fightersweep

@bigbadbadge @Rabbit Leader Thank you gents! Your interest and support is much appreciated. Keeping up with everything happening on the GB is a massive task, so thanks for taking the time to add your encouragement to my humble build. Small update! I originally intended that this Marauder build would be an out of the box effort so as to free up my time for other builds in this GB. I think that may have just gone out of the window. The more I do to this kit, the more I want to add to it. I know it's Matchbox, and that generally means basic or no details, but I can't help but think that this B-26 is crying out for some extra help to really make it shine. So, having made the rod for my back, here's a small update on what's been happening. Those cowlings! They're not the strongest point of this kit. For one, the front doesn't look right at all, and the total lack of panel details makes them look far too sparse. I also re-profiled those top intakes a bit more and they are finally looking better compared to the cowling I haven't tackled yet. So! Time to try and put that right with my extremely ropey scribing skills; As mentioned above, I really wasn't happy with the look of the cowling from the front. The lower intake is all wrong, and the lip of the cowling is too thick and too square all the way around. I've had a go at fixing this, and although not 100% perfect, I think it looks way better now compared to the one on the left. Here's where I went off on a total tangent. The insides of the nose gear U/C doors are totally devoid of any detail. OCD me decided that won't do. I don't know why I started looking at the undertrollies at this stage of the build, but that particular cat is out of the bag now. Ho hum! Time for a little plastic rod.... Ah! That's better. It's funny, but it looks a lot clunkier in the photo than it does in real life. It's certainly not photo etch, but better than nothing. It's doesn't look too bad in situ either... That's it for the moment! Hopefully the next instalment will be a bit more exciting! Cheers; Steve

That's really interesting to know. I hadn't realised that the original Gladiator kit was different from what ended up being on the shelves for so many years. Learn something new every day. That will be this original release then; https://www.scalemates.com/kits/airfix-1335-gloster-gladiator--265175

Another vote for the SRN.1 from me. Great list of kits there that I hope we see again in the Classic range. My only other additions would be the Piper Cherokee Arrow and some of the 1/32 cars that haven't been seen since their initial releases (and subsequently fetch ridiculous prices on that auction site)

I finally made it back to the workbench. Due to a massive amount of decorating to do here (still ongoing) I totally missed the beginning of the GB which I've found really frustrating, and there are so many fantastic builds here to see that I don't know how I'm going to catch up with the WIPs alone! Having decided to take a break from the filler, roller and emulsion paint for the whole of this week, I decided it was high time to get cracking on the B-26. First off, I decided to have a look at the engine cowlings and get the upper intakes fitted and sanded. Also, the small intake at the bottom is completely wrong and the inner lip of the cowling should more or less be a continuous circle. I'm not sure what that little step is above the intake, but it shouldn't be there. A tough one to correct, so I'm not sure what I'll do about this just yet. (Sorry for the blurred photos. My phone wasn't playing ball today!) With the top intakes fitted and filled, I tried to sand the front of the intakes to a more accurate shape. The one on the left is untouched and looks more boxy than it should do. The other thing that bugged me was (apart from the complete lack of any panel lines on the cowlings) the total omission of the cowl flaps. Again, my original intention was to build this kit oob, but I think that has just gone out of the window. The right hand cowling shows the plastic I have cut away ready to fit some scratchbuilt cowl flaps as soon as I get them made up. I should really try to scribe some panel lines too. Moving onto the fuselage halves, I decided I didn't like the heavily engraved lines that are supposed to represent the armour plating under the cockpit. These plates should actually sit proud, so out came the plastic card to fit the four sections of armour plate. I've also started to do a little work inside the cockpit, although how far I go remains undecided. I can't imagine much will be seen once the canopy is on. Just to start with, I've added the floor hatch and seat runners. Next thing I'll tackle will be the centre console as it currently has broom handles for throttle levers. An instrument panel will be needed too. Finally for today, I decided to cut out the rear gun hatches as these were often seen open on the ground. With the total lack of bomb bay detail, or come to that, any internal detail apart from the cockpit, this kit needs a bit of extra interest added. Not much, but it's a start. After not being able to get to the workbench since Christmas, It's great to be back in the saddle again. Also, a bit shout out to all the fantastic work that's going on here. I'd love to be able to comment on all the threads here, but I'm so far behind, I need to do some actual modelling. However, a big thumbs up to everyone here in this fantastic GB. Keep up the great work! Cheers; Steve

Hobby 2000 are re-releasing the Cyber hobby E-3, E-4 and E-7 soon if that helps.

For those that want an E-wing conversion for the Airfix Spit when it arrives, now available; https://www.buchonscalemodels.com/products/1-24-supermarine-spitfire-mk-ixe-resin-conversion-kit3?fbclid=IwAR3yWevUR1C8crbyKrjRa122eZuJsZhJ1zRPh8I8dm8wPpJdpYO-ZoDPX20 Looks very nice indeed! Edit: Admittedly, this set was engineered to fit the old Airfix Mk I kit as Buchon didn't know about the new Mk IXc kit. However, I can't see how this set wouldn't be able to made to fit the new plastic. I've got the Mk XVIe conversion set on order, so I guess I'll find out later this year. Steve

Hi Pat; Not yet I'm afraid. We've spent the last month decorating most of the house here and I haven't even sat at my workbench in all that time. Still got a way to go, but we're planning on taking a break next week, so I'll be making a start on the B-26 then. I think it's just the time of year. There's been so much happening and so many things needing dealt with. Glad this GB runs until June though as I want to crack through my list and get as many Matchbox goodies built as possible. Cheers! Steve

Thanks for the tips regarding the conversion. I wouldn't have thought of using a donor kit for the arches. I think I could manage that! Off to the workbench! For what my opinion is worth (about 23p) I think the interior looks fantastic! Cheers; Steve

Duly noted....

