Started in on the cockpit, one of my fav parts of any aircraft model. It’s really fun to make a detailed cockpit, even knowing that if you have it displayed closed, you won’t see the detail later on.

It’s not only hard for me to see the details on scale models unaided, but after I’m done, the details I’ve worked on I can’t really see anymore either. I’m finding that taking pictures with my iPhone let’s me check my work later and keep some record of cockpits before they’re assembled. Also helps me remember how I did something later on.

I’m starting with some cockpit pictures like this one to let me get close to the real thing in color at least. I’m overwhelmed by the sheer volume of add on things from painted and unpainted photo etch parts, to decals, to fully made, even painted cockpits to drop in. Some of it seems interesting, but surprisingly more than I’d want to pay. I also like the fun of doing a cockpit with what the kit gives you and making the most of what you have. Most of all, for me this has to be fun and just for me, so my cockpits (and the whole aircraft for that matter) are an expression of my own enjoyment of the process and not some attempt to be 100% accurate or out-do what’s been done before.

To that end, I’m a dry-brush person for most cockpit things. Though I have to say, I’m pretty impressed and intrigued with the kind of cockpits people with airbrushes and a little planning can cook up, even with the cockpit the kit offers as is. I might have to look into that some day.