Tiger331

I've now got the serial number ZE791....still looking for some decent photos though.... Tiger331

Thanks for the help so far but this isn't the jet in question. This is the aircraft that appeared in circa 1996. The aircraft I am looking for has a much larger, mid-green colored Maple Leaf with a large yellow '5' superimposed....I understand the scheme was short-lived but it was definitely photographed so its not a figment of my imagination.....!....the search goes on.

Hi there, I'm researching the 5 Squadron 85th Anniversary Tornado F.3 that appeared in 1998. I've got a couple of photos but they are too small or have the wrong angle to make out the serial. An on-line search has proved fruitless so far. The jet has a large, stylized Maple Leaf on the fin with a yellow figure '5' superimposed over the top. I would like to obtain the serial number/code for this jet if possible....plus any decent photos if they are out there... Many thanks Tiger331

Mark, Keep a look out for the Revell or Dragon Tornados.....They are really nice, especially the two-in-one boxings with some special markings. Some of THE best kits though are the new Eduard MiG-21 series (again, two kits in one box) and the Revell Hawker Hunter FGA.9 although this kit is getting harder to find and now fetching collector type prices on the likes of Evilbay.....Check out the Sweet models SH-3/Westland Sea King series too......I'm sure there are others out there....... Tiger331

Whilst not wishing to spoil the party, I'd personally opt for a Croatian or Czech version !. There are some very nice Balkans War era Croatian machines, loaded for bear and wearing some nice camouflage scheme variations during the mid 1990s, given their 'pedigree', having been acquired through several dubious sources....Then there are the rather nice Czech Air Force Hinds....not a big fan of complete special schemes on the Hind but the tiger striped tail on an otherwise standard Czech Hind for NATO Tiger Meet 2002 was really nice. Planning to do one of the former with the aforementioned Revell/Cobra combo and one of the latter using the mighty Trumpeter 1:35 scale kit. An awesome machine which I've had the privilege to fly in half a dozen times.

PM sent re MiG-29 photos

Regrettably, I have to disagree.....you see.....I'm one of "those people that help produce aftermarket decals in my spare time" and I take pride and a certain amount of satisfaction in putting the effort in to get the research right. I'm not criticizing ones ability (or right) to seek assistance from others that may be better equipped to provide advice through valuable forums such as BM but getting the basics wrong (not knowing your BOZ 107 from your Sky Shadow pod, for example) is just plain laziness and extremely sloppy. If more in the industry actually took the trouble (and time) to research products properly there would be less adverse criticism throughout the hobby customer base where individuals, quite rightly IMHO, expect to receive quality, properly researched and prepared products for their hard earned money, particularly in these economically difficult times......not to receive or accept something that has been hastily put together to earn a quick buck or two...... Tiger331

Hi, I've just invested in my first 75mm white metal figure and now appreciate, given the bulk and weight involved, that my standard super glue is not likely to be up to the task of keeping this model together. Could I ask those with far more experience to provide me with some advice on the best type of adhesive to use when assembling weighty white metal figurines. Thanks in advance Tiger331

Ahh....more from the pile 'em high, release 'em early and sell 'em cheap brigade without due regard for accuracy etc...nothing like getting your fellow BM'ers to do some free QA either, because you simply cannot be bothered to do it yourself. It's an attractive subject right enough but given that I know of at least two other decal manufacturers that are scheduled to release sheets of this subject matter, think I'll give this particular one a miss....

No, I don't think you did get out the wrong side.........I too share your view on 'wish lists'......Individuals should contact manufacturers DIRECT. They DO listen and more so these days where, sadly, many of the enthusiasts that once populated their R&D sections have been replaced by 'suits' just looking at the job as a step up the greasy pole. The same goes for your comment on wishes come true......no sooner does someone produce and release the most wanted kit (or decal sheet or piece of resin etc) then the hordes start clamouring for the next on the 'most wanted list' or proceed to rip apart the kit (or accessory) without really delving into its strengths and weaknesses. I too have been amazed by the number of 'most wanted' kits that continue to occupy space, long after their release, on the shelves of my local hobby shop.....though this could have something to do with the fact that kits here are roughly double the UK RRP ! Tiger331

