Thanks Chuck, Mike Fernao and crop duster for the words of encouragement.
This is the worst fight I have ever been in with a hunk of plastic. Worse even than the Airfix Hudson that I recall from way back.
This is really three steps forward and two back. Sometimes three or four.
Anyhow there has been some progress as little fun as it may have been.
The Duck being coated with Future it seemed to be a good time to apply some decals. This kit comes with a beautiful set.
The first two went on like a dream.
The third one came of the paper hand disintegrated the first time I tried to move it with the brush.
So, I pushed it back on the paper but could not save it. The others were none better. The sheet is date 1995 and was in a sealed plastic envelope .
I found some left over Hasegawa used them in the remaining positions. Not great but at least they worked OK.
Having the decals clear coated , I moved on to trying to learn how to simulate the laminated wood bumper on the float.
After trying three different methods I finally came up with one that looked descent but did not photograph well. Incidentally the tip tip chipped off even with the coat of Future.
I used Tamiya paint to patch the chip. Better luck next time I hope .
I believe this is the third time one of the elevators needed to be glued back on.
To preclude more frustration, I decided to pin them both with brass pins and save them for a latter assembly.
I then turned my attention to the the aft end of the main float. After sanding the wheel ( :S ) and gluing it to the spindly resin strut I prepared to install it. Not surprise when I did not find any reference points.
I had to get the Dremel and cut a slot in the float so as to insert the strut assembly .
From there, I looked at the doors which are way too thick. I scribed the outline on some spare PE fret and cut them out. ( a bit short I might add )
To my surprise the shape did not fit, so I made some from a picture on the internet and did a bit of shaping. They fit straight away .
This is my only good news at this point.
The upper wing is mounted and drying before I attempt to mount the inner stuts.
None of the objects are against it by mistake. It's only trying to keep them in place . A jig is very much needed for this build.
Please not, the carburetor intake has been knocked off five time now. Resin just does not attack to plastic that well .
That's all for today's misadventures . Comments and/or suggestions welcome.
Thanks for looking . Christian B)