Halinski 1:33 Spitfire Mk 1a - Page 10

**Olo** · #91 05-15-2021, 05:55 PM

now we can see how difficult is this plane to build ......by looking at the front and wings of the plain I can image how hard was to build this part.....but no one will use binoculars to look at the model

Looking good

**Hely** · #92 05-17-2021, 02:51 PM

This leaves me completely in awe; each time I visit this site I know that I'm going to see something that leaves me almost lost for words... and today this is it!

**Erik Zwaan** · #93 05-20-2021, 03:57 AM

Ab, Dan, Tom and Hely - thank you for your kind words! Tom, the model really isn't that difficult to build but you have to pay attention to every part. Study it in advance, as well as the instruction drawings, work accurately, and the quality of the model will do the rest. It's the perfect way to relax after a long "working-from-home day".

First, the last item in the cockpit, the tiny head-up display, which is attached to the instrument panel by a very thin connector.

It's been a good decision to buy the pre-vacuumed canopy. Difficult moment is always how to cut it out of the mold properly. Not too less but definitely not too much. Also, as I want to have the canopy in open position, it needs to be separated properly.

Best is to assemble the canopy template first and use it as a guide where to cut away excess of plastic. Looks like a better idea than to glue on the frames first and then cut along the edges. I'm afraid that the frames will detach from the transparent parts, and need to be re-glued.

It's a tedious process but not difficult. The front screen has a double layer, in fact it was an armored screen. I read that installing this feature was inspired by the bullet-free glass that Chicago-gangsters installed at their cars in the thirties.

Again, the fit on the fuselage is excellent and I'm happy with the end result. The small rear-mirror is a nice detail.

All of the frames' surfaces have been entirely glued to the clear parts with UHU glue. Any excess, when the glue has dried to a certain extent, could be easily removed with the pin of a wooden skewer. When rubbing it away, the glue sort of rolls up into a small ball, which can be easily removed. Canopies are not my favorite but I must admit, I enjoyed this one....

Cheers,
Erik