Zoukei-Mura He 219: Update 3/30

[JimD]

When I started the Ju88 last year that kit actually marginally beat out the Revell He 219 for a spot on my bench then. I wanted to build something big and some Junker builds I found pushed me in that direction.

I knew I'd build an Uhu sooner or later, but I told myself I didn't like the airframe enough to justify the ZM price. Then over Christmas I got it in my head I needed to build a ZM kit in the same vein that I went with a Wingnut kit...I felt I owed it to myself to try one. I thought for sure it'd be the Ho 229...but then builds of those started sprouting up...I found a couple of awesome ZM 219 builds that inspired me, and finally when I did some research...the inaccuracies of the Revell kit were just too much for even me to live with. Besides, I planned to throw $100+ in AM at the Revell kit...so...here we are.

TL;DR: I build kit now. Enjoy



There is a lot to this kit, so I suspect it will take me close to 6 months at my current rate. I'm in no hurry, so have patience. To keep myself sane I'm going to tackle each section of the instructions as it's own kit...pretty much what you have to do here.

I've started with the engines. 52 pieces each. After a couple of nights I'm about 1/4 of the way through the engines.



And that's where we are at. Most updates will be at significant stages, so bear with me.

[deafpanzer]

DAMN! You had to go for 1/32? LOL Engine is already looking great even tho it is only quarter done.

[JimD]

I have absolutely no idea where this thing is going when it's done...none...but yeah...I'm kinda hooked on 1/32 now These engines are amazing...can't wait to share the completed assembly...

As always, thanks for tuning in.

[Deano]

Yeah thats gonna be a big un ! , nice work on the engines Jimmy ... look forward to more!

[mrt51]

WOW! Watching this one!

Terry

[TRM]

Some real snazzy building there Jimmy!! Both Donkeys look superb!! Keep it coming!

[deafpanzer]

Had to look at the box art again and I realize it has real cool camo. Is that what you are going to do? If so, I better say prayers for you now that you don't loose your mind over this! LOL

[M1Carbine]

Jimmy - engines look fantastic, im tuned in for more.

Bob

[tobias5555]

That will become a big bird.

[wbill76]

Sounds like a nice project to keep you busy for a while Jimmy. Looking forward to the different stages as you pull it all together.

[destrozas.]

I'm in love with this kit, but my purchasing power and fail modelistic level

[Rick]

Sweet! Gonna keep an eye on this one for sure Jimmy. Those engines are looking awesome.
Rick

[JimD]

Ok. Finally back to this one. After a 6 hour day at the bench yesterday this is where I'm at with the engines.

All parts need to be clear coated for a wash. I also need to weather coolant tanks (not pictured) and work on the exhaust. Not there yet, but very close. I did want to give some progress shots though.















This is the front armor assembly dry fitted for an idea of what it looks like.

[TRM]

Always a great showing from you Jimmy! Both engines look superb!!

[wing_nut]

Damn that's a nice pair. Its like tuning into the Playboy Channel

[Tojo72]

Some huge project.Those engines look fantastic.

[deafpanzer]

DAMN! Great work... bet those engines even work too!

[JimD]

Thanks gentlemen. The engines were a kit unto themselves. Very fun so far. Thanks for checking in, and all the wonderful comments.

[Jeff the 57th]

Amazing engines. Love seeing these ZM kits going together. Any plans on markings yet?

#57

[JimD]

Yup. It's this aircraft:



The instruction paint guide:

[deafpanzer]

White on one side and black on the other side? Somebody either ran out of paint or didn't complete the paint job?

Looking pretty cool even tho!

[wbill76]

Nice work on the power plants. Love the choice of scheme as well.

[Leon]

WOW!!! Jimmy those engines look fantastic .Looking forward to you tackling the paint scheme.

[JimD]

Thank you, sir!

Wow...it's been too long since an update. Mostly it's because of lack of bench time, but I have been able to get some work done.

The engines are closer. I've done some washes/filters, attached some peripherals. I still need a flat coat. If you notice the toward the top you can see bits of Tamiya tape. The piping coming from the oil tanks didn't reach the piping on the engine, so I used tape to make "connectors." Those need to be painted...then the exhaust added and with a clear coat I'll be calling these done...not sure how I feel about them...



I also have worked on the fuselage fuel tanks. RLM 02 followed by detail painting, gloss coat, stencils, washes. I still plan to clear flat these and add some scratches with a pencil and filters to further add depth.



Small update, but figured I should provide one nonetheless.

[wbill76]

Nice detail work on the engines and fuel tanks Jimmy.

[deafpanzer]

Brillant work as usual... keep it coming buddy!

[JimD]

It's been a while since an update, but I have been making progress. Work has moved to the cockpit and fuselage interior. I'm about to begin weathering those. Pics of finished sub-assemblies from here out.

I know you're tired of pics of the engines but they are finally done. I used AMMO's engine and fuel set and their exhaust set to polish off the weathering. Beautiful stuff all around.

[dupes]

Is it done yet?

Those engines look ridiculously good...I hope you'll be able to see an awful lot of them once their mounted. Does the kit have openable cowls/panels?

[JimD]

Dupes, there are a few options from what it looks like. Originally, I was thinking something along the lines of what you can see in this build:

expo14.almeriamodelismo.com/wp/?page_id=360

Though I think I may have goofed because I'm thinking the 2 mounts on either side of the engine wouldn't come out of the plane with it. If I find that to be the case one engine will just be exposed with open cowl panels like the opposite engine in the above build and the other will be fully exposed with the cowling and prop removed.

So the engine is going to be exposed for sure. I was hoping to be able to get some exposure on the innards of the nacelle as well...we will see.

[Wes]

Those engines look stunning. I can smell the oil and grease from here.