john224

They've had them at my local Hobbycraft for months, Christmas they had a 3 for 2 deal on. Since they first re-appeared on the shelf the stock has not been renewed, so the shelves are a bit thin now. Prices aren't brilliant either, which was always the problem with Hobbycraft.

Perhaps should have said new to me! 😁 Don't have the Buccaneer yet, waiting for the S2B to come out. (Same with the Sea King)

Noticed something new for Airfix, 2 windscreens are provided, one with the wiper molded in and one plain without a wiper "To allow a photo-etch part to be fitted". Not seen that before, a reaction to the criticism they got for the Vulcan canopy perhaps.

Mine arrived yesterday afternoon, which was a surprise because I had received no indication from Airfix that it was on the way,and no indication from the courier either (no idea which courier it was). First impressions are that I am impressed by how fine the details on the kit are, some of the parts are going to need very careful handling.

Active now, starts off with the chance to win a Spitfire Bundle including the new 1/24 Spitfire IXc.

Just had an email from Airfix about a loyalty scheme they've started, Hobby Rewards. Just by joining I've got another £4 off my next order (on top of the members 10% discount).

Never lose hope, they said they'd never downsize (from 1/48 to 1/72), and yet we have the new Meteor!

Don't think it'll be that long before an "e" comes along, either from Airfix or the aftermarket people.

Just in case, the b in a Mk IX was the early designation for an LF version and did not refer to the wing. It was changed very quickly to avoid confusion. My apology if you already knew that.

The French option is an LFIX, so should be possible straight from the box.

Just found a picture of a Mk VIII underside, and you're right. Can't see them doing a whole new fuselage just for a belly light, but I still think the way they've engineered the kit an VIII is on the cards. They could always do what they've done with the Mk XVIII wing panels...

K, L and M are all there, some of the sub sprues are also given letters (K is engine, L is side cowls and prop and M is top cowl). Still leaves O to Z to go at!

New lower wing would allow for that.

New upper and lower wings (they'd need to do that if they make a IXe, which I'm sure they will, anyway), with short span ailerons, tailwheel area is catered for, pointy rudder is in the kit, wingtips are separate parts so long span wing tips are easily done. Not much to do to get a new version.

There is a famous photograph of 2 sqn SAAF Vc's in line astern over the sea, armed with 4 cannon. I think the cannon blisters look more rounded at the front than those in the kit, but that's only my opinion.

The fuselage sprue shows a separate part for the tailwheel area. To me, the only reason for doing that would be to allow for, say, a Mk VIII from the same basic fuselage sprue.

Bay and doors are easily catered for, as Airfix have made that area a separate part on the fuselage. Top cowl should be ok if the kit is an early IX (pre XVI), but top cowl has its own sprue (M) anyway, so different top cowls are also catered for.

Would expect Airfix to do a IXe at the least, and it will need new upper and lower wings for that. Easy enough since they are on their own sprues.

I couldn't see why those wouldn't be on the XIV sprues (haven't checked to see) since they would be needed for F rather than FR 14's. Looking at the painting/decal guide it does seem to show the standard wing of the 14 with the outer Browning hatches.

In the picture of the rocket sprue, what are the 2 parts to the left of the large bomb? They look like hatches of about the right size.

Roly Falk was known for doing test flights in a pin stripe suit and tie. Different time!

Knock on the door this morning and it was my Club pack being delivered by Hermes. Wasn't expecting it, I had forgotten you have to keep going into the original email to find out where it was up to. When I looked, it did actually say it would arrive today between 10.30-12.30, and it arrived at 11.20. Have to remember for any future deliveries.

Worked for me too, no problem. 2 Hawk kits as a Brucie Bonus as well, can't grumble at that.

It seems XV162 had the code 232 letter H when it served with 801 Sqn on Hermes when the carrier visited Malta in February 1970, so I think you're right.

I make it out as XV521, which I believe was a Phantom.