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Hi all, I've been fighting this kit for the last 6 weeks or so, after a nice start it just turned into a struggle, bad fit, bad flash, mistakes made, and I lost my mojo a bit. But I finally got it all done and wanted to share it, just so I can prove it's finally off my bench! I won't go into all the mistakes I can see in it; I always find it hard not to focus on them. But please feel free to share any advice/criticism you have, it'd be much appreicated. Thanks! J. Kit: Eduard 1:48 Bf 110G-4 Scale: 1:48 Paint & Weathering: Brush painted with Revell Aqua Colour & Tamiya Acrylics, Promodeller Wash, Citadel Nuln Oil Shade, Tamiya Weathering Kit Extras: None

TAMIYA LOTUS 49 R1 The Kit 1/12 Gold leaf LOTUS 49B, originally released as a motorised kit in 1969. Tamiya re-released this version in 1991 with limited re-tooling. Areas such as the battery box area remained however, although the electric motor & connections were removed. The Project When I got the kit, my early intention was pretty much to build a 49B OOB, not realising just how dated it was ( 40 odd year old moulds....what was I thinking?). The box art work doesn’t even reflect the tooling that you get, clearly showing a 49B with its later rear suspension improvement. It was evident after a careful study of the kit parts & hundreds of reference images, to build anything like a reasonable replica was going to be major challenge. From mid 68’ the 49 had evolved to a point where it had a new nose, wings, gearbox, rear suspension mounts, suspension set up etc. Aiming to build a Gold Leaf sponsored model an early 1968 car was chosen, prior to the additions of wings etc. 2 cars were identified a possible classics to replicate, Jim Clark’s R2 as used in the Tasman race series or Graham Hill’s R1, used at the Spanish grand prix. After a study of the history of the cars, Hill’s was chosen because for me it has a unique place in Lotus history. From then on the whole project snowballed into a extensive improvement project of just about everything in the box but with a self brief to use as much of the kit as possible & use as many basic materials as available, plastic sheet, brass, alloy & plastic pipe etc. (i.e. keep costs down!) The only aftermarket items being the funnel mesh covers, body rivets, old leather glove (for the seat) & decals. The brake callipers were kindly cast in resin by fellow Britmodeller Mark (Fazer). Decals are by Indycals, museum collection & a few homemade ones. Paints were from Halfords, plasticote & the Vallejo range. Very little of the kit remains “in its box form” most parts were reworked or improved, some minor, some major, most reconstructed or replaced to some degree. Parts such as the instruments, gearstick, starter, clutch slave cylinder, gearbox side plates, brake callipers, ignition system, throttle links, coolant expansion bottle & all pipe work are scratchbuilt. Brief History Colin Chapman’s Lotus 49 R1, was the original chassis tested by Graham Hill at Snetterton in 1967 & then its race debut at Zandvoort. Driven by both Clark & Hill in various races, she was at the forefront of any improvements that were made by Chapman & his team between 67 & early 68. The Cosworth powered Lotus 49’s were beginning to dominate the race scene, when tragedy struck in April 1968, with the death of former twice world champion Clark in a formula 2 event in Hockenheim, Germany. This was quickly followed by the death of another Lotus driver Mike Spence, in Indy practice in the USA. This left a dark cloud over Lotus & Chapman deeply affected particularly by the loss of his number one driver Clark, refused to attend with the Lotus team, the Spanish grand prix at Jarama in early May. Despite the new winged “49B” chassis travelling to the event, it remained in the garage as Chapman wanted to oversee its first outing, so Hill had to battle on in the older R1. Despite starting from 6th on the grid, Hill drove to famous moral boosting win for Lotus, and also his first for the team. 2 weeks later at Monaco, Hill moved to a new chassis & R1 was driven by new Lotus driver Jackie Oliver. Under explicit instructions from Chapman “not to shunt her & finish in the points”, Oliver crashed on the first lap of the race, effectively writing R1 off. Some parts were used in a rebuilt 49B chassis tagged R9 in late 1968. So R1 remains with the honour of being the prototype Lotus 49 & also the last ever winner in its original 49 form. Here are the finished images, for those who want to see what was required to get her here, please take a look at the WIP it’s here: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.p...c=72440&hl= Finally thanks to all who have followed & offered encouragement, it certainly helped on the way & also to Stu Davros for the fantastic 49 reference images he sent me, god knows how many times I’ve viewed them, Mark Oakley At MRO F1 for answering any question I threw at him! & to Fazer for making the callipers, cheers lads! Any questions, fire away. P.S The nose cone has not had its final clear coat, as the Lotus Ford logo is just a temporary inkjet one until I get a better one made. Hope you like her, All the best, Mac

