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Showing content with the highest reputation on 02/11/12 in all areas

  1. Here's my take on the Academy Hunter. Finished in 74 Sqn - Horsham St Faiths - 1957. I thought I'd try and tackle some of the accuracy issues... Moved the Tailplanes forward, cut down the tail "Bullet" fairing. Wasn't brave enough to do the canopy rails, but modelled with the canopy open kind of hides this a little anyways. After market was the Aeroclub Tail End and Wheels/Undercarriage, decided on the Aires pit (and seat) which was (unusually) actually quite easy to fit. Vac' canopy, but kit screen. FOD covers are plasticard with fine wire for the handles, these are necessary because the intakes are pants, Stbd wing aerial is fine wire. Other than the known issues the kit isn't too bad to nail together, and was quite an enjoyable build really. Finished in Vallejo colours, but Tamiya XF-81 for the D Green. Xtradecal for the Sqn and National markings which were fantasitic, kit decals for the generic and stencils which weren't. Hope you like.
    3 points
  2. My latest and in my opinion my best one yet. Here she is pretty much OTB except the pitot tube and Xtradecal Anniversary set. all opinions welcomed And cockpit shot As said above i think this is my best one yet so it shows I'm improving and as always any advice or opinions will be welcome
    2 points
  3. Dit is the Spitfire Mk Vc 167/322 (Dutch) Squadron. For this one I used the Italeri Spitfire Vb as a basis. I used the wings from the Italeri Spitfire IXc. Also needed to swap some parts at the underside of the wings to make the wings a Vc wing. The fron part of the fuselage requires some attention in order to make it fit in a proper way. If you pay some attention to it the you will be rewarded with a proper fit of the fuselage and the wings. Decals are Flevodecal and the paint is Xtracolor. Thanks for looking Arie
    2 points
  4. Hi everyone, This is the Czech Models 1/48 T-34C Turbo Mentor, completed in the colours of Royal Moroccan Air Force. This was my first go at a limited run kit, and lot of fun it was. It's a great little kit, but there are a lot of things you can do to add detail and finesse. I added scratchbuilt engine controls and console switches, as well as dial decals to the cockpit. I replaced the front gear doors with thinner representations, and also replaced the main gear torque links as they did not fit the legs in any way. Most 'fun' was the rivetting, which while not to exact scale gives a good representation of the real thing. I also added the wing tip lights, which are not represented at all in the kit, but are a 'defining' feature. The canopies are not designed to fit in the open position, so after cutting apart they sit a little awkwardly, but not too bad. A short build thread here http://www.britmodel...c=234914478&hl= Thanks for looking, Gareth
    2 points
  5. Fairey Fulmar Mk.II 809 Sqn Fleet Air Arm, HMS VICTORIOUS, Operation Torch, November 1942 Fresh from her public debut at Yeovilton last weekend, my latest build is an Airfix/SMER/Revell/Vista Fulmar in Markings for Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of French North Africa, 70 years ago this week, when participating Fleet Air Arm aircraft were temporarily re-marked in US markings, as it was felt that the French defenders would be more sympathetic to the US and therefore less likely to shoot at them. I always feel that folded kits are a terrible disappointment, turning elegant and sleek naval aircraft into mechanical monstrosities. In truth, you could never really call the Fulmar elegant or sleek, but the complex wing folding arrangements seem particularly awkward. However, I have quite a few Fulmars in the stash, plus the Airwaves photo-etch conversion turns this into a pretty unique shape, so this one was sacrificed as an experiment. The pseudo USN markings for Operation Torch only add to the unreal feel. This particular kit mould was originally produced by Vista, a Czechoslovak company that seems to have disappeared without trace. It was then re-issued by SMER, then Revell, then Airfix. This is the SMER version, with identical markings to the Vista original. The kit is simple but well engineered, with only basic detail and parts count but some nicely engraved surface features, if perhaps slightly too deeply engraved in places. It fits together very well with the sole exception of the wing roots, which can leave gaps if you are not careful. The undercarriage doors are also a weak point - most of the builds I can see on the web have made the same mistake as I did and fitted them too low on the wheel leg. The lack of moulded gun ports is surprising, but a black pen quickly solves the problem. The pilots cockpit is basic, but adequate whilst the observer's interior is pretty bare and benefits from some sprue additions to represent the radio equipment. Seat belts are made from brown paper (ex-envelope). The Airwaves etch fits reasonably well, although I used quite a lot of Tippex filler to ensure smooth edges. Chopping up the wings does require some thought, but isn't really difficult. I made up both wings as per the instructions then cut them into their 3 parts - centre lower fuselage and the two separate wings. I could then cut along the upper wing fold lines without too much difficulty. One