looks like you've managed to do a good job so far Graham. I don't think there's an easy way with PE parts but using a magnifier is I find essential. Keep the good work up.
Vaughan

**mossiepilot** · 10-11-2011

Nice start Scuff.

I'll enjoy watching this one.

Tony.

**stona** · 10-11-2011

Nice job!
PE parts are a bit of a fiddle aren't they. It seems like you've cracked it there though. I do find a bit of CA accelerator can help with some parts,it gives an almost instant bond and means you don't have to hold the part accurately in place for more than a few seconds. It's also good for attaching antenna wires to masts or tail fins with a minimal amount of CA!
Cheers
Steve

**Scuff** · 10-11-2011

Originally Posted by stona

Nice job!
PE parts are a bit of a fiddle aren't they. It seems like you've cracked it there though. I do find a bit of CA accelerator can help with some parts,it gives an almost instant bond and means you don't have to hold the part accurately in place for more than a few seconds. It's also good for attaching antenna wires to masts or tail fins with a minimal amount of CA!
Cheers
Steve

Sounds like good advice, thanks Steve.

**Scuff** · 13-11-2011

Just a quick update on this build.

The kit is fairly simple once I had fitted all of the fiddly PE parts. Not all of the PE parts can be seen, but as this is my first construction with PE, I thought that I definately need the practice.

It all assembled fairly well, but I fitted the cockpit section into the fuslage half beore joining the fuselage together. This is contrary to the instructions, but I didn't want to damage the small PE parts. A small amount of filling and sanding was done prior to washing the kit down in he bathroom sink. Once dried and blown off, I sprayed the canopy area in Dark grey, then primed the whole thing with Tamiya neutral grey. The post shading was done with Tamiya matt black.

Masking the canopy to me ages, Not my favourite job, but if its worth doing........

My £20 airbrush from eBay is holding up well, giving a good wide and even coat when priming, and then set up to give small delicate pre-shading lines.

Regards
Scuff
GTMedia Services
FlickrR: Flickr: GTMedia's Photostream