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  1. Hi All, My third completion for 2024 is SH's Barracuda, finished as LS503 of 815 Sqn FAA, flying from HMS Indomitable in August 1944. Although I have not been able to find a photo of LS403 here is a Barracuda from Indomitable from around the same time: The build was OOB - here is the WIP if anybody is interested: And on with the photos: I couldn't resist a couple of companion shots, both with 3-crew FAA brethren: And one with a stable-mate: I have to say I've really enjoyed this build, and it's nice to have a Barracuda in the collection. Thanks to all of those who have added kind words and encouragement along the way - it has been much appreciated! Thanks for looking, Roger
  2. Hi All, My next project will be Special Hobby's N-3PB. This aircraft was purchased off the drawing board (24 in total) by the Norwegian government in 1940, just before the fall of that country. On delivery these aircraft were operated from Iceland by 330 Sqn RAF, made up exclusively of exiled Norwegian aircrew. This squadron flew from 1941, performing maritime patrol and anti-submarine missions until they were replaced by the far more capable Sunderland. This will be my first floatplane build, although I have built a couple of seaplanes (namely the Sunderland and Walrus). Here's the box art: I believe this was a new tool kit in 2015, and the sprue shots show a nice level of detail: Floatage: And the small transparency sprue: Not sure if I have the testicular fortitude to separate those canopy elements! The decals look nicely in register, along with a small PE fret (I think those are the rudders): At this stage I'm planning to complete as this aircraft GS*G: Very evocative photos showing the operating conditions! I may have to do a bit of wear and tear on this airframe to reflect the harsh life. Anyway, off we jolly well trot! Thanks for looking, Roger
  3. Hi All, My next build will see the Azure Blue and Mid-Stone get an airing - it has been over a year since my last desert scheme, so it's long overdue! I'm going to make up for it too, as this will be a dual build of Special Hobby's new tool P40D Kittyhawk Mk.I, and Brengun's Typhoon Mk.Ib. Now I did build a Tiffie just a couple of months ago, but this is different; I have not built the Brengun kit before, it's desert camo, and most importantly, it will have the 'car door' canopy! Here's the Kittyhawk boxart: Here's the sprues: Special Hobby have upped their game - the detail looks superb. Here's the decals: There are 4 schemes in the kit, one of which is Neville Duke's oft-modelled mount. I do fancy a shark mouth, but might look for a less-modelled option. Here's the Tiffie box art: I have never built a Brengun kit before, but on the evidence presented the sprues appear well-detailed and crisp: Here's the decals: They look a bit over-bright, and Sky codes? Hmmm - will look into that. 4 schemes are provided for: All the desert camo options are 451 Sqn RAAF aircraft, so it would seem churlish not to build an Aussie bird! I'm looking forward to this one! Thanks for looking, Roger
  4. Hi All, I had a feeling that it had been a while since my last FAA build, so I looked back through the annals and it seems it's been an entire 12 months! I thought it was high time to rectify that, so I dragged this out from the stash. Here's the box art: Here's the sprues: The transparencies: Decals, which look rather nice, and allow for 4 schemes: I'm leaning towards this scheme, although I haven't yet found a photo: This should be fun! Thanks for looking, Roger
  5. Refugees Musician Family (38084) 1:35 MiniArt via Creative Models Ltd During WWII there were millions of displaced populations created by the advances of the Nazis across Europe, escaping from combat or persecution, resulting in huge streams of humanity making their way to a perceived safer part of their own or a neighbouring country. People took only what they could carry, unless they were lucky enough to possess a motor car or some kind of cart, whether hand-pulled or horse-drawn. People would take their most important belongings, loading up with their most valuable goods, whether monetarily or otherwise, often comprising items that might be of use in their profession or as currency to trade when they arrived at their destination. The Kit This figure set supplies two figures, plus their possessions that they are carrying and pushing in a pram, although they don’t appear to have a baby with them, so perhaps they picked it up earlier in their journey or they had one in storage at home. The set arrives in an end-opening figure-sized box, and inside are six sprues in grey styrene, plus a sheet of paper that has several pieces of art printed on it to use with the picture frames that are included on the sprues. The parts for each figure are found in separate sprues for ease of identification, and parts breakdown is sensibly placed along