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Hi all, I've been fighting this kit for the last 6 weeks or so, after a nice start it just turned into a struggle, bad fit, bad flash, mistakes made, and I lost my mojo a bit. But I finally got it all done and wanted to share it, just so I can prove it's finally off my bench! I won't go into all the mistakes I can see in it; I always find it hard not to focus on them. But please feel free to share any advice/criticism you have, it'd be much appreicated. Thanks! J. Kit: Eduard 1:48 Bf 110G-4 Scale: 1:48 Paint & Weathering: Brush painted with Revell Aqua Colour & Tamiya Acrylics, Promodeller Wash, Citadel Nuln Oil Shade, Tamiya Weathering Kit Extras: None

TAMIYA LOTUS 49 R1 The Kit 1/12 Gold leaf LOTUS 49B, originally released as a motorised kit in 1969. Tamiya re-released this version in 1991 with limited re-tooling. Areas such as the battery box area remained however, although the electric motor & connections were removed. The Project When I got the kit, my early intention was pretty much to build a 49B OOB, not realising just how dated it was ( 40 odd year old moulds....what was I thinking?). The box art work doesn’t even reflect the tooling that you get, clearly showing a 49B with its later rear suspension improvement. It was evident after a careful study of the kit parts & hundreds of reference images, to build anything like a reasonable replica was going to be major challenge. From mid 68’ the 49 had evolved to a point where it had a new nose, wings, gearbox, rear suspension mounts, suspension set up etc. Aiming to build a Gold Leaf sponsored model an early 1968 car was chosen, prior to the additions of wings etc. 2 cars were identified a possible classics to replicate, Jim Clark’s R2 as used in the Tasman race series or Graham Hill’s R1, used at the Spanish grand prix. After a study of the history of the cars, Hill’s was chosen because for me it has a unique place in Lotus history. From then on the whole project snowballed into a extensive improvement project of just about everything in the box but with a self brief to use as much of the kit as possible & use as many basic materials as available, plastic sheet, brass, alloy & plastic pipe etc. (i.e. keep costs down!) The only aftermarket items being the funnel mesh covers, body rivets, old leather glove (for the seat) & decals. The brake callipers were kindly cast in resin by fellow Britmodeller Mark (Fazer). Decals are by Indycals, museum collection & a few homemade ones. Paints were from Halfords, plasticote & the Vallejo range. Very little of the kit remains “in its box form” most parts were reworked or improved, some minor, some major, most reconstructed or replaced to some degree. Parts such as the instruments, gearstick, starter, clutch slave cylinder, gearbox side plates, brake callipers, ignition system, throttle links, coolant expansion bottle & all pipe work are scratchbuilt. Brief History Colin Chapman’s Lotus 49 R1, was the original chassis tested by Graham Hill at Snetterton in 1967 & then its race debut at Zandvoort. Driven by both Clark & Hill in various races, she was at the forefront of any improvements that were made by Chapman & his team between 67 & early 68. The Cosworth powered Lotus 49’s were beginning to dominate the race scene, when tragedy struck in April 1968, with the death of former twice world champion Clark in a formula 2 event in Hockenheim, Germany. This was quickly followed by the death of another Lotus driver Mike Spence, in Indy practice in the USA. This left a dark cloud over Lotus & Chapman deeply affected particularly by the loss of his number one driver Clark, refused to attend with the Lotus team, the Spanish grand prix at Jarama in early May. Despite the new winged “49B” chassis travelling to the event, it remained in the garage as Chapman wanted to oversee its first outing, so Hill had to battle on in the older R1. Despite starting from 6th on the grid, Hill drove to famous moral boosting win for Lotus, and also his first for the team. 2 weeks later at Monaco, Hill moved to a new chassis & R1 was driven by new Lotus driver Jackie Oliver. Under explicit instructions from Chapman “not to shunt her & finish in the points”, Oliver crashed on the first lap of the race, effectively writing R1 off. Some parts were used in a rebuilt 49B chassis tagged R9 in late 1968. So R1 remains with the honour of being the prototype Lotus 49 & also the last ever winner in its original 49 form. Here are the finished images, for those who want to see what was required to get her here, please take a look at the WIP it’s here: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.p...c=72440&hl= Finally thanks to all who have followed & offered encouragement, it certainly helped on the way & also to Stu Davros for the fantastic 49 reference images he sent me, god knows how many times I’ve viewed them, Mark Oakley At MRO F1 for answering any question I threw at him! & to Fazer for making the callipers, cheers lads! Any questions, fire away. P.S The nose cone has not had its final clear coat, as the Lotus Ford logo is just a temporary inkjet one until I get a better one made. Hope you like her, All the best, Mac

