Tiger331

Yep...............I think you did well. I discovered a boxed Airfix Capri in a shop in Italy two years ago and, not being a car modeller, took a gamble on buying it to sell on Ebay. It was complete apart from the driver figure that had obviously been robbed to complete another project. At the time, I had no idea how much the Airfix classics were going for............It eventually sold for 75.00UKP to a Ford Capri nut in France...not bad for a kit that cost me 8 Euros ! Tiger331

Is that all your'e paying for Japanese kit ?........My local shop has Hasegawa 1:48 P-51Ds for 42 Pounds and Airfix 1:48 Canberras for 60 Pounds ! Tiger331

Mike, Thanks, you confirmed my suspicions.....I guess you cannot always rely on aftermarket decal manufacturers to provide the right recommendations !.....Two Bobs definitely quote F-15Es in their sheets even though I had an inkling there was more to an E tha just the conformal tanks. I had also picked up the dual small bllet fairings issue but thanks anyway. I have bought the right kits...that's the main thing !

I'm currently doing some research prior to emarking on at least one JASDF F-15DJ in an Aggressor colour scheme. Clearly Hasegawa market several F-15DJ kits with these markings though I have read elsewhere that you are actually better off with the original Hasegawa F-15D or the Revell F-15E.....!. I know the latter kit is a newer mould and is, apparently, an easier all round build, but can it really be used as the basis for an accurate F-15DJ ?. Obviously the conformal tanks go but there must be other differences ?....not too worried about jet nozzles, cockpits etc since these will be aftermarket items but not being a Eagle afficionado I would really appreciate advice on the base kit. Thanx Tiger331

Thanks Guys...............I'll steer clear of the JASDF F-4EJs then and look for USAF/ANG F-4Es Tiger331

Personally, I wouldn't do any of these since there are some much nicer one's out there (Last year's RAF special with the Union Jack markings is hard to beat), but with the selecion provided, it has to be the RAAF Special in light grey with the black panther.....Sorry, 'period' schemes on fast jets just does not work for me ..............THT 19(F) Sqn special, the US ANG F-16 in the ridiculous inter-war colours with blue tail and yellow wings etc etc...... Go Aussie Go ! Tiger331

I am about to start planning a couple of Greek and Turkish 1:48 F-4E Phantom projects and need to know which kit to use. I have elected to go for Hasegawa and have seen some discounted JASDF F-4EJ variants for sale but I know the JASDF examples carry the un-slatted wing seen on early USAF F-4Es.....Trouble is, with both the Greeks and Turks receiving both new and 'secondhand' F-4Es from the US (including ANG examples) I do not know if they used aircraft with the later slatted wing or not ?......Or is it a case of having to research each individual aircraft based on its origin ?.. Help...............please..............before I buy a couple of kits that I cannot use... Thanks Tiger331

Yep.................I would go with this............... Don't forget that SAAF Buccs were also subject to considerable wear and tear, with environmental conditions having a major effect on the colours. If you are modelling an aircraft later in it's service, the SAAF no longer had the time to maintain the bright and shiny scheme of the 1960s. The colours (particularly the upper surface) were badly faded in the harsh sunlight and austere conditions during the elongated Bush War....Having seen a couple of SAAF Buccaneers up close I would suggest you add a little light grey or even white to the mix to lighten the colour and then do some 'fading' using some of the excellent weathering sets now on the market. HTH Tiger331

Iain, Thanks for this.......I did not realise that the Fisher kit had included the para housing........ Tiger331

Iain, keep up the good work, which is proving to be further inspiration for me...........I am eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Fisher models 2-seat conversion I recently purchase, so I can start work on WV318 in the overall-black scheme it wore in the early 1990s. This was the aircraft I took my first fast-jet trip in from Lossiemouth, chasing Buccaneers....Those were the days. I must admit to getting slightly confused over which kit I should use for the conversion ?. I'm guessing the FGA.9 issue because of the brake-para housing but have been in this game long enough to realise it probably isn't as simple as that !. My second Hunter project will be a RSAF FGA.74. I spent 6 years in Singapore during the late 60s and early 70s and well remember these aircraft zotting around the island from Paya Lebar and, later, Tengah and Changi when the RAF handed these bases over. Tiger331

