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Dear Fellow Modellers Greetings to all! Please find enclosed my Airfix 1/72 B-17G. It is loaded with the Eduard PE and Quickboost resin guns and turbochargers. I did my own representation of riveting. The decals are for the 306th BG based at Thurleigh in England in 1944-45 from Kits World. This recent Airfix kit shows a more restrained panel line representation than previous kits. The transparencies are absolutely outstanding and shape looks spot on. Regards Andrew

Hello all - Just finished my Airfix 110. Built pretty much OOB - added some Eduard seatbelts, some Mig rigging for the antenna and replaced the under side circular antenna with some wire. I attempted to improve the cockpit details with some scratch built elements. I used the kit scheme - Staffel II / Zerstorergeschwadar 1, Northern France 1940-1941. The scheme is very dark - RLM 70 / 71 so I attempted a very worn air frame look to try and make it a little more interesting - I think this was successful but I sacrificed colour accuracy in the process. The kit itself is far from an accurate representation so I wasn't too concerned. Still, I'm pretty happy with the result. Tried a bunch of new techniques and learned alot. I've got the Eduard version which is far more accurate so it will be interesting to see them side by side when that's completed. For the cost, this is a very nice kit and was fun to build. There were plenty of fit issues but not too bad - lots of sanding and some putty work will be required - quite typical for some airfix kits in this scale. Decals were very nice - I added swastikas from XtraDecal. The kit comes with a good selection of long distance fuel tanks and bombs - however I opted for a clean fit out as I love the lines on this aircraft. Painted with Tamiya Acrylics, different brands of oils and pigments for the weathering. I had difficulty photographing this model - the colours change quite dramatically depending on the light which is how it behaves in real life... so the photos do represent this. There's a wip here for anyone who's interested - with a bonus side thread on New Zealand beer Thanks for looking - comments and criticism is welcome. Cheers John

Hello Britmodellers! This is the first model I've stuck in RFI for a long time, and continues my on-and-off fascination with helicopters. I think they offer a challenging crossover between aircraft and vehicles to help a jaded modeller rediscover the old magic again. This one certainly did that! It's very cheap for what you get in the box and probably the best fitting 1/32 Revell kit I've made since the Hunter. It also has some of the best kit clear parts I've seen on any kit, so well done Revell! The decals were also very impressive, my only gripe being the colours seemed to fade out once applied so the effect of the black cat paintwork isn't as impressive as it looks in real life 🙄 Built from the box except for the addition of the Eduard Zoom cockpit set and exterior details. I used Colourcoats enamel paint which is still the best model paint I've ever used. The pics are from IPMS Farnborough website, all credits and (c) to Andrew Prentis. Not sure about the loadout and other details but it's a hobby, after all! Cheers Alan

Dear fellow Britmodellers, after a longer absence from the workbench I'm reporting back-in-charge with my 1/72 Airfix Wellington IC! I used Eduard's interior set, Quickboost wheels and DK Decals, representing an aircraft from 311. (Czech) Squadron in 1943. All photographs by Wolfgang Rabel.  I decided to install all the interior parts, literally recreating the aircraft from top to bottom. This process takes up most of the construction time, but you will be rewarded with a very detailed inside. Of course, you won't see much once the fuselage is closed. The model was painted with Gunze/Mr.Hobby acrylics. I am not very happy with my paint job, I should have paid more attention to pre- and post-shading, as the surface looks a bit plain and boring. Even the crew's entry ladder is supplied by the kit. Superb rendition of the FN turrets. Open side windows on the canopy - another nice feature of the kit:  The bomb bay can be posed open or closed, and six bombs are supplied. That leaves the middle bomb bay empty. I added three bombs, borrowed from an Eduard 1/72 Spitfire kit. The red rings are airbrushed, using small strips of Tamiya masking tape.  And I forgot to peel the center mask off the bombardier's windows…. ! Scratches on the engine housings were replicated with a soft pencil. Airfix' wheels are slightly oversized and were replaced with resin items from Quickboost. The triangle-shaped waist gun windows are included on the sprues, although the instruction sequence does not mention them. The guns are included as well. Thank you for your interest, best greetings from Vienna.