This is my recently completed model of the aforementioned kit. I really enjoyed building it and am fairly pleased with the result (Need to take better pics in natural light). Comments and criticism welcome. Cheers, Sean

Hi friends, just want to share a few pics of P-51 I did over x-mas holidays .... it was a relaxing build and a lot of details as wiring etc. was ommited on this one. The only aim was to enjoy painting without spending too much time in books and publications. Hope you gonna like it

Hi Everyone, Whilst I`m between builds and to test the new Photobucket I thought I`d show you my Thunderchief collection, so far: firstly a family shot, then Monogram F-105D, built with kit decals (which were a swine to do as very old) mostly OOD except for the rocket pods and bombs which were from a Hasegawa weapons set just to make it a little different then Revell EF-105F, `Wild Weasel` Done with one of the options that come on the decal sheet, but again with reworked armament to portray a a load more suitable for an `F` and lastly Revell F-105G, `Wild Weasel` this time with kit armament selection but aftermarket decals and fitted the crew as couldn,t be bothered to make seat belts Hope you enjoy looking at probably my favourite `Jet` kit..

http://www.cherryred.co.uk/sfe-exd.asp?id=3635 Interesting. Marty...

This is my only attempt so far at what iffery. It is an F111K (Merlin GR1?) of 15 Squadron in early 1970. The model is basically the Italeri, ex Esci F111A oob apart from the in flight refuelling bay door scribed in front of the cockpit, which is where I understand the probe was going to go. I built it ‘clean’ as I remember as a teenager seeing the then new Harriers and Phantoms being shown this way at airshows etc. Camouflage and markings are based on illustrations of a model I found on the web as to the pattern and the colours are as specified for the period. The serial comes near the beginning of the allocation for production airframes and I have chosen 15 Squadron as from what I have read this was a likely contender at the time. It is finished using Xtracrylix paints with the Green being largely applied with a hairy stick. Stencil decals are from a Microscale sheet (72-452) I have kept for years and the roundeletc. Are from Modeldecal sheets and the spares box. The photos do not show the panel lines that well but they are there. Writing this has set me thinking and somebody may be able to help me. When I was at School in nottinghamshire one Monday afternoon in either 1969 or 1970 (I think it was the former) there were a number of Harriers buzzing around including some which appeared to be landing or taking off. The school was located between Gedling and Burton Joyce on the A612 Nottingham Southwell road. It was a damn sight more interesting than the English lit lesson I was having at the time. I assume they were on exercise, the nearest RAF stations being Newton and Syerston.

This was completed in July last year and is probably one of my better efforts. It was my first attempt at serious weathering and is probably overdone but I like it. Hopefully these pics are better than my jaguar ones, comments and criticism welcome Cheers, Sean

Back in late December, one of the greats of TV entertainment passed away. As a tribute, I interrupted my current project and had to build something appropriate: which was a kit I picked up at Telford last year. As usual for Imai models, they HAD to turn it into a toy by adding missiles that could be fired from under the wings! Needless to say, I removed this "feature" and tried to add some flashing warning lights to the wingtips using flashing LEDs. The result was this: To be brutally honest, the paintwork could be better - had problems with the masking due to the panel lines - er trenches and the fit of some of the pieces. The LED lighting doesn't really show up very well unless you are at a particular angle - ie edge on to the wing HIdden under the "clouds" are the batteries but even though I beefed them up to 12v, the LEDs still don't show up very well. The LEDs: Fibre optics to illuminate the wing lights - I think the main problem is there just isn't enough fibres I can't honestly say this is one of my better builds sadly...

This is the latest of the bench. It's the 1/48 Hasegawa kit OOB. No problems in the construction and details about this kit abound. The aircraft is well documented pictorially and should be as worn as hell. I've done it as it would be restored and going into a museum..................it's the way I do 'erm. Comments are always welcome. Thanks for looking.

TBH, I only weathered it that much because misread the instructions and painted the whole thing the wrong colour (the instructions call for gunze navy blue, and I proceeded to paint it Humbrol navy blue which is too light) and then decided to go the whole hog. I think that fingerprint is the only one on the thing and it had to be in the area that I did a close up... Thanks for the comments they will hopefully help with future models.