This is my recently completed model of the aforementioned kit. I really enjoyed building it and am fairly pleased with the result (Need to take better pics in natural light). Comments and criticism welcome. Cheers, Sean

Hi friends, just want to share a few pics of P-51 I did over x-mas holidays .... it was a relaxing build and a lot of details as wiring etc. was ommited on this one. The only aim was to enjoy painting without spending too much time in books and publications. Hope you gonna like it

Hi Everyone, Whilst I`m between builds and to test the new Photobucket I thought I`d show you my Thunderchief collection, so far: firstly a family shot, then Monogram F-105D, built with kit decals (which were a swine to do as very old) mostly OOD except for the rocket pods and bombs which were from a Hasegawa weapons set just to make it a little different then Revell EF-105F, `Wild Weasel` Done with one of the options that come on the decal sheet, but again with reworked armament to portray a a load more suitable for an `F` and lastly Revell F-105G, `Wild Weasel` this time with kit armament selection but aftermarket decals and fitted the crew as couldn,t be bothered to make seat belts Hope you enjoy looking at probably my favourite `Jet` kit..

http://www.cherryred.co.uk/sfe-exd.asp?id=3635 Interesting. Marty...

This is my only attempt so far at what iffery. It is an F111K (Merlin GR1?) of 15 Squadron in early 1970. The model is basically the Italeri, ex Esci F111A oob apart from the in flight refuelling bay door scribed in front of the cockpit, which is where I understand the probe was going to go. I built it ‘clean’ as I remember as a teenager seeing the then new Harriers and Phantoms being shown this way at airshows etc. Camouflage and markings are based on illustrations of a model I found on the web as to the pattern and the colours are as specified for the period. The serial comes near the beginning of the allocation for production airframes and I have chosen 15 Squadron as from what I have read this was a likely contender at the time. It is finished using Xtracrylix paints with the Green being largely applied with a hairy stick. Stencil decals are from a Microscale sheet (72-452) I have kept for years and the roundeletc. Are from Modeldecal sheets and the spares box. The photos do not show the panel lines that well but they are there. Writing this has set me thinking and somebody may be able to help me. When I was at School in nottinghamshire one Monday afternoon in either 1969 or 1970 (I think it was the former) there were a number of Harriers buzzing around including some which appeared to be landing or taking off. The school was located between Gedling and Burton Joyce on the A612 Nottingham Southwell road. It was a damn sight more interesting than the English lit lesson I was having at the time. I assume they were on exercise, the nearest RAF stations being Newton and Syerston.

This was completed in July last year and is probably one of my better efforts. It was my first attempt at serious weathering and is probably overdone but I like it. Hopefully these pics are better than my jaguar ones, comments and criticism welcome Cheers, Sean

Back in late December, one of the greats of TV entertainment passed away. As a tribute, I interrupted my current project and had to build something appropriate: which was a kit I picked up at Telford last year. As usual for Imai models, they HAD to turn it into a toy by adding missiles that could be fired from under the wings! Needless to say, I removed this "feature" and tried to add some flashing warning lights to the wingtips using flashing LEDs. The result was this: To be brutally honest, the paintwork could be better - had problems with the masking due to the panel lines - er trenches and the fit of some of the pieces. The LED lighting doesn't really show up very well unless you are at a particular angle - ie edge on to the wing HIdden under the "clouds" are the batteries but even though I beefed them up to 12v, the LEDs still don't show up very well. The LEDs: Fibre optics to illuminate the wing lights - I think the main problem is there just isn't enough fibres I can't honestly say this is one of my better builds sadly...