John, Recently embarked on a Airfix 1:48 Buccaneer S.1 project, using some aftermarket stuff including the Heritage intakes. Your build and finish has really inspired me to get on with this. I particularly like the finish on the undersurfaces....that uneven, semi-gloss sheen is so typical of in-service Buccs.......a really good job, mate, and I look forward to seeing more of your work in the future. If my S.1 turns out half as good, I'll be happy... Cheers Tiger331

Not yet convinced this will happen but I have just ordered one..................I'm a born pessimist so I suspect I will get some kind of "Order Cancelled" message nearer to the estimated delivery date (currently 4-10 May 10).........Not that there is any rush to get the kit.......It's just another for the stash Tiger331

Yep..........The revell kit is a re-pop of the old Monogram kit........Not too bad considering it's age.......I clearly remember buying the first Monogram version in Bradlee's (a TK Maxx type department store in the USA) during my first ever trip to the States back in 1984 !. The kit is based on pre-production models of the original so needs some work done on it, even if you are building an early-service variant. Thankfully, the work is not major. FSM did a good article detailing the necessary modifications, which I have in a cuttings file somewhere. Let me know if you would like a scanned copy of this and I will see if I can dig this out. HTH Tiger331

Its all a little odd since Airfix were scheduled to produce a B2/B(I)6 variant this year. In line with their 'staggered' approach to Canberra releases, they were always going to launch the B(I)8 and PR.9 first and then do the 'Bomber canopy' variant around 12 months later. Yet, only last week I finally managed to access the Airfix 2010 catalogue only to find that the B2/B(I)6 does NOT feature in it, which suggests it has been dropped. I'm not sure if this is due to less than anticipated sales of the first two but if so, it is, IMHO, a flawed concept since I suspect the B2/B(I)6 variant would probably sell more copies than the other two put together. Certainly this correspondent would be one of those guilty of this.....I can think of at least 6 projects I would like to complete with a decent 'bomber canopy' variant in 1:72 scale. Tiger331

Not suprised to hear about your woes with Wonderland Models and their 'great' MO Service......i am somewhat surprised that they have not featured more in the 'trader' section of the forum. They have a bad habit of advertsising quite a lot of stock which I don't believe they have. I have been a regular in their shop over the years and always found it strange that what they advertised on the website was rarely available in the shop.....I'm afraid they are a shadow of their former self since Niven left the Plastic Kits Department over 10 years ago.... Anyway, I digress....As my co-respondents have quoted, Lucky Model are a good, reliable company but be prepared to run the risk of getting stung for extra customs duty if you go this route. I actually bought my Tu-22M-3 from a UK trader via EBay in December for £55 (Buy it Now option) and I have seen several pop up since. I think if you are patient, you may get lucky and obtain one via this route. You are sensible to hold out for the M-3 variant. According to a well-respected Russian aircraft expert on this forum it is much more accurate (and easier to build) than the earlier variant......There's a very nice decal sheet just been released by Authentic Decals which may also be worth considering. I haven't started the kit yet but it looks good... HTH Tiger331

I agree with my co-respondents.....The Revell kit is the best for a quick and easy build......The Hasegawa kit has some shape issues, largely addressed with the Flightpath (or PP Aeroparts set, if you go back far enough).....You will probably need to source decals and weapons from the aftermarket....Again, Model Alliance is your best route but there are other options out there, from Modedecal (nice decals but a bit thick) and Almark/Xtradecal (OOP).................Anyway, Hope this helps Tiger331

If it is anything like the B(I)8 and B2/6 (I have all three but only built the first), you need to watch out for the engine intake to wing joins. Quite a bit of filler is needed to blend these together. Then, there is the awful rudder, best replaced with the Cammnet example or seriously filled. Check the wing tips of the kit. They are susceptible to damage in transit but easily repairable. If you don't want the expense of a super detailed pilot/navigator cockpit (all opened up etc) then a Pavla Mk2 seat (available seperately) will do wonders for the pilot position. Pavla and Aires both do wheel well sets but I'm not sure of the utility of these anyway, if you are standing the aircraft on its undercarriage you cannot see much. HTH BTW...Sorry to be nosey but was the issue with the MA decals and your GR4 ?. Would it be one of the anniversary schemes by an chance ? Tiger331