clothing seams or natural breaks to minimise clean-up of the figures once they are built up. The sculpting is typically excellent, as we’ve come to expect from MiniArt’s artists and tool-makers, with natural poses, drape of clothing and textures appropriate to the parts of the model. The accessories are contained on four sprues, two of which are quite large, and contain several instruments that can be carried by the figures in line with the theme of this boxing. Instructions for the perambulator are found on the back of the box along with the painting guide for the figures, with additional diagrams showing the building of the three cases that are also found on the sprues. The instruments sprue includes the following: Accordion – open (Piano Accordion) Accordion – in case (Piano Accordion) Harmonic – closed (Button Accordion) Harmonic – open (Button Accordion) Marching bass drum with sticks Trumpet Guitar Violin in open case Violin & bow with closed case Mandolin Banjo There are no instructions included for the instruments, which would have been useful, but it wasn’t a stretch to guess that this sprue had been seen before, even with my memory, and it turns out we have reviewed the set when it was first released separately in 2020, which you can find here along with the instructions, just in case you pick this set up and can’t quite figure out how to put some parts together. The smallest sprue has three picture frames moulded into it, with six paintings supplied on the accompanying piece of glossy colour-printed paper, including some very famous paintings that are most likely reproductions, given their provenance. You simply cut them from the backing paper and fix them in place on the narrow rim around the inside of the frame in much the same manner as a real picture frame. If you want to add glass to the frame, some acetate sheet would be much easier to cut to shape than trying to adjust the size and shape of a glass slide cover that is often used to depict broken glass in dioramas. Conclusion The figures are expertly sculpted, and they have a care-worn look to them that would be typical of anyone that has been displaced by war, indicating their profession by their luggage, and adding the possibility of a bereavement in the near past by the presence of the pram. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of
  6. German Sd.Kfz.171 Pz.Kpfw. Panther Ausf.A (84830) 1:48 Hobby Boss via Creative Models Ltd The Panther was Germany's answer to the surprise appearance of the Russian T-34 after they finally reacted to the invasion that was Operation Barbarossa. Although the project had been in gestation some time before, they took some design cues from the T-34 in the shape of the sloped front and side armour, resulting in the Panther that was intended to fill the gap between the Panzer.IV and the (then) new Panzer VI Tiger. It was eventually supposed to replace both the Pz.IV and the earlier Pz.III that was really showing its age, but in reality it often fought alongside the Panzer IV. It was planned as a lighter, more manoeuvrable tank than the Tiger, and was fitted with a high velocity gun from the outset, which gave it enormous penetrating power that was only equalled later by the 17-pounder the British fitted to the American Sherman to make it into the more lethal Firefly. The sloped frontal armour gave it an increased effective armour thickness, but this was not so true of the side armour, which was comparatively weak, and this area became the preferred target of engaging allied tanks, especially in urban combat where this was a telling issue. Like most German WWII tanks it was filled with advanced engineering and therefore complex to produce, so suffered in terms of output volume, and this led to it being rushed into service with a long tick-list of issues still to resolve. Later production resolved most of these initial gremlins, but loses in the interim were high with many being abandoned after breakdown during combat. Confusingly, the Ausf.D was the first to enter production, with the Ausf.A following later in 1943, replacing attrition of the less reliable Ausf.Ds until they themselves were superseded by the Ausf.G, which became the final major variant with increased ammo storage, simplified design to ease production, and further improvements to reliability, although this was never fully cured with a high rate of attrition persisting due to mechanical issues, some of which resulted in catastrophic fires. The Kit There was a discussion thread within the last week here on Britmodeller about why 1:48 didn’t take off as a common scale for AFV modelling, and no-one could come up a definitive reason for it. A possible reason could be that not enough companies were willing to put their time and effort into creating new toolings, amongst others. Now we have this Panther from Hobby Boss to widen the range a little, and we suspect it won’t be the last from