Dr_Flangemeister

Hi Nick Not much out there. Accurate Armour do some individual figures that are appropriate for late 1980s/early 1990s. Otherwise, Dragon's old "Desert Rats" 4-figure set but they have the body armour which wasn't normally seen in peacetime exercises. You maybe able to convert them to suit your plans. Chris

Hi Edwin I assume you're looking at 1:35? At the moment you're probable looking at an AFV Club Centurion (either the NATO version or the IDF Shot Kal 1973 boxings) as these have the 105mm L7 gun barrel, additional hull armour and IR mantlet searchlight. I don't know what's in the other Israeli boxings so can't comment on those. The main changes you'll need to make are (assuming your tank was a Mk.12 and had a functioning gun): - a new engine deck to the deck and rear armour (deeper) plate. There seems to be some conversions on eBay (seller is mark_dembell) to the Mk.7 or 9 deck but I've no idea what they're like or quality (Mk.7 was upgraded to Mk. 9 then to the Mk.12, to me looks like the engine deck stayed the same). - bazooka plates also have three rows of foliage loops on them and a circular port/cover towards the front of middle left plate - possibly Hush Puppy tracks with three rubber blocks per link (available as individual links from AFV Club). Accurate Armour do also stock a 105mm barrel with the thermal wrap on it (more likely your tank had that than the bare barrel AFV Club provide). I think those are the main visual differences but someone else will know better than me. Hope this helps Chris

Blackdog US modern equipment set 4 (T48038) has some M16A2 rifles. Some light sanding of the foregrip could make for a passable M16/M16A1. Chris

If it's of help, the higher resolution colour versions of all the Bison instructions are still available online here: Google album, Bison 1:72 instructions The LVT-4 instructions are near the end. Chris

I agree Dave, it would be good if they did. I need a enough for two (maybe more?) aircraft in 1:48 and don't know how good my scratch building is to ensure consistency yet alone even consider a foray into casting. Cobra Company in the USA did them in 1:35 but he closed shop just before the new year. I'm hoping either someone else buys the masters to re-issue them and/or Live Resin do something seeing as they've produced miniguns on standard window mounts. Chris

Quick heads up on Werner's Wings recently released MH/HH-60G Pave Hawk decals [Link]. A very comprehensive set and look to be well printed. Am looking forward to using them when I find the time to start back on my H-60/S-70 Hawk theme again. Excellent service from Floyd: I ordered the full 1:48 Combat Rescue set and the 1:35 stencils and received them a week later. I have no connection with the company, just a satisfied customer. Cheers Chris B IPMS Farnborough

Maybe... That said, the set does seem to include this detailing set: https://www.djparkins.com/product.php?productid=18097&cat=298&page=1 Might be worth contacting Mr Parker directly to see if the hard top could be purchased separately unless you want the extra detail set? "You pays your money and takes your choice."

Firing Line (David J Parkins) may be what you're looking for: Land Rover 109 hard top: https://www.djparkins.com/product.php?productid=18098&cat=298&page=1 Chris

Also worth looking at is this website: http://www.rafb24.com Chris

Just a couple of things from my perspective that I hope will be constructive. I also state that being a fellow IPMS Farnborough member I also know Andrew fairly well. I agree that Andrew broke the overall Groub Build rules. These rules are in a pinned topic of their own: Quote Mish "Any member that is found canvassing or trolling for votes either on Britmodeller or elsewhere will have their build removed from any poll and may face other punitive action. "This is considered by the moderators and admin staff to be unsportsmanlike and not in keeping with the spirit of Group builds." However, it may be worth considering re-stating these rules in the individual Group Build rules or at least referring people to them so that they are reminded of them? I understand that Andrew was not aware of this and it is only this topic that has caused me to look for them. To me it seems that there should also be some transparency as to how the rules are enforced and stating what the "other punitive action" may be. This is extremely vague and perhaps a statement giving examples should be given? That said, one good thing that has come out of this is that it has started to cure his addiction to online forums! Chris

Hi Radleigh Not too many options for you juding from the lack of responses. I'm not sure what the truck is, looks like it has a cab-over-engine or short bonnet and an extended flat-bed for the Me-109. Any idea where or when the photo was taken? You could try Kit Form Services, they may have a 1:24 transkit of the right era but won't have the same cab configuration. Otherwise your best bet is Revell, they did produce some 1:24 scale early post war German lorries a few years ago that may be suitable for conversion e.g. Bussing 8000 You could also ask on Truck Model World forum where they may be able to help further. Cheers Chris

Hi Neil You may be able to pick up some 2nd hand Airfix boxings (which the Dapol kits originally were) at model railway shows for cheaper. For accessories and figures, I've used Dart Castings before, the sculpting is fantastic. Alternatively, you could get away with modifying or using as is the 1:72/1:76 Airfix/Italeri/Revell aircraft ground crew figures but Dapol also produce some unpainted railway workmen figures including shunters, guards, drivers and firemen. Decals for wagons, etc. what era are you looking for, i.e. GWR or BR Western region? Have a look at Cambrian models for pointers on sources. Track, again you'll probably pick up some used track at model railway shows for a few pence. The only display tracks I know of are the (relatively) pricey Hobbyboss ones in 1:72. Most OO gauge tracks are actually HO so the sleepers are too close together (also the actual gauge is a little bit too small). But as it's a yard diorama there may not be muu much visible under all the poor quality ballast, ash, cinders and general rubbish. As for the ballast itself, I would say any model railway shop should stop ballast. I'd suggest using ballast designated for N-gauge as it's more in scale for yards. If you do decide to purchase a railway magazine I would recommend Model Rail as that may provide you with a lot of inspiration... They also have a web forum you could ask for help on HERE. Hope this gives you some help Cheers Chris

I think you're right Sam, the green usually does look darker alongside the black, very much an optical illusion. The various softskins parked around Aldershot seem to be in the same green with or without the black. Although the latest MAN trucks seem a little more brown to my eyes, but that's going off topic... Cheers Chris

You could try "fluid lead" or "liquid lead", basically small sperical lead pellets about 1-2mm in diameter. It's available through several model railway shops. I pour it in and mix in neat PVA glue. It ends up as a solid block. Sometimes an internal plastic bulkhead helps to keep the lead pellets in place. Chris

Hi Mike I suspect the official colour is still Light Stone, BS 381C 361, which was used in Gulf War 1 and is used on the vehicles based at BATUS and on Salisbury Plain training areas. Going from memory, the closest Humbrol match is 93, Desert Yellow. I painted a Suez Crisis Centurion Mk. 5 in that colour and I'm fairly certain the colour hasn't changed, HERE. I'll have a check when I'm home later. Cheers Chris