Airfix 1/72 Cessna O-1 Bird Dog

The starting point of the rebuild. Built somewhere in the mid-eighties... 

Amazingly it did not fall apart during the paint strip. 

First job is to take care of the big seams below the wing 

Had to find a solution the brick-like roof and side windows. Cut them apart and lots of sanding... 

Sanding them smooth after installation, not yet perfect but much better already. 

Time to start the new build as well. 

Windows will get the same treatment. More sanding... 

Installing the PE in the interior 

Assembly progressing... 

... and ready for painting. I tried but did not use the PE landing gear as it was too thin and bent too much under the load. 

Primer on 

Oops, old war wound of the rebuild playing up again. Fixed with CA (again...) 

Tiniest spray job ever but better than a decal 

Ready for decals 

Bit of a struggle to get this shark mouth in place 

Kit prop is not correct for the USAF version but easily fixed 

Decals on!