them. It is a new tooling, and arrives in a shallow top-opening box in the usual HB style, and inside it is divided up into two areas by a card insert. There are four sprues and three hull parts in tan styrene, a tree of translucent poly-caps, a small fret of Photo-Etch (PE) brass, a decal sheet, instruction booklet in black & white, plus an A4 sheet of glossy paper, printed in colour on both sides. Detail is good as we’d expect from Hobby Boss, and the inclusion of PE goes further in the quest for realism. Construction begins with the running gear, building up a pair of three-layered idler wheels, eight pairs of road wheels with poly-caps in the middle, suspension bump-stops, the final drive housing with two-part drive sprocket and a small wheel that helps prevent the tank from throwing a track. The rear bulkhead is detailed with a pair of exhausts linked by a cross-brace, a jack with separate handle, plus two stowage boxes with stiffening Xs moulded-in. The lower hull is fitted with armoured final drive surrounds, bump-stops, the drive sprockets, interleaved road wheels and idler wheels on both sides, finishing the lower hull by installing the rear bulkhead. The tracks are link-and-length, with long sections top and bottom, a short straight section on the diagonals, and individual links around the tightly curved ends to the runs. A scrap diagram shows the correct sag to the return run, and of course the task must be carried out on both sides of the vehicle. The top run will be mostly hidden by the side skirts, which are mounted under the sponsons on L-shaped brackets, finishing the front by adding the curved mud guards. Two towing eyes are mounted on the rear on the torch-cut ends of the hull sides, which are smooth and would benefit from adding the texture with a little liquid glue and a blade indented across the end. The upper hull is well-detailed, and should have two small holes drilled at the front of the deck, adding hatches for the front crew, racks filled with separate pioneer tools, and additional racks at the rear that hold spare track links. The large engine inspection hatch is prepared with lifting handles, the driver’s vision port is made from two parts and installed, adding a headlight to the side, and fitting track links to the racks at the rear, then covering the louvres on the engine deck with PE mesh to keep smaller debris such as grenades out of the engine bay. A two-part travel lock is mounted on the front of the hull using the two holes drilled earlier, and a tube for the barrel cleaning rods is locked into place on brackets on the left side of the hull. The turret is moulded with all but the rear face that has a circular hatch moulded into it, plus the roof. It is glued onto the lower turret part, and has a choice of two cupola types for the commander. One has a tapered cast body and vision blocks moulded-in, the other is layered from four parts and has an MG34 machine gun on a pintle mount at the front. The gunner’s hatch is a single part with a handle attached just in front on the corner, leaving just the main gun to build. This is made from the breech, which is not accurate because it won’t be seen, adding two poly-caps to the pivots, the mantlet to the front, and the single-part barrel with slide-moulded hollow muzzle slipped into the front, pushing the completed assembly back into the turret aperture to locate it. The final step involves joining the upper and lower hull halves, and adding the turret to the ring, then installing a pair of width indicator ‘lollipops’ to the front mud guards. Markings As is usual with Hobby Boss, the markings options don’t give any details of when and where the schemes were seen, but give colour codes in Mr Hobby, Acrysion, Vallejo, Model Master, Tamiya and Humbrol paint systems. From the box you can build one of the following: The sheet includes three rows of 0-9 digits plus a few spare zeroes and 741 codes for one of the decal options, plus two Balkenkruez crosses in case you wish to use them. All the numbers and crosses have a thin white outline, and they appear to be in good register under magnification. Conclusion If you’re looking for a crisply-moulded 1:48 Panther for your next project, this will make a good candidate, striking a balance between size and detail, without unnecessary oversimplification. It will however be a faster build than a 1:35 scale alternative, and take up a lot less space in the cabinet. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of
