That vacation period has really helped. It also afforded me the time to re-evaluate what I really wanted to build, and what my focus should be.
Back in the 70's, I was a dedicated IPMS regional and National contest type of guy, competing in both aircraft and car categories. I finally came to realize that I really enjoyed the compeititon side of the hobby way more then I had admitted to myself. When I got back into Modeling I wasn't sure I had the skills anymore, nor was I sure that I could master enough of the newer and more complex skills to be competitive once again, so I've avoided any and all local, regional, and even national contests.
But now that just seems like the additional focus I need to push myself to consistantly build to the present level I model at. I'll admit that I found it all to easy, especially at the end of a long build to rush to completion, or to accept work that isn't up to the standards of the rest of the build.
I also realized that at least for me, there has to be some kind of balance from what I do with my free time other then just plastic scale modeling, especially now being semi retired, and full retirement on 12/31/2017 (if I last that long at work). I've also found those balances, and they've helped to rekindle my modeling Mojo.
With my new ATTITUDE in mind, I'm focused on entering one or two categories at the IPMS Region 1 Noreastcon in Batavia New York next May 2017. My Goal isn't to win or admit defeat, but to enter the very best model or two I'm capable of building. No more self induced pressure this time around. My best is good enough for me.
OK, enough on the background to this build. My 1st entry will be for the 1/48 scale multi prop category. I decided on a personal favorite aircraft from my brothren across the pond: The DeHavilland Mosquito Mk VI. The kit selected will be Tamiya's updated kit that was originally released 1998. The current release has updated parts and some rather nice decals.
The following After Market parts will be used in the build:
4086 1:48 Aires Mosquito FB Mk.VI / NF Mk.II cockpit set
ECL48168 1:48 Eagle Editions Mosquito FB Mk.VI Decals
ULT48045 1:48 Ultracast De Havilland Mosquito Tail Wheel Assembly (TAM kit)
EDUEX029 1:48 Eduard Mask - Mosquito FB Mk VI/NF Mk II (TAM kit)
ULT48047 1:48 Ultracast De Havilland Mosquito Flame Dampening Exhaust Shrouds (TAM kit)
ULT48247 1:48 Ultracast De Havilland Mosquito Standard Wheels (Block Tread)
ULT48034 1:48 Ultracast De Havilland Mosquito Control Surfaces
MAM48111 1/48 De Havilland Mosquito NF Mk. II / FB Mk. VI Pitot Tube & Armament Set (Browning .303 barrels and Hispano 20mm barrel tips)
There just isn't any way that I could justify spending much more on AM parts, and there are alot more costing a few hundred or so.
I decided that I rather leave both the top nose .303 Browning gun compartment, and the bottom Hispano 20mm canon compartments closed. The bomb bay consists of two separte sections, the actual bomb bay, and foward of that in a separate compartment the Hispano canons and ammunition. To replicate this correctly would require the Aires AM bomb bay that costs $70. I'm going to model the canon bay closed, but the bomb bay opened. Well, at least that's the plan for now.
My 1st thoughts about the various flying surfaces was to drop the flaps, one Aileron up, and the other down, both elevators down, and the rudder slightly off center. Research has shown not a single Mosquito parked had this confuration, only the Elevators slightly down, and the rudder if at all slightly off center. So that's how I'll proceed.
I've just started modifying the cockpit halves for the Aires cockpit, but there hasn't been enough done yet for my 1st build post.
Joel