area I missed is the drooping of the outer ailerons to clear the fuselage sides, which is not immediately obvious in photos and not mentioned at all in the Airwaves instructions. I also made up and added some plastic strip and sprue clips on each wing tip; on the real thing these hold the wing to the tailplane and on the kit they provide some very welcome added support for the folded wing assembly. As is my normal habit, the canopy frames were done freehand with a thin brush; they can look a little daunting to start with, but the frames are well defined. Get the brush type and paint consistency right, apply a little patience and care (don't be afraid to wipe off with some white spirit and start again if you get it wrong) and "bob's your uncle". Other than that there is little to say; paints are hand-brushed enamel, Humbrol topsides and Revell below, with a dark oily wash and acrylic (W&N Galleria) matt varnish to finish. As with my previous Fulmar build, I can heartily recommend this as an easy and rewarding low-cost build of one of the FAA's most important fighter aircraft. .... and finally, here she is at Yeovilton last weekend, sitting on the tailplane of the real thing! FredT
    2 points
  6. Decided now that all my models will be inflight. I hate doing the landing gears and they are easier to put on the shelf on a stand and aircraft are meant to be flying not on the ground lol
    2 points
  7. Latest of the bench..... yes another Seafire/Spitfire from Jenko (only another 30 odd to make!!!!!)........ This is the Special hobby kit (1/48) OOB. Decals are from Aeromaster. A lot has been written about this kit. You do get a sense of achievement when the model is finished. (Wish the real mainstream boys would bring one of these out). Hope you like. Thanks for looking. Comments are always welcome (good or bad!!!)
    1 point
  8. -This is my second and last 1/32 kit, till now, in fact I built it before my He 111. -This time I turned the A1 from Revell into an A4 thanks to to splendid transkit from l'Arsenal -Another big affair ,, happily thanks to Revellit is possible to remove the wings at will for storage or transport
    1 point
  9. Following on from my F-14, here's a familiar F-18 care of Italeri - not the best kit in the world at all but when you want something simple to do it's ok. A fair bit of filler here and there, and with basic details. I used Leading Edge decals for the comprehensive scheme; in fact the decals took longer than the construction! Not much in the way of weathering, except for some pre-shading here and there. Thanks for looking
    1 point
  10. I've got both Frogfoots and they are superb as Greg states. The SU-27's need the Zacto nosecones at the very least. The Mig-23's are very nice too. If you go for a Harrier, don't get the British version as it's got too many mistakes to build OOB.
    1 point
  11. SUPERB! for me I think that is the word...., hope mine (RPM/Maquette's descendant) will look ate least half the nice as yours. Thank you very much for sharing.
    1 point
  12. The panel numbers certainly make he considerable surface area a lot busier without having to go mental with unrealistic weathering, and the model has an overall air of "rightness" to it. Jens
    1 point
  13. Hi folks, this is the recent CMR kit kit built in Suez crisis marking. Cheers Libor
    1 point
  14. The Italeri kit I have is the Mk.V with the (supposed) Twin Wasp engines. The basic kit is capable of being fitted with either, but the boxing does not come with both. Replacement Cyclone engines are available, but not cowlings for the Twin Wasps, unless Red Roo place theirs back into production. The MPM Beaufort has the same problem. To return to your specific question, it should be possible to do what you suggest with the interiors.
    1 point
  15. Hi all, LN144-540 SAS MD87 SE-DIP in the Copenhagen cs and LN144-541 Cimber Sterling B737-700's is now available. I hope to update my website later today. Happy modelling, Ruben www.lndecals.com
    1 point
  16. Haha i love the way you write build logs. What a legend
    1 point
  17. Very nice build looking at the picture of the real one you got the tracks spot on
    1 point
  18. I would suggest upping the pressure if you're getting that kind of splatter at 15psi indicated. Acrylic paint isn't as good at sticking to bare plastic at the best of times, so give the parts a wash in soapy water, and prime them, being careful to keep handling to a minimum to avoid getting finger oils on the primer. Tamiya acrylics spray best with cellulose thinners. Very smooth and they also stick a bit better because of the "hotter" thinners
    1 point
  19. ...and don't forget to do behind your ears
    1 point
  20. Very Nice !, I like the weathering and patched paint effect
    1 point
  21. Lovely rendition of a war-weary B17, catches the look of a weary, modded, patched Fortress superbly. So nice to see the 306th represented for a change. You do yourself a tiny bit of a diservice though as the codes and serial aren't totally fictitious as they are correct for one of the 423BS aircraft that crash-landed in Switzerland, albeit a G model (but then you already know that!). One aircraft I'd love to model is the group P51 hack. The tail code looks like 312457, as to the ones on the fuselage..? Again, wonderful, thanks for sharing with us.