I do indeed, Rene and have already started the master. I have a selection of drawings from some highly detailed large scales from R/C Canada to the beautifully crisp rendering in Ralph Pegram's new book. I am also asking Harry Robinson for a copy of his. So it'll be an accurate model. I'm collecting photos currently. I intend the models I do to have white metal detail parts, like spinners, props, wheels and separate tyres and as far as research allows, detailed cockpits. No resin as it's just too expensive. Martin

Hello, Here is my last model.. The KS-1 Kometa (AS-1 Kennel NATO désignation) was the first soviet guided antishipping missile. It was designed by KB-1 under the leadership of S.L. Beria in 1952. This outstanding missile has become the backbone of Soviet tactical "rocket shield" for decades. Various modifications were adopted for all kinds of soviet Armed Forces : KS-1 for air force, KFR-1 / KS-7 for army with chemical and nuclear warhead, KSS for navy and KRM-1 for coastal command. It was widely used till the end of 80th as air target.. The Kometa missile weapon system entered service with Tu-4K. And carried by famous Tu-16KS Badger B as final variant. This AModel kit is a classic injected plastic model. It's a short-run kit. Not so bad but it needs a lot of work. The engraved panels need a lot of work too. The fitting is not very good and I used a lot of mastic even it is a little kit. I like this brand because it offers a lot of original kits. But most need a lot of work. The building is very classic, but with no cockpit !! I tried different paints for the natural steel finish. The Tamiya XF16 is not very nice. The Prince August Metal Air Steel is nice but I had a lot of problems for spraying it. Next time, I will be back with much more classic Alclad and Gunze Super Mettalic. A little wash Neutral Grey from MIG. Very few decals for this kit. I nice building, not too hard. I'm not very happy with the finished result but this kit will be a nice friend for all my UAV models. All the building is there : http://maquette72.free.fr/articles/2012_96...index96_pap.php A new friend for my Lego Star Wars commando. I'll be back with some Mirage... Alain.

Well, here she is.. Last thing before running out the door to catch a flight to the frozen tundra that is Europe.. First few pics are sans pitot, but then i found it on the carpet an hour or two ago.. Probably not the best shaped SHAR out there, but not terrible to build.. Forgot how small these buggers were.. I'm fairly certain the outrigger legs are at the wrong angle too..

Sweedish Draken reconnaissance version in Danish markings. Added Aires cockpit and brassin AIM-L.

Hi everyone. Now that the first issue of my magazine has sold out, I have been asked about the possibility of digital editions being made available. Though I can't say too much at the moment, I am in the process of making this so. I hope to be able to offer a digital version of Issue 1 which, for those that missed it, will be the only way that you can get hold of this magazine as I have decided not to reprint it in paper form. I also hope to be able to sell digital versions of subsequent issues too which will offer a degree of choice and longevity to each one: you'll still be able to buy a paper magazine, but once they too are sold out, you will still be able to see what's offer offer, albeit in digital format. I will also be offering my previous two books "The Garden Of Remembrance" and "One Man's Junk" for those who missed out the first time around. I will be posting more information on this exciting development when I have it and when I am able to provide more definite dates and costings. All the best and thanks a lot! Spence

This is the last of my recenlyt built models. In fact I built the two Starfires and T-Bird simultaenously in an assembly line fashion owing to the similarity of the model .

Using the MiniArt T-70 and their country road base I thought it was about time I tried to build a snow scene. Pleased with the way it's going, just a few more bits to do on the tank and then decide whether or not to add some figures.

Third armour kit under the belt ! I reckon if I keep trying I'll eventually get the hang of 'em. Just finished for a club comp. (Didn't attempt to weather it as I didn't want to mess up the paint work.)

Hi all, Hasegawa's F-16A with Daco Product Decals added. Brian.

Time for a beer!

Love to view your models Sean, its a great hobby so keep em coming.....time permitting of course! Brian.

Yes,it was her turn for the choice of car we have(she doesn't drive though)and she knew I'd wanted a BM for ages.

Yes you've made a good job of a tricky kit, over-engineered in many respects but badly fitting as you say in others. My only comment for correcting the build is with the pilot's side windows which should be hanging down by the fuselage, see below:

The model is ready for primer.

Wow,what an iconic car you have build! I love every sort of lotus,but the older ones are real beauty's! Your build looks fantastic and every detail you add makes it even more fantastic. I got some of them in my to-do pile,also one b versions of it. I hope they looks half as good as yours! kind regards Christian

Tiger might be 74 Sqn. He has a spear, so is he a Hunter, perhaps...? Simon

Stunning work that man!

Hello friends Here is the first of the year, (in fact this is or should be the 2nd but... the other is coming soon :-) ) the OA-4M. This was a fun build, specially on the paint Job where i tried new “tecnics” with the air brush. Some issues with the air intakes and a couple of decals that almost desintegrated when enter in the water, i almost have to build a puzzle to get them together... Well here are the pictures. I hope you like it. Thank you for looking Best regards from Portugal Vítor Costa

very, very very nice threesome........... Dave

The reality factor is high with this one – superb weathering and sense of realism. Inspirational! Kind regards, Joachim

Hey Mac, Stunning, Beautiful, Gorgeous and Insane. You have such craftmanship with detail. Your Lotus 49 is a true masterpiece. Congrats to you. All the best, Karen

spey engined phantom????

