Prenton

thanks Stix. Not much to see now - just got the RLM 66 and RLM 02 on various bits. More later in the week... Cheers Philip

Thanks Mark Well, I have looked at the two kits, and, not surprisingly, the main sprue is the same for both. The only difference is that, in addition to the transparencies, and the little vinyl "plugs" for the prop shaft, the JV44 kit (no. 60788) has a pilot, whereas the more normal kit (no. 60751) does not. I plan on starting the former over the next couple of days (though I may not use the pilot). Cheers Philip

Hi Pat I have been using these for about a year, and am generally pleased with them. To answer your questions:- You don't need to prime before using them, but - as was already noted - if you are doing yellow, you do need to put some white, and possibly pink, on beforehand, as with normal paints, to get a satisfactory yellow, such as for RLM04. The nibs are quite fine when you first use them, but they can get wider with too many uses. I find that they work very well for wheels/undercarriages and wheel wells for such detail work. Depending on whether or not your hand doesn't shake, you can do tyre rims with ease. I generally use them for aircraft interiors etc,, as well as for wheel wells and undercarriages/wheels, and they are a great time saver. You may need two coats, but as they are fully dry within an hour or so, that's no problem. HOWEVER, while their US and RAF interior colours are pretty good, their version of RLM 02, for early to mid war Luftwaffe is, IMHO, too yellow in tone. Their RLM 66, for later war Luftwaffe interiors, is OK though. In the ones that I have had for over a year, their nibs have yet to dry up. Cheers, Philip

Many of us, of a certain age, remember that film, and the chess game in particular.....😜.

I have two late Butcher Birds to offer for this group build. Both are Fw 190 D-9's, in 1/72nd, and by Tamiya. The first is the D-9 based in Rhein-Main airfield in Spring 1945 (the second option on kit no. 60751). I purchased this kit at the late-lamented SMW Telford kitswap a number of years ago, for £8. The second kit is one that I purchased at Telford in 2025, for the princely sum of £4, from some trader (I think it might be Wonderland) sans box. (It was previously offered, by some model shop called Jessops, for £7.50, as can be seen within the bag, but I was lucky to pick it up for £4). It is also a Tamiya kit, no. 60778, of the Fw 190 D-9 JV44, and the aircraft in question was used to protect the airstrips that were operating the Me 262, again in Spring 1945. I will get started with the JV 44 version. Cheers, Philip

Adding my comments to this old post. Ordered some decals from Nick Webb on 11th March, using the classic-airlines.com website. Arrived this morning (20th March) to Ireland, in a stout envelope. And no duty or tax charged! RESULT!! As they say..."shop with confidence". Philip

Yes, you can add my name as well Cheers, Philip

Another shout out for Veteranus. I have bought kits from them, with no hassle whatever. I know a number of modellers personally who have used them to sell their excess stash / deceased modeller's stashes. They make the whole job very easy - they even collect the models from you in certain cases - all you need to do is put them in boxes. They auction kits and - as far as I know - you can get much better prices this way than from certain second hand kit retailers, who simply give a base price per kit. It is well worth giving them a call/e-mail to get their details:- 01765 647828 or [email protected] I have no connection to the auction house - just a very satisfied customer. Philip

Hi Pat - still having trouble! I may have to go over to a different hosting site, as Village Photos seems to be no longer working. Any suggestions?? Philip

Great job, Der. Philip

Yep - you can count me in also @Marklo. I have a number of Storches in the stash...and you cannot get anything more STOL, in the traditional sense and not those modern contraptions, than a Storch. Philip

Gone again...grrrrr.

Great to see the kit under construction today, @Jasonb13. What a lovely scheme - I have no doubt that you will do it proud.👍 Philip

Hi Tony I actually was one of those voting for the SM 79. Great you are doing it👍. I am looking forward to seeing this one, It's a nice kit, but I agree with @PeterB, There are many options for markings and camo for this - not all of which require "spinach and egg" (or is it fried egg? 😗) camo. Going for the more simple - but of course authentic - two colour finish is great too. I will be most interested in how you tackle the interior colours - for example, are the cockpit colours (Tamiya XF-21 as I recall) replicated for the wheel wells etc? Philip

WOW Pat - that is some job you have taken on. Love those Italian birds generally - i have lots in my stash, but thus far have only ventured for a couple of the more sedate (Spanish Civil War) examples of the SM 79. Your take on the camo colours will be of great educational value, I am sure. If that's OK, I have some popcorn, and will be sitting here for more installments.... Philip