Sebastien

Hi folks, I'm looking for whatever documentation there is about Tupolev's monster interceptor. I already have these: I have the huge version of this plan: Is there anything else worthwile (I'm looking for details...)? Cheers, S.

Hi, To be really honest, I found the huge version of the plan on the interweb (I think it was at aerofred.com). I printed it 2 A1 sheets... I have put all my books in boxes before my move to a less insane part of France this summer, so I can't check the FAOW #166. From what I remember, it's not very interesting. And yes, the Fiddler was a monster interceptor. Because it actually went into operation, unlike the YF-12 and the XF-108. Thanks for your help, S.

Thanks Mike. The blurb goes approximatively (loosely translated from a French translation): In March/April, the Yauza publishing group should release a book about the Tu-128 The text presents the aircraft as a weapon system fitted with long range missiles unique in Soviet forces and without any equivalent. Even today, its contribution to the country defense system stays poorly documented. The missions it was designed for are very specific and were very important to the USSR. That is why it never was exported, flying its missions near the Northern borders of the USSR and in Southern Siberia. Using declassified documents, technical descriptions, methodical work and the memories of the Tu-128 veterans, in the air or on the ground, the book recreates the complete history of the creation of a great interceptor, its early service days, its combat use and its interaction with AEW planes operated by PVO during Cold War times. Hope my friend who translated the text from Russian will forgive me one day for this translation... Cheers, S.

And now it's May 15th at Hobby Easy. And yes, I know. S.

Well, it's 1/48 B-52 season... I'll try and finish this one (then I'll finish my Shackleton, and my Stratojet). The H version will wait, I'll start with my D. My inspiration is of course Tom Probert's build (which will be a masterpiece, as always). And a Japanese build of ID Model's BUFF: http://fg786.blog87.fc2.com/category178-63.html Check it, it redefines awesomeness. And while you're at it, check the 1/48 XB-70. And weep. So, back to my Stratofortress. My new friends are there: I'll start with building bulkheads. The fuselage halves aren't quite symmetrical, so I'll build halves that I'll glue later on. How? First, I copy the fuselage interior shape: Then I draw the contour on cardboard. That way, I'll be able to reuse the bits on my next B-52('s ?go figure). The cardboard bit is cut and adjusted to the fuselage quarter (yes, I know). The cardboard is copied on plastic card, which is cut and finely tuned with a heavy duty file. A bit bored with the blukheads, I assembled a fuselage half. I've seen cleaner assemblies... No doubt Milliput will help. I discovered something quite annoying for those who want to build their BUFF with the gear out. Gear doors are staggered, and end or start with a rectangle. The rectangle s the place where the gear leg will protrude from the fuselage. The rectangles have to be exactly symmetrical (lengthwise) for the gear legs to be aligned. Well, guess again... Feces happen, but fixing that will be entertaining. Instead of sulking, I decided to proceed with the cockpit floor. Two halves, a plastic strip to stregthen the assembly, all this glued to the first bulkhead: Fitted to the right front fuselage quarter: The B-52 flight manual will be invaluable (and for 10 bucks, it's a bargain). Here is a page of said manual with the front structure assembly: And the front structure assembly fitted to the fuselage: More fun to come, swear words to be said, plastic bits to be stomped again and again. I'm glad I bought a dozen 20"x24" 1mm plastic sheets. To be continued. I promise. Cheers, S.

Near Lyon.

Hi folks, I've found a new job 300 miles south of my place. I'm trying to sell the house , and I have packed everything even remotely related to modelling. As I hope to move this summer, I'm afraid there won't be any update before a month or six, sorry. And I think I'm going to redo quite a lot of things I'm not satisfied with (ie 92,7% of it). Thanks for your support, sorry to let you down... Cheers, S.

My Combat Models vac is looking at me with very reproachful lack of eyes.

Resin ASRAAMs would be very welcome indeed. Cheers, S.

Caesar flew a Tomcat?

March 15th at Hobby Easy... And yes, I know. S.

It seems you've been homebeed... Cheers, S.

Indeed they do : Feb 15th now...

As a modelling version of Frank Zappa would have said, Heller is not dead, it just smells funny. Cheers, S.

What Su-33?

Imminent-ish. Jan 15th now according to Hobby Easy... S.

Not the same 11:00... S.

Release date is now December 15th on Hobby Easy. Still autumn, but not much left...

With a James May pilot figure?

Hi folks, Amazon Prime has released the teaser for their adaptation of Garth Ennis' and Darrick Robertson's "The Boys". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Boys_(comics) Carl Urban as Billy Butcher should be amazing. Simon Pegg won't be Wee Huggie but still will be in the series. If they succeed in keeping the commic book spirit, it should... entertaining, but watcher's discretion is required. The teaser (might get removed from the post, though): I'm quite hopeful on that one. Cheers, S.

That's what neighbours are for...

One of yours ?

Sold with an Iron Maiden CD? Cheers, S.

No, they don't bother me, they make the tank look suitably busy. They're just funny, you know. Cheers, S.

Well...