Arc does a Blitzbrau: It DONE!!

[Arcwelder]

Yes, that's the infamous lozenge sheet that Revell, in their wisdom, package with this kit. They've been the cause of much "So, what exactly am I meant to do with this?" among modellers. I've only ever seen one builder online actually colour it in and, to be perfectly frank, he shouldn't have bothered.
About their only use is as templates for AM lozenge sheets!

[Arcwelder]

Four hours...

Nothing really new to report: colours are changing and getting solider.



Engine, such as it is. Spot of weathering to go.



And the beer..

we hit the final hop additions at "Knock out" (when you stop the boil). These hops are for flavour and aroma rather than bitterness.




...and into an ice bath, to get the temperature down to about 22C so that yeast can be added. Ideally this happens as quickly as possible, because the ideal temp. for yeast is the same as the ideal temp. for bacteria. Seven bags of ice. Hot wee bugger.



For tunes, we're getting weird. What did poor Donovan Leitch ever do to deserve Gibby Haines?

[Old_Tonto]

Great progress so far mate although isn't it easier to buy beer. I can't believe there is a shortage in Ireland.

My SWAMBO returnrd from Greggs with nothing for me! She must be angry with me, was I supposed to do something today?
Oh yes, build a Spitfire.

[jssel]

A Blitzbau first I am sure. A build and making of the brew. Shaping up nicely.

[Arcwelder]

Great progress so far mate although isn't it easier to buy beer. I can't believe there is a shortage in Ireland.

Oddly enough, the reason I started brewing my own was the lack of variety of beer available here. It used to be stout or lager and a couple of forgettable red ales and that was yer lot. Having lived in the UK, I'd got used to a wider selection. It was specifically an attempt to replicate Sam Smith's Oatmeal Stout that got me brewing, as it's (still ) not exported to here. The situation has changed vastly for the better and Cork is the craft brewing capital of the country, but I enjoy the heck out of it. It's like baking bread: very satisfying on a visceral level.

[Kitaholic]

It's like baking bread: very satisfying on a visceral level.

Not when you do it for a living

Great blitz so far and love the beer making

[Arcwelder]

update at 5, I think... should be something more interesting to show

[flakmonkey]

I quite like these ones with the spare wing and the fan on the front.

I had been contemplating brewing my own beer, being something of a huge fan of the West Coast IPA style, but having seen this it does look a bit of a faff. After all that messing around I'd need ten pints immediately to soothe my shattered nerves.

[Arcwelder]

Nah, it's a piece of the proverbial. If you can make a stew you can make beer. And if all you can do is incinerate a stew, you can still make something alcoholic and vaguely potable. About £150 will get you all the gear you need and don't forget, those couple of hours brewing are an excellent opportunity to "refine your palate" with a beer or twelve.

[Arcwelder]

Alrighty then...

The spare wing is on.. thinking I should maybe have used CA glue rather than cement to speed things up but what the heck, it's done.





Spandaus and engine. Shoulda fitted them before the top wing but that'll add to the fun.



Attempted freehand laminations.



Going to let the stuts/wings bond properly, get the last coat of red on, MG and engine in and then the cabanes will go on.


The beer is done, for now.

Frothy! It's always a good idea to get plenty of oxygen into the wort before you pitch the yeast.



I made a yeast starter a couple of days ago, so in that went and we have..




I'll leave that to ferment for a week or so and then add some more hops (dry-hopping, as its called) for another week and thereafter.. bottling and imbibing! Starting gravity reading taken.. 1056, which is about where it should be (these readings let you know how strong your beer is: verrrrry important!)



More soonest. It's all about the HMHB

[DavidWomby]

Great progress. Those Spandaus look well moulded for something so small.

David

[jssel]

Both subjects looking real good. Like the laminations on the prop.

[ShaunW]

Excellent blitzing so far Arc. I spent about two months or so a few years ago building and detailing this kit and enjoyed it - it's an oldie but a goodie IMHO. I remember those Revell colour in yourself lozenge efforts, at the time I looked at them, laughed and binned them, using lozenge decals instead. Even I don't need my head felt enough to attempt to colour in my own lozenge

This is certainly the first time I can recall seeing beer being brewed on here. Excellent.

[iggie]

Wonderful entertainment throughout

[Arcwelder]

Thanks all..


Eight hours in...

Cabanes on, Spandaus and engine in, decals on the fuse.. some touching up needed once the CA cures on the cabanes. A small oil wash around the engine, thus far. I have to cook cottage pie now, so that'll give it time to get solid before I hit the undercart. Getting there.









The (other) Goddess Delia