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Hi, A little mojo project I have had on the go for a few months. Inspired by my ability to paint white that I discovered with my Valiant I decided to have a crack at this attractive scheme. A lovely kit to build and am looking forward to the AEW.2 I have planned for the Maritime Group Build. Built completely out of the box, using Humbrol Medium Sea Grey 165 aerosol, Halfords Appliance white over Citadel Corax white as a primer. Eduard masks were used and the soot staining was achieved using eye shadow and a flitch brush which worked very well. The kit is so well engineered that I painted the wings off the airplane and a little Tamiya extra thin over the wing spars held them in place once completed with no filling or sticking required around the wing to fuselage joint, this made masking a doddle! Enjoy.

My build of the Anigrand 1/72 kit, using AK Interactive's Xtreme Metallics, not without problems. This model represents the first of the two prototypes, in her original configuration, as tested at Edwards AFB in 1949.

Hello, all, Just got an email from Caracal with news and description of new and reprinted decal sheets. I thought some of you might be interested in seeing them, as some of the subjects have been recent topic discussions. The one we ALL have been waiting for on the FJ-2/3 Furies is not among them, doggone it! I do not have an affiliation with Caracal, nor do I receive any consideration or compensation for mentioning their products, but I have sent them yet another request to do the Fury sheet ASAP as well as a sheet of WW2 FAA codes in white and red with white outline in both 1/72 and 1/48 scales...a few more requests might speed up the process. (Mike, I wasn't sure the best place for this topic- if you need to move it, please feel free.) Mike https://mailchi.mp/caracalmodels/new-decal-sheets-and-b-58-reprint-from-caracal-models-2904421?e=b9f6163f7b

Mikoyan Mig-25PD Foxbat-E (48903) 1:48 ICM In an attempt to fulfil the perceived need for a supersonic interceptor that could take off, climb to height and attack an incoming bomber stream, which at the time was the most efficient method for delivering the newly invented nuclear warheads, The Mig-25 Foxbat was created. It managed the job to a certain extent, but as it never truly achieved its goals, it was left to its successor the Mig-31 Foxhound before the task was handled competently, by which time the role of ICBMs was about to make the primary role redundant. The Mig-25's inadequacies were hidden from the West however, until the famous defection of a Soviet pilot to an airfield in Japan revealed that the Foxbat wasn't as high-tech and all-conquering as we had been led to believe, having many steel parts instead of the high-tech alloys that the investigators were expecting. The prototype flew in 1964, and was constructed primarily of stainless steel, and reached service at the turn of the decade, although it had been seen before that, both in reconnaissance photos of the West, as well as at some parades. The West assumed that the large wing was to aid manoeuvrability, when in fact it was a necessity due to the aircraft's enormous weight, which made it fast, but changing direction was a chore due to all that momentum wanting to carry on in the direction it was travelling. It was also lacking in the avionics department, especially in one crucial aspect. It had no credible capability for targeting aircraft that were lower than itself, which coincided with the change in tactics to low level attack by the Western Allies, so a lack of a useful look-down/shoot-down capability was a serious deficiency. Nevertheless, several hundred were made, with the last one rolling off the production line in 1984 with a number of export orders into the bargain. The PD was the second iteration of the P interceptor, having improved engines, ability to carry R-60 missiles, and a more efficient Pulse-Doppler radar for basic look-down-shoot-down capability, which was later coupled with an infrared sensor under the nose. NATO gave it the Foxbat-E designation, which was also extended to the PDS, which were original P airframes that were later brought up to the PD standard. Although it suffered from some serious deficiencies, it held a number of speed and altitude records, and was theoretically capable of Mach 3, so could give an SR-71 a run for its money, probably at the expense of significant damage to its engines however. Attempts to improve the Foxbat were unsuccessful, and the Foxhound was its eventual replacement, and delivered everything that was expected of its forebear, staying in service until it is replaced by the Pak-Fa at some point in the near future. The Kit Since the release of the reconnaissance based RBT in Q1 and RB in Q3 of 2017, ICM are now releasing the interceptors, and we hope (well I do anyway), eventually the trainers, which relies of course on us all getting lots of the other marques, so what're you waiting for? Now the Revell/Monogram kit has been put out to pasture, we can delight in these kits from ICM that have given us a new level of detail and accuracy from the days of the Cold War when things had to be guessed at. The box is the same size and style as the other releases, although this time my review sample lid was almost destroyed due to it being such a tight fit on the box lower. I managed to get it off eventually, but it's a struggle every time. This is a revised tooling from the original, with four shared sprues and three new ones in grey styrene, the same clear sprue, and of course a different set of markings for the decal options, with the same stencils on a separate sheet. The instruction booklet is also different, and shows which parts aren't needed in this boxing, thankfully including the clear dials for the instrument panel, which I never quite understood the need for when you have a paint over it to depict the dials and the rest of the panel. Sharing much of the sprues of the original it has excellent detail, with lots of this apparent on the outer skin, as well as the new single part styrene instrument panel part that has a decal on the main sheet providing all the instrument faces. Good news! The build sequence is almost identical too, but as well as a new nose for this Interceptor (sporting the IR sensor with tracking facility), there is also the new instrument panel as mentioned above, and some slight changes to the exhausts. The biggest difference however is the inclusion of weapons! These are supplied on two of the new identical sprues, containing a quartet of R-60 Aphid Air-to-Air (A2A) missiles that can be fitted to the outer pylons for short-range fighting, and four R-40 Acrid long range A2A missiles, two of each of the Semi-Active Radar and Infrared homing varieties. These are usually fired in pairs with the Infrared missile first and the Radar missile second, to avoid confusing the former with the latter's heat signature. If the R-60s were carried on the outer rails, this reduced the Foxbat's long range capability to a one-shot deal, with only shorter range R-60 missiles left at its disposal. The Syrians claim to have shot down an Israeli F-15, but this was never confirmed for many reasons, some of which were political, some not. A US F-18 was shot down in the early part of Desert Storm by an Iraqi Mig-25, presumably not one of the ones they found buried after the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime. Markings There are four decal options included in the box, two from the Soviet Union and one each from Libya and Iraq. As mentioned earlier, the markings are on one sheet with the instrument panel decals, while the copious quantities of stencils for the airframe and missiles are on the other. Decals are printed anonymously, and have good registration, sharpness and colour density, with a thin matt carrier film cut close to the printed areas. From the box you can build one of the following: Mig-25PDS 146th Guard Fighter Regiment, Vasilikov 1989 – marked Blue 56 with 60 years celebration scroll on the intakes. Mig-25PD Soviet Air Force, 1986 – marked Red 17. Mig-25PD Iraqi Air Force, late 80s – Arabic code on the nose, Iraqi flag on the tail. Mig-25PD Libyan Air Force, 90s – Coded 6716. Conclusion It's nice to have the fighter (read interceptor) variants reaching us now, as although recce is an important task for any air force, the aircraft with the missiles and bombs are just that bit cooler to many. Another sterling effort from ICM who are now the kings of Mig-25 in 1:48. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Having completed a Special hobby F-86H last year, and a hybrid CAC Avon Sabre last week (see below), this in theory gives me more time to work on the 1/72 Sedbergh glider ..................... however I'm already suffering Sabre withdrawal, so need to get another underway. RFI's for both can be found on here. I am a little spoilt for choice on the matter of which Sabre to build next: In the end the chosen one is this, mainly because I actually have two of this one! I am undecided on exactly which scheme to do at the moment, but any suggestions welcome! Progress so far is limited to some work in the cockpit to get some weight in a stable place and also make some improvements to the seat. Also, some weeks back I recall @Lord Riot was given some advice on wing fence position so I have started to work on repositioning these more appropriately. The plan is to insert a fin sliver of plastic card and shape accordingly. I used this approach on the Avon Sabre and it worked OK. You can probably just make out where the original fences were positioned, outboard of where I have made my cuts. More to come soon. Terry