Friends, Here is the Airfix P-40. I built this kit straight out of the box as it was part of Airfix`s “Dogfight Doubles” with the A6M2 Zero. I used a slightly different color for the fabric surfaces to provide a contrast. I used EZ-Line for the radio antenna wire before I discovered the Uschi and Infini brands for rigging. The EZ-Line is not to scale on the thicker side. I weathered the Warhawk with pencils, pastels, washes and paint. Like nearly all of Airfix`s modern tooled kits, I found it to be very enjoyable and had no issues whatsoever. Highly recommended. Thank you in advance!!!!!!! Respectfully submitted, Mike

Eager to 'upgrade' to the impressive new AFV Club 1/144 Sea King double kit, I decided to polish off my last (in the stash, at least) Sweet 1/144 eggbeater. Markings are those supplied with the kit, the long-serving scheme for one of the busy search-and-rescue machines of the Marineflieger's MFG-5.

Hi Guys, This was built over 2 and a half years. It's a kit from deag. I enjoyed building this one plus is the only Fully rigged ship I have finished. Hope you like the pictures. Chris

Tamiya kit with Superscale decals, some bits of CMK and Eduard detail sets and scratchbuilt details (exhaus, canopy, gun barrels, nav lights etc.). I hope you like the result. Andrew

J-15 Chinese Flanker "105" of People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force, CNS LiaoNing CV-16 circa 2015. ∙ Trumpeter #01668 Chinese J-15. ∙ Dream Model DM 0544 AL-31 Exhaust nozzle etched parts. ∙ Dream Model CDM 72020 colour photo-etched parts for cockpit + detail up etched parts. ∙ Dream Model DM 0530 Ladder etched parts for Su-27 family. Ordnance: ∙ PL-8 "Thunderbolt-8" AAM x2 ∙ PL-12 "Thunderbolt-12" BVRAAM x4 ∙ KD-88 Anti-ship missile x2 ∙ YJ-12 "Eagle Strike 12" Anti-ship cruise missile x2

Dear Colleagues I recently finished a kit I had half finished several years ago. These were the days of nylon thread and I have now moved to the much more forgiving Uschi van der Rosten lycra. The markings are for the famous ace Georges Guynemer. I calmed down the look and markings with an overspray of the Gunze Israeli sand colour Shame people don't seem to do so much 1/72 WWI biplanes these days. Must try an Airfix BE2c though. Hope you like it? Andrew

Howdy I built this purely so I could have a go at using the buckles of Bob. I figured it was far better to have a first go on a kit that cost under £20 than one that costs north of £60. I also had some bits and odds left over from my WnW Camel (le rhone), so I used them up partly to improve the basic kit a bit but mainly as I preferred the colour scheme options to the kit ones. So this is done as DR MacLaren's 46sqn aircraft (option D in the WnW kit). I corrected one or two of the kits oddities, though frankly couldn't be bothered with all of them. Annoyingly, when taking the photos I realised I had forgotten to turn the machine gun barrels the right way up! Otherwise it was a reasonable build, apart from mounting the top wing which for some reason was a right pain in the nuts. As for the buckles, well I can say they are a great product and look good when well done. Most of mine aren't, and I might need another go before trying them on one of my WnW kits. Cheers for looking W-D

Finally i finish my 'Pete' , the work was hard because the half-finished model was buried under a stack of boxes who collapsed with their shelf . The model is OOB, the only modification are some wiring on the engine and Eduard seat belt. A really nice model, easy to assembly but requiring a lot of attention due to the numerous small parts ( my carpet monster is always hungry...). I followed Hasegawa painting instruction and don't make any search about their accuracy. R.

