Mountain goat

Excuse my ignorance, but I’m getting the feeling some people are a bit pessimistic the IIIE-5 versions will ever hit the market. But: - has Special Hobby actually announced a development pause for the Mirage IIIE? Or is this just speculation just based on Mr Riedel not mentioning the project during the above-mentioned livestream? The Mirage F.1 took ages to emerge from its pipeline, and it took even longer before everyone’s favourite variant was on the market. So I’m thinking nothing definite points to a pause at all. There do seem to be quite a few impulsive choices in Special Hobby’s development and announcement strategy which cause delay upon delay. I imagine the design process goes a bit like this: the Mirage portofolio is probably part of the job of just one designer in the team, who keeps getting urgent projects shoved in their way (“I have an idea! The Bugatti racer! Can you have that done by Friday?” “What - this Friday?”:)), so that Mirage keeps getting pushed further into the future - and when the designer gets back to the Mirage, they’ll probably have to get their head back into the project again and remember what and how and where everything went. More delay. (Then from the adjoining room: “Oh no Look at what KP is planning!”) The IIIE, R and most 5 versions are highly similar but for the nose. It is a rather safe investment to have all the ‘longer’ versions, as part of a set of common sprues like the F1, ready to hit the market in whatever boxing the company chooses. Will it take too long to come to fruition? Oh yes, and it’s taken too long already. 🤷‍♂️ Jay

My money's on 1/72 Revell.- 1/72 because in that scale the Orion isn't *that* big (compared to say the C-160). Also eems to me like too many parallel panels in the rendering are too close to each other on the tail surfaces for it to be 1/144. - Revell because the P-3 has a popular history (including TV and air shows), ergo market, in NW Europe. It so happens those very schemes require minimalist decal sheets (Norwegian, late Dutch, German), plus multiple reboxng opportunities with special schemes. Jay

I’ll be buying quite a few of them as soon as there will be 527th Aggressor Squadron decal sheets to be had - especially if they include the crazy 1980s dashed serial numbers and USAF titles. Photo info here. Jay

Any word on whether the Azur Frrom kits will be re-released? Thanks. Jay

Over on the Platz MV-22 thread: Didn't quite notice it before, but the sign next to the F-16 model also mentions "Waltersons"; a Hong Kong company that sells the "Forces of Valor" range. As for kits, here's their Spitfire. Jay

Interesting, curious to learn more. edit: Wow from Platz: that's an unusual announcement for a manufacturer usually focussed on Japanese subjects... The fin ECM/ para housing points to future European variants. Could it be a joint project with a European manufacturer? Much as I like some Platz kits, their F-15 was a letdown, particularly the (IMO) poorly moulded canopy and heavy panel lines. Hoping for improvements here. The separate engine on a trolley is a nice idea. They did that with the T-33 as well. Jay

Oh well. Let's hope out patience will be rewarded. In the meantime we'll get a IIICZ which is nice. Jay

Wait, is this boxing confirmed to be the IIIE? Both the FAA and SAAF flew the IIIC as well. Having waited for other subjects in the past, something tells me Special Hobby will bring out IIIC subvariants in different markings first, before moving on to the longer fuselage variants. I suspect maybe he misspoke and it's the IIIC after all. No complaints though! "Ne pas mErcher" Oops Jay

I agree - quite odd looking! Thank you for the possible explanation. Stange thing is, I have the feeling I've seen an image of this pod under another aircraft once upon a time, but for the life of me I can't recall the type. Also: the shape of rear of the pod quite resembles a Phantom wing drop tank. Jay

Thank you, yes upon closer inspection I recognise the seeker heads. The Coronets, Crested Caps and Salty Bees website also describes the deployment as a Weapons trial. Is there anyone out there with more images of this pod maybe? I do wonder what the extreme front portion of the pod is about Jay

Two F-4Cs of Eglin's 3246th Test Wing were deployed to RAF Brawdy in the spring of 1983. I need help identifying the pods they were carrying please. Photo credit: Robbie Shaw, taken from his book "F-4 Phantom: Guardian of the Free World" Further info is of course very welcome! Thanks in advance, Jay

Indeed, forgot about that one.

I think he's referring to the first iteration, kit no 72045, which indeed had abovementioned issues. These have been solved in subsequent versions (IIIO, EA, CJ, B). Jay

MB-326/339 - Yes, great news! By Kovozavody Prostejov - Oh... Jay (Trying to repress the suspicion the parts breakdown and shape are closely similar to Supermodel/ Italeri's...)

Like others I absolutely will buy this kit as well, on principle as well as for its significance (like the famous Snake Island stamps are significant). Jay

I see they're available - I'll be ordering them as soon as I press 'Submit Reply'!! Jay

Great news! Parts breakdown looks similar to the T.17 boxing; same wing as far as I can see. Lovely! Jay

This news made my day. I've always liked this type a lot. Thanks Sword! I wonder if the wing slats will be seperate pieces - probably not, so I'll have a saw ready just in case. Jay

This is amazing. I wish there were adequate superlatives to convey my admiration; rest assured I am most inspired! I cannot remember seeing such thought out and convincing weathering on an airliner model. The subtle streaks from the cabin windows, the paint touch-ups in the blue, the oil stains, the worn landing gear, it's all so perfect! The choice of presenting it in an all-black surrounding is also very inspired. I will have a look at the WiP as I wonder how you did the cabin windows and cockpit. Jay

Thank you!

Very nice Flanker! I appreciate your sensitivity on the subject. I agree that one should separate the historical-political implications from the historical representation. Lovely plane; the ladder and chocks are a nice touch. Jay

Cool subject, amazing work, and very beautifully photographed. The crisp painting work and subtle washes really sells it. It looks like a perfect model in all respects. Jay

Crisp and clean, what a result! Welcome back to the hobby. Jay

Superb pair! I love them. The build and the paint work is sublime. The weathering exactly right. I cannot praise these enough. One page to bookmark! But I must ask: where oh where did you find those very un-Fujimi-like nose wheels?? Did you use the Hobby Boss ones? They look fantastic. Jay

If I open each individual link in a new tab (Chrome), I can see them, but subsequently when trying to post an image here, using 'insert image from URL', BM doesn't accept the url. Chrome gave me a safety warning before opening the link though, as it's http, not https. Jay