Special Hobby 1/32 Yak 3

[BarryW]

Well, its finished....
I have a few shots avoiding pics of the cockpit of course and the 'levers' that retract the inner wheel doors are not accurate as I just used some scrap plastic. not one to be pleased with and it won't be on the shelf for long....
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One thing is for sure. Much as I would love a Westland Whirlwind (the twin engined WW2 fighter, not the chopper...) I will not be buying the forthcoming Special Hobby release. Imagine attaching those twin booms with one of their poorly engineered and fitting kits... I model for relaxation and have enough stress without fighting one of those.

[Guest]

It's been an interesting journey to follow the build of your Yak!
Too many issues with the kit if you ask me but you soldiered on and prevailed - just to have bits inside the cockpit come loose...

Popping off the canopy isn't something you'd do and this I can understand but would it be possible to drill a tiny hole somewhere on the side so you could manipulate the loose bit with a metal wire?
Just enough so it doesn't bother you so much?

Top notch paint job!!!

[BarryW]

Hi Jens. No, not really it is not a practical option. Two parts came loose, these were cockpit top sidewalls that are added after the fuselage is joined and I opted for c.a. rather than cement as I thought it would be less problematical for the paint. With all the filling and sanding around the pit they just broke loose. There are some lessons there!!!

[Vaughan]

I think Barry you couldn't have done anymore it's a build that has fought you all the way. The paintwork is up to your high standard and everything else looks good to me. Just a question regarding the eduard harnesses where do you purchase them from? looking forward to your next build let's hope it's a less stressful experience.

[Steve Brodie]

I think we all have the odd one or two models unfinished, but to get to the end and be given two fingers from the kit isnt fair. Mind it probably accurate in the way they were built !! :thinking: :-) as the penguins say "Just Smile And Wave Boys Smile And Wave"

[BarryW]

I think Barry you couldn't have done anymore it's a build that has fought you all the way. The paintwork is up to your high standard and everything else looks good to me. Just a question regarding the eduard harnesses where do you purchase them from? looking forward to your next build let's hope it's a less stressful experience.

I get them from Hannants Vaughan. They have a good and varied stock. The ‘steel’ ones conformalot better than the others.

[papa 695]

You've done a great job Barry, it looks stunning. And it's that, that makes what's happened to the pit even worse. A great fight all the way, I hope you don't get too disheartened.

[stillp]

Barry, it'd be a pity to bin it after all your struggle. Why can't you take the canopy off?

Pete

[BarryW]

Barry, it'd be a pity to bin it after all your struggle. Why can't you take the canopy off?

Pete

Because of the amount of filler and sanding to attach it in the first place as it was such a poor fit. It was something of a struggle to say the least and this is such a pig of a kit I dont feel motivated to try and to then do the complete new paint job ot would need. Its time to move on to a good kit Pete.

[tr1ckey66]

The finish you've given this Barry proves what this should have been - another Barry Triumph!
I think you've gone to extraordinary lengths to try and fix the shortcomings of this kit, and the result you have despite the setbacks is nothing short of miraculous.
If there was a DSO for kit building you'd be a deserving recipient!!!

All the best
P

[stillp]

Because of the amount of filler and sanding to attach it in the first place as it was such a poor fit. It was something of a struggle to say the least and this is such a pig of a kit I dont feel motivated to try and to then do the complete new paint job ot would need. Its time to move on to a good kit Pete.

I understand Barrie. Perhaps you should fix those cockpit sides back on with a 6 inch nail and a large hammer.

Pete

[BarryW]

I understand Barrie. Perhaps you should fix those cockpit sides back on with a 6 inch nail and a large hammer.

Pete

A large hammer I expect in a few days!!!