This is the latest of the bench. It's the 1/48 Hasegawa kit OOB. No problems in the construction and details about this kit abound. The aircraft is well documented pictorially and should be as worn as hell. I've done it as it would be restored and going into a museum..................it's the way I do 'erm. Comments are always welcome. Thanks for looking.

TBH, I only weathered it that much because misread the instructions and painted the whole thing the wrong colour (the instructions call for gunze navy blue, and I proceeded to paint it Humbrol navy blue which is too light) and then decided to go the whole hog. I think that fingerprint is the only one on the thing and it had to be in the area that I did a close up... Thanks for the comments they will hopefully help with future models.

I do indeed, Rene and have already started the master. I have a selection of drawings from some highly detailed large scales from R/C Canada to the beautifully crisp rendering in Ralph Pegram's new book. I am also asking Harry Robinson for a copy of his. So it'll be an accurate model. I'm collecting photos currently. I intend the models I do to have white metal detail parts, like spinners, props, wheels and separate tyres and as far as research allows, detailed cockpits. No resin as it's just too expensive. Martin

Well, here she is.. Last thing before running out the door to catch a flight to the frozen tundra that is Europe.. First few pics are sans pitot, but then i found it on the carpet an hour or two ago.. Probably not the best shaped SHAR out there, but not terrible to build.. Forgot how small these buggers were.. I'm fairly certain the outrigger legs are at the wrong angle too..

Sweedish Draken reconnaissance version in Danish markings. Added Aires cockpit and brassin AIM-L.

Hi everyone. Now that the first issue of my magazine has sold out, I have been asked about the possibility of digital editions being made available. Though I can't say too much at the moment, I am in the process of making this so. I hope to be able to offer a digital version of Issue 1 which, for those that missed it, will be the only way that you can get hold of this magazine as I have decided not to reprint it in paper form. I also hope to be able to sell digital versions of subsequent issues too which will offer a degree of choice and longevity to each one: you'll still be able to buy a paper magazine, but once they too are sold out, you will still be able to see what's offer offer, albeit in digital format. I will also be offering my previous two books "The Garden Of Remembrance" and "One Man's Junk" for those who missed out the first time around. I will be posting more information on this exciting development when I have it and when I am able to provide more definite dates and costings. All the best and thanks a lot! Spence

This is the last of my recenlyt built models. In fact I built the two Starfires and T-Bird simultaenously in an assembly line fashion owing to the similarity of the model .

Lancaster ED937 - Tribute to Henry Maudsley & Crew Bomber Command SIG At 21.39 on the 16th May 1943, nine aircraft took off as a first wave on the infamous raid to attack dams in the Rhur valley with the view to significantly damaging the industrial output as a result of the flooding that would follow. Piloted by Sqn Leader Henry Maudsley, Lancaster ED937 coded AJ-Z was part of the formation set to attack the Mohne and Eder dams. The route was to take them at a height of about 100ft over the Netherlands and close by to Eindhoven to avoid the heavy defenses of the Rhur. Following a successful breach of the Mohne, Maudsley along with Shannon and Knight escorted by bombless Gibson and Young to draw flak approached the Eder which was covered in fog. After 6 aborted runs by Shannon, Maudsley attacked with his bomb striking the top of the dam damaging the aircraft in the blast. Knight subsequently breached the Eder in AJ-N. With a damaged aircraft Maudsley set course back for Scampton but at about 2.35am was shot down over Emmerich with the tragic loss of all the crew. The guys of the bomber Command SIG will be displaying all 18 aircraft in 1/72 that took part in the raid in front of PA474 at Scampton on 17th May as part of the 70th anniversary event of which this is one. Built from the Revell kit, the build was a journey in itself as discussion and dialogue from the very helpful chaps on Britmodeller revealed issues that I ended up correcting best I could. I won't go into detail, but the build thread is HERE. Hope you like it.... Thanks for looking, Neil

Using the MiniArt T-70 and their country road base I thought it was about time I tried to build a snow scene. Pleased with the way it's going, just a few more bits to do on the tank and then decide whether or not to add some figures.

