Dr Evil

Good choice, I really must dig mine out! The triangular fairings ahead of the intakes were fitted for noise reduction IIRC. Early S.2's didn't have them but later marks such as the S.2B and D had them fitted from the start. They were retrofitted to the fleet so it's possible to see a mix of with/without from the same time period. The only real way to determine if your S.2 had them fitted is to find a period photo, which the photo you've posted suggests your Bucc has. Another item of note is the S.2's were fitted with the Mk4 seat rather than the later Mk6, not sure why Airfix didn't include them but they are easy to source aftermarket. Looking forward to seeing your Bucc finished 🙂

All purchased at Telford, always good to have a chat with the Authors of these lines ;-) And agreed with the above, when the original couple of Doube Ugly Israeli Phantom Books came out I was told that all operators would be covered releasing at least a couple a year. Understandably an overambitious release schedule, but so far the books have been fantastic and you can never have too many Toom books. As nice as a Japanese volume next would be, I'd concentrate on those air arms that have retired the beast, so as to be able to cover their entire service with that operator. 60th birthday of the old Beast next year too.

Bonne, attendez votre prochain chef-d'œuvre français!

Not sure where you're looking, but to say they have bargains on their site is an understatement and I've found their service to be second to none?

Patrick, I didn't say the paint was US, I said the painting was contracted out by the US and the aircraft were painted in the contractors nearest equivalent. I can only say what I was told in 1988 by guys on the Sqn, which for me as a spotty 16 year old Space Cadet being shown around Sierra with the horrible Tiger Meet markings not properly cleaned off was a genuine treat, as the Toom has always been my first love. That said, with std three year rotation maybe the story had already developed as original members had already moved on. And I can only endorse your books as a Phantom Lover, your books (signed of course) are prized and much thumbed in my collection. I know how much work goes into these but I want more, please!!

From what I understand (was told whilst 74 was at Honington in '88) the weird colours had nothing to do with primer. The painting was contracted out in the States and they painted the first 4 or 5 in the closest colours they could find as they didn't have access to std paints. Being told the colours were wrong, they had another go with a different, but also incorrect paint. After another jab in the ribs the third batch was much closer. Or so the story goes.

Nope, only ever use enamels, think I'm one of the few people left alive who can't get on with acrylic!

Chuffed to find out all OK with crew, but gutted. Visited her many times whilst based at Swansea airport and missed her fly every time. Was due to fly at Swansea Airshow this year, hopefully one day.

I'm with most of the above, never clean sprues, never use primer, never had a problem!?

Having been concerned about rapidly using up my stocks of Klear to protect enamels against washes I've recently stared using Flory washes, being water soluble no protection is needed and black, dark and grime so far have, with a little post matt pastel (and practice), worked wonders. http://www.florymodels.co.uk/washes/

You can buy stuff online! As above get to Kbely on the tube (deffo first choice) or if you're short of time the Army Museum.... http://www.prague.eu/en/object/places/145/army-museum-zizkov-armadni-muzeum-zizkov http://www.prague.eu/en/object/places/153/aviation-museum-kbely-letecke-muzeum

Looks VERY similar to the old Model Alliance sheet, right down to (if my eyesight serves) to the wrong date for the 1100 years of King Alfred's Navy marking. Still an inspiring sheet though.

Ahhh, Model Junction for every trip to Bury, brings back memories!

Agreed, Airfix kit is terrible. The only real options are Hasegawa which is regularly on offer on offer on Luckymodel, or a very much 2nd best in Fujimi. All other kits on the market are either the wrong version or pants.

This site might help... http://www.tornadosig.com/index.html

Hobbyboss 100%, I think the only real edge Kinetic has is there is a late wing boxing.

Yep, at least one was, I believe as part of the scheme trials.

You're correct the Hawks were officially painted in MSG over Barley Grey, I'm not aware of any being painted in a single grey, even for trials (although my memory isn't exactly conclusive proof). As with anything, start with the official colours and mix to match your refs

Correct, ZE350 in it's previous life was a NATC bird at Pax River and was never fitted with the intake RWR fairings.

Looked even better in the flesh (plastic!?) last night, still surprised it didn't end up in African markings though?

Never heard of a red radome doing the rounds, but sounds interesting. Despite some comments on the below thread, the pictures suggest unpainted natural fibreglass (or whatever the official material is) which would also explain the strong brown tint to grey painted radomes. Black radomes also took on a brown tint when faded. http://www.fightercontrol.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=45015

It shouldn't happen, but if it does this stuff works wonders... https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/MSFILM

Cool, couple of refs here that might help if you haven't already found them?

Nope, you just call finals although when we had Trappers in one called 'Finals, undercarraige down and welded'!

There's no pleasing us modellers is there? I was the opposite of you, really chuffed Heritage put the later instrument panel in and gutted Tarangus only gives the earlier version!