Italeri 1/35th scale General Motors DUKW with Master Box 1/35th scale World War 2 era women and Tamiya 1/35th scale World War 2 British soldiers: More photos and build info on my web site: https://everardcunion.com/plastic-models-2/plastic-models-land-vehicles/plastic-dukw/

Hi all This is my last finished project Eudard PP Bf 109E-3 1/48. I used resin parts Quickboost, gun barrels Master PL and masks with decals AML. The marking belongs to 3.J/88, pilot Hans Schmoller - Haldy. Thanks for looking Mirek

My recently completed 1/48 Hobbyboss Su-30, in Indonesian AF markings. Painted with Hataka Orange Line, and displayed on a Coastal Kits Display Base. Untitled by ian gaskell, on Flickr Untitled by ian gaskell, on Flickr Untitled by ian gaskell, on Flickr Untitled by ian gaskell, on Flickr Untitled by ian gaskell, on Flickr Untitled by ian gaskell, on Flickr Untitled by ian gaskell, on Flickr Untitled by ian gaskell, on Flickr Untitled by ian gaskell, on Flickr

Here is another Airfix 1/72 A-4B Skyhawk finished as an aircraft from VMA-225 `Vagabonds'. The information came from Naval Fighters No.50 A-4A/B Skyhawk in USMC/USMCR/USNR service. The decals were made and printed by myself and the only other addition was the 150 gal fuel tanks which were from Freightdog Models. Robert

Friends, Here is the Italeri Su-34 Fullback. I found the kit to be a straightforward and enjoyable build. I built it straight out of the box including using the decals and ordnance. I weathered the big bird using pastels, pencils, and washes. Recommended. Thank you in advance!!!!!!!! Respectfully submitted, Mike

Morning all Another one that's languished for some time. I'm hoping around from one project to another based on attention span.... Managed finally to finish all the PE upgrades for this one and just have a few additional items like towing cables etc to look into. I decided with some research to go for something different than the wacky North Africa camo' that is traditionally chosen and went for this........ The cupola isn't then same (due to a big disaster with the taller one in the build... Next step is the primer, and I'll do that when I set up the spray booth again for the Panther G I have on the bench maybe closer to the weekend.... Until next time.....

Hello friends, A small little tabletop that still makes me happy, when I finished it after a long time. Model is from eduard 1/48 scale. Cheers Andy

Hi Guys, this is my first build post here. I finished this yesterday I have build photos so not sure wether to make a post with those on. But here is my attempt at the 1/32 Revell GR.1 Gulf war kit. I added the Flightpath flaps and slats and Resin Speed brakes. I used Alclad Mil spec Desert Pink paint and Flory wash. With Vallejo paints used else where. I haven't built a plastic plane like this for at least 8 yrs as have been busy on Wooden ships. I will post one soon. Here are the pics. Thanks for looking. Chris

Hello! This model was accomplished in 2009 –it was last year as a junior modeller (according to modelling contests terms). The model has been entairly covered with Humbrol enamel paints by brush. While visiting my hometown, I decided to go to local modelling club which I used to be a member. That’s how I redeemed my old, dusty plane. This plane got me winning various modelling contests many times, and that’s why it’s a special memento for me. Unfortunately, despite of all great overall reviews, I didn’t feel quite satisfied with the weathering part – it’s was my first time doing that technique. I had built rather clean models before. Now, I decided to give it a little renovation. I improved decals which hadn’t been secured before and they started to fall off. I used decal fix to secure them. Next, with a little help from warm water and cotton ear sticks, I removed ugly wash and weathering. I improved gently few more tiny elements and then I put 2 layers of clear varnish. I made light wash (using oil paints mixed with white spirit) to mark panel lines. All convered with satin varnish. At the end, I mount new antenna wires. This time they were correctly attatched based on online photos (back to those days I relied only on instruction and photo cover of the model box). Here you can see more renovation in progess photos: https://minihangar.online/renowacja-sm-79-sparviero-final/ (I will be grateful for pressing the heart button under the article on the blog!) Full gallery: https://minihangar.online/galeria/savoia-marchetti-sm-79-sparviero-italeri-1-72/ There is a post in polish but you are wecome to see the gallery „step by step”. Before the renovation: After:

I'm not exactly sure where 6 hours have gone today.... Fixing and aligning the stanchions is tricky. Rob