I have some excellent photo references in a Concord Publication book with the rather dramatic title "NATO's First Blood - Air War over Bosnia". This shows Tornado F3s banking away from the camera and fitted with the later 'straight' flare dispensers rather than the angled ones fitted as a UOR during the first Gulf War. Interestingly the standard fit (as shown in at least 4-5 photos) appears to be only two Skyflash (Port Forward and Starboard Rear stations) with AIM-9s on the inboard wing pylons. The aircraft also carry a pair of the 'Tornado GR1/4' type 1500 litre drop tanks, often finished in GR/4 colours (i.e. Dark Grey/Green or even sand) and also have the BOZ pod fitted to the starboard shoulder pylon adjacent to the drop tank. The 23 Sqn aircraft in one of the photos carries full Sqn markings and is coded ED (sorry cannot make out the Serial). Tim Ripley's book 'Air War Bosnia' (Airlife) has a photo of EN and EG again in full Sqn markings. HTH Tiger331

Yep.................The specially marked Black Cat Westland Lynx are actually two different Marks................Both available from Hobbyboss (now considered the best kit in 1:72 scale). As a previous correspondent has alredy stated, one of the Hobbyboss kits has the Black Cat decals.....Model Alliance do a sheet in their specials series that provides the markings for both variants. Pavla (and others) are also doing some improvement sets, covering such things as cockpit/cabin seats, undercarriage, rotor blades etc although the kits make up pretty well without these, IMHO. HTH Tiger331

Having built a few F-16s in my time, I think there is no contest now............It has to be Revell (new mould - take care, there are older kits out there under the Revell name) or the Academy kit. As the previous replies have suggested, some cross kitting for a D is necessary.....though I suspect it will not be long before Academy do a twin-sticker... For accessories, Model Alliance do some useful bits to upgrade the Block 50s with the enlarged dorsal spines, conformal fuel tanks etc. Check out their website.....I think there are at least 3-4 sets to produce aircraft such as the Polish Block 52+s etc.. HTH Tiger331

My old Squadron 74(F) Sqn.....criminal that they went, given they were a famous BofB Squadron, (but like so many others) and 44 Sqn from the good ol' Vulcan Force. Some of the RAuXAF Vampire and Meteor units too.......Tiger striped Typhoon.............WOW Tiger331

Is your Buccaneer Group Build a "Back to the Future" set-up or are those dates on the 'flyer' wrong ???.....I'm assuming its Feb 2011 ??? If so, I may actually get it finished................I'm not the fastest in the west ! Tiger331

Mike.....Many thanks.........................Nice Valiant BTW.....Assume this is the Mach 2 kit ?........Looking forward to seeing the Airfix one later this year. Am I right in thinking its a semi-gloss white finish you have applied ? Tiger331 Thanks for the response Tiger331

Hi Folks, I am in the midst of completing a Blackburn Buccaneer S.1 conversion and will be finishing it in the overall Anti-Flash White colour scheme. It has been difficult to discern from photos how I should finish this model......Is there much in the way of weatheing required (apart from the obvious exhaust stains) and should I do some pre-shading ?. I have scoured my modelling references for some info on pre-shading techniques for all-white aircraft (rather than grey, natural metal or standard camouflage) but have not found anything on the best treatment for overall white. I know from previous experience that white can be a tricky colour to apply. Also, should I do it in gloss or semi-gloss ?.....I guess this is dependant on how clean the aircraft is....straight out of the factory/paint shop or after some months of operational service. Any advise gratefully received. Thanx Tiger331

Muzz, Not sure if you are interested but there are TWO aggressor schemes with the kit.....The other is a VFC-13 'Tiger striped' scheme in light/dark brown.....could be the same as the one on the Two Bobs sheet but I'm not sure and I do not have the kit to hand right now.................nice kit though ! HTH Tiger331