Jim Kiker

Hi Floyd, My own effort for a PR XI was to use the Airfix PR XIX kit for the basis of a conversion. This gives you all the needed PR stuff right off. I cut the nose off the Airfix kit and added a Merlin nose from an Aeroclub Mk XVI. The deep Mk XIX radiators were replaced with more shallow units. Take note that the Airfix clear parts and indeed, vacform replacements, are a tad off being correct, let alone measuring the same. It's now some of my best work. Need more? Shoot me a note at jckikerATcarolinDOTrrDOT com for more intel. Cheers, Jim

Hi 112Sqn, Thanks for the input, I appreciate that. The fundekals guys are friends. I have their stuff on these Corsairs, but there is nothing in their photos regarding the PR modifications. "Eyes of the Phoenix" if a fine book, but again, no direct photo evidence to be had. Thanks for the response, Jim

Hi all, I am looking for more information on the FAA/BPF photo recon Corsairs, especially Major Ronnie Hay's modified F4u-1A. A few of these conversions were delivered in both 1944 and 1945, going from F4u-1A's to F4u-1'D's and there seems to be as few pictures as there were these PR's. There is a description and drawings from an old Quarter Scale Modeller but I'd really like to find files showing Major Hay's machine from the left side. So; if I am wrong about the last known information that has been found, great; if not, does anyone have pics of the F4u-1A JT427 or other British Corsair PR's from the latter part of 1944 I would love to put them to work on my Tamiya 1/48 scale F4u-1A kit! Thanks in advance, Jim

Hi all, I am almost ready to use the yellow tape Eduard masks for the canopy of my Tamiya 1/48 FB Mk VI Mosquito kit. The thing is, I am finding it difficult to find the edges of the individual masks even with magnification. I'm thinking I might need go for another brand. What is the secret to finding the right spot to see the pieces/edges? TIA, Jim

Looking forward to it!

Hi Graham, Thanks for the input; I thought it was a common, if not mandatory, practice as well. On the other hand, finding any indications of it has been difficult at best! Regards, Jim

Hi all, I am working away on my Tamiya NF XII and have another unanswered question. Were the ends of the cannon barrels in the belly protected from the elements outside? I am talking about the exposed openings for these guns such as painted patches, tape on the ends of the barrels, corks, etc. I have come up with "zip" so far for the NF Mk XII from 85 Sqn only. Thanks in advance for any light you can shed. Cheers, Jim

Thank you all for the input, it is much appreciated. I do think the truth is out there somewhere. The game is still afoot! Regards, Jim

Hi all, I am working on a Mosquito NF XII conversion from the Tamiya Mk VI kit in 1/48 scale. This is one of the first batch of NF XII's delivered. The thimble nose has a small round artifact in the middle of the nose, but what is it? A painted disk, a metal plate, a clear Perspex port? See the image below. Thanks, Jim

Doh! Of all the things to mistake, this takes the cake! Thanks for getting me on the right track. So, same thoughts about build-ability, etc. TIA, Jim

Thanks for replying, Zac; until that time... Cheers, Jim

Hi all, With the upcoming release of the Percival Mew Gull racer by Dora Wings, I have a couple of questions. First, bearing in mind that this kit is being 3d printed, how do Dora's plastic kits stack up in terms of building? And second, what would one need to glue together a 3d kit? Surely not styrene liquid glue? Maybe CA or epoxy? Thanks, Jim

Hi all, I am looking for a set of 1/48 scale RAF WW2 dull red code letters, 36" tall, for one of my projects but I am having a hard time finding them as they seem very uncommon. I have exhausted myself on the 'net for commercially made sheets, and spoken to the Fantasy Printshop folks but they are not accepting custom work at this time. I have even checked into using different scale letters. 1/32 scale 24" letters have the same height as 1/48 scale 36" letters (19mm), but I did not find any dull red lettering sheets there. Am I beating a dead horse? Let me know if there is a sheet of decals out there that I have missed. Or, any other ideas? Masks, perhaps? If so, I would need help because I do not have the expertise. And since I mentioned it, if it's possible to scale up some letters could they be made with a height of 39" ? The photos of my project do show these letters to be slightly larger than the standard 36" roundels. Any light you can shed on this would be very helpful. Thanks and cheers, Jim

Hi all, This was just what I was looking/hoping for; many thanks for sharing! Cheers, Jim

Hi all, Thanks for the variety of approaches! Here is an extra issue in my mind. Looking at wing tip lights on most airplanes of the period, there is a clear cover over the light and only the bulb is colored. By extension, I would think the same would apply to the id lights; however, thinking often gets me into trouble. So, does someone at on the net have pictures of the Mosquito's belly lights? Much obliged, Jim