I got my TA-183 model from Pizzaguy a couple days ago... In short, this is a really fantastic and beautiful model
Pizzaguy already posted some detail shots of my model which can be seen a few posts back, but I wanted to share some pictures of the model on display in my collection and provide some comparative shots, especially with other jets. The model is basically as it was when it left Pizzaguy's shop, save that I added an armored headrest for the pilot in the cockpit (the figure is a 21c Stuka crew member with jacket painted black).
In flight
On the ground
Airfield setup
Comparison shot: Russian Mig-15 vs. TA-183
Comparison shot: USAF F-86 vs. TA-183
Luft '46 legacy shot: HO-229 (Pickelhaube's custom) vs. TA-183 (Pizzaguy's custom)
I am very impressed with the quality of workmanship, painting, and detail that Pizzaguy put into this model. For what was basically a garage-build custom, Pizzaguy's TA-183 is on par with the best of our factory-produced 1:18 scale aircraft. The use of fiberglass for the majority of the construction was a good call as its both lightweight and feels sturdy. I really love the attention to detail all throughout the model from the crisp panel lines to the detailed cockpit with the painted gauges and switches to the interior of the landing gear bays where you can see part of the jet engine and fuselage ribbing to the accurately-reproduced X4 missiles on the wings. The use of metal for the landing gear struts and push-rods is also a great feature and I really wish companies like Merit/JSI and BBI would explore similar options with their models. Assembly of the TA-183 was a breeze as well... I had only to push the wings onto a metal spar in the fuselage, insert the missile hard-points onto the wing, and push the X4 missiles onto the hard-points. The missile are also removable so the aircraft can be displayed with a "clean" profile. The gears were all retracted in their bays and I just opened the doors, placed the hydraulic rods and it was ready to go.
Again, my hat goes off to Pizzaguy for the superb quality of this model. Its the centerpiece of my 1:18 scale WWII aircraft collection and I'm glad to have ordered one
