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I started this thread in the B-17 Group Build, and was doing pretty good until I ran out of mojo. Happens sometimes, you know... Started to get it back, but it was too late to reach the finish line, but it's not stopping there, no sir! I have too many 'in-completes' to let yet another join the pile!😅 Here's is the link to my GB thread, And so now that you've caught up - or I've caught up? - here is the continuation of the build. I had last glued the fuse together and added the glazings, being none to happy with some, and yet happy with others. But that seam-line, damn that is ugly!! I started sanding along it, knocking it down and feeling pretty good about that - until I realized plastic dust was sneaking in under the glazings. Turns out they were no so sealed as I thought they were! You can see the sanding dust just above the rear seats. The good news is that there was enough of a gap at the front of the cockpit glazing that I could press my mouth against it and blow most of that away from there. Some still remains, but most is now where the solid silver will be sprayed. Turns out I'll have to live with a little bit here and there - unless I wanted to crack open the glazings, which I would fear doing far more damage than a few dust motes are worth. Here's a shot of the belly, and no the PPP has not been used. I can't seem to use one of those without the stuff getting hard in the tube before I can use even a little bit of it... Clear to see is the bad shape of the bomb bay doors, esp the 'hinges' near the corners. Between the belly bubble and the tail wheel I also snipped off the two lower antenna to facilitate clean up. And after a some time with rough sanding sticks we get this. Looking lovely! I'll need to redo a lot of seams and lines, but I got plenty of dymo tape, straight edges and a needle in a pin vise.😉 Another thing I decided to do was drop the elevators, so out came the aforementioned pin in a vise, which was then followed by an exacto blade. I have some half-round stock that will go against the leading edge of the elevators themselves and then round the rest of it out before gluing them back on with a little bit of droop. And that's where she is right now. This won't be a fast completion, as I intend to detour to a DS9 Defiant for a short bit. but I'll keep the ball rolling. Model on!

Here's my entry over on the B-17 STGB. Based on the academy B-17E Boxing to obtain the correct nose side glazing, realised I had to add an astrodome as well. 'Kitsworld' decals were used, but I did a bit of research and came up with photo's showing 'Hettie' with no upper turret and upper scheme extending over the cowlings, also a different spacing and layout of the Codes. It also seems as if the leading edges of the main-wings/tail weren't black. Anyway, this is my interpretation and I'm sticking to it! The decals, by the way, went on really well and reacted well to Micro Set/Sol. Paint was Ultimate White Primer, then Vallejo ModelAir RLM21 white. Xtracrylics were used for the EDSG/Dark Slate Grey upperworks. The excessive main-wing dihedral was an easy fix with 15 thou plasticard shimming, attaching the bottom halves first there was no gap on the bottom, just the top to fill in a bit. I didn't improve or correct the air/oil cooler intakes, apologies to the B-17 Buffs out there. I used QuickBoost cowlings and engines, not sure if the cowlings were much better than the kit parts, but the engines looked better. As I ruined the Pavla Vacformed nose piece I had, which fitted not to bad, I ended up using a nose glazing out of the Revell kit, which isn't the same shape towards the bottom, but it'll do until I come up with something else, or fair-in the academy nose to suit! These close ups show loads of faults! When using a toothpick to clean up the paint leakage onto the windows the rear most one was pushed in, so I just left it! I may obtain some crystal clear and try that next time. As usual (for me!) a bit rushed at the end due to my impatience, but I'm overall fairly pleased with the result and in terms of hours wasn't a long build, just felt like it! Comments and Critique welcome. Davey.

Hi All, Decided to work on something that has been on the shelf for several years before starting on the C-47 STGB. So here is my 1/72 scale Academy B-29 Superfortress. The kit is really very good just time consuming in terms of doing the interior and of course the natural metal finish. The only part that was a little ambiguous was the engine nacelle placement on the wings...I actually did some measuring to make sure they were equal. I only used some filler strips on the flaps...they were not the best fit on the wings. I primed the fuselage with Tamiya Gloss Black and the natural metal is Vallejo. So onto the pictures. As always any comments are appreciated, All the Best! Don

Hi all, been a while since I made a proper post on here. My newest project will be an M113, with a main feature being the two Eduard sets I will be using on it. It's been a while since I got my teeth into a build like this, so I'm looking forward to it. This is my progress so far. Since the base kit hasn't arrived yet, I've been working on the photo-etch assemblies that stand on their own like gun shields and radios. So far so good, although the inside of the gun shields have a few imperfections. I'm using Gorilla gel glue as usual, and there are a few blotches where I used too much glue. We'll see how they look after a primer coat, I suppose, but that side will be covered by the guns/ammo anyway. Until the base kit arrives, this is pretty much my progress for now.

