Piero

Hello, Here is my BAe Hawk T.1 in RAF No. 63(R) Squadron as part of the 2 Tactical Weapons Unit (2 TWU), at Brawdy during late 1979. KIT The model is based on Revell Hawk T.1A in 1/32nd scale. This kit is good in size and shapes. Details are generally good but sometimes are a bit poor especially panel lines. The downside of this kit is the lack of details for the big canopy and canopy. The ventral ADEN gun pod too “skinny” in height and width both. The decals box offers the choice of only relatively "recent" RAF T.1A version. CONSTRUCTION I found a little bit confusing the Revell instruction sheet, but it could be my personal point of you. Because I wanted to build an early T.1 and correct the main issue of thie kit, I had to buy separately aftermarket decals and resin ejection seats, plus a correction resin set for air scoops, separated resin flaps, speed brake and FODs. Eduard’s PE were used for cockpit instrument panels and external details. I added some details such as hydraulic pipes and electric lines into the undercarriage bays, cockpit tube and speed brake vane. The pitot tube is turned metal set from Master. I tried to add some missing details around the fuselage: · lines of rivets in the rear section; · plates at the tail plane’s pivot points; · fuel drain’s points and NACA intakes; · APU’s exhaust; · All the aerial antennas; · ADEN cannon’s barrel. For me the difficult areas of this kit that required cares and a lot of dry-fitting are: . All the wing-fuselage attaching point… it’s a real nightmare to align everything and to restore details and panel lines!!! · Instrument panels, IP’s covers and clear front windshield; · Undercarriage legs and doors. Also, the kit is a real tails-sitter and requires a lot of ballast in the nose and the undercarriage legs are really fragile… COLORS & MARKINGS I love the NATO Dark Grey-Dark Green wraparound scheme of the ‘80s. Paint were from the acrylics lines of Gunze and Tamiya: A semi-gloss black primer was sprayed first all over the model. Squadron markings, serial numbers and stencils are from some Xtradecals sheet for RAF Hawks. Some RBF tags were added to finish the model. I hung a couple of empty SNEB rocket pods under the wings, finished in natural metal with black cap fairing. And now some pictures of the completed model... hope it works!!! CIAO! Piero

Hello, someone can tell me what color was the flap vane? Especially on the RAF Hawk T.1 with the dark sea grey/dark green wraparound camouflage. Should be dark green as for the flap... or zinc chromate? CIAO! Piero

Hello my friend, many thanks for your compliments on my Falcon! CIAO! Piero

Again, great pictures here!!! A question, what is that "pig tail" at the end of the centreline pylon? CIAO! Piero

Oh boys!!! This is the kind of pictures I'm looking for!!! Many thanks... to Beppe too. CIAO! Piero

Hi Beppe, many thanks, you gave a lot of good information!!! An inert Mk.82 under the front station of the centreline pylon and an AIM-9P drill under the external pylon of the starboard wing seems a nice load. Plus two huge 1700lt fuel tanks, of course. CIAO! Piero P.S.: ... AIM-9P or AIM-9B? The pic of the 5BA in the museum show an AIM-9B drill... but the 5BA deployed in Turkey were loaded with AIM-9P.... correct?

Hello, many thanks for your kindly answer! The Lock On Mirage 5 volume is on my work table as a bibble! But the picturs and the links you provide me are great reference too!!! At this point I think I'll go for a 5BA with a training AIM-9 round hanging under the wing pylon. Maybe a couple of Mk.82 Snakeye drills in tandem under the centrline pylon?... CIAO! Piero

Hello, I'm looking for information on the Belgian Mirage 5BA during the 80's. In the specific what kind of weapon load could carry, in addition to the two huge 1700L fuel tanks. I found some pics of Mirage 5BA with LAU rocket pod under the external wing pylons, but nothing else. During the Desert Storm some of the 5BA were deployed in Turkey carrying 2 AIM-9J Sidewinder. I saw a picture of a Mirage 5BA in a museum surrounded by different bomb loads like Snakeye bombs, BL755 cluster … Also I'm looking for some good photos of the Mirage 5BA nose, especially the lower part. Thanks in advance. CIAO! Piero

