brianj1uk

Lovely build, by far the best T6 I’ve seen in any scale except for 1/1! Even then yours looks much better than some real ones I’ve seen. Great back story too. Thank you for sharing, Bonnie journey!

Great subject choice Airfix. My kit reduction plan for 2022 has been dealt an early blow. I’ve wanted one of these for years. I will be building it as a tribute to a childhood pen-friend of mine, an RCAF pilot of 403Sqn - George Aitken, the IXc was his favorite aircraft when he flew from RAF Kenley and was a great guy. My hopes are these; Airfix makes it their best kit ever, showcasing what they are capable of doing, and that they include the possibility of many of the variants/sub types for future releases. I hope this is a real money maker for them, I can’t wait.

It’s been a good few years for me too since my last Terrahawk hours but my recollection is that it either had a offset tail or the engine was slightly offset to compensate a little for the slipstream effect. Perhaps even both. If I can find my old instructor notes I’ll confirm or deny this suggestion. I found that a surprising number of aircraft both high and low powered had non-symmetrical tails over the years. Most so subtle that you wouldn’t notice unless it was pointed out to you. I’d be very surprised if it would be noticeable in 1/72 scale unless it was something mad like the BV 141!

Dear Dmitry, What a lovely build of a subject not known to me before. I have flown over your area many times and have been struck by its beauty and vastness. I have also often wondered how many things are out there to be found in the future. I never before thought that might include a Spitfire! I look forward to seeing your next creation. best wishes from The Netherlands!

Am impressed that you painted the leading edges by eye. They do look good. I’ve always been put off schemes like that as I’ve not figured out a way to replicate them. It’s a pity as there are many differing subjects with similar sorts of demarcation lines. I guess I’ll have to take the plunge and just give it a go. Thank you for taking the time to show us your methods and paints used, much appreciated! I think it’s a bit like ice skating - it looks easy until you try it yourself for the first time🤣.

Nice to see you back and some of your impressive models. I too am in the process of recovering from the effects of Covid, though the actual illness rather than the vaccine. The whole effect on so many people is enormous so I am very happy to see that you’re well enough to be posting you’re work here again and I look forward to seeing some more soon. Raising a toast to your good health and happiness!

Impressive build and paintwork. Can I ask how you painted the leading edge? Some form of masking or by eye? Either way it’s come out very nicely. My second question is what paints and thinners did you use? Finally, what technique did you use for the mottling? That’s something I’d really like to be able to do up to your standard.

Dear Robert, I have had a look at your work and it has obviously taken much time and effort. It is a model in itself. I like that you have replied to the comments made by Peter but it really saddens me the insulting way that you’ve made them. I saw no sign of ill will, or mal intent from Peter’s post, only that your product differs from the Avro blue-print project he has been involved with. I am quite ignorant of the process of producing both real aircraft as well as the process of making models for them. I like learning more about both. I would like to hear more about your sources. That would be to everyones benefit. I have flown hundreds of aircraft, sometimes many of the same type but rarely have they been exactly the same. Modifications or updated manufacturing techniques may make some of your and the projects details both correct. I liked how you explained why you had made things the way you did - I’d be interested if you started your own thread on your work. But could I ask that you to respect people here, give them the benefit of doubt and be nice to them? I’d value your work and your posts much more then.

Dear Peter, thank you very much for taking the time to post the photos and updates here as well as providing measurements and data from as close to the real thing as is possible. It’s the amazing variety of threads that, for me make this website such an amazing place to visit. I’d like to also thank the mods for stepping in when, sadly, it becomes necessary. That is not an easy job.

My experience is the same as yours with interior colors with US based T6s using US interior colors and ones built, or destined for the UK, or the Empire having differing shades of UK interior greens. Incidentally, I’m presently writing up some training notes and technical questions for a Harvard IV and the amount of subtle and major differences are astonishing! Be aware of using airworthy examples as references as the chances are they’ve had multiple resprays over the years, and if not any original paint could be quite faded in areas such as the cockpit. Good luck with your build, I’ll keep an eye out for it.

Thanks for the info. Have got some appropriate missiles made my Eduard now, they look great. But it looks like I’ll be looking out for some of those Hasegawa options you mentioned too.👍🏻

Thanks for your information. Will keep that in mind for a future build. Perhaps a small twin would be the best for first attempt. I like the subtle way you’ve located the switch and recharging point.

