Tiger331

All understood....I travelled with 72 Sqn in the mid 1980s and extensively with 28 Sqn several years later (including several memorable trips to commemorate their 75th Anniversary when the white stripes were replaced by the Yellow and Blue from their Squadron colours), during which time the cabs all sported the Dark Green/Grey and Black camouflage scheme. What I'm after us confirmation of the later two-tone green scheme.

They also produced a A-26 Invader kit - using the Monogram kit as a basis for the plastic parts and with a ton of resin. now largely superseded by the ICM kits.

I tend to take the decal placement instructions that accompany Xtradecal sheets with a huge pinch of salt these days as they often include some inaccuracies. They produce very nice decals, for sure, but it is often a challenge to accept the detail in the instructions. I do not recall 72 Squadron ever being based at Odiham, for example (maybe before the 'troubles' in NI ?) although they may have flown the aircraft there when they were withdrawn from service at Aldergrove. The contrast between the Black and the two greens (which appear to be correctly quoted) appears too great when compared with the majority (but not all) photos, hence my question. Maybe some aircraft did have Black lower surfaces ?.

It's still 'on topic' since we are discussing the Kittyhawk F-86D Sabre Dog but the Kittyhawk kits (especially the 1:32/35 scale range) are starting to re-appear in Europe. I got notification from my 'go to' Czech shop over the weekend and managed to buy the Mirage 2000C before they sold out. The two boxings of the F-86 were still available. All being well the 1:48 scale range will also begin to re-appear.

Kittyhawk kits. in general, are a bit of a curates egg although some are worse than others. In overall terms, they are all IMHO over engineered since they appear keen to provide some of the internals (engine, avionics bays etc) and are designed to have the access doors left open. Their 1:48 Scale SEPECAT Jaguar and Dassault Mirage F.1 are classic examples of this. It has proved quite difficult to get various panels to fit if you want everything 'buttoned up'. They also favour a modular approach to their kit design with fuselages, for example, often broken down into two or three (in the case of their Su-22M3/4) parts and loads of sub-assemblies. The detail on some kits can be very nice but the fit can leave a lot to be desired. I briefly owned one of the F-86Ds (before I decided to concentrate mainly on 1:48 scale aircraft) and from what I can recall it looked to be quite nice. I cannot vouch for its overall accuracy since I am not an expert on this type. The other issue with Kittyhawk kits is their instructions, which can be very confusing (you would need to start by detaching the colour scheme/decal placement instructions from the rest). They are not as bad as Kinetic but not too good either. I don't like the look of their decals; most individuals I have spoken to appear to opt for aftermarket offerings when available. Since it is quite an expensive outlay, I would recommend casting around to see if there are any reviews available (even on Youtube) or downsizing and opting for the Revell-Monogram 1:48 scale kit. This kit goes together like a dream with the minimum of filler and has fine panel lines and detail. One of Revell's more recent releases (well 20 years ago !) but still the 'benchmark' kit of the F-86D Sabre Dog IMHO. HTH

Hi Folks, I after some information on the last camouflage scheme applied to the Westland Wessex HC.2 of 72 Squadron before they were finally retired. Some photos appear to show the two-tone Green scheme with Black lower surfaces while others show aircraft with another shade of darker green on the lower surfaces ?. Can anyone confirm the specific colours, and if there was a mix of Black or Dark Green lower surfaces on individual airframes ?. My second question relates to the approximate date (year) that this scheme replaced the old Dark Green/Dark Grey/Black scheme....I think it was the early 1990s but I'm not sure. Thanks for your help

Pleased with this news and I dare say we will probably see the release of the 1:48 scale version this year as well, even though it did not feature in Tuesday's initial release schedule from Airfix for 2024. Let's just see !

Thanks for all the responses and feedback. I was inclined towards the new (imminent) Takom kit and may well get this anyway, though mindful of the very helpful and informative comments from my Estonian colleague (suur Aitah !) with regard to Tiger 1s during the Battle of the Blue Hills (Narva) in February 1944. May have to revisit my original plan.

Totally agree (and this is my main area of interest too)..............I don't think we will be left 'high and dry' by Airfix in 2024

I'll take at least one of these, given that two options are for machines that operated from one of the Stations I previously served at...Upavon. WRT the seemingly 'underwhelming' Airfix 2024 Product Release announcement, I suspect this is just a clever ploy from Airfix and that we WILL see other brand-new 1:48 scale kit announcements throughout the year. I spoke with those 'in the know' following the surprise release of the Westland Sea King and ME410 in 2023 and subsequent market reaction to this 'old school' approach to the release of new kits (remember the 1970s folks...?..this is so much more exciting than getting a full list at the beginning of the year with only half the list actually appearing)

Hello Folks, I'm sure this may have been asked before but I am looking for advice on what is considered to be the best 1:35 scale kit of the mid-production Tiger 1 ?. To provide a bit more context, I have been asked to consider a build project to portray a tank from the Battle of Narva (Estonia) in February 1944 (it may even become that commanded by Otto Carius). For ease and speed of construction, I am not looking for an overly complicated kit with full interior etc but would like something that is deemed very accurate and can be put together relatively quickly. If I can avoid having to apply Zimmeritt by hand (if, indeed, it is appropriate ?) this would be good too. I've got the Star decal issue that relates to the tanks involved in this action so kit decals are not an issue. Any advice from tank experts gratefully received Many Thanks Mark

Based on the success of this first kit, I very much suspect the Airfix 2024 release list will feature either an RAF Sea King HAR.3 (possibly with a Pakistan Navy option) or a FAA Westland Sea King HC.4 Commando, or both !

