GordonD

Why is the F-35 known as the Lightning II? Supposedly it's to honour the P-38 Lightning which operated in World War Two, but of course there has been another aircraft of that name in the years since - the English Electric version. Is this a case of the Septics' infamous 'Not Invented Here' attitude? "Oh, it's just a Limey airplane, it doesn't count!" Given their anal attitude to dynasties (80-year-old Joe Biden Junior, or the singer George Hamilton IV) you'd think they'd get that right.

Definitely better than watching it on TV as the cameras spent more time showing us King Chic and his brood standing on the balcony that the planes themselves.

This site is still up: http://www.matirvine.com/

Has anybody built this kit? I've had one in the stash for a few months but in the last few days I've been dry-fitting the passenger cabin and upper dome just to give me an idea of what size the finished article will be. What's scaring the life out of me is the retractable landing gear, which has numerous small parts and the slightest mistake there could ruin the entire thing. So, any hints or tips? I've found several build videos on YouTube but a two-way discussion would likely be more helpful.

I always wonder about the launch trolley, which is seen shooting off the end of the track as XL5 takes off. Is there a big heap of them on the other side of that hill, or do they laboriously move them back and refurbish them for next time?

Enzo the Magnificent just gave me the heads-up on this build. Count me in with this:

Thanks for the in-depth reply. Given that my stack includes both the Aries 1B and the EVA pod I won't be going out of my way to get an Orion too!

What specifically is wrong with this kit?

You think it's ever going to get built? 🤣

Just treated myself to one of these. I came here to get some building tips but as usual I've been put off because I'll never achieve such quality!

Aurora did a version as well.

A genuine hero. RIP, sir. Last surviving Dambuster Johnny Johnson dies aged 101

Took the wife to the pub last night. I sat her down and put a whisky in front of her. She took a sip, screwed up her face in disgust and said, "That's awful!" "Exactly," I told her. "And you think I'm in here every night ENJOYING MYSELF!"

This series never made it to TV when I was a lad, though I did have a couple of paperbacks so I knew the premise. Recently I managed to find a cheap DVD. The stories were quite enjoyable in a quirky sort of way, though it looked odd to see the puppets suddenly moving like normal humans (when the live-action kicked in). But oh dear God, the theme music? One of Barry Gray's rare failures.

Expedition 1 on the International Space Station was launched aboard Soyuz TM-31 on 31 October 2000. They docked with the ISS two days later, but their being in orbit during the approach flight marked the beginning of an unbroken human presence in space that continues today - 8,000 consecutive days. Wednesday will mark the ISS's 8,000th day of occupation but today is the real milestone.

My dog has no legs but he's always keen when I take him out for draggies.

On this day 61 years ago, Yuri Gagarin really did boldly go where no man had gone before.

I need some advice. I bought one of these: ... but it isn't working; he still keeps popping up on my TV. Do I need to buy a DecStop as well?

It was just a couple of minutes before closing time. I popped my head round the door of the chip shop and asked, "D'you have any chips left?" "Yes!!!" said the man behind the counter. I told him, "Serves you right for making so many!"

But if you make a mess of it will you be able to look yourself in the face?

Man walking along the canal towpath when he comes across Noddy Holder, fishing. "Catch anything, Noddy?" he asks. Noddy says, "Yes, I caught a whale but I threw it back." "Whatever for?" the man asks. Noddy replies, "Half the spokes were missing."