NealParkes

So as with most helicopter builds it starts with painting the cockpit insides:Painting the cockpit. by Neal, on FlickrPainting the cockpit. by Neal, on FlickrPainting the cockpit. by Neal, on FlickrPainting the cockpit. by Neal, on FlickrPainting the cockpit. by Neal, on FlickrPainting the cockpit. by Neal, on FlickrMy next post will show the pit with a wash on. That is it for now.

So here goes on this little Mustang!! First of all I must say the surface detail is pretty nice! For an easy assemble kit it doesn't do away with much, yes the cockpit is a bit bare but once all button up and canopy in place I doubt I'll be able to see much anyway!! First thing I did was to prime the cockpit:Primed the cockpit. by Neal, on FlickrAnd also the inside of the fuselage:Inside primed. by Neal, on FlickrI then painted the cockpit, I used MRP-111 RAF Interior Grey-Green which I know is not the right colour as the Mustangs had US Interior Green, but I did not have any and didn't really want to mix any up and more importantly I wanted to give the MRP a go. I then "detail" painted the instrument panel:Cockpit painted. by Neal, on FlickrCockpit painted 2. by Neal, on FlickrI then put a simple recess washing using Citadel Nuln Oil:Wash in cockpit. by Neal, on FlickrI then did some dry fitting on the lower part to the fuselage, I will say that I would not call it an easy fit with this gap!:Dry fitting. by Neal, on FlickrNot to be left out the wing root is going to need some work too:Wing root gap. by Neal, on FlickrI got the two parts lined up as well as I could, then put them in a clamp and some tape befogging gluing it with TET:Glued together. by Neal, on FlickrI then broke out my favourite solution to gaps, Deluxe Materiels Perfect Plastic Putty, I highly recommend it!:Putty fest! by Neal, on FlickrA bit tidier. by Neal, on FlickrI also note a centre line seam that will need sorting out:Centre line seam. by Neal, on FlickrI'll end this update here, on the next one I will be sanding out the seam lines and the putty.Take care everyone.

Kit manufacture: Hasegawa N° 00537 Scale: 1/72 Type: S-3B Viking Extras used: None OOB Paints and colours used: Gunze Aquous H308, H337 Other info: So I've been building this in the background and thought I'd share it for some feedback. The kit is pleasant but shows it's age with some flash and a few fit issues. I also managed to make myself some problems but in the end I think it look the part. I scratch build the refuelling pod from a fuel tank and a refuelling pod from a Revell Tornado, it isn't accurate but good enough for me. Also I have never tried to weather a raised panel line kit so thought I'd just go with some Flory Dark Dirt, it has done the trick. Anyway enough waffle so here is the finished kit: 1/72 Hasegawa S-3B Viking by Neal, on Flickr 1/72 Hasegawa S-3B Viking by Neal, on Flickr 1/72 Hasegawa S-3B Viking by Neal, on Flickr

If you do go down the airbrush route I'd recommend the MRP Signal Red. If not Humbrol do a "Red Arrows" red which should be all right, stay well clear of the xtracrylix red as you'll have an orange arrow instead.

Hi everyone,I have a personal mini sig of my own, I want to build a 1/72 model (apart from the Vulcan which will be 1/144) of every aircraft flown by 617sqn RAF. This build is going to be the start of that personal quest!!So for the build it will be straight oob part from the decals for which I will be using Xtradecals Dambusters set. It will be depicted as Wing Commander L. Cheshire's North American Mustang III, based a RAF Woodhall Spa in the Summer of 1944.Here are the box, sprue, instructions and kit decals:Hobby Boss 1/72 P-51C Mustang by Neal, on FlickrOverview of what is inside. by Neal, on FlickrInstructions cover. by Neal, on FlickrA 2 step build, really? by Neal, on FlickrUntitled by Neal, on FlickrDecal sheet. by Neal, on FlickrSprue inside the box. by Neal, on FlickrFuselage in one part. by Neal, on FlickrNice detail for an easy assembly kit! by Neal, on FlickrOne piece wing, upper view. by Neal, on FlickrOne piece wing, underside. Nice detail in the wheel wells! by Neal, on FlickrSprue A1. by Neal, on FlickrSprue A2. by Neal, on FlickrLower fuselage cover. by Neal, on FlickrMetal shaft for the prop. by Neal, on FlickrSprue D. by Neal, on FlickrSprue C. by Neal, on FlickrAnd now the aftermarket bits:A really big sheet of decals for only two serial numbers:Xtradecal X72093 No 617 San Dambusters Decals. by Neal, on FlickrDecals instructions. by Neal, on FlickrI took these photos a while ago but hadn't got round to posting them. I have also made a start on the build and will get an update here soonish. I need to do some research about Wg. Cdr Chesire's Mustang as I do not know if it carried external tanks or not, also the radio antenna looks different to the kits.That is all for now.