After building a number of Sabres, I thought it was about time I built myself an Avon Sabre. The Avon Sabre was based on the then current F-86F with the slatted wing but was fitted with the more powerful Rolls Royce powerplant and this required an extension change to the fuselage. This book came in handy for this and future builds. So to kick things off, I'll be using the Tasman Conversion set alongside the Academy F-86E Kit. I have been told that the Tasman conversion isn't the best route to go but as I have a number of them, I'll be using them. Tasman's fuselage halves and intake. Look at those sprue gates, I'll need to take my time and be careful or I'll be making work for myself. ...and Academy's fuselage sprue...not much difference eh. You may be wondering why I'm showing you this sprue if it isn't used. Well, Aussie Sabres are normally parked with the brakes open and as the Tasman's offering is molded closed, the plan is to swap the tail sections . Academy's wing sprue. Work to be on these will be to backdate the wing to pre 6-3 conversion and to remove the flaps as again, these were often deployed when on ground. Main sprue with everything else. Canopies. The Tasman kit comes with a Vac canopy and although it is lovely and clear, it's closed and I like my aircraft canopies open...unless they're hanging from the ceiling. The middle canopy is Hobbycraft and the top is Academy... we'll see. Decals will be sorted later, hopefully. So, that's it for now and I'll start proper when the Vampire is finished. Stuart

Hi Everyone, I’ve not been posting completed models for a while although I managed to complete a bunch over the last year. Starting to catch up now. The first one is OV-10A Bronco in Vietnam markings of VAL-4. I have a mixed feeling about the kit and about the effort I did to get it completed. The kit can be assembled out of the box with moderate effort (only sponson to nacelle fit is really poor) and will definitely result in a decent model that would 100% look like a Bronco (it’s probably impossible to do a Bronco kit that would not look like a Bronco). But that works only until you see Bronco photos… Below is the list of errors and omissions I was able to find and tried to fix: - Empty undercarriage bays. Front bay is also almost empty on a real thing – reverse side of a landing light and some wiring only. Main bays have engine covers inside (Academy kit represents an aircraft as if its engines are removed), a lot of wiring, hydraulics, etc. I tried to scratchbuild at least engine covers and added some wiring. - Too small and simplified engine nacelles in particular anemic intakes over propellers should be noted. I tried to enlarge those with plastic and putty and drilled intakes through. - Wrong weapons sponson. In real life machine guns are placed asymmetrically, while kit has completely symmetric sponson. I tried to fix this. Also sponson shape is incorrect being a little narrower and with wrong angle of the front edge. - Short wing and short tail booms. Some reviewers also wrote about wrong wing angle of attack which I was not able to measure but seems to be true as well. Wing span is around 8 mm (!) shorter. Mostly outside of booms so easier to fix. Tail booms are approximately 3 mm shorter. The above is per my matching to real thing photoes. Tails are sitting at right height which leads to wrong angle on booms upper side which is more pronounced on a kit compared to real thing. I did not do anything about it as fixing booms represents pretty strong surgery and lengthening wing without adjustment of booms would result in even greater proportions distortion. - Simplified undercarriage. Some enhancement was done by replacement of plastic parts with metal tubes. Given the weight of lead I had to hide into nacelle to avoid tail-sitting – not sure if original plastic undercarriage would survive at all. My metal gear only marginally carries the weight. - Wrong shaped wing pylons. The kit ones are shorter and place rockets at wrong angle to the wing. Fixed it. - Fuel tank has the wrong shape. The thing is too pointy. I only identified it when starting to apply decals so live with it as is. - Cockpit details OOB are heavily simplified – here I just used CMK interior set. - Inconsistently applied panel lines. Academy did pretty decent panel lines on the wings (however they marked wing walkways with panel lines which is wrong). However, Academy ignored panel lines on the nacelle and sponson. Even cargo door is not properly shown! I tried to reapply missing panel lines to the possible extent. Some other non-OOB additions included Zunies from Crusader kit, LAU-10 launchers from Hasegawa weapon set (kit have extremely tiny Zuni warheads), LAU-32 launchers from Italeri OH-6 kit, CMK interior resin, Eduard PE set (which I only barely used to do some external features), and an excellent AOA decal which actually inspired me to buy and assemble the whole thing. Not much of a background story of the chosen subject as VAL-4 history is very well known. AOA provides almost 20 different options and I selected specific aircraft because of unique spinners colour which is said to be golden per AOA instruction. Overall conclusion – quite a lot of effort done to improve the kit but I know I went only half the distance to make a fully correct copy of a true thing. Also this is the subject that desperately needs a new 1/72 kit which would be of the correct geometrical shape as a minimum and would maybe provide a better level of details in the cockpit, undercarriage. And on top of it a wider choice of loadout other than standard LAU-3/10 and Mk.82 as Broncos carried almost everything what was available in Vietnam. Hope you enjoyed A great modelling year to everyone! Dennis

