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Today’s progress report: So today I completed my intended goals for yesterday. I added instrument decals to the IP, RAF WWII type, rather than the WWI type that I had planned to use but were invisible because they needed to be applied over a white background. Then I drybrushed and touched up the seat And lastly, I touched up the inside colors. Next session I can install all the interior parts and close it all up.

I was an editor at Squadron/Signal Publications from early 1999 to early 2005, when Jerry Campbell dismissed me. I had good memories of Squadron Mail Order and the people who worked there. (While with Squadron/Signal, I helped proofread Mail Order's monthly flyers and annual catalog and helped with their semi-annual inventory.) I even ordered from them now and then. Most recently, I ordered two bottles of Vallejo paint from them last month, which arrived just days later in good order. I was aware of the problems Squadron has had in recent years, so the news of their apparent closing (temporarily?) really should not come as much of a surprise. I would agree with the comments about their website. They were slow to embrace the Internet and not very efficient when they did. Plus, I wondered what the point was of the collectables (die-cast models, plaques) they were selling. Not something a real scale modeling retailer would have on offer. In 2019, while in Liberty, Missouri for IPMS/West Central Missouri's contest, I was invited to visit the Sprue Brothers Models facility, which most impressed me with its efficiency and service. II have ordered from them on occasion (including last month) and would certainly order from them again if the need arose. While touring Sprue Brothers' warehouse, I mentioned to one of the principals there (I can't remember his name) that I had worked at Squadron, and he mentioned to me the problems they were having at the time (stock on hand, credit issues). I filed that note in my memory. It is sad to see Squadron go, but the same goes for Sears.

The Stuka aircraft is just about done. After I finished the weathering, decals, and top coat done I detailed and painted the canopy frame and then installed the canopy. The antenna line inside the canopy was made with 32 AWG wire. The antenna line from tail to mast was done with some EZ-line. The aircraft was then set aside (more weathering to be applied once it is set on the base) . I then started on the portable generator for the display. For the engine I added the fuel line and ignition wires. The cable to hook up to the aircraft was part of the kit. I painted it German Gray and weathered it with gray, brown and black pastel chalk. I will add the grass and dirt stains later when it is mounted to the display base. I am now starting on the display base. The base is a 16” diameter, 1/8” thick maple base. I will be using Scene-A-Rama accessories to make a grass field next to a paved runway. I also have the tractor and seven figures to build, detail, and paint. You can see all the photos and details from the start in my build log at https://davidsscalemodels.com/build-log/1-48-ju-87b-1-stuka/