Hello all, Here is a project that I've been planning for some time and one which will run along side other builds for the foreseeable future. Quite simply, it's a homage to the RAF's Quick Reaction Alert and some of the aircraft that have been used in this role from 1940 up until the present day, in 1/48 of course . So without further ado: Best to show each chronologically ... so first up, Tamiya's new tool Spitfire MK1, in the markings of 19 Squadron (X4474) during the summer of 1940: Not much aftermarket here as the kit looks simply outstanding - Xtradecals and an AML paint mask (and the obligatory Squadron patch!) Decals and paint scheme: Next up, Airfix's new tool Hunter F.6, in the markings of 92 Squadron (XG226) in 1960: Again, not much aftermarket other than a Quickboost seat, Xtradecal set and some paint and canopy masks which I'll get once they're released (Squadron patch also to follow!) Decals and paint scheme: Airfix EE Lightning F.1 is next, in the markings of 74 Squadron (XM143) in 1962: Quickboost seat, Montex canopy masks and QMT FOD cover is all the aftermarket that will be used. Decals and paint scheme: Followed by a Revell (Hasegawa) Phantom FGR.2, in the markings of 56 Squadron (XV470) in the late 1980s. Aftermarket includes Quickboost seats, Airwaves canopy etch, QMT FOD covers, Montex canopy masks and Eduard etch (patch to follow...) Decals and paint scheme: I'm not the biggest fan of the sharks mouth on this jet, so will be doing XV470 a bit earlier in its life. She'll be fully loaded with 4x Skyflash, 4x AIM-9, 2x fuel tanks and SUU-23/A cannon pod. Revell again; this time their recent Tornado F.3, in the markings of 111 Squadron (ZE158) in the mid 2000s. Eduard etch, Pavla seats, Model Alliance decals, Master pitot tube, some RBF tags, resin BOL rails and wing seals cast by Shaun, along with 4x AIM-132 from a Revell Eurofighter (spot the patch). Decals and paint scheme: She'll be fully loaded with 4x AIM-132, 4x Skyflash or AIM-120s (to be decided) and 2 gas bags. Finally, Revell's Eurofighter Typhoon, in the markings of 1 Squadron (ZK306) in 2018. Aftermarket here includes an Airwaves seat, Eduard Etch, Phase Hangar Resin FOD inserts (not pictured) and numerous Xtradecal sheets to cobble together to get the right markings and tail code. Decals and rough idea of paint scheme: Will be fully loaded with 4x AIM-132, 4x Meteor and 2x fuel tanks. This ought to keep me busy! As I've said, this will run along with other builds, which will mainly be Group Build entries. There'll also be several firsts in this for me; first 1/48 Spitfire, first EE Lightning and Hawker Hunter (in 16 years of modelling!) and the first time I'll spray Xtracrylix. Should be an interesting ride Dave

Lots left to do, but I think I reached a bit of a milestone today. I managed to do the last of the stitching by masking up with scotch tape and spraying some careful coats of Tamiya grey. I always lay down a strip to temporarily represent the width of stitching to use it as a guide for laying down the wider strips. Once this is done I remove the thin strip, ready for painting. I do the same for canopy frames and find it works really well. After unmasking I was able to clean the raised line up a bit and detail it (if you could call it that) with the edge of a needle. The circular hatches were scribed at the same time. Ideally these should have been raised instead of flush with the surface, but I wasn't confident I could pull that off. Anyhoo, that's a big step forward. Now that the main detail to the nacelle is added I can start thinking about painting sub assemblies soon. And trying to nut out how to make two tiny Lewis guns... Time to take the giant matchstick out for a run!

Ced, I'm going to be out for lunch tomorrow - can you remember to post a link to the RFI so I can catch it when I get back ? thanks! P.S. Did I make it onto page 1? I did I did I did I made it onto page 1 !

