Mike S.

I've got one question for you Richard, what camera are you using? It is time for me to replace my digital camera (actually well over due), and you have posted some fine close up photos in your thread. Cheers.

Nice, clean build. I see that you, like myself, chose to glue the folding wings into a fixed position, or so it seems. This is one of the best of the 21C kits IMO. Cheers.

Beautiful job on a nifty bomber. Revell should use your model in their advertising of this kit, as it has prompted me to go and buy a few of them! Cheers.

You don't have to have grown up in the U.K. to savor the memories. As I mentioned, I grew up building them here in the U.S.A. too. Strange that I remember the easy availability of the Matchbox, Heller and Airfix kits so vividly, given the fact that they are rare to find in the local hobby shops stateside (short of mail ordering) these days. I especially loved the Airfix 54mm and 1/32 Figure kits. They could be had here in just about every neighborhood druggist, dime store, toy store etc. Those days are gone alas. I wish I still had multiples of those originals (loved the softer, white plastic used on the figures) in my stash today.

I've made my feelings known about Matchbox kit quality, or lack there of, many times before on other forums. I am always amazed at their defenders. Like many on this board, I grew up building those as well as Airfix, Heller, Revell, Monogram etc., so I owe Matchbox for cutting my teeth in my youth, and the nostalgia angle. Other than the fact that some subjects are only available by that manufacturer, or were until recently, I can't share that view today. I'm especially chagrined to open a Revell box hoping for a new mold release, only to find one of them instead. Never the less, you pay your money and make your choice. If you are happy with them, cheers to you.

In terms of overall quality in a kit i.e. Fit, detail, execution. subject matter, accuracy etc., I would vote Tamiya for aircraft, and DML for Armor. This vote is for the big makers only, and not the smaller or cottage industry sort. There are a number of fine kits being produced by the latter category, but are not as plentiful, consistent, or readily available world wide to be a major contender. As far as value for money in a quality kit, Academy and Revell Germany rate high in my book, but the latter is for their new mold kits only. There reissues of old Frog/Matchbox dogs...ahem... do not count. These should be marked as such within the box description (or Warning in this case).

BTW, Anyone wondering what I am talking about, here is a model of a real B-17 Assembly ship with bright color scheme:

Cheers for the help. My error was using "Formation Lead" or "Target Tug" search terms, as I couldn't remember "Assembly" ship. Although the first two terms are often quoted in recollections, it is apparently not actively used anymore. This change does indeed bring up many leads. Thanks again. Anyone who might have further info, please do not hesitate to post too!

Does anyone know of a source for color schemes of B-17 and B-24 brightly painted "Lead" or "Target Tug" formation leading bombers? I've combed the internet and found nothing, either links or book references. Cheers.

Ouch, no kidding. I think I'll stick with the Academy version instead. I love the B-24, but at that price it isn't worth it for a 1/72nd version. I thought the same about their 1/72nd Marauder, another favorite of mine. You can get the Monogram/Revell 1/48th kits for way less than that.

You have quite the brace of lovely models there Doc. Thanks for sharing, and welcome!

Fear not Perry, I'm a commercial illustrator, and thus have some pretty high end Airbrushes in my arsenal. Never the less, for a good 85% of my modeling needs, I more often than not turn to one of my basic, cheap single action Airbrushes.

Cheers Neil, That is exactly what I needed, many thanks. I will now plagiarize your idea and build one of my own. Hey, you know what they say about "imitation being the sincerest form of flattery".

WONDERFUL job on one of my favorite planes. Nothing what so ever to be bashful about on this Jim Dandy of a build.

Hey Neil, You are modelling that P-51 because the 355th FG Steeple Morden base was near your home, and I'd like to model The Hun Hunter 'Texas because I'm a Texan. Do you perchance have any source material and or links that outline the color scheme, additional markings/serial numbers etc. of that particular plane? Cheers.