Progress, even if just a little bit, is still progress

Well, that sounds cynical when I say it out loud.

My shipment showed up at the end of April and I finally got my kits out, the ones I'd started last year and packed up for the shipment across the pond. Everything arrived in good shape, and other than some key supplies like masking fluid and decal setting solutions, I got up and modeling by mid May.

So why am I just now, in July, providing a real update? Progress has been slow as I enjoy the Lake District and do some walking in the fells, which is competing with my modeling time. Work takes me to another city at least one night a week, but I've devised a way to bring a kit to work on in my hotel room. I'm actually starting to "ramp up" on my production.

The Airfix Mk Va conversion is almost done, just need to finish the canopy and decals.

The Airfix PR XIII conversion is in a similar state, just needing another try at the canopy; the first looked okay until I masked and painted it. I was quite proud of how the vac canopy looked, too. That'll be another day of trimming and sanding...

The AZModel Mk VIII is ready for decals and final assembly of the fiddly bits.

The CMR Speed Spitfire is ready for the blue, now that the silver has cured. Need to start on the vac canopy...

The Three Mk IX's (2 Airfix and 1 AZmodel) are almost ready for paint.

The AZModel cannon armed Mk I is ready for primer.

In the queue are an AZModel Mk Vb, Sword Mk Vc and Seafire IIc, AZModel and Airfix Mk Ia, MPM FR XVIII, Airfix Mk VI conversion, and an Airfix Hawk T.1 in 19 Squadron Spitfire commemorative markings. All of which has at least a cockpit and most have a fuselage together with a wing assembly.

Not as far along as I'd hoped before I left the States, but considering I'm barely 10 weeks since I got my stuff...and six of these kits are new starts since my arrival...I'm happy with the progress.

My cottage has a few shelves, I may be able to display a dozen or so at any given time. I'd planned for that and actually brought some storage boxes for the kits once I'm ready to cycle them out and put new ones on. Some I'll take back to the States for show-n-tell if I'm home during the meetings.

I brought all my Spitfire kits here to complete during my tenure. That's the goal anyway, a guy can dream!

Until next time...