Thats it!! I am getting on with something I was dabbling with all thanks to CedB Harvard build in a GB. Here are pics of work so far. I am not letting my wobbly arm get the better of me😣 Basic kit parts... New floor by Pavla One side with pegs etc cut away and smoothed down. Spread of the fuselage parts. Note the pencilled in shaded area that needs to be cut away. Side walls in place..... ... and painted up. ( Note the stalled Proctor build at back ...) Wings and fuselage joined up but not together yet. Sort of a view into the cockpit ... New Falcon vac form canopy on the sanding pad ready for fitting. Lost the original kit part but i was not much good any way as it got crazed from some heavy weigh on it... By the way, the roll over/ crash pylon 'tween cockpits needs pairing down a bit so it can fit and accommodate the clear part. And so far. The wheel selection is due to one of the kit wheels going AWOL so I found those here as possible replacements being the right diameter. The spoked ones are from a discarded Beech 18 long gone to the bin.

Hi guys continuing with the S P guns this is one I converted a couple of years ago, liked the look of this gun and as you cant get a kit , I converted a panzer 1 ausf b and a 15 cm gun kits and scratch built the rest ( as the full size was converted in the same way ).and added a bike to the base (wheels are a bit naff though) the rivets were archer decals. As a few of you asked for a build up sometime , I have found a few pics during build .

Hi all, this is Tamiya's lovely little 1/700th USS Saratoga, circa 1945. I built this one for Airfix Model World four years ago and it was the first ship I'd built for over 25 years, what a great little kit it is. Quite a few extras were added including additional Hellcats and Avengers for the Air Wing, using the Trumpeter packs, as Tamiya only supplied four of each type. The packs certainly came in handy but each aircraft had to be modified to include the starboard wing mounted night radar radomes, (F6F-5N and TBM-3D). Gold Medals PE was used for the aircraft and Toms Modelworks for the carrier's superstructure along with many scratch built parts, using the excellent David Doyle USS Saratoga Squadron at Sea book for reference. The excellent Five-Star USN radar set FS700029 was used to replace the clunky kit parts. Uschi Van der Rosten supplied the rigging line. Painted using Lifecolor acrylics and WEM enamels and weathered with Abteilung Oils, and AK products and the deck markings were all stencilled and airbrushed on. All in all a lot of fun and certainly whetted my appetite to build more maritime subjects. The sea base was also my first attempt and as much fun as the kit to be honest. Plenty more to come. Hope you like it Cheers Melchie

After the long and protracted Nimrod build I needed something easy to boost my 2019 build count and give me a bit of a break so, as usual, I chose a Hobby Boss 'easy assembly' from the stash, the P-38 Lightning. Mostly OOB with some decal repairs, finished with AK True Metal Dark Aluminium and Aluminium paste. WiP thread is here. I hope you like it

Welcome John Welcome hendie. Thanks Paul - I'll look up the references and get the scalpel ready! I've found quite a few photos of FT375 including this one, now my desktop picture: Thanks Keith, much appreciated - it's very kind of you to get it out for me (fnaar!) Welcome Ian - holes in my bucket? Not here Cockpit. Started by cutting the resin off the blocks: Looks like it goes here: That locating pin needs to come off and these trimmed flush to support the side panels: The resin floor needed lots of trimming and dry fitting but it fits pretty well now: Now I need to ponder how to fit the side panels…

There has been more progress on the build. decided that I was not happy with the look of the after deck house and cut it back some more. This done, I trimmed back the deck house roofs. The mizzen mast was very floppy in the hole that I had drilled in the main deck for it. Looking at the kit part for the deck house roof, I decided that I could recycle the bit that contained the rebate for the mast. I cut this from the kit part and glued it into an enlarged hole in the main deck. Now the mast more or less stays where it is meant to go. On the subject of the masts, I noticed that the boom for the aft main sail was way too thick as supplied in the kit and the same boom for the foremast was absent entirely. Fortunately the kit sprues are thick enough for me to whittle them into some replacement booms. I feel that I am getting close to the layout of the real ship now. At least, there is not much left of the kit for me to have to change to match the paintings. I have also got the funnel together, blanked off the inside to allow for some extra detail and fitted the vents that go either side of it. These have now been glued to the roof of the forward deck house. Thinking ahead, I have glued the lifeboats together. Here we seem to have another conundrum. The kit would have you glue the boats to the roof of the deck house whereas all three pictures of the vessel show them slung out board from their davits between the two deck houses. Is this likely to be the usual method of stowage? I would have thought they would have been vulnerable to swinging about like this or is there a way of rigging them so that they don't? The opinions of those far more learned than I are most welcome here. Another matter that is exercising the Martian grey matter is what to do about the railings that surround the top of the forward deck house. If they were made of wood, then the kit parts will probably do at a pinch. If however, they were metal, does anyone know of a source of 1/200 railings that does not cost the earth? All the etch I have looked at seems to be part of much larger sets for capital ships. Upwards of £30 for about five inches of railing seems a tad extravagant. I now need to try and think of a way to attach the shrouds to the masts so that the join is strong but does not look too toy-like. I now wish that I had brought my box of spare etched parts along with me as I fee sure that the answer lies there. Incidentally, I must apologise for any incorrect terminology used in this thread. My experience is totally on motor boats and although I love looking at sailing vessels, my knowledge of them and how they work is sketchy at best. Please feel free to correct me when I get things wrong; its the quickest way for me to learn. Thanks for looking Martian 👽

The Thud over Germany – F-105s of USAFE 1961 to 1967 The Story Anyone who has stood in front of a Thunderchief can only wonder how young pilots could master such a massive beast with a huge engine and small wings, but during May 1961 the first F-105Ds were flown direct from the USA to Bitburg in Germany, where they replaced the F-100 Super Sabres of the 36th TFW. They were brand new aircraft. The 49th TFW at Spangdahlem also received its new aircraft from October 1961 onwards. This was at the height of the Cold War and their principal role was nuclear strike, a mission known as ‘Victor Alert’ in the USAF. This was a big, complex aeroplane and brought with it big, complex maintenance problems. So much so that all aircraft were upgraded from 1962 onwards to a nominally common standard in a programme named ‘Project Look Alike’. This included many system upgrades but also required improved sealing between panels and a painted aluminium finish. An airfield arrestor hook was also fitted. Centralised maintenance was also introduced which meant an end to individual squadron markings. By the mid 1960s the Vietnam war was taking a significant toll on F-105s and during 1966 and 1967 the F-105s were transferred back to the USA as attrition replacements. By then there were enough F-4D Phantoms for the USAFE wings to re-equip. The colour schemes Aircraft were delivered in natural metal finish with glossy black radomes and matt olive drab upper fuselage. Those returned from the ‘Look Alike’ upgrades had the aluminium paint finish which replaced the natural metal. Finally the Vietnam type camouflage was applied during 1965, which also removed all squadron markings. Squadron markings were applied as follows: 36th TFW had three squadrons which were the 22nd, 23rd and 53rd TFS. Initially, during the natural metal period, each squadron displayed it’s colour on the fin in the form of 3 coloured stripes on a white diagonal background. The colours were 22TFS red, 23TFS blue and 53TFS yellow. After centralised maintenance was introduced all three colours were carried on the white diagonal on the fin. The 49th TFW squadrons were the 7th, 8th and 9th TFS. (7TFS blue, 8TFS yellow, 9TFS red). All aircraft carried a fin flash consisting of the wing badge and the three squadron stripes. Individual squadron colours were carried on undercarriage doors and sometimes on the nosewheel leg radar reflector. After centralised maintenance a three-coloured lightning flash was carried on the nose in addition to the fin marking. When camouflage was introduced, no wing or squadron ident was carried. The Models F-105D 60-0466 36th TFW / 22nd TFS, Bitburg, 1961 illustrating the early natural metal scheme. This is the fairly rare 1/72 Revell kit (looking very much like a down sized Monogram 1/48 kit). The kit represents a late Vietnam war F-105D and needed back dating. This meant removal of RHAW antennas, strike camera, wing strengthening plates, engine cooling scoops and gun cooling vents. The fin leading edge cooling intake needed enlarging and the aft part of the spine in front of this intake needed removing. Since the kit has raised line surface detail, this was all removed and re-scribed. This was all quite a lot of work but this is the best shaped F-105D so it was worth it. Finish was Alclad and AK metallics over Tamiya primer. Decals were mainly from Wolfpack. F-105F 63-8300 49th TFW / 9th TFS, Spangdahlem, 1963 illustrating the aluminium painted finish. This the Airfix kit with replacement canopy. The nose shape is too bulbous on this kit but it was the only 2 seater I had at the time! The Revell F-105G would make a better basis for this if you can face all the back dating and re-scribing! This also illustrates the red squadron colour on the undercarriage doors. F-105D 60-0511 49th TFW, Spangdahlem, 1965 illustrating the Vietnam camo finish. This is from the old Hasegawa kit. This was used as it represents the right configuration – i.e. it doesn’t have RHAW antennas, cooling scoops and vents, etc. The nose and canopy are not quite right on this kit and the undercarriage legs are about 1 cm too long – if you built it from the box you will have a Thunderchief standing on tip toes. The wing pylons have been replaced (kit pylons are far too small) and the drop tank fins were ridiculously thick and have been reworked. If I wanted another F-105D I wouldn’t go for this one! Maybe the Trumpeter kit would be better if you don’t mind all those rivets.

Final stages this morning. Out with the Kristal Klear to Komplete the lights: on Flickr A couple of minutes work: … followed by twenty minutes cleaning up the sticky mess that seems to collect, for some unknown reason, on the threads and makes the pots really hard to open next time: I'm calling this done and she's now in the RFI section. A few shots I didn't use there: I forgot to mention how GREAT the canopy fit was. I really like the idea of molding past the frames to a panel line so that you have a nice, straight seam for a strong and easy join. What's next? I think I'll build the Airfix Harvard kit that I used parts from for the Wacky Wabbit. There's a trainer GB on you know. I'll link here later. Thanks as always for your help, support and companionship chaps - much appreciated

Build going rather slow these days, work is getting busier leaving me with fewer moments at the modeling table. heres the latest. Oliver

Sword is to release in May 2019 a 1/72nd Douglas AD-4W/AEW.1 Skyraider kit - ref. 72126 http://swordmodels.cz/cs/coming-soon/145-sw72126-ad-4waew1.html https://www.aviationmegastore.com/douglas-ad4waew1-skyraider--expected-may-2019-sw72126-sword-8592977721269-aircraft-scale-modelling/product/?action=prodinfo&art=161597 V.P.

I was able to BB-8 finished up over the weekend. The final pieces added were the two sensor eyes, the larger on was given a light coat of Tamiya Clear Red on the inside, and smaller one clear blue, as these colors were visible in lenses in photos of the auctual BB-8 ;D The orange and white were mixed from formulas in the instructions using Tamiya paints. He was slightly weathered using oils to match photos of the filming miniature and sat on a small desert sand base. The wooden base was made from a piece of Sapele wood as an added touch. The parts for R2-D2 should be going through the paint shop this week, so his companion should be coming along soon

Started this kit back in November 2018, thought it was going to be an easy OOB build....boy was I wrong. Anyone who has built this kit knows the intakes are the worst...and the wing to fuselage join is just a PITA. I struggled with this build all Winter, messing up some of the painting (hurried my masking and made the red a little too red). Overall it's a 3 footer for the display case it will go in. Honestly I don't recommend this kit.

New AFV Club kit, Caracal decals.

Ah, the subtle differances betwixt Ferrari Italy and rural Ireland. Easy to mistake one for t'other! I find the easiest way to tell is to go to the local drinking establishment. If they lock you in and won't let you go until you fall over, you're in Ireland! Ian

That's right, Radio Caroline was'nt emitting yet !! Tssss !! CC

Must be all the scratch cooked risotto you make! I only get my rice from M&S, easy open and resealable don’t you know 😃 Rob

No, that’s Notts. Notts is the same as Lincs in the way that, say, Belgium’s the same as France... [Crisp: born & raised in Notts!]

Morning all.......primer on...

What are you like at finding the end of the Sellotape Keith? Let me guess. Your rice packets are styled by Ferrari and are self-opening Giorgio. A country can have too much style you know! Cruellest of ironies that it never extended to a sense of personal style Ced. 😜 Mrs. B still regales our sons with her favourite 'When I first met you father' anecdote regarding the fact that I was clad in a pink jumpsuit, gold belt and oversized motorcycle boots. There is no sterner criticism than the reproachful grimace of your own heirs.... You have no idea how much I brayed reading that H! Metal was flattened and folded last evening and new sets of frames epoxied into place. Given the heavier framing towards the front of the cockpit where it joins the windshield I'm minded to add a brass upright at the front too to help stabilize the (now very) thin roof. Pics to follow later dans the semaine....

Good afternoon All. Not my finest hour, lots of faults and not brilliantly made. Airfix's A02010 Spitfiire MkI/MkII kit in 1/72 scale with Xtradecals 2008 Display Hawks decals, which include the 19 Squadron Spitfire to accomopany the 2008 19 Sqn 'SpitHawk' anniversary scheme. As an aside, a chap I used to work with had been part of the arms inspection team who used to host the Russians when they can to carry out arms treaty confirmation checks. Having spent time confirming with the 'guest' he was hosting that all the Hawks were merely trainers and all were unarmed, the hangar door was opened to reveal the camouflaged Hawk with 30mm gun pod and two underwing pylons. He said the guest just turned to him with the biggest grin he has ever seen! Anyway. The stencils are Airfix decals, the roundels, serials and '19's from the Xtradecals set; they are all the Xtradecals set includes. Eduard early RAF seatbelts and Yahu etch instrument panel help the cockpit, the landing light is a 2mm little lenses item and the early style pitot is scratch from some soldered copper wire. One more out of the stash and on to the shelf. I have just realised I haven't painted the wingtip nav lights; to be done later I think. Thank you for stopping by to look.

I was able to make a start on this. So far I am very happy with this kit. The plastic parts are nicely done, and the extra fine, detail is made up from photo etch elements. I started with the cockpit. Almost every plastic part had photo etch added to it. In looking at photos of a surviving La-15 the cockpit seems to be quite faithful to the original. The front bulkhead with etched rudder pedals. The seat, which is a multi part assembly of plastic parts before etched details are added. A couple photos of the cockpit with the pieces just sat into place. On to the painting now, which hopefully will bring all the pieces to life!

More sanding ensues. If you don't want a clunky-looking vac, you have to put some effort in it. I remind you that you start with this: And you have to get to this: This -that loose sort of filament- usually gives you the clue that you are about right: The double-faced bulkheads are ready, and some of the other elements have been sanded already too. Stabs and vertical tail halves are united: It may not look like much, but it took several hours to get there.

Hi All A bit more work on the Gannet Yes I know it's a Walrus, I can explain... I needed to try a paint experiment, as I was still unsure of what I wanted to use, and the only EDSG uppers / Sky undersides in my wardrobe were a Revell MkI and an Airfix MkII Walrus. I'm going to try Vallejo on the Airfix and Tamiya on the Revell. Here's the result of the Sky Phase Top is Vallejo Model Air 71.302 Sky Type S mixed about 25% with white, bottom is Tamiya XF-21 Sky mixed again with about 25% white, then thinned with about 50% X-20A thinners. The Vallejo is a bit on the grey side, but I like the Tamiya, it sprayed better too. So that's the Sky I'm going to use. I've some Dark Sea Grey that I'm trying next over a black base to see if it darkens down a bit, but not so Extra Dark that I'd want to add white to, if you see what I mean. The first image is the Airfix hull that has Dark and Extra Dark, so half of it is black for the Extra Dark and half light grey primer for the basic Dark. I know it's convoluted, but I'm curious (and New Airbrush Inept). Anyhoo, back on the main build, careful as you attach the launch sling hooks to the sides as they might fall through the locating slot At least only one did. Underside closed up All fitting flush without the internals pushing the sides out. Back soon as I've done the Dark Sea Grey Saga . Comments and suggestions welcome Cheers Steve

No.3 to the GB will be the old Revell kit which I will finish in the Czech scheme (I have only seen a CzAF aircraft in the flesh). I think the accuracy may be questionable, but my father bought it for me in a sale over 10 years ago so it is definitely time to bring it to the fore. Dave C

This is my own kitbash design for the NCC 2631, USS NIMOY, in honour of the man himself. Made from a number of different kits, printed my own decals as well.