  7. Hi All, My second completion for 2024 is Airfix' lovely newish Mossie. Much has been said about this kit, not all of it favourable, due to the fact that Auntie mistakenly used scan data from a TT35 version, meaning that the bomb bay doors and rear fairing include some extraneous detail. The build was inspired by this photo of MM199 of 128 Sqn RAF, based at RAF Wyton in 1944/5: This aircraft was piloted by an Australian, Flt Lt James Wood, whom along with his navigator FO Raymond Poole RAFVR were shot down and killed by flak on a mission to Hanover on 4th February 1945 - this photo was presumably taken just over a month before that fateful mission. The build was pretty much OOB, apart from the addition of the cookie, which was from Airfix' RAF Bomber Resupply Set, which contains a wealth of goodies which will no doubt enhance future builds. I did add some magnets to the cookie and bomb bay, allowing it to be placed and removed ad infinitum. Here's the WIP if anybody is interested: Anyhoo, enough blabber and onto the photos: I've thoroughly enjoyed this build, and whatever the naysayers I think it builds up into a nice representation of a late-war Mossie. Thanks to all of those who have offered kind words and encouragement - it has been much appreciated! Now on to my next build - I shall not reveal too much, but it has been a long while since I built anything with a tail hook...😉 Thanks for looking, Roger
  8. Hi All, My next project will be Airfix new-tool Mossie. This kit has received a bit of a bashing due to the fact that the aircraft used for scanning was a target tug variant, and the bomb doors are therefore incorrect. Whatever the case I thought I'd give it a go! Here's the box art: The sprues: The transparencies: The decals: They look rather lovely. I've added an Eduard mask set, but this will be otherwise mostly OOB: I say mostly, because I do have an extra sprue from another kit: It's a 4000lb cookie! From the Airfix WWII RAF Bomber Re-supply Set, I thought it would be rather rude not to, given that this was pretty much the raison d'etre of these aircraft. The kit provides for a couple of schemes: Neither of these really floated my boat, so I've decided to model MM199 of 128 Sqn RAF, which was based at RAF Wyton in 1945. This aircraft was piloted by an Australian, Flt Lt James Wood, whom along with his navigator FO Raymond Poole RAFVR were shot down and killed by flak on a mission to Hanover on 4th February 1945. Here's a photo of the aircraft and the inspiration for the build: This scheme is a little unusual in that the squadron and aircraft codes appear in a non-standard font and colour (dark blue). Here's how they are represented in an Xtradecal set: The scheme is also represented in HK Models' 1:32 version: In this scheme the codes are shown with a yellow outline, which seems a little more plausible (in fact closer examination of the above photo does show an outline to the 'Q'). Anyway, on with the build! Thanks for looking, Roger
  9. Hi All, My first completion of 2024 is Revell's mighty Halifax, which I chose to complete as NA242 of 192 Sqn RAF, based at RAF Foulsham in 1945. 192 Sqn were part of 100 Group, and these aircraft were fitted with various Electronic Warfare installations, including Mandrel. As well as the normal crew complement these aircraft also carried a pair of Special Operatives who were responsible for operating the equipment. The aircraft had completed 55 missions when this photo was taken, and survived the war. Here's a photo of NA242 (copyright Australian War Memorial - image for discussion only and will be removed on request: You may note that the aircraft carries some rather extensive nose-art, which I created using a combination of stencils and self-printed decals. Here's the WIP if anyone is interested: The kit was an absolute joy to build - the engineering and detail were superb, and I added an Eduard etch set along with a mask set and some lovely Freightdog wheels. You may or may not know that this kit is OOP, so I am very grateful to @tomprobert for agreeing to part with his kit and all the goodies. Thanks also to Nigel @T-21 who provided a wealth of detail on 100 Group Halifaxes which was most educational in details of the EW installation. Anyway, on with the pictures! Here's a pic during construction to show the interior detail: Here's a final shot with a double dose of mighty Bristol power: I have thoroughly enjoyed this build, and it's nice to finally have a Halibag in the collection. Thanks to all those who have offered kind words and encouragement along the way - it has been much appreciated! Thanks for looking, Roger
  10. Guys, question for you all. I’m building a Hurricane Mk. I kit right now, and I need to know what color the wingtip lights were. From various pictures I’ve found online, I’m getting conflicting info. I recently completed a Tamiya Spitfire Mk. I kit and its kit instructions said blue on the port side light, red on the starboard. This kit’s instructions don’t give specific instructions (Airfix 1/48 scale kit); instead they have some color illustrations (for showing decal placement) which give conflicting depictions! Some show green on starboard side, red on port, others vice versa! (Don’t get me started on Airfix “quality control”). So which is it? Anyone seen the real deal up close and can tell me? Thanks in advance.