Go for it... I'd love to see that.

The Comets look lovely. Bought a part started Novo one last year but I'll be doing it as an impressed aircraft in the "Cotton Club"

Very nice build, love the faded paint work! What's for you next?, a Danish F-104 in the same paintwork? Shaun

We think alike mate,my ride is a 318Ci too,a silver facelift 53 plater. The Boss bought it for us a few weeks back. We were looking for a 320d Touring in blue or grey,but she spied the coupe and said we're having that one. Well impressed with it.

A bit more progress..... Turret is coming together and I've started work on the back end, adding the boiler and water tank. Just wish it didn't involve making and placing so many b#&@%y rivets. The attrition rate between those punched out and those actually making it onto the model is ridiculous! I've got a coal bunker made up but need to finish the pipe work before it can be added. At this rate it might just about be finished by summer

You little *@&*... I got all excited... Great finish on such a small model... it certinally looks like a larger scale, I love those lights... well done.

Who isn't?

I cut open the door and did my own paint and decal job on a Monogram 1/48 Piper Cherokee and was very please with how it turned out. It really stands out amongst all the military stuff. Try experimenting with colour schemes, it can make quite a difference.

Some definitely worth watching here Jens

Freehand? Impressive!!! I wish I had those skills!!!! Im looking forward to see more! Take care Guillaume

Yes, USAAF planned use this plane as normal fighter with four 12,7 mm machine guns. In an emergency, after their ammunition ran the pilot could bring down enemy aircraft with ramm of his own wing. Not realised, but interesting. At WW2 some plans have Luftwaffe for his own Ramm fighter.

Here's a thought Hinry. There's a chap just joined and doing a detailed build on the old Airfix Chipmunk: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234932824-airfix-chipmunk-t10/ He's an ex-RAF pilot that flew Jaguars. In their latter years,the Jaguars were all based at Coltishall. It just might be worth sending him a private message to see if he knows anything that might help you.

A bit of progress in the last couple of days. Managed to attach the wings, however the Aires main oleo bays have changed the upper wing root profile slightly. It doesn't quite match the wing root profile along the fuselage, so I have had to use a little filler to compensate. I managed to finish off the gun bay and I'm quite pleased with the result - amazing how a little addition can amplify the result ! I've now started on the Jumo engines. One will be encased in the wing pods so no-one will see it. The other pod I'm going to open up the panels and as you can see below, I've started super detailing the other engine. A lot of the larger pipework will be constructed using a guitar string, the ribbed type. It bends quite easily and because it is ribbed, enhances the effect. The rest of the pipework/cabling will be the usual lead wire. Sorry the pictures are slightly out of focus, but I'm in a hurry to get to work, so I may re-do them later. Until next time Andy.

Feb 7th: Day off work today, so I have managed to spend a good few hours on the 262, so I set myself the goal of finishing the gun bay. I wanted to pretty much go to town on this area, so plenty of lead wire to replicate the cabling in this bay. As I have previously mentioned, the majority of the smaller gauge wiring on this aircraft is an off-yellow colour. This really makes it stand out and provides a nice contrast to liven up an area. As per my references, the bay was sprayed Alclad dull aluminium and given a black oil wash. The guns themselves were dry-brushed with one of those Tamiya gun metal weathering pastel to highlight the raised detail. I found some old decals in the spares box, so attached them to the gun junction boxes. The macro setting on my digital camera can actually define the word "notice" in English, however in reality you can't read it with the naked eye, or at least I cant anyway. Feb 10th I spent the day at the Yeovilton Model Show yesterday, so no progress, however today its pouring with rain outside, so the mountain bike is staying in the garage and the better half is working - guess I will be making some progress hopefully. I want to tidy up the gun bay wiring. It looks unfinished and needs some miniature cable ties to tidy up the wiring, especially on the stbd side. The undercarriage is nearly finished. Will post up later. Andy

I'll be watching this with interest, I built the davidson era davros about 15 years ago, it's a good kit. Cheers, Stuart

OK...... Pictures now. (I upgraded my browser) The pictures don't look very 'glossy' but the paint actually is. It still looks a bit too blue - the colour is a very light pastel metallic green. I'll try a few outdoor shots asap. Roy.

Jeez, I love this aircraft. If I was offered a decent new-tool 1/48 kit in exchange for my home/family/life etc., I'd think "...where's the catch?" The CMR 'proper' kits are gems, but to get the best from them, you need to be the best -clearly no doubt here! Truly exquisite; my Build Of The Year (so far!), no contest. :worthy: