avro683

I had a kit done by them of a BP oil tanker back in the early 70's. My Dad worked for the company (BP) at the time. It was fairly good as I remember although not quite up to the standards of today. Tony

Great pics! I was there too and my camera went u/s just as XH558 began her display. Typical eh? Never mind, at least I got to see her. well worth the wait. She's supposed to be appearing again at duxford in October, so fingers crossed. Tony

Hi Ant, just looked at the Loyal Hanna web site. These aftermarket guys really have us by the short'n'curlies don't they?! Tony

Many thanks for sharing the pictures. They will prove invaluable when I get round to doing mine. You have done a superb job. Tony

I use predominently lifecolor paints, acrylics like Mister Color from Italy. The Aviation Hobby shop stocks them, and I think they have to be bought in multiples of six as that is how they are supplied by the manufacturer. Also, perhaps suprisingly, the new Revell Aqua Color range is VERY good and can be bought from Barretts in St Neots which I believe is your LHS. HTH Tony

No, I think I shall just build it OOB and place it on the stand. There is always the bath, though; I wonder if Archemedes' principle would send water over the side? I doubt it but one never knows.... Tony

Thanks, Edgar. I remberseeing the book in the 70's when it first appeared but couldn't afford it. I wonder if it will ever be re-printed? Tony

Many thanks everbody for your advice and pointers. I found the Great Little ships site most eye opening, especially when I added up the prices! Tony

PM sent with thanks Tony

Fair comment Mattie. I'm just biased because the 1960's BOAC Speedbird and BEA red square are my favourite airliner schemes. Enjoy he kit. Tony

I have recently taken the plunge and purchased this kit, having seen it first in BMW Models, Wimbledon in the early 1980's as Matchbox's flagship kit. It's a big bugger! There are two options included on Revells 49 page instruction booklet but the kit includes a nameplate for a third one, namely Bluebell. Does anyone know of any references/pictures avsilable for this option? many thanks in advance. Tony

Personally I think that Humbrol 90 is too pale. humbrol 78 is a more accurate representation and is in fact sold as "cockpit green" but these things are of course subject to personal preference. Tony

Hi Mattie nice scheme but just a thought. What about a BOAC one? Or it could be BAOC as seen on the tower building in Trapped in The Sky. Tony

Phil, do you think any Hood parts may have been used in this construction? Tony

hi Phil, HMS What? seriously, all your ship models are inspirational and if you have pics of a scratch built Ajax I for one would love to see it. Tony

Love the Fireflash. I had the chance to buy an injection one complete with elevator cars last year; it wasn't cheap but I really regret not taking the opportunity. Tony

Thaks for that. Tony

Obviously I agree with you re the Sea Harrier but both the Jaguar and the Harrier are featured in Bill Gunston's "Fighter" book, and I wouldn't like to argue the toss with him! Tony

I've only just seen this Ted. It looks really good; I've recently hoiked out my Tamiya one that's been buried under my stash since nineteen hundred and frozen to death! One thing, are the railings as overscale as they look? I'm not casting aspertions against your work, far from it, it's just that they look rather heavy. Tony

Has anyone been watching the re-uns of this classic on Sci-Fi recently? "Edge of Impact" is on just now; I'm sure the "Red Arrow" is based on the Saab Draken. An interesting version of the Hasegawa kit, perhaps? Tony

How about the Brisfit or SE5 from WW1? for the forties you could probably get away with a Mosquito. Also there is the Gloster Gladiator from the thirties. I think I would swap the Jaguar for the Phantom as at least we had some input in its design. Hawker Harrier GR1 for the sixties and move the Hunter to the fifties. The list goes on........! Tony Don't Aeroclub do a Siskin? Tony

Wonderful work Ted. What grey did you use for the superstructure? Tony

It's the underscale Hasegawa Mk IX in a Revell box. Tony

That's truly wonderful Graham. I saw the real thing at the North East Aircraft Museum a month ago. Sadly she's obviously seen better days but in common with a number of private museums their income is limited, as is the space they have but a member reassured me that plans are in the works to improve things. Love the striping on the undersurfaces, how did you measure it out? Tony