    1 point
  22. Last night I applied decals to "13". They are from the Classic Airframes TA-4J kit and are printed by Cartograf. Since I chose to paint the lower surfaces dark grey as opposed to CA's light grey suggestion I had to find another national marking for the lower wing. Jens
    1 point
  23. I think you'll find the bombs haven't actually gone in the bomb bay, but have stalled short of the bomb doors. My sympathies with your condition, I expect it's the long colonial assignments sah!
    1 point
  24. Thats a nice goodie bag of stuff Kent. Great to have you on board. I hope you and Kev behave yourselves. Steve
    1 point
  25. Fantastic model again. I don't think I have ever seen that paint scheme on a bomber before - I love it! Kenneth
    1 point
  26. The model looks great but the comments are spiffing !!!
    1 point
  27. A spectacular model here, showing real museum-quality workmanship in all areas ! A terrific Ju-88. Mike
    1 point
  28. Now, that is awesome looking jet. I bet all those panel number decal must have took several evening. Truly nice indeed.
    1 point
  29. Al, Just one word to describe this, " An absolute masterpiece". Please permit me to use your work as a reference when I commence mine in a couple of weeks. I have the 15E by Tamiya in 1/32 scale so it is going to be a monumental time exercise so I hope it will be half as good as yours. Brillaint effort and well done. Sincerely, Monty
    1 point
  30. OK she's really finished - just the AOA probes to go on either side of the nose - metal replacements which I am waiting for in the post ! I had my customary cockup - trying to make the poseable nose fitting a bit more snug, I managed to actually break it off completely, so I've had to go for the nose glued closed, which covers up all the nice detail I'd made for the radar! Photos of the fitted radar assembly are included here, but will never be seen again. OK, so here's my mini-review of the kit: I have to give full marks to Tamiya for this kit - apart from the wing joins (still puzzling how they could have got that soooo wrong!) everything is pretty much a drop-fit, even the clear parts! (I thought only Trumpeter could make clear parts that actually fit the model.) I am also impressed by the snug fit of all the additional open panels - once again, so far in 1/32, I've only experienced that from Trumpeter kits. The use of metal screws in assembly is quite good, though mostly unnecessary, unlike the essential metal landing gear. The poseable parts (especially the nose) really could be doing with being metal castings for added strength and less prone to deforming under stress. So here's a little pictorial walkround - I will endeavour to take some decent pics for use in Ready for Inspection! Radar Nosewheel Down the seamless intake: Main gear and Sparrow mountings: Wingtip and perfect fitting nav light: Rear end Fin Underneath Sidewinder and starboard side: Starboard wing view Top Cockpit and avionics bay with canopy: Overall view
    1 point
  31. Very nice, well played. I've got one of these, it's a big bugger isn't it? I had to hang mine up in the end, couldn't find anywhere else to put it.
    1 point
  32. Looks great! Nice to see a Fort with the Triangle 'H' on the tail. I need to do one in 368thBS, 306thBG which was the unit my father was with when he was a B17 pilot towards the end of the war. Thanks for sharing.
    1 point
  33. Sean, that Typhoon is actually a Tempest V target tug not a Typhoon. Nige
    1 point
  34. At least the filler is getting plenty time to cure
    1 point
  35. Well if we go in "modeling philosophy", here are my rules 1) the designer should understand the subject: he should understand what are the characteristic shapes and curves of the aircraft, what are the characteristic features of the subject and if the proportions look ok; shape accuracy is especially important in the front fuselage (nose, windscreen, canopy) as it's the aircraft's "face" 2) the model should please (ease of build, detail level) most modelers from the casual modeler to the rivet counters (I'm not talking about the guys who lay the parts overs drawings and measure them right after opening the box) 3) the kit should be an improvement over the existing kits 4) it shouldn't be too expensive To me the KH kit doesn't conform to rule 1: no filet between the nose tip and the pitot (characteristic of the Jaguar A and the two-seaters), the laser rangefinder blister is probably too deep, the air intake behind the canopy (it was there right from the start on the Jaguar mockup) looks too deep and sticks out too much (sanding and rescribing should fix this), the spoilers didn't need to be represented as kit parts since they are only open in flight. It doesn't conform to rule 2 either: the kit is too complicated for the casual modeler (too much PE, access panels may not fit well if they are closed) and the options (spoilers, weapons) and details (seat type) may not be relevant for the person who knows the aircraft a bit. Ok for rule 3 (even though the senior modeler may have a Heller/Airfix kit with loads of AM in the stash) and rule 4 (if the importers won't be barking mad). This kit is like a lot of Trumpeter kits: modern kit with plenty of (not always relevant) detailing and shape accuracy has been somewhat put aside. I wonder if some manufacturers fully realize what are the expectations of their customers.