Hi all, Hasegawa's F-16A with Daco Product Decals added. Brian.

Hi I have just finished this great little kit of the Airfix RWMIK+. You can find the story behind the Re-life upgrade here. The kit falls together really well, but when you look at Parabat's excellent reference shots, you realise that the vehicle needs a lot of accessorising to give it that "in-service" look. I therefore searched unsuccessfully for an appropriate 1/48 accessory set. The next best thing was the Tamiya WW2 Jerry Can Set, which comes with a selection of jerry cans, packs, bedrolls and drums. I bought this for a very reasonable £5.99 from a company I had never used before called Affinity Models who offered a friendly and very fast service. The only other aditions were various straps, the seat belts and tow strop from Tamiya tape, the bonnet-mounted stowage bin was fabricated from some scrap 1/35 scale parts, as was the towing eye and shovel. I used PVA-soaked kitchen paper to create the desert DPM Bergen covers which covered the side-mounted Bergens as well as the GPMG and .50 cal. I also used kitchen paper to create the sand bag covers for the front and rear lights. I used Humbrol #237 and #93 to paint the Bergen covers. The final additions were the two stretched sprue antennae. I painted one wing green and went for a peeled-paint effect on the bonnet, which is barely visible under the weathering and stowage. The rest of the vehicle was sprayed Humbrol #237 followed by a Raw Umber wash and a liberal dusting of MIG Gulf War Sand. I am really pleased with the result and look forward to making the Coyote and Jackal. All feedback welcome. And a few shots with the Snatch from the same set:

I know what you mean Brian, I'm in semi-retirement myself at the moment. Good to spend the time learning new things off here from others. Sean

Time for a beer!

Love to view your models Sean, its a great hobby so keep em coming.....time permitting of course! Brian.

Yes,it was her turn for the choice of car we have(she doesn't drive though)and she knew I'd wanted a BM for ages.

The model is ready for primer.

hi to all, this is my first post on this forum i have already started this kit a while ago but have not got very far into it so here goes, and just because she is insisting i put this, this model was an xmas present from my lovely wifey. the pics are not great i was messing around with my camera recently and have not got it back to normal yet. first is the box which depicts the ferrari f2012 from the malaysia gp the gear box which i am planning on c/f decalling at some point the nose section which i had trouble with because when i first primed it there were these 3 little dots that appered on the pillars so i had to respray them and the front wing elements which i cant stop playing with, there were also a few problems with this as in real life there are gaps between all the planes but the way fujimi molded it there wernt so there was alot of careful cutting last for today is the body which alot of work went into as most of the panels fitted really badly which as im use to with fujimi was very strange, it took about 20ish hours jsust to get it to the state its in now which im still not happy with any feed back is welcome and there will hopefully be more updates soon

Tiger might be 74 Sqn. He has a spear, so is he a Hunter, perhaps...? Simon

Hi Folks Am back....was out for the past week had to undergo a minor surgery.....and still under treatment.........Dr said I can do modellling if I am careful......managed to hit the bench today....and Preshaded Since it was one colour......it was painted and futured as well All bits are on including the wing fences....next will be the decal and wash.......... Rgds Mr B

Hello friends Here is the first of the year, (in fact this is or should be the 2nd but... the other is coming soon :-) ) the OA-4M. This was a fun build, specially on the paint Job where i tried new “tecnics” with the air brush. Some issues with the air intakes and a couple of decals that almost desintegrated when enter in the water, i almost have to build a puzzle to get them together... Well here are the pictures. I hope you like it. Thank you for looking Best regards from Portugal Vítor Costa

very, very very nice threesome........... Dave

The reality factor is high with this one – superb weathering and sense of realism. Inspirational! Kind regards, Joachim

spey engined phantom????