Quick update on the build:First of all he build starts with the interior, surprise surprise!! So I clipped off everything I needed for the cockpit and interior, well almost I forgot one seat:IMG_1072 by Neal, on FlickrThen I gave everything a coat of AK Black primer:IMG_1074 by Neal, on FlickrIMG_1075 by Neal, on FlickrIMG_1076 by Neal, on FlickrIMG_1079 by Neal, on FlickrIMG_1077 by Neal, on FlickrIMG_1078 by Neal, on FlickrIMG_1080 by Neal, on FlickrIMG_1081 by Neal, on FlickrIMG_1092 by Neal, on FlickrIMG_1090 by Neal, on FlickrIMG_1091 by Neal, on FlickrThat has got me started, since then I have started to paint the interior using some old school Humbrol Enamels ( I still think enamels are better for brush painting), so just waiting for the first coat to dry before putting the second coat on and getting some photos for the next update.Good night everyone.

Thank you, you know it is my job and I try to do it to best as I can. Most of the time the stuff I deal with is far from life threatening and probably doesn't need an ambulance. However from time to time we help to make a difference but we are just one part of the team.

Here are a few photos I took at the show:IPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-003.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-001.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-002.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-004.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-005.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-006.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-007.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-008.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-009.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-010.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-011.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-012.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-013.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-015.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-016.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-017.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-018.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-019.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-020.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-021.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-022.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-023.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-024.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-025.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-026.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-027.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-028.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-029.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-030.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-031.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-032.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-033.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-034.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-035.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-036.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-037.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-038.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-039.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-040.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-041.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-042.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-043.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-044.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-045.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-046.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-047.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-048.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-049.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-050.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-052.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-053.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-054.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-055.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-056.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-057.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-058.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-059.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-060.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-061.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-062.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-063.jpg by Neal, on FlickrIPMS Birmingham Model Show "The Last Hurrah" 2017-064.jpg by Neal, on Flickr

Hi everyone, This kit was given to me by my brother in law for Christmas, it is going to be air ambulance as I have a soft spot for these choppers seeing that I am a Paramedic, Helimed have helped me out more than once on a bad job. So I'm quite keen to try and do a decent job of this kit.First update is going to be the usual box, instructions, decals and sprue shots:The box with a nice piece of artwork:IMG_1061 by Neal, on FlickrInstructions in the usual Revell layout and their normal pain in the backside paint call outs:IMG_1062 by Neal, on FlickrIMG_1063 by Neal, on FlickrIMG_1064 by Neal, on FlickrIMG_1065 by Neal, on FlickrIMG_1066 by Neal, on FlickrA small sheet of decals:IMG_1067 by Neal, on FlickrThe sprue, not much flash on this kit compared to my previous EC-135, nice level of detail too for a small scale:IMG_1068 by Neal, on FlickrIMG_1069 by Neal, on FlickrIMG_1070 by Neal, on FlickrIMG_1071 by Neal, on FlickrSo I've already made a start on the build but will wait a bit to an update as I really need to finish my "Planes on a pole" sig entry before getting carried away with new builds.Take it easy guys.Neal

I went to the show and really enjoy it, it is ashame it is the last one. I did take some photos and would like to share them with you. Is it alright for me to post them below? Thanks Neal

So I skipped a fair few updates on the Hornet, really lost the mojo for it to be honest but I will get it finished! I thought I would have a go at a sort of black basing, so I thinned down some Mr Hobby H308 and sprayed some random patterns on the Hornet: Untitled by Neal, on Flickr I then forgot to take any photos of the bird once painted up, but I did get some tonal variation at the end, I think I prefer that way of doing rather than preshading which I never get on with. I've since got the decals on, I had a few issues with decals disintegrating so it is not done to perfection: Untitled by Neal, on Flickr Untitled by Neal, on Flickr I'm going to let them dry down and then gloss coat it with the new Klear. I will then put a wash of Flory Dark Dirt all over it. I'll dig out some AIM-9L's and AIM-7's out of the spares box and put a centre tank on as well. Nearly there and light at the end of the tunnel. Neal

I may have something off an old heller A-7 in the spares box I'll have a look for you.

I agree with you on this, the Hurricane was such a fantastic aircraft but isn't a "sexy" as the spit and therefore not as popular. The fact that i am close to reality makes me even more happy with the result, thank you for pointing this out! Also it wouldn't be the first time that research done by the manufacturer is incorrect. Thank you for your kind comments.

As you can see I have already included a brief description of how I bent the acrylic rod. I think I used 5mm diameter rod.

Nice family photo, I didn't realise there was such a size difference in between the Predator and the Reaper. Good builds!