TexasRugger

Let me know if you're interested in swapping your 1/32 Tamiya Zero for my 1/32 Academy F-16. Steve nativetexan1976@hotmail.com

Looks very good. My only comment would concern your paint mixing ratios - 25%/75% paint/thinner would seem very thin to me (as in too much thinner). I start around 60/40 paint/thinner and test it on something (usually the box). I usually end up around 50/50. Of course, it's always easier to add more thinner, but don't make it too thin. I've heard that properly thinned paint should have the consistency of milk, and I find that to be about right. Concerning mottling, I usually do make the paint thinner, but 25%/75% still seems too thin to me. I also add a retarder to keep the paint

Darius, Fantastic work! I've got to ask, as I'm currently working on the 1/72 B-32 which in some respects is rather similar (cylindrical fuselage, high mounted wings, natural metal finish); so - how did you mount the wings to the fuselage? I can see you added the spars coming from the fuselage, but did you add slots to the wings, or did you just fit them over the spars? What glue did you use? How did you set the dihedral? And most importantly - how did you finish the joint? Just lots of putty? Thank you, and again - great looking model! Steve

I really can't say enough good things about Richard's HobbyTown USA in Plano. I'm not sure its Richard's, but he's the guy you want to talk to when you're there. I thought modeling was over when Phil's closed, but this HobbyTown USA is just great. This isn't your usual Hobby Town USA. Yes, they have plenty of RC cars, boats etc, but they also carry resin, photoetch, aftermarket decals, have a great kit selection, carry all kinds of paints (Tamiya, Gunze, Alclad, Vallejo) and are always helpful in ordering special requests. Don't miss this place - NorthEast corner of Parker and Independe

Gambit, Great work so far. I built this kit last year, and I have to tell you that it was really a challenge. I think you'll find that the biggest challenge by far will be fitting the windows. In some places, there was a rather large gap between the edge of the glass and where it was supposed to join with the fuselage. I used lots of CA and sanded it down to get everything even. Also, you'll notice that the helicopter isn't actually black - its a dark gray. I found Testor's Anthrice Gray to be a perfect match. Keep us updated! Steve aka TexasRugger

Greg, Can you comment any on the weathering? It looks fantastic - is it pastels? Thanks, Steve

Darius, This looks fantastic! Can you tell me how you plan on attaching the wings to the fuselage? I'm currently working on the Aviation USK 1/72 B-32 Dominator (also a vacuform) and haven't figured this out yet... Happy modeling, Steve aka TexasRugger

Pierre, Incredible work you do. Seriously, it is very inspiring. Even your photography is great. My question is - how do you take the "work in action" pics? If your left hand is holding the part to be trimmed, and your right hand is doing the trimming, who is taking the picture? Ah-HAH! Figured you out!!! You have three arms!! Steve aka TexasRugger

Thanks for the advice all. Great looking C-46, Darwin! Keep up the great work everyone.... Tex

Thanks for the advice all. Great looking C-46, Darwin! Keep up the great work everyone.... Tex

How buildable is it? Recessed lines? Go together well? Thanks, Tex

That looks fantistic! Did you freehand that? Tex

I've been playing with my new digital camera and new computer, trying to pull together some images of one of my latest kits - a 1/48 Tamiya P-51D "Dallas Doll". Unfortunately, I've decided that I want to build exclusively in 1/72, so I'm selling off my built 1/48 kits. But I'd thought I'd show this one off to you all before it goes. Let me know what you think... More pics and detailed build up description here - eBay Tex