Paul Bradley

Just got mine yesterday and I found the same thing - weird! A good excuse to cut the parts off the sprues immediately! Other than that, it looks just fine; no flaws, mis-moulds, sink marks or anything. I guess I got a rogue.... I took all the main parts off the sprues, did some trial fits. Typical limited run kit, nothing looks to be too problematic; I'll do a good parts clean-up shortly and we'll see what things look like then. I should point out that I have built quite a few Classic Airframes/MPM kits in the past, so it doesn't hold too many terrors for me, but those who haven't built any of thes in the past might be in for a shock! Very impressed with the Xtradecals sheet that I got with it, though the kit's decals look to be very nice also. Can't decide which scheme to put it in - too many choices!

Sorry Nick, Revell don't do a 1/48 Hunter, though we all wish they would!

As I said, there are problems with accuracy - as Tony mentions and as have been covered in other threads and I am not ignoring them - but as a kit, its not too bad. I didn't have problems with the intake trunking either - because people who'd built it earlier did and reported them widely, so I was able to adjust my build. (The solution is to ignore the instructions and attach the wings to the fuselage halves first, then enclose the intake trunking.) However, for a more pleasant modelling experience, I'd always go for the Revell 1/32 kit.

I'd say that if you can afford the 1/32 kit to get that. Construction is simple for such a large kit with no real problem areas. The Academy kits are not bad as kits, but fall far short on accuracy. The big issue with them construction-wise is the intake trunking which is a bit of a bear to fit properly and really requires deviation from the instructions.

Cool pix - especially that 262!

Agree with Jim on this - judging from the test shot build in the June SAMI, the Revell Gannet looks to be a lot better detailed and for 2/3rds the price. The lack of cockpit and bomb bay detail in the Trumpeter kit is disappointing for the price, and considering what can be seen when the model is finished. Revell's is much, much better in that regard. Squadron had one on sale for , I think, $12 in April - but I saved my pennies in the expectation that the Revell kit woul dbe better, and I think it is.

LuckyModel will probably have it for much less. The US importers always have a huge mark-up.....I bought the 1/48 Wellington from LuckyModel for $60 (inc. shipping) - it was over $100 from the US importer just for the kit....

Mmmm, useful info there Mr. G! (Still waiting to hear on my project; I'll be in touch. )

The FGA.76 was an export designation of the FGA.9 - both were basically upgraded former F.6s. Just build the FGA.9 from the box and you're there. The Swiss upgraded their F.58s over the years, adding new kit. The FGA.76 and late F.58 would not be the same.

Yikes, and I bet the average Chinese labourer gets just a couple of bucks an hour on that...... Hope it doesn't look like it flew through a hailstorm.... Still, if I never bought another model kit in my life, I'd still not finish all the 1/72 Lightnings I have in my stash already!

Though there will be a 1/72 series to follow the 48s.

If Airfix don't leave the current wings as is, the wing tanks could be indicated with some judicious scribing. The starter cartridge housings would need to be longer for the B.6 than the B.2 - but weren't they already lengthened for the B.20 anyway? The contours for the engines remained unchanged, so no difference there. Some small differences in internal equipment, probably not noticable down in the coal hole. Decals can already be sourced - check Hannants. Other than that, I can't think of any obvious differences. Just heard from Martyn Weaver at Airfix this morning and he expects both the B2/20 and PR.9 to be released in September, along with, hopefully, the TSR.2.

What splendid timing, as I'm about to start one of these! Cheers John!

Cheers guys, I appreciate the comments and help! This one will be next on my workbench!

So with Italeri now re-issuing the old ESCI Harrier GR.3, does anyone have any opinions as to the accuracy and buildability of this kit?

One fo the only stipulations I had when we moved house was that it needed a 4th bedroom as my hobby den, hence I have a 10X10 former office: And the hall closet outside the den door for most of my stash: Yeah, I know, I'm VERY lucky!

Not a complete answer by any means, but here's the official Flight Refuelling webpage for the CBLS: http://www.flight-refuelling.com/products/ame/pbc.htm

NMF gets my vote.

Apparently, the RN is in talks with the French Navy about sharing carriers......an opportunity for Airfix and Heller to share moulds again, just like the old days?

Yep, forgot them - be nice to see them with landing craft and a couple of Wessex. Yeah, and the brown jobs stole it from the Indians!

I'm with Edgar - they're all classics!

According to Fighting Colours/MJF Bowyer, that is correct - all prooduction Javelins in "Green/Grey/Silver."

Cheers Les, I'd already noticed that, but what about the other aerials included in the kit?

Bloody good thing the Merlin didn't go over the side. Tractors are replaceable; Merlins don't grow on trees!

I'd thoroughly recommend the Eduard cockpit set.