Excellent, excellent......Lived close to the Lion Rock Tunnel for three years between 1988-91 and can recall many street scenes like this.............apart from the lack of people, taxis, cars and mini-trucks....It was never like this, not even at 3.00 in the morning !. Great diorama with superb execution....especially the washing and rather precariously mounted Air Conditioners......always a concern when walking along the street.

Almost certainly a MiG-21SMT, which was a relatively rare sub-variant. Apparently the large 'hump back' played havoc with the handling characteristics of the jet. IIRC it was only ever operated by the Soviet Union. Many of the MiG-21 SMT variant made their way into museums or as Gate Guards.....there were at least two in the Riga aviation museum before it was moved and I believe at least one found its way to a private buyer in Finland. I was not familiar with Smuravevo but having heard an Estonian Radio station playing in the background I assumed it was close to our border (which it is - 70km from where I live as the crow flies).....pity I cannot visit it right now. Some rudimentary research indicates that MiG-23BNs and later MiG-27s operated from the base.

Hi Col, This GB was recently brought to my attention by a fellow member of the Asian Air Arms SIG that I currently run. Obviously, you can count me in to take part in this GB but I would also like to offer an additional incentive to at least some the others taking part in the GB, if you agree. To explain, the AAA SIG focuses on Post-War (1945-onwards) Asian Air Arms and includes all of the countries covered by your GB. It does NOT include Air Arms of other countries that may have been involved in Asian conflicts (for example, the US involvement in Vietnam, Commonwealth in Korea or Malaya etc etc). Every year (at SMW/Telford) we run a competition which currently has 5 classes, including three judged from the models that are displayed on our own stand over the weekend of Scale Modelworld (1:48 and larger, 1:72 and 1:144 and smaller). This year the prizes included appropriate Asian-themed kits, decal sheets, accessories and reference books. I would now like to offer a fourth prize for those on BM who are going to complete a model in this GB that fits in with our normal criteria, mindful that the GB finishes two weeks after SMW'24. In the meantime, if anyone wants to join the SIG in order to help with their research etc, I would be very happy to help them out. We currently have almost 500 members spread across 50 countries so there is plenty of scope. They can send me a PM in the normal manner. Mark

Hi Folks, I need some help with Post-War Indian Spitfires, since the vast majority of my own references are in long-term storage and I am getting thoroughly confused with internet sources. First and foremost, I want to do the well-known HS877, with the Saffron/White/Green roundels that features in the Airfix 1:48 scale kit of the Mk.XVIII but I have now seen references to it being a FR.XVIII with two (or four) camera ports, depending on what source you believe. Furthermore, I have also seen references to it being a Mk.XIVe with the clipped wings !. Which is the correct designation. I also want to do a Mk.XIVe in Natural Metal with the 'Chakra' style roundels. Is this possible ? (Addendum: I found a reference to a FR.XIVe (NH848) with Chakras with two camera windows in the Academy 1:48 'special edition' kit - How accurate is this configuration ?) Many Thanks Mark

A potential flame war over model display signage.......really ??!! Some need to take a chill pill !. Having originally contributed my initial tuppence worth (above), I had more time to digest the entire 'outrage' that followed the OP's tongue-in-cheek comment. I really do not see what the problem is with the provision of signage. All it takes is a little planning, coordination and attention to detail, all attributes that the vast majority of modellers appear to possess, taking into account the sheer quality of models on display on the various Club and SIG Stands at SMW'23/Telford over the last weekend. As the SIG leader my life is further complicated with working/living overseas but roughly six months out we start to map out the display for SMW and identify all of those that have agreed to display. I provide regular updates to the team and we develop a masterlist of display labels that are checked for accuracy. We normally aim to close the list a few days before SMW so I can print off the labels and mount them (I was doing this at 10.00pm on Friday Night in my hotel room this year !). Last year we had it 100% correct. This year we had two models turn up unannounced but in the contributor's mitigation, he was unaware of the system and we displayed them anyway. With a worldwide SIG membership of circa 500 spread across 48 countries it can often be difficult to keep track but we manage. As I say, all it takes is a bit of planning, coordination and attention to detail, much like that which we apply to our models for the actual display. The labels then travel with our Show Organiser for the rest of the year, who can then tailor requirements based on the models on display - we also regularly update 'in year' between SMW. Difficult ?, No.