  11. Hi All, With the Christmas festivities out the way it's time for a new project. Although I do have some odds & ends to sort out on a couple of other builds, I do enjoy starting a large build at this time of year, much like the breadbin-swapping modelling machine that is @AliGauld. At this time last year my employment status (or lack thereof) precluded such an extravagance, so it's nice to be able to kick off another 'heavy'. This time around I've been lucky enough to get my hands on Revell's Halifax B Mk.III, which was kindly transported to these parts by my parents. Now many of you may know that this kit is currently OOP, but the large-scale legend @tomprobert kindly agreed to part with his kit (he likes them bigger these days, he said 🤣). Anyhoo this rather large end-opening box is now in my possession: It's a BIG box! Tom very generously threw in a few extras - a set of Freightdog wheels: And an Eduard interior set, along with a rather obligatory mask set: Now there is a LOT of plastic in that box. Here's the sprues: The transparencies: A rather nice set of decals: The kit allows for 2 marking schemes, an RCAF aircraft 'Oscar' (which seems to be an oft-modelled option), and an RAF aircraft. I've decided to model a 100 Group RAAF aircraft, probably one of these two: (Both images copyright Australian War Memorial - for discussion only and will be removed on request). I am led to understand that the kit is a little deficient in the bomb department, so it might finally be time to add this to the pot: Now that's a festive mix! I might be a little slow getting this going, but it should be a hoot! Thanks for looking, Roger
  12. Hi All, My next project will be Airfix' newish (2015) Beaufighter TF.X, finished as LZ407 of 455 Sqn RAAF, which was part of the Dallachy Strike Wing. Now I completed a 1:48 Banff Strike Wing Mossie last year, so this is the next stage of the project! I'm very happy to say that I'll be building alongside the Hairy Stick Wizard himself, @bigbadbadge! We thought we'd have a bit of fun with an informal group build, so anyone who cares to join the banter is more than welcome. @AliGauld has already presented a note as he built a Dallachy Beau last year, @mark.auis busy with his Air Ministry ME262, but anyone else feel free to jump on board! I've built a couple of 1:72 Airfix Beauforts and a Blenheim Mk.IV this year - I was enormously impressed with both kits so am looking forward to what this one has to offer. Here's the box art: Here's the sprues, in Airfix usual 'old' soft pale grey plastic: This is going to be largely OOB, although I have a mask set: Now thus far I have been unable to find photos of LZ407. I do have information on the scheme (Chris has kindly shared with me details of the Avieology decal pack, which I shall not publish here for copyright reasons). However, the scheme states that the airframe was originally delivered to the squadron in 1943, and was certainly sometime equipped as an RP-armed aircraft. Here's some shots of contemporary aircraft from the wing (144 Sqn) (copyright IWM - images for discussion only and will be removed on request): These were heavily weathered airframes, so this should be fun! Specifically of note: - Oversized black squadron & aircraft codes - Overpainted areas of the original 'Sky' code letters - Overpainting of both upper & lower invasion stripes - Specific patched areas of flak damage, along with a replacement tail I'll also need to pay attention to the RP layout, as I believe it was specific to the Dallachy Beaus by this time. This is a bit of a placeholder as I'm still busy with my Typhoon & Hurricane II.c at the moment, but looking forward to kicking this one off with Chris! Thanks for looking, Roger
  13. Hi All, In my quest to produce a Hurri with invasion stripes, I settled on MW367, an aircraft which was used for mail and dispatch deliveries during the early phases of Operation Overlord. I built the Arma Hurricane, which is a superb little kit. Here's a photo of the aircraft: This was part of a tandem build with a Typhoon Mk.Ib - here's the WIP if anybody is interested: And on to the photos: Here's a final shot with her Hawker stablemate: Like the Typhoon, this has been a superb little kit which I've enjoyed immensely - in fact I'm becoming more & more comfortable building in 1:72. Thanks for all those who have offered kind words and encouragement along the way - it has been much appreciated! I'll slip these both in as late additions to my 2023 yearbook, Thanks for looking, Roger
  14. Hi All, My latest completion is Airfix' lovely little Tiffie, completed as MP126 of 247 Sqn, which was part of 2 TAF based at Eindhoven in December 1944. The aircraft, piloted by P/O F. Wiersum was lost to flak on 5th December 1944. Here's a photo of the aircraft, along with the scheme (image for discussion only and will be removed on request): This build occurred in tandem with a Hurricane Mk.IIc build - here's the WIP if anyone is interested: And here's the photos: Here's a final shot with the build-mate: I have thoroughly enjoyed this kit, and would highly recommend it. I shall add both the Typhoon and Hurricane as late additions to my 2023 yearbook. Thanks to all who have offered kind words and encouragement along the way - it has been much appreciated! Thanks for looking, Roger