My belated entry to the group build is a 1/72 Academy PBY-5, which I intend to finish as an RAF/RCAF Catalina/Canso. I've not decided on which aircraft as yet, but am working through the Aviaeology decal sets to find a favourite - presently W8427/QL-G looks likely. Due to work pressure and family/festive commitments I've only just dug out the box so it's highly likely that I'll not meet the deadline, but here goes anyway! Pic of what I have so far: RIMG0895 by edge957, on Flickr Edge

Academy is to release in 2019 a new tool 1/72nd Grumman F-14A Tomcat "VF-143 Punkin Dogs" kit in the MCP (Multi Color Parts) serie - ref. 12563 Source: https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235047967-academy-catalog-2019/&do=findComment&comment=3218086 Box art V.P.

Academy is to release in 2019 a new tool 1/144th Rockwell B-1B kit in the MCP (Multi Color Parts) serie - ref. 12620 Source: https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235047967-academy-catalog-2019/&do=findComment&comment=3218086 Box art V.P.

Academy is to release in 2019 2020 a new tool 1/48th Grumman F3F-2 "Flying Barrel" kit - ref. 12236 Source: https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235047967-academy-catalog-2019/&do=findComment&comment=3218079 V.P.

After the 2018 edition (link), here's the Academy 2019 pdf dowloadable catalog http://academy.co.kr/1aden/site/01_academy_kor/notice/2019_K2932.pdf Source: http://www.academy.co.kr/6q/board_news_main.asp?pMenuId=BOARD00002&pCode=11685&pCategory=NEWS1 in MMZone : https://www.72news.eu/2018/12/academy-catalogue-for-2019.html http://mmzone.co.kr/mms_tool/mms_tool.php?mms_db_name=mmz_review V.P.

Advance echelons of 36 and 306 Squadrons moved into Harrington on 25th March 1944. Flying B-24D & H variants, some of these were especially adapted for OSS Carpetbagger operations. This involved the removal of the ball turret; the 44” hole was covered by a circular plywood door, divided and hinged in the middle. The nose turret was also removed and replaced with a fully glazed section. The waist guns were also removed. The pilot was provided with large blister windows giving a good downward view of the ground. Unconverted types still wore the drab olive/grey livery, but those that had been modified were initially painted matt black, although this was later changed to a gloss finish. The air operation left Harrington on 7th July 1945 for Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA. 801st/492nd (Provisional) Bomb Group (Heavy), Harrington, Northamptonshire. 42-52749 ‘J’ Scrappy was photographed at Harrington in March 1945 This Academy kit was a bit of a nightmare. The decals were worse than any I've experienced (even Novo). The fins are shown upside down on the instruction sheet. I lost a couple of bits to the carpet monster and had to find/scratch replacements as well as the conversion work for the Carpetbagger variant. The stars and bars are from spares and the other markings were done by hand. Thanks for looking.