Absolutely loved building this. A real Mojo restorer. OOB apart from some resin ejector seats that can't be seen and the Master pitot probes. Hope you like it. WIP here...

Hello mates! I want to build the Saudi AF EE Lightning Mk53 in 1/48. What Airfix boxing I need to buy? What modifications I need to do? I saw decals by Model Alliance, are they of good quality? Thanks in advance

Hi fellow modellers, this is my first post... This is my rendition of a derelict Aero S 106 the Czech version of the mithic Mig 21 F-13, The kit is the very basic a non recomendable academy mig 21 in 1/72, the whole idea was to try new tricks, and not worry too much if i ruined it, but altogether i am happy with the end result being such a forgotten kit in the stash with nothing to lose, as im getting back in the horse after a couple of years off the modelling world. I hope to make another shining in all its glory... deepest respect for the mikoyan design bureau. The kit was pretty basic, almost no panel lines, i scribed a little too much and riveted lightly, I used reference pics of abandoned types such as this with rivets showing. Built OOB with minor scratch built parts, such as pneumatic suspensions, a canvas piece in the cockpit and the modified flaps. I used AK green primer, then a black cote of vallejo, and then vallejo model air aluminum in several shades mixing it with white and black in different panels, tried the sharpie method for paneling with interesting results. The cockpit was very ill shaped so i decided to put a piece of cloth on it as i saw in various east european museums and abandoned aircrafts, it was made using tissue paper and water and white glue diluted.. i dont know the name in english... pev or something like that... The decals was self made with laser printer over transparent decal sheet. Weathered with vallejo wash, aqua pencils and dry brush. I hope you like it, your inputs are very much welcome! Cheers! Iggy.