  15. Hi All, My last completion for 2023 (I can say this definitively on New Year's Eve 🤣) is Airfix' lovely Beau TF.X, completed as LZ407 of 455 Sqn RAAF, based at RAF Dallachy, Moray, Scotland in 1945. 455 Sqn was part of the Dallachy Strike wing, and the squadrons carried out strikes on German shipping using both rocket projectiles and torpedos (LZ407 was an RP-armed aircraft). I do not have a photograph of LZ407, but here is a photo of other Dallachy Beaus (copyright IWM - images for discussion only and will be removed on request): Now this was part of an informal GB with @bigbadbadge, and both he and @AliGauld were most generous in sharing their information on Dallachy Beaufighters. Anyone else considering the build should consider getting hold of the superb Aviaeology pack, which although OOP provides a wealth of detail on the Dallachy wing aircraft. Here is the WIP if anyone is interested: The build was OOB, the only 'improvement' was reshaping the elevator actuators with brass rod. I've attempted to replicate the heavy weathering which these airframes displayed. And so to the photos: Now as this is the last build of 2023 a couple of indulgences. First a shot with another RAAF Beau, 'Slippery Ship II', from the 1:48 Tamiya kit: Finally a family shot with a couple of other 2023 Bristol builds, Airfix' excellent Blenheim Mk.IVf, and Beaufort Mk.I (completed as a Mk.Ia): So that rounds out 2023 with a total of 14 builds for me, which is not a bad total! Thanks very much to everybody who has been part of the journey, and for all your kind words, advice and encouragement. Happy New Year to one and all, and let's look forward to plenty more plastic-mangling in 2024! Thanks for looking, Roger
  16. Hi All, With my Vickers Vincent languishing on the Shelf of Uncertainty (I'm not sure what to do about the missing 3rd crew position), I fancied a bit of a sneck-lifter build. What better, thought I, than a pair of Hawker's finest ground attack aircraft - the Hurricane IIc and Typhoon Mk.Ib?! 😍 The kits concerned are the Arma Hurri and Airfix Tiffie. Here's the Arma kit: There is but on grey plastic sprue (albeit with lovely detail): A nice little PE fret (and cockpit masks): Decals: The Airfix kit is somewhat more sprue-heavy: I've treated myself to a Yahu instrument panel: Interestingly, although it is not mentioned in the instructions, it appears that there is an option to build with the cannon hatches open (parts A8 & A9 on the sprues, if you are interested): Now the reason for the thread title is that I'm going to model both these aircraft in invasion stripes. The Typhoon is easy - schemes 10 a penny, but the Hurricane took a little more searching. Here's one example: This looks to be standard Day Fighter Scheme - I shall have to find the external fuel tanks somewhere (or 3D print a pair - easy enough). Anyway, should be a bit of fun! Thanks for looking, Roger
  17. Hi All, After recent forays into unusual Americana (B17C, B18) I decided it was time for the pendulum to swing back towards Blighty. I haven't built a biplane for a while, and this kept winking at me from the stash: Opening up the box, here's the sprue shots: Some nice PE, and a beautifully detailed resin engine: Here's the decals - nicely printed and in register: The decals allow for 4 schemes - two in aluminium, and two Singapore-based machines camouflaged thus: Although I was nearly tempted by this option with the torpedo at such a jaunty angle, I couldn't get excited by the scheme. Now the sharp-eyed amongst you may note that the kit is a Vickers Vildebeest, which is the torpedo bomber version of this aircraft, whereas the Vincent was a general purpose aircraft. A quick search revealed it should be a pretty simple conversion: - Remove the torpedo equipment - Remove the wheel spats (the kit allows for this option) - Add an auxiliary fuel tank (possibly by converting the torpedo??) - The Vincent also had message pickup and pyrotechnic signalling gear added - any information gladly received on these. A bit more searching came up with a scheme I rather fancied (Copyright IWM - Photo is for discussion only and will be removed on request) : The IWM archives state that Vincent K4681 was part of the Aden Communications Flight, and the photo shows the aircraft under guard at Mukeiras landing ground whilst delivering supplies to the RAF rest camp at that location. Now, given that the aircraft has C Type roundels, I suspect that this would have been taken in 1942, and I suspect that the scheme would be Dark Earth/Mid-Stone over Azure, although it could also be LE/DE over Sky Blue (I suspect the former, but happy to hear otherwise). Given that the aircraft was not assigned to a squadron it may well not have worn codes, so just the serial - simples! Also of note are the leading edge strakes, which are not provided in the kit - a simple enough job to fabricate. Lovely photo of the guard too - probably keeping the pesky local population at bay. Anyway, it looks to be a nice little kit so let's see what it turns up! Thanks for looking, Roger
  18. Hi, This is my recent model, not from archive I finished it few days ago. This is Dh 82 Tiger Moth of Air Abulance Unit in Australia Laverton at end of 1944 (A17-543). Profile from Czech book "Ilustrovana Historie Letectvi " (Illustrated history of aviation) No 8, Z. Hurt, P.Kucera, O.Charles, 1992 via wing palette. The conversion is acratch built, decals from drawer. I hope you will like it, Comments welcome! Regards Jerzy-Wojtek P.S. I am about to finish another Tiger Moth in RAF markings - soon I hope at RFI.