Thanks........They were a great help...........discovered both Andrea Miniatures and Pegaso have quite a choice of figures...already acquired the first one Thanks again for your help Tiger 331

Hi there, Has anyone used the Scale Aircraft Conversions AV-8B/Harrier GR7 White metal Landing Gear set with their Hasegawa kit ?. I'm just wondering if the aftermarket set addresses the well publicized 'sit' problems with the kit-supplied landing gear, which places too much emphasis on the nose leg and makes the back end sit closer to the 'ground' than it should. Any experiences/comments gratefully received before I invest in the white metal set. Thanks Tiger 331

Hi there, I'm first and foremost an aircraft modeller, know a little about modern armour subjects and boats but NOTHING about figures !. I fancy a short diversion and, having had an interest in the Crusades/Knights Templar, fancy doing a figure or two from this era/genre. I'm tempted by one or two of the Andrea Miniatures editions but these are to 54mm which is a bit small. I'd prefer something a little bigger. I've seen one or two larger figures (75mm and 90mm) but the designs dont inspire me too much. Does anybody have a fairly comprehesive list of whats available in the slightly larger scales (i.e. above 54mm) or can they point me in the direction of a good MO company that has a good catalogue. ?....I've tried some of the usual suspects such as Historex Agents but so far, not much luck. Thanks Tiger331

Hi there, I'm wanting to take part in the STGB but really want to do a F-14D using the 1:48 scale Hobbyboss kit as the basis. Can anyone supply me with the necessary parts (particularly the 'chin' sensor/camera array), preferably resin leftovers from a previous build. I am willing to buy although I would prefer to swop for other aftermarket goodies, not necessarily F-14 Tomcat related (ordnance, for example, for those needing a decent load out for the Hasegawa kits). Let me know if you can help out. Cheers Tiger331

If I recall correctly, all of the kits have a 'standard' undercarriage sprue so the FAA standard and extended nose-legs are available in all the kits. The main differences between the boxings are the type of fuselage supplied (fin RWR or senza RWR), the aforementioned slatted or unslatted tailplanes and some of the stores/weapons options. Some of the latter are quite bizarre. The FGR.2 boxing (H-18), for example, with decal choices for Air Defence variants includes the MERS and SNEB rocket pods !......but it also has the AIM-9 and Sparrows too. At least one boxing (H-20) is for a RAFG type non-RWR aircraft and supplies the large centerline tank and the massive EMI Recce Pod but no SUU-23 gun pod. Finally, and probably the most important piece of information on the various Fujimi boxings, is to check very carefully as to whether you are getting one of the early boxings or the later issues. Don't get me wrong, all of the kits are very nice but after the first batch, Fujimi went back and remodeled some of the kit parts. As a result the doors and apertures that appear on the upper rear fuselage and the Spey exhaust nozzles were more accurately portrayed, and they provided separate inner flaps, a common feature on F-4s in landing mode or at rest. I've built both the 'early' and 'late' versions of this kit (and still have a fair few in the loft !) and they go together very nicely. Good luck Tiger331

I'm not an expert on F-14 Tomcats but I would like to know if you can use either of the current Hobby Boss kits (F-14A and F-14B) as a basis for the later F-14D Tomcat ?. I'm quite happy to adapt existing F-14D improvement/conversion sets designed for other makes of Tomcat but need to know if I can use either of the Hobby Boss kit first........since they don't seem to be releasing the F-14D as far as I can tell. Thanks Tiger331

I have all of the kits currently issued available for this project..............that's part of the problem....deciding which one is the best since I am no F-16 kit expert

I am starting to look at starting a Hellenic Air Force F-16C Block 52+, using one of the Tamiya kits as a basis. I know Kinetic do at least one kit but I want to use the superior Tamiya kit instead. Any idea what aftermarket I will need to complete this project ?. Thanks in advance. Tiger 331

I am planning to complete a presentational model for a friend who used to fly the F-4E with the Turkish Air Force. I originally bought a Hasegawa (new generation) F-4E for this project but I already have a part built Revell F-4F. Having built both kits (the Hasegawa one before, for another project) I actually have a preference for finishing off the current Revell kit. I know I will need to obtain a different set of stabilators to replace the non-slatted variety that are a feature of the German F-4F but are there any other major changes that I need to take into consideration. Given that it is a presentational model, in 1:72 scale, and is not set for any competitions, it does not need to satisfy the rigors of a major 'rivet count' inspection but I would like the finished article to be as accurate as possible. Or.........should I just bite the bullet and get on with building the Hasegawa F-4E out of the box ?.....Any advice gratefully received. Tiger331

