mustang1989

Alright gang. We start...... Those of you who know me, know that I can't leave well enough alone.....even for a pre-painted kit. For starters, I had to do something with the wheel and tire arrangement on this. This is not to say that the ones that came in the kit were all that bad BUT.......I've been itchin' for an opportunity to use some wheels and tires that I've had in the parts stash for such an occasion. The wire wheels included in the kit are among the best I've seen in plastic, and I will keep them around for a future build. What's really going to help throw this build over the top is the use of these Tru Wires from Minicurtr8zing. A quick side by side comparison will show that the kit wheels aren't all that bad but these Tru Wires are definitely "all that". Rear wheels in the kit were a Cragar SS design but I had something more in mind. I got these from Teds Modeling Marketplace and these IMO are the best wheels anywhere in being aluminum and PE. I also had a set of 1/25 tires in the parts stash that these will fit perfectly in.

This is one way of doing just that FO SHO Dave.

Mister.......that is some really clean paint and BMF work!!

You are a true WILDMAN Dave.

Just got caught up with this build and it sure looks like you've got a TON of reference shots in here to draw from in addition to any you may already have. Will be looking forward to more stellar progress here buddy.

MAN this thing is looking good Jeremy. That mock up you did on Page 3 looks absolutely killer and your exhaust system has a very realistic look to it. What did you use to paint the exhaust pipes?

Welcome to the forum Allen! Looks like this is going to be one cool build to watch right here.

Between this one and the Black Widow you're working on, it looks like you've got more than enough to keep you busy at the bench Dave. Such a cool build here with details aplenty. Your paint work looks great as well bud.

I really appreciate you pointing that out because I got lost in the other parts of the build and didn't "see" that until you pointed it out. I'm going to use that piece but will be modifying it so as not to look like a house window frame. lol

Thanks Greg. I've looked at the windshield and will give that some more thought. The idea of a truck bed on there has crossed my mind more than once. I picked up another one of these to explore that possibility with.

Okee dokee folks. I'm still working on the Ta-152 and am taking my sweet time with it to make sure that it turns out just the way I want it as well as not to rush something that I've spent the last 11 months building. In order to keep the urge to rush to the finish line down, I'm going to start a side build just to actually complete something for the year. A few weeks ago another friend in a modeling community completed one of these and it inspired me to buy one and give one a go myself. This is a basic kit for the most part and could very well be built in just a matter of hours BUT......as with all open top and open engine builds....there is so much opportunity for detailing and adding things and I plan on taking some good opportunities here. First off, I will be replacing the wheels and tires with something of my own choosing and adding a couple of things here and there to make things a little more interesting. I have a set of Tru Wire wheel/ tire assembly's that I have been chompin' at the bit to find a project car for and this one looks like the ticket. The kit:

Some really good steps taken to get where you are with this build Don. I absolutely love the color you're using on that car body too. I'll be following along on this magnificent build.

Missed this when you posted it up Anton. Stunning detail and I can only imagine how delicate all of that is to handle. So frickin' GOOD man.

Right??!! That picture does indeed give this bird a good look. Will be watching for the weathering process Dave.

With all of these last little tid bits going on it makes it really tricky to handle (as well as scary to handle too I'll bet). She's shaping up VERY well here Dave and one can tell that a lot of tender love and care is going into this beast. Also......this is a whole new color for me to see one of these Widows in but it looks great in it. Just beautiful work man.

You're a wild man for tackling all of this detail Anton. WOW!! Keep 'er comin' man.

Dude......this is just NUTS!!! Extraordinary detailing Anton.

Thanks Dave.....fingers crossed man. Those are actually landing gear bay and nose plugs from O mask. It beats having to stuff waded up paper towels or foam in there and I build enough Fw190's to mandate a set of 'em.

This has been quite the journey through this build so far but one that I am now enjoying now that most of this bird is together. Here we are ready for paint.......FINALLY!!

Yeah but you love it doncha Dave. LOL. A lot of work it has been......but it wouldn't have turned out this good so far without all of the work involved. Such a good result so far and great problem-solving skills at work here. I'm definitely looking forward to the next update.

I just hope I can give this kit the justice that it deserves. LOL

This one...... BTW......kit is now.......acquired!! Thank you for that Kyle.

WOW!! I may have to entertain something like that. That would have to be a 5 ton to haul that sucker around with all of the uparmor.

I believe that 100% on the getting in our own way bit Dave. I seem to constantly over complicate my builds with the details and in the end, I always say to myself, "Why can't you just build something OOB??" The satisfaction one gets when things finally do "click into place" is more than can be put into words. lol

Now THAT ......I would love to see. Didn't know that.