You mean like this ?. We adopted this system last year, from one that I had previously worked with on another SIG. As SIG Leader I have been responsible for coordinating this each year. It is a pain to make sure we have the signage 100% complete and correct but we believe it is necessary given the esoteric nature of some of our Air Arms/subjects.

Totally agree.............and there is an easier way to operate it, which would I believe help everyone out.................but it requires discipline and pre-planning on the part of sellers in particular. I was previously involved in a similar type of sale which used a fairly simple computer application. In order to partake in the sale, sellers had to pre-register and obtain a Seller number. They were then provided with a template to complete (rather like the labels we previously had to produce) for each item which, when printed, generated an individual bar code and had to be attached to the item. No bar code...no entry of the item into the sale. Everyone had to complete their items list 2-3 days prior to the sale opening. Everything was checked into the Sales Rooms rapidly using a bar code scanner the evening before. Check out was much like the supermarket....using the bar code reader. Again, no bar code (because it had detached itself from the item) no sale. The sale was over the entire weekend and sellers could monitor (on line) sales progression. At the end of the first day, unsold items were automatically discounted 25% or 50% on the system (depending on what the seller had opted for during registration) unless the buyer wanted to maintain full pricing. At the end of the second day, final reconciliation was a doddle and no-one (to my knowledge) was out of pocket. The computer application was not that expensive to purchase but there was obviously an outlay for the computer, bar code readers etc. Great system BUT did not allow for late-comers or those that were incapable of planning ahead. From my own experience of helping out Alfie and the Kit Swap team in the past it sure would reduce stress levels though !.

Totally agree with my co-respondents. The Platz kit in 1:72 is very nice and may be easier (and cheaper) to source in the Italeri box. The Great Wall Hobby kit is the one to go for in 1:48 scale. The same kit has appeared in several different boxes but is essentially the same kit. You may need to do some minor modifications for a particular jet/operator....I had to add two small fairings for a RCAF one. Otherwise, a great kit with excellent fit that goes together well.

Thanks John, I'll track you down next weekend for a chat. As I have already stated I am in no position to manage such an 'operation' at the present time but I do have one proposal (from my observations at an overseas sales event) that could make life much easier for IPMS(UK), the EC and any new team (which I would happily volunteer to help).

As most will know, Pre-COVID (and after the restrictions on 'under table' sales due to H&S considerations) there were two sources of second-hand kits at SMW/Telford. The very popular IPMS(UK) sponsored 'Kit Swap' (AKA The Great Plastic Recycling Event) and the second-hand dealers. IIRC, it was deemed to be too risky to host a 'Kit Swap' at the first Post-COVID Scale Model World event, given the still-in-force social distancing regulations in late 2021. Around the same time the incumbent Kit Swap Manager decided to retire and take a very well-earned rest from the stresses and strains of running the event (and as someone who helped out for a couple of years prior to COVID, I can vouch for the stress that the Team Leader and the Team encountered over the weekend with running the Kit Swap). As I understand it, there have been some discussions about reviving the facility but these have come to naught so far. I had even considered taking on responsibility for it, should the EC agree, but I am simply not in a position to do so right now since I live/work overseas and cannot provide a 100% guarantee that I would be able to attend SMW each year. It's a great facility, hugely popular and makes a tidy sum for IPMS(UK) to help defray the overall costs of SMW itself so I would imagine it will make a re-appearance at some stage in the future - just not this year. I would gladly support it in a practical way at some point in the future.

I'm not sure if you are a member of a club or SIG that is attending but if you are looking for a particular kit and have a good price in mind, it may be worth your while asking someone to look out for the kit on the Saturday and buy it on your behalf. I have done this before (both asking others to keep a look out for a kit when I could not attend or buying on behalf of someone else).....just a thought. Apart from the obvious second-hand dealers, Antics and Wonderland seem to be the dominant discount specialists at the show, with some of their special offers going quickly on the Saturday. You should be safe with tools and paints since almost everyone has adequate stocks to cater for clients on both days.

Anyway......looking forward to making the annual pilgrimage from N.E. Europe again this year. The Asian Air Arms SIG will, once again, be in attendance and we are all looking forward to supporting IPMS(UK) in their big Anniversary Year during SMW'23. If you are interested in Post-War (WWII) Asian Air Arms then please stop by (Hall 3 next to the Harrier SIG) and have a chat or just take a look at the models on display. The team has been working hard on some new exhibits to grace our tables this year. See you there and, who knows, we may even be able to tempt you to take advantage of our free membership (and all the benefits thereof) !.

Depends what you are looking for, as always. In the pre-COVID days of the Kit Swap it is true to say that most of the hoovering had been completed by Saturday evening (if you were looking for second-hand/bargain items) but this is now irrelevant with the (hopefully temporary) demise of the Kit Swap. It's also true to say that quite a few of the bargain kits on the likes of the Wonderland Models Stand and/or some of the more exotic new releases also sell out on the Saturday but in my own experience I seemed to have acquired just as many kits on the Sunday as I do on the Saturday. The advantage on the Sunday is that there are less people around and with diminished stock levels its easier to actually spot stuff. In other words, still a lot to see/buy on the Sunday !