Maginot

Having recently finished my first GB, I was looking forward to casting a vote in the poll after the gallery was locked, to acknowledge other modellers' outstanding, or otherwise worthy or interesting work in the category. But it seems that we are not having a poll in the GB in question. Reading several threads, it seems that polls may be falling out of favour across the genre. Do you like polls? Do you vote in polls? Do you dislike polls? Why? Have polls become too complex and difficult to set up? What do you think?

A masterpiece. All the internals look like a lot of fun.

Well done making the cut.

Two questions for the brains trust: Reflector gunsights; would these have been in use on early 1939 Sea Gladiators? My cursory reading suggests they would have. Radios; would these have been installed in 1939 Sea Gladiators? RT or VHF or both?

Come on. Nearly there.

Come on. Nearly there. You've certainly gone bonkers for Rollers.

Ooh! I just took delivery of the getting-hard-to-find Dragon Sd.Kfz. 234/1 (2cm) in 1/35. They're quite the vehicle in either scale, aren't they? An op? Surely grounds for a late submission to the gallery. Good luck with both.

Come on. Nearly there.

Oh dear! I have one in the cupboard for another day. Maybe that day won't ever come.

Joining fuselage halves is a significant waypoint for me. I tend to find cockpits tedious and just want to get to the big bits. I'm also stuck in the mindset; "Why bother. You won't see it anyway." But I had a go at adding a few hydraulic lines and a wiring loom thereby having a bit of unexpected fun with this one. Then I had a setback. I brush painted Vallejo acrylic clear varnish over the cockpit colours prior to doing a bit of wear and tearing. On applying the oils-based wash, the varnish crazed and peeled. Most unsightly! Because I'm in a GB and committed to a result, there was no time for tossing toys out of the cot. It was just a matter of being patient with myself and accepting the one-step-forward-two-steps-backwards type of progress that seems to be this kind of modeller's way. So she's all cleaned up and I'm satisfied with progress. I will experiment with the Vallejo product to see if I can find a wash that it will take, though. One of my Christmas investments indulgences was a stack of Tamiya Weathering Master sets. They're like little makeup boxes and are very nice to use dry-brushing media. Not sure about that. I don't really know what I'm doing. Knocked it off about 3 weeks ago.

Well resurrected.

Noice! It's big,init?

Lovely!

Schmick!

Blimey! Didn't realise that. Maybe I don't know where to look for the details... I'll have to have a browse. Bit discombobulated in these weeks.

Scuse me if I'm a bit slow, @Enzo the Magnificent. I'm not familiar with the usual KUTA dates. I know one is running in these weeks. Is this the only KUTA for the year? If not, could multiple KUTAs in a year be considered? I'm sure my fellow modellers have more than a few partially completed models put aside. I have five that need attention. A regular group-build slot would certainly help me finish them off between participation in other GBs that require a complete build (or thereabouts). Does that mean I'm a classic? Who loves ya, baby?

Superb work!

Stately progress on the cockpit. Almost ready for some dirt, wear, instrument panel and belts. But the question is: 'Is it a valid excuse not to model while on holidays?' And the answer is: 'No way, Jose!' Got this place to myself for a stinking hot Saturday, tomorrow. More modelling in the nude 😎

Wow! So quick. Gorgeous model. A favourite airframe, the F8U, or more specifically the RF8; gotta love a low, fast camera platform. Should you or your visitors be interested, I found this a compelling history of RF8 operations over Cuba during the missile crisis. It may still be available in hardback from the VFP-62 (Light Photographic Squadron 62) website, from whence I obtained my copy some years ago (2019?).

Goodness! That was quick. I almost missed the boat. Fine modelling. HMAS Castlemaine is moored just down the river from my place.

The box art is exquisite.

The result is nothing short of a triumph.

Fine modelling.

Meaningful modelling. Outstanding!

That looks very good to my eye. I'm only a beginner with weathering and a bit clumsy. I experimented with mud paste comprising MDF glue (similar to PVA) + balsa sawdust + pigment. Turned out OK imho. Same. The adage practice makes perfect helps me push through. And @Bertie McBoatface's call for brave modelling. Behavioural note: I find myself staring at weathering on grotty lorries and buses while waiting for traffic lights to change... until someone gives me a toot.