Lazy Builder

Probably my last visit to MZ Eastbourne yesterday late afternoon and snaffled a 1/48 Airfix Merlin 30% off, which for me was a bargain. I'll be sad to see the shop close as the staff have always been helpful and friendly and I'll miss chatting with them. Best wishes to all MZ staff for the future.

Many thanks guys. I'll try to track one down. Best wishes.

I have been told that one version of the Revell 1/48 Invader has the WW II turret set up, i.e. dorsal and ventral. I have the Korean War option (no ventral turret) but want a WW II option. What should I look for in the way of box art? Apologies if this this been asked before; if it has can someone get me to the thread. Thanks.

Thanks both. I've looked at the Academy FAA version and I think the wings I've got in the HB kit look OK so perhaps I was lucky. From my perspective as someone interested in the aircraft it looks a very nice kit to me better than many and with a very enginey looking engine straight out the box. For £11.00 I'm happy. Thanks again for taking the time to write.

My apologies if this topic has been discussed before. I have recently bought the Hobby Boss 1/48 F4U-4. Only after I'd bought it did I find out about the wing issues. I have 2 questions, one - how do I tell if it has the FAA wing tips? Secondly, how do I contact H B to get replacements? Thanks in anticipation.

Great work. Just bought one but it's going in the stash until I've forgotten how good yours is!!!!!

We build models - they aren't real! They're generally plastic with little bits of this and that and some acrylic or enamel paint on them to make them look nice. They don't do what the real thing does, or did, and if you stand on them they break. You paid for it so build it how you want or stack it in the loft with a load of others. If you do build it and want people who will always say nice things about your work show your Mum (unless you're L S Lowry)but if you want to risk anything else put it on RFI but be prepared to stand your ground. It's a hobby and it's supposed to be fun - isn't it?

Me too! I think the Macchi fighters, MC 200 - 205, are almost works of art.

Me too! Good skills.

Unusual subject - great build!

I love it! This is exactly how I think of models. When I buy a kit I always imagine it in a scenario not sat on its own. You've built what I have thought of over the years, looking at it really brings the Oscar to life, waiting for the mechanics to finish and the pilot to take it on a test flight. Thank you so much and well done.

That's a really lovely build and a very clever idea. Where do you source such tiny magnets?

As I browse through the RFI subjects of aircraft I am always struck by how smooth they are. From my experience, even new (metal) aircraft built between say 1940 and 1980 are rarely smooth, their skin bulges slightly between frames and some aircraft, such as B-52s, are much worse than others particularly after they have been in service for a while. It seems odd that most modellers will go to great lengths buying the best kit, internal and extenal resin or etch, new decals stc but rarely put an equal amount of effort into the surface topography. I am happy to stand corrected and would love to see finished models with 'wrinkly skin'.

Seems a brave choice for an aeroplane with such limited production and service. As with all new models it'll no doubt be pecked to death but if it goes together well I wouldn't mind having one it's a handsome thing. I do understand the desire for some to have accuracy in everything but in my view life's too short.

Great build, what colour did you use for the panel line wash?