Love this! Great work and a fine looking model of one of my favourite cars. I owned a Mk 2 Mexico in red back in the 90s. I'd still have it to if some toe rag hadn't stolen it. Makes me wish there was a body shell available or some road arch conversions. I've got the decals, wheels and the Italeri kit ready. Not sure I could scratch build the conversion without making a total hash of it though. Steve

Stunningly impressive work Tom! Even Tiny Tears in the corner looks overwhelmed!

Who knows! Maybe if sales of the classic Whirlwind are good, Airfix will knock out a new kit. Well, it's good to be optimistic.

Absolutely! A range of "Matchbox Classics" in period style boxes would be a cash cow for Revell. It would save having to pay some of the silly prices original kits seem to be going for these days since becoming the focus of the collectors. However, despite Revell owning the moulds, do they still have the rights to use the Matchbox brand name? I'm not sure where that sits and/or how complex an issue that is. I think it's unfair to call it a lazy approach. I agreed with that sentiment when Airfix were putting very old kits out in new boxes as they used to and calling them new, but at least now they are branding them as "Vintage Classics". I think it's a good idea for Airfix to utilise their back catalogue in this way. Personally, I like it and have bought more classics than anything else lately. I'm not sure I would buy the Whirlwind either, but I'm very pleased to see the Dh Beaver coming back, especially when folk are asking up to £30 on that certain auction site. There's loads more of the aircraft I'd like to see such as the Cherokee Arrow and Shorts Skyvan and certainly more of the classic cars. I can then enjoy building these kits without paying collectors prices for the privilege. In all fairness, if it's branded as a "Vintage Classic" on the box, then whoever is buying should get an inkling that the contents are not going to be state of the art. If I was in any doubt, I'd just look up a review before parting with my money. That's always been a problem though thinking about it. I remember buying kits back in the early 80s with my pocket money only to find an old duffer of a kit inside the box that was barely accurate enough to even be called a caricature. 1/72 Revell P-51D? I'm looking at you! Cheers Steve

@tempestfan I didn't think of checking the "Vom Original zum Modell" book (well, I'm not actually sure where it is at the moment). However, silly me does actually have the original German book and the Ian Allan re-print. I should do really as I worked for Ian Allan at the time. Bigger mystery is why I didn't think to check either book, so thanks for the memory jog. I looked through the In Focus, Airdoc and the Richard Franks technical guide books. Must pick up the Classic volume that came out. Cheers! Steve

Thanks everyone! Much appreciated. I've passed along the info and learned something myself along the way. That always makes for a good day. Cheers! Steve

Thanks for the info! Most helpful! So this was a designation/mod for varying makes of truck too (just to muddy the waters). Is the model based on an Opel then? The more I look at the bonnet, I'm seeing and Opel truck. Cheers! Steve

Hi all; Just wondered if anyone could id this German truck for me. A friend asked if I could help him id what this is a model of. It's 1/144 scale apparently. I'm not to bad with most German types, but there seems to be so many hybrids and mods of existing designs that I haven't got a clue with this one. My first thought was Mercedes. Any help greatly would be appreciated. Cheers! Steve

.

I'd like to see some new 1/48 military stuff. Dodge ambulance would be great, or even just a re-issue of the US staff car would suit me.

Now that's a nice scheme. One to add to the "to do" list. Is that lower part of the cowl black? Steve

@Graham Boak Thank you Graham. Very interesting information. I had a quick look online, and that photo certainly seems to be widely mis captioned. It would seem then that T5+FH was the subsequent service codes for D-ARED. Something I probably wouldn't have stumbled across myself.

@72modeler and @brewerjerry Thanks ever so much for taking the time to respond and for the very helpful information and photo. As I said, I did a bit of googling and read through the few Do-17 books I have myself and the results were very scant. About all I found was that there were three Do-17S prototypes, with the photo kindly linked by Jerry being the V-1 prototype. Great reference photo and very helpful. The decals I picked up are for D-ARED which I think was the V-2 prototype. Here's the Hannants link to the decals I have; https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/HUN72147 Armed with the info I have now, I'll pick myself up an ICM Do-215 and go from there. I'll post up the results in the RFI section when it get's done. I do like these Luftwaffe prototype schemes and hope to do a few more in the future. Thanks again for the replies. Much appreciated. Cheers! Steve

Hi all! Just a quick question. I've picked up some 1/72 decals that contain civil marking for a Dornier 17S prototype with DB600 engines. The scheme attracted me as it's something a little different and I just like Dorniers anyway. My question is: Can I use just an ICM Dornier 215 to build the Do 17S as that has the DB601 engines I need and should be close enough? Or is it a bit more complicated than that. I did the usual Googling, but info on the Do-17S prototypes is almost nil. Thanks in advance; Steve

Same here! A 1/24 Spit XIV is a bit of a bucket list kit for me.

I was 14 in 1984. I got my first paper round that year and got paid £4 for a seven day week. I think a small Heller kit was costing me around £1.99 back then, so that was half my income blown on one small kit. A bigger kit and all my money was gone, although I needed to keep some back for the odd bottle of Thunderbird and 10 JPS! Expensive, but happy days!