    1 point
  36. Hi Everyone! Six months of planning, three months of work, countless long days learning how to create something I could be proud of and finally, the first issue of MY magazine has gone to the printers! I'm so pleased to see this finally done; it's been a real rollercoaster of emotion, but I have to say that I'm really proud that I managed to finish what I set out to do all those months ago. I have never been so nervous about anything as I am about this new venture and though it is really only a sideline for me at the moment (I have too many models to build for the guys at ADH!!!), I always wanted it to be as good as I could possibly get it with the skills I have to hand at this time. Honestly, I think I've done just that - I just hope everyone else feels the same! Those who have pre-ordered this magazine are no on the reserve list and so you copies will either be posted out to you (details to follow re. payment, postage etc.) or can be collected at the IPMS Show in two weeks. If you are collecting from me, I will be on the MDC stand for three hours on Saturday and Sunday and so you can collect them from me then - as can anyone else who you think might be interested in buying a copy! I will also be mooching around and be wearing a tee shirt with the CWAM logo on it - stop me and have a chat! Hmm - think that's it for now! Oh - and here's the final cover design!!! Cheers - now if you don't mind, I have a Strike Eagle to finish! See you soon! Spence
    1 point
  37. I wonder if Airfix could be persuaded to do some conversion sets aimed at enthusiasts. They have already done a set for the Valiant. I mentioned above about an F-86D with a wing which could fit the current F-86F kit. Airfix could tool the wing first and release it as a conversion set. Another choice would be a set for the F-40 wing. This could work for other kits. A set to convert the Swordfish to the metal-winged Mk II or III. A Harrier GR5 set for the GR7/9 kit. There are dozens of possibilities.
    1 point
  38. Hi Paul, The transparencies will be clear plastic sheet cut to size and dropped into the framework. I've added small sills for the clear pieces to sit on. The real aircraft actually has flat glass panels so it will even be accurate! The nose piece will be the vacform transparency added onto the front.
    1 point
  39. Whre did you get the shrinking machine and why hasn't the RAF Museum reported XR220 stolen yet?
    1 point
  40. You wouldn't catch the rest of us doing that. Much.
    1 point
  41. 1/32 A-10C Update: Been a while but i thought that I really need to crack on with this enormous aircraft! PAINT......PAINT..........PAINT and more PAINT! Going through my Model Master enamels at a rate of knots Green base was first, followed by the camo patten using a more field like green and then the grey. After finishing both top and bottom it gobbled up 4 jars. A futher 2 had to opened later for minor corrections + Canopy masks. HUD is in place with it's green edge glass. Also the weapons are now all sprayed too. Starting to look more like the A-10C: A quick look to see how the finished canopy will look: Spoilers extended: The underside, took a long time to finish all the pylons: A quick look at the GAU-8, Not finished though! I've created brake lines on the main gear. This was created from thin Evergreen rods, bent into correct contours. More to follow this week as over the weekend I completed the gloss cote finsh and today the Decals went on. The Decals, What can I say? but they are microscopic in thickness and are the most difficult to handle! Takes a long time to do what in reality, is not normally a huge undertaking Pics later......
    1 point
  42. Hi Arie: PM sent, thank you very much in advance for all your kindness and help with this little, fragile and very nice project that will ressurrect from the forgotten kits place!!!
    1 point
  43. Hi Arie: I was looking first to the IXb and here is well used the other set of parts. Its really a wonderful creative build, without a doubt you have enjoyed both, it was a lot more work but nice to see these two gems from your collection. Thank you very much for sharing.
    1 point
  44. Brilliant! Here's some super video:
    1 point
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