Hi, I am not at home right now otherwise I'd dig through my stash, also I have been searching on-line for an answer to no-avail. Do any of you know if the Airfix Victor B Mk.2 can be built with conventional bomb doors closed or with open bomb bay doors and a freefall weapon (nuclear or conventional) inside? I only ask because I think the Blue Steel looks a bit odd on the Victor, and I plan to use the Blue Steel from my Victor kit to improve my Airfix Vulcan when the time comes. Thanks.

The output this year was three models, one below average. The RIAT Su-27 keeps me more busy than expected. Anyway, I’m happy with the three new kids on the block. First one, A Hasegawa A-7E as it participated in the Gulf of Sydra incident in 1981. This one is part 3 in the a project related to that incident. Next the Hobby Boss F-14A disguised as Persian 'Cat. Finally a WhatIf from Kinetic. What if the F-16XL won the strike fighter contest, and not the F-15E Strike Eagle.... Let me present you the F-16E Strike Falcon! Hope you like, and Happy 2018!

Hello fellow Modellers! This "Red" 02 is a "Polish Flanker" stationed in Stargard, Poland and featured by photographer Robert Senkowski in Verlinden Lock On 17. 1992, when VVS left, there was a big fly out ceremony. I spent a lot of time to make a sleeker aft fuselage and other corrections and detailing. I made this model 2002/2003. The older pictures on tarmac were on film. I hope you like this grey stuff, Cheers!

These are from a while ago, before the final decals turned this anonymous Vulcan into XM602 of IX sqn, circa 1978. I'll post those later in the RFI section. I think the underside grey may be a bit too dark, though I used 'light a/c grey'. I feel compelled to do a white Vulcan next, then maybe a wrap-round camo one!

I started this ages ago and the WIP was progressing nicely until the Photobucket asteroid destroyed the images on my WIP dinosaur! However, here is a brief recap! Here are the guts laid out for inspection as per modeling law! I think it`s a reasonable kit! However, an evening of cider kebab and internet shopping resulted in these goodies! The DEF model weighted wheels really are a work of art! Assembly proceeded quickly and was trouble free in the main. The suspension was particularly busy however, if I remember correctly there are almost 50 parts here which you will never see! The only major correction was the suspension geometry, the kit sits too low, since there was an amount of articulation in the suspension components it was simple to make the suspension up on a jig the gave the correct ride height and leave it to go firm! Resulting in this! The next part of the correction was to force the axles lower than the kit would like, so a shim was glues into the hubs, once dry the shim was fettled until the axles sat at the correct angle Kind of like this! The ends of the axles had to be trimmed down by 3 mm to fit the replacement wheels but the result was this.......... Lovely........I had to go and have a lie down! I wanted to make a MK 1 vehicle which meant removing the indicators and their attendant wiring, but that was relatively quick and pain free. One of the other issues with the kit was the absence of hatch rims, bizarrely these were also missing on the Mr Modellbau resin hatches, so these were duly fabricated resulting in the hatches not closing! This is not an issue since I intended to build it all opened up So here is the turret with replacement resin bits, another omission is the commanders .30 cal MG and mounting, thoughtfully everything is provided by our friendly German aftermarket chums. The smoke grenade dischargers were modified with a bit of etch fret and wired up in the now familiar fashion! (stripped telephone cable!) So here it all is pre primer, resin, metal, scratch..................... And early on in the paint process........................ Much later in the process.................. Even further on............... Just sitting on its wheels..........no glue yet Weathering and washes under way....................The yellow and red flash indicates RAC Centre regiment the Rose indicates up north! So a Catterick based vehicle................I got well and truly bogged up on the area there.......so The suspension got a good hammering with dirt..........oh , you cant see it! That's a bit more like it! Proper minging! The only difference between these two fots is the angle! This is Flory wash, and by the looks of it there's still a lot to come off! Ta for lookin` no "G" Granto

Here's an old build, renovated somewhat a couple of years ago: the old Premiere kit of the Sea Venom, in the markings of 890 NAS, RNAS Yeovilton/HMS Ark Royal, 1956.

Here's my build of the Skybirds '86 kit, with the outer drop tanks substituted by AGM-12D Bullpup AGMs, converted from the items in the Hasegawa weapons set. Markings for 803 NAS on the Ark during 1965.

Hey, After several years of AFV and plane modelling I feel ready for an excursion in the maritime world I was eyeing some of the post war aircraft carriers but I think I should start smaller with a destroyer, for instance. The only problem I have is choosing the "right" beginner kit from the plethora of available options. Here are a few corner stones I have in mind for the selection: - price not over 50 GBP / 50 Euro - scale should be 1/350 - cold war or modern era subject - PE parts are OK; even resin/metal add-ons can be considered - nation is not so important - ideally, an off-mainstream, exotic subject Any suggestion is most welcome! Thank you!