Halinski Mustang III 1/33

[dansls1]

Subtitle: 'My First Halinski'

If all my other card modelling has been learning to walk, I consider this model to be running with scissors (or an Xacto knife). This model has just over twice as many parts as the BF109 I just finished. I'm flying without a net, no scan - just the original book to build from. I've already got over 3 hours into the model and other than laminating formers, I haven't glued anything yet.
The interesting thing about the Halinski models is the use of the 'tab and slot' method of putting formers together. This requires a lot of extra cutting - but looks like it will not only provide a very sturdy frame for the plane, but it helps eliminate any mis-alignment when you are putting it together.
I have taken GB's advice and am cutting the tabs angled and just a tad bit short - and it seems to be working well. I'm having to work the slots out just a bit wider, but I think my glue added a little thickness that I didn't account for. I'm going to try and remember to bring home my calipers and check the actual thickness (I used my 65# cover card stock, 4 layers at 0.2-0.22mm each plus the former sheet at 0.08-0.1).
I've got 2 pictures - the first is the obligatory cover of the kit. The second shows much of the cockpit framing press-fit together.

[Don Boose]

Ah yes! The famous Corsair Mk.LVI in RAF colors!

Good luck on this build, Dan. It's off to a good start. I will be following this one closely.

Don B.

[Johnny]

Thats really a nice choice of aircraft!
I'll be watching your build with the greatest interest.
Always nice to see the builds of Halinski kits!!

[Clashster]

Good luck, Dan! I have many Halsinkis lurking in the closet frightening me to no end.... Look forward to your progress!

[Golden Bear]

Way to go Dan! That is one fine model kit. I'll look forward to watching your success with this.


Carl

[rlwhitt]

Good start! A lot of parts, yes, but you should find it enjoyable when things fit well.

[milenio3]

Dan... you are excelling yourself, unstoppable!!!

[Don Boose]

By the way, Dan, what did you decide to do about the canopy?

Don

[dansls1]

Well, sinuses are killing me, which means my eyes are too blurry to trust myself working on small details, so no updates, and I may or may not touch the model this weekend depending on if I feel better.

Originally Posted by boosed

By the way, Dan, what did you decide to do about the canopy?

Don

I'm going to search for clear plastic packaging to match the general shape, I have Christmas to look at everybodys presents, then if I don't find something I'll hit the store looking at the smaller lightbulbs / nightlights per one of the suggestions. I'm thinking that I'll leave the center section open - it'll hide if I get close but not exact.

[dansls1]

Wow - almost a whole month since I've updated this build. My cold / sinus issues and the holidays really slowed down my modelling, as well as the wife and I picking ourselves up a Wii .
Thus far I've colored and glued together the cockpit section of the frames that I've previously posted up pics of when they were press-fit together. I've got the rear frame for the seat almost ready to glue in and started onto the foot pedal structure. Another session of gluing and I'll probably be at a point to post up some update pictures - hopefully this weekend.
I did learn that sharpees will NOT work for edge coloring with the Halinski paper. Luckily where I tried it will not make a difference in the final kit - but the ink soaks in like the paper were a sponge for it. My normal cover stock works with sharpees if you have a light touch and work from the back - but not this paper. Glad I found out here, otherwise I'd have been looking for paint to fix something down the road