I've glued Eduard (and other) photo etched parts before but I'm just about to embark on the Eduard MiG21 kit and it includes photo etched color parts that need to be glued together.....a two part main instrument panel, for example (both parts pre pained). What glue is best to put these parts together without ruining the pre painted elements but to ensure they stay together. Surely PVA glue is not sufficiently strong enough to stand the test of time ?.....or is it ? Grateful for any advice Tiger 331

Both are discontinued although, as Bill says, Hannants are still listing the FGA.9. The F.6 seems to be harder to come by since it came out first and I think many want them for F1 to F4 and Two seater trainer conversions. The Revell Hunter is deemed to be the definitive kits in 1:72 scale, though not without problems, in particular the intake trunking (or lack of) but they are very nice kits. I have several of each both in progress and in the stash. They are not particularly rare although I too have noticed them going for silly prices on EBay. I picked up three, from different vendors, at Telford two months ago for £6 each so they are out there. If you want the F.6 I suggest you try Kit Krazy or King Kits or put a wanted ad in the forum. Tiger331

I believe there are ways to modify the excellent (and not yet surpassed) Tamiya 1:48 F-16 Viper to re-create one of the European F-16AM Block 15s ?. I have recently wrestled with the Kinetic kit and still prefer to go down the route of modifying the Tamiya kit. I've looked for backdate conversion kits and have yet to find any. DACO are scheduled to do one but I suspect it will be like their NATO Tiger Meet 2001 decal sheet for the German Tornado ECR, scheduled to be released 8 years ago and we're still waiting !. Any ideas/suggestions, gratefully received. I'm assuming I need the earlier Block 25/32 kits ? Cheers Tiger331

Managed to pour over my example at a local club meeting this week and finally got around to opening up the inner bags and playing with some of the bits. A word of warning - though I quantify this by saying that it may be an isolated example - the fit of the leading edge gun fairings is AWFUL. I have previously built the Hasegawa Mk 1 and this area was a challenge on that kit but this one looks to be a lot worse. If its consistent, its a great pity since lots of the other parts, on initial inspection, fit really well. We liked the fabric replication (better than Haegawa) but the jury is out on the slope built into the area of the fuselage immediately behind the cockpit canopy. Tiger331

Can you help ? I am not a Spitfire/Seafire expert but I understand the Seafire Mk XV is essentially a navalised Spitfire Mk XII. I have just checked the respective Airfix kits of the Spitfire XII and the Seafire 17 and I notice that the basic design is very similar......the mainplanes, for example, can be transposed. My initial analysis would suggest that if you remove the tail of the Seafire 17 at the angled panel line forward of the fin and repeat the process with the Spitfire XII fuselage then mate the navalised tail with the XII fuselage and also utilise the Seafire 17 mainplane set with the Mk XII fuselage, you have a Seafire XV (late model - with the 'stinger' tail). I'm not sure if its that easy but would appreciate some guidance/confirmation from the Spitfire/Seafire officianados out there !. Cheers Tiger331

OK, I have now got both kits in front of me. The decal sheet in the 'Starter set' is, as suggested elsewhere, much simpler with only some basic stencilling (although some Harriers boasted this towards the end anyway so it may be 100% accurate) and markings for a 801 NAS example with BofB codes on the fin. The decals, in my two 'SS' examples, were in register although it should be noted that both of the Harrier kits feature the 'older style' slightly thicker matt decals rather than the more glossy ones that have previously appeared in the Canberra and Nimrod. I am not sure how they will go on the kits but there will, inevitably, be another raft of new releases from the aftermarket boys so I doubt this will be an issue for many. For what its worth, the quality of the two paint brushes included with the starter set is much better and you do get some fairly useful acrylic paints and liquid cement so, on balance, the 'SS' kit may be better value. Thy certainly seem to slightly more competitively priced than the 'standard' kit right now. Hope this helps. Tiger331