  19. I had some figures leftover from a couple of builds and threw this quick, thrifty, "build" together. This was more about technique experimentation and enjoyment than tactical and historical accuracy. Though, there were engagements between US soldiers and Fallschirmjagers in the Battle of the Bulge-era during the winter of '44-'45. USGI is from the Tamiya M4A3 35250 kit. Fallschirmjager is from Dragon's 2nd Fallschirmjager Division kit. Paints are AK(OD greens) and Vallejo. Snow is AK Microballoons. Fabricated washes using cheap Amazon oil paints and thinner. The base is a peanut butter jar lid. The barn walls are popsicle sticks. I think I'm right at about ten figures completed now. So, I'm still developing skills and open to any critiques/suggestions.
  20. Hallo Now my last Eduard Bf-109 in 1/48. It is now finished, after a very long series. I used the Brasin set for cockpit and engine. The build of the Brasin stuff was not so easy. It lacks on a few instruction issues. Overall the use of both sets together. It advises you for using the kit cockpit and engine set. It is an fitting issue not so simple, since the Brasin cockpit fits a little different from the kit's cockpit. I took the risk and got it. Not in the quality as I liked it. But my exercise on two Brasin sets complete on the 43 scale G-6 proved worth. Otherwise I would have failed. Again I took the challenge to spray the national insignia. Markings and stencils I used Eduard stuff from the kit. Here again I took the risk and removed all decal films! Yes, you hear right! Also on the five. On the lettering I had a problem, an accident! This particular aircraft I liked from the appearance and because it is from JG 300 with the blue white blue band. So have a look. Happy modelling
  21. I am looking into the aircraft flown by SLt John Arthur Cotching DSC RNVR . I have already completed the conversion of a Tamiya F4F-4 to a Martlet II to represent AM968/8M, 'A' Flight 806 NAS HMS Indomitable, Operation Pedestal Aug-1942. Used by SLt JA Cotching† to destroy S.79 and Re.2001 on 12.08.42. Now I am building the Hobby Boss Wildcat FM-1 to represent Wildcat V JV384 6*F of 882 Squadron, HMS Searcher May ’44. Cotching shared in the destruction of 2 x BV138 during Operation Croquet. I know this aircraft as it is identified in Aircraft of the Fleet Air Arm 1939-1945 .Ray Sturtivant who states:- JV384 882 Sqn ('6F') from 09.43. 2 x BV138 Shot down in sea shared with other Wildcats, off Vevang 0820 06.05.44 S/Lt JA Cotching. I am tyring to find a picture of the Wildcats aboard HMS Searcher in May that show how the aircraft were marked. Should the markings be S6F? SF? '6F', Etc?. HMS Searcher was part of the strike group assigned to Operation Tungsten for the attack on Tirpitz in April ’44. There were six carriers in total: two fleet carriers; Victorious and Furious and four escort carriers; Emperor, Pursuer Searcher and Fencer. My understanding is that when multiple carriers server together the aircraft were to carry the Carrier letter. I have seen photos in the IWM Photo Collection of Emperor’s aircraft carrying the large ‘E’ and Pursuer’s a large ‘P’ HELLCATS OF THE FLEET AIR ARM ATTACK ENEMY SHIPPING. 14 MAY 1944, ON BOARD THE ESCORT CARRIER HMS EMPEROR, OFF NORWAY. HELLCAT FIGHTER BOMBERS FROM THE ESCORT CARRIER HAVE TAKEN PART IN ATTACKS ON ENEMY SHIPPING OFF THE COAST OF NORWAY.. © IWM (A 23781) IWM Non Commercial License but I have not found a photo from Searcher confirming if a large ‘S’ was on the aircraft for this period (but possibly for Jul ’44 in the Med see below). FIGHTERS OVER PURSUER. 20 JULY 1944, ON BOARD THE ESCORT CARRIER HMS SEARCHER IN THE MEDITERRANEAN.. © IWM (A 25042) IWM Non Commercial License FIGHTER AIRCRAFT OF THE ESCORT CARRIER HMS SEARCHER 20 JULY 1944, ON BOARD HMS SEARCHER IN THE MEDITERRANEAN.. © IWM (A 25041) IWM Non Commercial License KEEPING FIT AT SEA. JULY 1944, ON BOARD THE ESCORT CARRIER HMS SEARCHER WHEN THE SHIP'S COMPANY WERE ON DECK FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING.. © IWM (A 24588) IWM Non Commercial License There were two squadrons aboard Searcher 882 and 898. It was common practice to identify the senior fighter squadron on a carrier with ‘6’ the next ‘7’ etc. Thus 882 should have been marked ‘6’ and 898 ‘7’. If I look at photos of Emperor’s aircraft which was 800 and 804 squadrons, the two squadrons seem to be differentiated by white codes for 800 aircraft and red lined white for 804 rather than ‘6’ & ‘7’. The photo I have seen of Pursuer’s aircraft at this time just seem to have an aircraft ID i.e. no ’6’ or ‘7’. From the photos of aircraft on Searcher in the Med above I am thinking that maybe it should be 'SF' on the fuselage and '6F' on the cowling. Given the Sturtivant Identified the aircraft specifically as ‘6F’ does anyone have a photo of 882 Sqn in or about May ’44 to confirm how it was marked? @iang, @EwenS, @Lee Howard any ideas?