Looks great! Can I ask what electrical components you used and where you got them from? I’d love to have a go doing this myself. Was it difficult to fit it all in such a small kit?

Thanks Luigi! That gives me a place to start. I guess it makes sense, but I didn’t realize that the loads that were carried depended on what role the squadron was allocated. I assumed that it was mission specific. When I’ve worked out which scheme I want then I can look into sourcing the appropriate weapons and your chart will then be very useful. Will have a look what Eduard has on offer....

Any recommendations for what weapons would be appropriate for the F4c boxing? I see that Hasegawa make a few sets but not all are appropriate or have very good reviews.

Lovely Austers from what I understand to be a not-so-easy kit. I hope that they reissue the Continental version again as I’ve been lucky to be allowed to fly PH NET recently, an Auster V. I’d love to make a model of it but haven’t been able to find one available anywhere.

Really enjoyed seeing this coming together. The way you put the exhaust together is closer to the real thing that you will ever imagine! I love the photo of the recreation of the brief formation with a Spitfire (without hand), it was a special moment wasn’t it? You’ve done the model proud and next time we are looking for a repaint can we give you a call? Looking forward to seeing what’s next on your build list. 👍

Looking great! I also had never noticed that the wheels stand out a bit. I’m sure it would be more aerodynamic your way so that’s no bad thing I think. I’m sure that the guys who resprayed WW a couple of years ago would also be most impressed by your efforts. Don’t forget to add a little oil for weathering. We try to keep her clean but like someone once said - if it’s not leaking oil it’s run out of oil!

Hey, I’ve just come back from a little leave to find that whilst I was away a mini me Wacky Wabbit has almost been completed! It’s looking great already, and I find your attention to detail (as with the Rapide built) fantastic! Keep up the good work, and I’ll enjoy watching the final few steps, it’s a nice reminder of one of the last days I got a chance to fly ‘proper’ planes last year. I was very happy we managed to get all the variables aligned to make it happen! All the best, Brian

On the Eduard website it has online instructions. In those instructions i think it mentions which sprues come with that kit, so you should be able to check to see if the sprues are the same for the models your looking at/wanting.

I've often wondered about how much money they've made from the 1/24 range. The original Spitfire and Hurricane must have been a great cash cow over the years, but how are the Typhoon and Mosquito doing? The cost and physical size prohibits most of us getting more that one (well sensibly that is!), compared to 1/72, but I hope their profit margins would be greater per kit sold. I'd personally love to see a 1/24 bf 110 or Ju 88. Both are around the size of the Mosquito, with available ones to survey in the UK or in Norway, and if broken down cleverly could form the basis covering many of the versions made a la Hasegawa Ju88 or Eduard bf110.

Interesting, replies. I've found that the RCAF have published a number of their Squadron ORBs on their website for all to see. I had a friend who flew for 403sqn and I found it interesting, and puzzling reading about events I'd heard about being mentioned or not. Sometimes nights out in London are mentioned and other times significant operational losses are hardly mentioned, when I know they hit home hard. Mhaselden's suggestions as to some of the human factors behind why make a lot of sense to me.

Really enjoyed watching your progress and seeing the great final result of your labours. I gave up light aircraft flying for for some time too when I realized that I was doing it because I had to, rather than because I wanted to. I'm in a lucky place now where due to time I don't fly as much as I'd like to and when I do there are 3 or 4 types to fly, each with their challenges, and no day is th same. On top of it all is seeing the reactions when I take people up like yourself!

That's an annoying seam to have to deal with on the home run. Thanks for the decal offer. I ordered some as soon as you mentioned where you got them and big H delivered them just this morning, running out of excuses to make a start on one myself now. Where did you get the rigging thread from, and does it come in different colors. They change color depending on the light (and if the oils been rubbed off!), but a light grayish colour I think would be closest in scale.

Just caught up on your progress after a few days away. Looking good! Have some of the letter decals on order now and will be looking into getting some of the rigging stuff you recommend. Don't worry I won't try that manouver in the Rapide, but I often do in the T6. Have noticed that more often than not the boys scream (in delight I might add!) more like a girl than the girls do🙃. Keep up the good work, the finish is in sight.