Go for it... I'd love to see that.

The Comets look lovely. Bought a part started Novo one last year but I'll be doing it as an impressed aircraft in the "Cotton Club"

We think alike mate,my ride is a 318Ci too,a silver facelift 53 plater. The Boss bought it for us a few weeks back. We were looking for a 320d Touring in blue or grey,but she spied the coupe and said we're having that one. Well impressed with it.

A bit more progress..... Turret is coming together and I've started work on the back end, adding the boiler and water tank. Just wish it didn't involve making and placing so many b#&@%y rivets. The attrition rate between those punched out and those actually making it onto the model is ridiculous! I've got a coal bunker made up but need to finish the pipe work before it can be added. At this rate it might just about be finished by summer

You little *@&*... I got all excited... Great finish on such a small model... it certinally looks like a larger scale, I love those lights... well done.

Who isn't?

Hello Folks, Now that it has appeared in print within the latest issue of Airfix Modelworld magazine I`m free to share my 1/48th scale Airfix Seafire FR.47 model with those of you who don`t have a copy; http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii87/tooley220/39lighter_zps9719adab.jpg Plus an older model from the original boxing; and the Seafire FR.46; Hope you like them, All the best Tony O

last few,before its done, cheers Don

I cut open the door and did my own paint and decal job on a Monogram 1/48 Piper Cherokee and was very please with how it turned out. It really stands out amongst all the military stuff. Try experimenting with colour schemes, it can make quite a difference.

There's information on the operations of 229 Sq just after this period in the book Operation Big Ben, by Craig Cabell and Graham A. Thomas, published by Spellmount Limited 2004, ISBN 1-86227-251-4. As the title of the book implies, the operations were carried out against the V-2 launches from Holland.

Some definitely worth watching here Jens

Freehand? Impressive!!! I wish I had those skills!!!! Im looking forward to see more! Take care Guillaume

Yes, USAAF planned use this plane as normal fighter with four 12,7 mm machine guns. In an emergency, after their ammunition ran the pilot could bring down enemy aircraft with ramm of his own wing. Not realised, but interesting. At WW2 some plans have Luftwaffe for his own Ramm fighter.

No worries....may take a day or two to locate in the depths of my stash but I'll get a pic taken as soon as I find it...

Feb 7th: Day off work today, so I have managed to spend a good few hours on the 262, so I set myself the goal of finishing the gun bay. I wanted to pretty much go to town on this area, so plenty of lead wire to replicate the cabling in this bay. As I have previously mentioned, the majority of the smaller gauge wiring on this aircraft is an off-yellow colour. This really makes it stand out and provides a nice contrast to liven up an area. As per my references, the bay was sprayed Alclad dull aluminium and given a black oil wash. The guns themselves were dry-brushed with one of those Tamiya gun metal weathering pastel to highlight the raised detail. I found some old decals in the spares box, so attached them to the gun junction boxes. The macro setting on my digital camera can actually define the word "notice" in English, however in reality you can't read it with the naked eye, or at least I cant anyway. Feb 10th I spent the day at the Yeovilton Model Show yesterday, so no progress, however today its pouring with rain outside, so the mountain bike is staying in the garage and the better half is working - guess I will be making some progress hopefully. I want to tidy up the gun bay wiring. It looks unfinished and needs some miniature cable ties to tidy up the wiring, especially on the stbd side. The undercarriage is nearly finished. Will post up later. Andy

If you need any help with pics/dimensions of the missing parts, I have an unbuilt example in my stash

OK...... Pictures now. (I upgraded my browser) The pictures don't look very 'glossy' but the paint actually is. It still looks a bit too blue - the colour is a very light pastel metallic green. I'll try a few outdoor shots asap. Roy.

Jeez, I love this aircraft. If I was offered a decent new-tool 1/48 kit in exchange for my home/family/life etc., I'd think "...where's the catch?" The CMR 'proper' kits are gems, but to get the best from them, you need to be the best -clearly no doubt here! Truly exquisite; my Build Of The Year (so far!), no contest. :worthy: