Nickthebrief

Wish someone would do a Seafox in 1:48 - come on Airfix! You know it makes sense!

As ever Tom I’m incredibly impressed with the neatness and precision of your plasticard work. You make it look easy, but I know if I tried to make 12 identical bomb doors there would be a selection of different sized wobbly shapes produced. A quick question on the DF loop housing - the (red?) band around it - is that where it’s been resealed after being removed for servicing etc? I’ve replicated it on the Whitley I’ve just finished it having noticed it in various photos but I’m not sure why it’s like that… The Stirling is going to be another masterpiece… Cheers, Nick.

Like others who have responded to your post, Dunny, I’m amazed and impressed by the speed of your build so far. I was about to tell you that I’ve just finished the GR Mk VII version, and that the fit of the kit is really good and it looks great in TSS - but you know all of that already! I enjoyed experimenting with differentiating between the finish on the fabric and metal parts of the airframe - in particular the wings. Good luck with the rest of the build - I’m in no doubt you’ll make it look great. Cheers, Nick.

Great video! Don't want to go off topic, but loved the red TR4 with hard top (and Swiss reg?) and was that a Bugatti boarding the ferry at Dover? Cheers, Nick.

Lovely result as always Ian. And on this one occasion I will keep quiet about the wings being folded… Nick.

Very nice job. Looks great in that scheme. I'm just working on one now and enjoying it - it's a good kit. Cheers, Nick.

I'm going to add my name to the list of those who have the kit, but haven't started it yet, so will follow along with interest. Like Colin, when I eventually get around to building it, it will be a FAA example. Good luck! Cheers, Nick.

Hi Chris. With the release of the Airfix Anson I have been looking at Fleet Air Arm schemes and love the all yellow EG317, which has brought me back to your long (long!) running FAA build thread. The Xtradecal sheet has this aircraft with the “bubble” nose. Your reference book cover profile clearly shows it with the more “solid” nose as per your build. The Airfix kit only provides the latter. I guess what I’m asking is: can I be sure that Hall, Taylor (and you!) are right and Xtradecal are wrong? (And I suppose I’m being a cheapskate as I could buy the book and see for myself…) I do have the Classic Airframes Annie in the stash somewhere, but would be very annoyed to raid the bubble nose from that only to produce the wrong result! Any info would be very much appreciated. Cheers, Nick.

Nick has info on all the foibles of the Kinnetic Harriers - including the pylons! I'm slowly building my way through an FRS1 and an FA2 (Lord Riot, your build progress puts me to shame...) and a friend kindly forwarded me Nick's guide that should be entitled "everything that's not quite right about the Kinnetic Harriers". The problem is, once you've seen it, you can't "un-see" it and I've ended up trying to correct far more than I would ever have known was wrong...!!! Invaluable info though... (Another) Nick.

Still following with interest. Your painting is superb and the decals look spot on. It certainly looks like a very convincing Vampire trainer to me! Nick.

Three great things about this post... First and most obvious is your beautiful Sea Gladiator. A masterpiece. Second it was great to see your club stand at the recent show at the NEC - I had a very enjoyable chat with Bill talking Sea Harriers and admiring his fine work. And third I do love a Triumph - whether GT6, TR3, TR4 or any other number of their beautiful (if not always totally reliable) cars. So thanks for sharing... Cheers, Nick.

I'm so glad to read your thoughts on the CA Sea Venom - I entirely agree! I loved building mine and it is MY favourite aircraft too! Quirky, uniquely British and, it seems, inaccurate but I honestly don't care. I don't disagree with anyone who says that kits should be accurate (and go together flawlessly) but ultimately, for me, this hobby is about switching off from work and creating something - even if that something is somewhere short of perfection (a long way short in my case...!) Now, I must go and dig out that CA T11... Cheers, Nick.

One of the nicest, best fitting and enjoyable kits I've ever built. I hope you enjoy putting it together as much as I did and thank you for sharing. Nick.

Oh wow! A Sea Fury. The most handsome piston engined aircraft ever made, IMHO. Which means your recreation will be the most handsome model of a piston engined aircraft ever made if your previous masterpieces are anything to go by. I will be following with much interest. Nick.

Surely that should be "in patient" of Mars - or are they letting you out for the odd day now?