Hi all! Recently completed 1/72 Academy F-15E. Rather than the usual all grey scheme, I went with a specially painted jet to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the 4th Fighter Wing. Lots of big decals! They are by DXM and printed by Cartograf. They are superb! I used MRP paint and added Aires exhausts because the kit exhausts are really bad.. Also added masking tape seat belts. Other than that, it was a fantastic kit to build! Thanks for looking!

Hello everybody, I present to you my French P-39Q that was built as part of the recent P-39/P-63 GB. The model represents a French Airacobra based in Southern France early in 1945. Kit: Academy (re-issued by MPM) Decals: Berna Modifications: - 4-blade prop modified from a Quickboost P-51K propeller - guns (or blast tubes) replaced with real metal tubes (Abion Alloys) - frontwheel was scratch-built (the Academy kit includes only the earlier P-39 wheel) The Academy kit might have some shape-issues, but builds nicely and has beautiful surface details. The Berna decals are a bit on the thick side. This shows especially with the serial on the tail. I tried to create a weel-worn OD paintscheme (see the WIP for details). Instead of using a matt cote following the Future gloss, I sprayed the model with a very thin coat of faded OD (and NG on the lower surface). This also helped to blend in the decals. The silver drop tank adds some colour to the model. On the original photo the colour of the tank is hard to verify. But this type of 75 gal. drop tank was a standard USAAF item and I suppose that by 1945 they were all silver (or NMF?). The WIP might be found here: https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235042717-172-p-39q-armee-de-lair/

Hello everyone. Here's my Academy P-51-2NA (F-6A) Mustang in 1:72 which I built back in 2007. It represents 41-37322 "Mah Sweet Eva Lee", flown by Lt N F Bush, 154th OS, 68th OG, USAAF, North Africa, Spring 1943. Photo-reconnaisssance fighter variant of the Mustang. It was completely painted by brush with only the matt varnish being airbrushed. Before finishing the kit I damaged the radio wire and had to fix it that is why it's a bit slack. Thanks for looking and all comments are welcome. Miguel

Ok, don't know if I'll get this done as I'm having a bit of 'modellers block' (see 'Butterworth Blenheim' in the Pacific at War GB). Sprue shots show wing parts, fuselage removed just to test fit. I'm doing Kitsworld's 'Hekla Hettie', an early 'F' model, so using the 'E' as a basis as this has the correct forward fuselage side glazing. I have QB paddle blades, engines and cowlings (apparently the kit parts aren't that good), Falcon clear parts for the frameless nose glazing, don't know how much I'll use of the Eduard Etch I'll use as I'm late into this! Davey.

I have started my entry which is the Academy B-17E (Fortress II boxing). I gave the decals away some time ago but have sourced a set from a Frog kit. It started as an OOB build but I have already drilled out the turbocharger intakes on one wing and started to box them in. Pictures of progress to follow soon.

Third contribution (I couldn't make my mind up) is this Academy Wildcat F4F4, which in FAA terms is a Martlet MkII. Simple kit, reasonably well moulded. Will need an instrument panel and some transfers from the stash. I'm tempted by an Operation Ironclad option from HMS Illustrious but I have a few more to ponder.

I'm a bit on a Mustang spree at the moment, so here are some images of another recently finished Academy build in 1:72; 'Salem Representative' flown by Flying Officer Ralph "Kidd" Hofer. I used an Eduard Zoom set for the cockpit, while the decals came from Kitsworld. I dropped the flaps on this one as well, as it adds a lot of character to the model IMHO. The rest was build pretty much as per the instructions. Next up will be a P-51 'Red Tail', inspired by the film on the Tuskegee Airmen. I hope you like it! Peter

Okay, four days until the flag drops and the race is on! This will be my fourth GB and I'm really hoping fourth time is the charm and I can get this one done without stuffing it half-built back into its box.😅 As stated previous, I'll be doing Academy's B-17B. I'll be adding to it with Brassin turbochargers, so I think a wee bit of cutting will be done to get them to fit. The detail looks a lot better than the kit parts. I was thinking of using resin engines as well, but now I don't think so. For one, they are for the F/G model 17 (though at this scale I wonder if slight differences would matter?) and two, I want to avoid getting too bogged down on adding things. I'm already going to be adding the radio room and the floor for the waist gunners. And maybe dropping the floor in the cockpit since all pics I've seen of the B-17 cockpit has the seats set on stilts and raised up. I also bought an Eduard PE set for the IP. It's for the E/F 17 but again, how much with slight differences matter at this scale and with a constricted view through the flight deck windows? Depending on what can be seen, I might not use it either, It will be good to have it on hand though, just in case. A question for those more in 'the know,' is the decals. I've seen some builds where the blue on the fin and insignia are a far lighter blue than the almost black-blue on the supplied decals. So, which is it? Until then, just awaiting the starting bell!