  22. Hallo Messerschmitt Bf-109 K-4 black 8 from 14./JG 53 Echterdingen in Germany at 1945 The kit was the Eduard 1/48 #11177. This kit has some issues, which are different to all other issues mentioned in the Bf-109 kits. This kit is a new kit. Two things which are simple wrong: The handgrip and foothold on the star side. No Kurfürst has this!!!!!! And: I used Eduard parts for upgrading the cockpit and used some resin parts for detail. Montex masks for markings. The camo was a little challenge. Have a look. Happy modelling
  23. Hallo This is my Messerschmitt Bf-109 G-14/U4 blue 3 from 4./JG 77 Schönwalde in Germany at 1944 This aircraft was used by Lt. H. Schlick. Kit: Eduard 1/48 #82118. This kit has some issues, which I described multiple in my earlier threats according Eduard 109s. I used Quintas for upgrading the cockpit and used some resin parts for detail. The camo was quite straight away. Have a look. Happy modelling
  24. Hi All, Sorry I'm late - I do have a note! Full disclosure - I started this build a couple of weeks ago, blissfully unaware that this great beast of an STGB was lumbering along! Happily, @Ol' Scrapiron happened to chance on my build in 'normal' WIP, and @vppelt68 very kindly invited me to join this esteemed company - so here I jolly well am! I am going to build a Fortress Mk.I (the B17C in RAF service), more specifically as AN530 of 90 Sqn, based at Polebrook in Summer 1941. These were the first B17s to see combat, and although they were ultimately rapidly assigned other duties much was learned about high-altitude operations in the heat of combat which informed the B17E, the first version to be considered an effective war machine. Here's a photo of the aircraft: Here's another nice shot of crew preparing to board AN530: And here's some propaganda footage of the squadron's first mission, kindly shared on the original thread by @Eric Mc: Now there is some uncertainty around the colour scheme, and I have seen it modelled with Dark Slate Grey and Extra Dark Sea Grey uppers. However, I believe that it is more likely that the original Dark Green and Dark Earth uppers were retained, with an approximation to PRU Blue on the lower surfaces, much like this: I know this a different airframe, but the scheme shows the nice curved high demarcation aft of the wing. I shall be making my own marking masks using a Silhouette cutter. As I mentioned I did start this build a little while ago, so here's a link to the start of the build if anyone is interested: In case you were not aware, the Wolfpack Design kit is a re-issue of the old Academy kit which is of 80s vintage. There are a few improvements I have made (or intend to make), summarised as follows: - Correct the cockpit floor to two levels - Add the radio room, along with floors for the rear gun blisters and fuselage ribbing - Open out the oil cooler ports, which are blank on the lower wings - Correct the excessive wing dihedral - 3D printed radio gear, bomb sight, navigator & bomb aimer chairs and oxygen bottles I think that's it?! Anyway, very glad to be on board and looking forward to lots of Fort action and banter! Thanks for looking, Roger
  25. Hi All, My next project will be Wolfpack's B17C, to be completed as an RAF Fortress Mk.I. I have not built a Wolfpack kit before, but my understanding is that this is a re-issue of the Academy kit which I think is 80's vintage. Here's the box art: Here's the sprue shots: All look to possess nice crisp detail. Here's the decals, along with a thoughtfully included set of glazing masks: Other than the instruments those decals won't see the light of day, as I intend to complete as one of these two schemes: Both aircraft have TSS uppers, with the lower aircraft having PRU Blue undersides (albeit with a high demarcation running through the roundel). This one should be fun! Thanks for looking, Roger
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