As three of my five entries in this Group Build approach completion, it's time to start another. I'll be using the Academy P-47 and Xtradecals transfers to do this aircraft. Xtradecals say the Dark Earth is faded and I can't say I disagree. I might crack open my pot of Colourcoats Light Earth. Here's the box: Yes, it does like it's been trodden on. The canopy survived the deliveryperson's foot... but the propeller didn't... (Although it's nothing a little glue and a gentle bending won't cure.) I've made a start: painting bits that'll be black black, bits that'll be aluminium black and, gluing the cockpit bits together. Thanks for looking.

Russian T-34/76 for Academy 1:35 Eduard Eduard are really churning out the etched detail sets, trying to keep up with the number of releases that the various manufacturers are putting out, plus issuing sets for older kits. This set is for the Academy 1:35 T-34/76 Russian medium tank. The relief etched sheets are up to the usual standards as Eduard seem to have good quality control on their releases. Coming in the usual sleeve packaging with card inserts to protect the brass there is one set for the exterior and one for the interior. [36395] This set is contained on one medium sized sheet of brass. Apart from the usual brackets and clamps that most of these sets include, particularly for the pioneer tools there are also upper suspension plates, grab handles, complete replacement horn and hatch fittings. The front and rear mudguards are also completely replaced, and will require some careful folding and rolling to get the shapes right. The engine intake and exhaust grilles are replaced, along with their attachment frames. The stowage boxes are fitted with replacement lids, hinges and carrying handles. There is also a new armoured plate that covers the top of the manlet. Conclusion Even Academys T-34 can do with some extra detailing, and this set provides enough to make the difference without going overboard. It’s not a huge set, and with care and patience the parts should be ok to be used by all but the pure novice but still be slightly challenging in areas.

Well, I've had this one for quite some time. I've posted pics of it before in the WIP page. Was originally supposed to be in a Japan setting, but over time I've modified some of my plans for things and the dioramas. The base for this one I was contemplating putting with an Italeri Commando Humvee, but when I noticed this M1151s scheme is darker than the M1083 truck I've been working on, I decided to swap them out and give this one its own little diorama. Its also my first time trying snow effects, specifically Tamiya's two snow effect texture paints, as well as the Krycell snow and ice wash. Was terrified I'd mess it up, but I'm happy with the outcome 1/35 Academy M1151 in Tamiya NATO scheme 1/35 Masterbox figures painted in ACU pattern (combo of a buff, dark grey and field grey/grey mix) 1/35 Accessories from Meng's Modern equipment set. Piece of extruded polystyrene foam Tamiya Snow Effect and Powdered Snow Effect Texture Paste Krycell Ice and Snow Wash Without further ado, here it be. Gaz

As my other builds are moving along nicely, I thought I'd start another. I haven't decided whether to use the kit transfers - 615 Squadron RAF, India 1945 - or one of the options from a Hannants sheet. Anyway, here's the obligatory sprue shot: I made a start in this a couple of days ago so this is where I've got to. Engine: Cockpit sidewalls: Seat etc. Wheelwells painted and wings assembled: A bit more gluing and I have this: I've since sanded the seams and glued the engine on so only need to attach the headrest and cowling before starting to paint it. Thanks for looking.

As my 79 Squadron Spitfire VC reaches the painting stage it's a good time to start another kit. I'll be attempting this one: Using this kit: Note that Academy have the pilot as Lt.Col Atherton, he was Wing Commander (which, I think, is an equivalent rank and would explain the error). Here's his biography (he's the third one down): http://www.pacificvictoryroll.com/page17.htm Here are the sprues, although I need to find two more US 500lb bombs. I've made a start with the cockpit bits so in-progress photographs will follow. Thanks for looking.