CIAO! Piero

Hello, Here is my F-16CJ in 79th Fighter Squadron (79 FS) markings as part of the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base (tail code SW) around 2009. KIT The model is based on the excellent Tamiya F-16CJ block 50 Falcon in 1/32nd scale. This kit is really good in size, shapes and details. The plastic is crispy and the box includes a lot of options. The downside of this box is the limited variety of external loads included. CONSTRUCTION The advice I want to give you is to carefully follow the construction steps as they are given in the instruction sheet, otherwise there is the risk of not being able to proceed or have to start again with what you have done... For this build I wanted to use all the kit parts except for the instruments panel, for which I used the Eduard photo etched pre-colored sheet. I added some details such as hydraulic pipes and electric lines into the undercarriage bays. The pitot tube, AOA sensors and the static electricity dischargers are turned metal set from Master. But everything else, from the ejection seat to the GE exhaust are out-of-the-box. The FOD for jet intake is made from scratch as the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) inside the canopy. Where I made use of resin detail sets is for the external load: · SNIPER designator pod and pylon form Wolfpack Design; · Left HST from AMS Resin; AIM-9X drill from Zacto Model; · AGM-65 Maverick drill and rail from North Star Models. The ACMI pod is from scratch. COLORS & MARKINGS In the recent years, most of the USAF F-16CJ gets a radar-absorbing paint named “Have Glass”. The Have Glass program is intended to reduce RCS, and until now there where used many different specification. For my F-16 I tried to replicate the Have Glass version that over time leads to a metallic gray paint finish. Paint were from the acrylics lines of Gunze for modern USAF jets mixed with Tamiya Flat Aluminum. There is not a specific mixing ratio, but only so many tests until you are satisfied with the result. A semi-gloss black primer was sprayed first all over the model, followed by a thin layer of Flat Aluminum. Then, other different thin layers of metallic-grey paints were airbrushed to obtain some variation of shades. The external loads are finished with colors and stencils to represent training drills. Squadron markings and serial numbers are from some Two Bobs decal sheet for F-16CJ. I had to mix some of them to have the serial number I wanted. All the stencils are from HGW wet transfer F-16C sheet: this type of decal was a first for me and I must say that are simply outstanding and very easy to use without wasting time with clear gloss and liquid emollients. And there is no risk of silvering at all! It’s a shame that other decal manufactures does not use this system.... Some RBF tags were added to finish the model. And now some pictures of the completed model. CIAO! Piero

Hello, just some new, better quality, pictures of this model. Enjoy. CIAO! Piero

Hello, Here is my USMC A-4M Skyhawk II number 160024 in VMA-311 Tomcats markings around the mid 1980s. BRIEF HISTORY The A-4M Skyhawk II was the dedicated Marine version with improved avionics and more powerful J52-P-408a engine with 11,200 lbf (50 kN) thrust, enlarged cockpit, IFF system. Later the A-4M were fitted in the nose with the Angle Rate Bombing System (ARBS) with TV and laser spot tracker. The A-4M was the ultimate Skyhawk type in use with USMC. The final A-4M Skyhawk was delivered to USMC in 1979, and were used until the mid-1980s before they were replaced by the AV-8B Harrier II. The last Skyhawk retired from USMC was the OA-4M two-seater variant in 1994. KIT The model is based on the Trumpeter A-4 Skyhawk series in 1/32nd scale. Those kits are good, not at level of Tamiya/Hasegawa kits, but can be easily improved to obtain a nice Skyhawk replica in large scale. Size, shapes and construction remind me the Hasegawa’s A-4 Skyhawk in 1/48th scale… with the same pros and cons. The plastic is a little bit soft and this can be a problem with strong glue, filler and sanding. CONSTRUCTION Basically all the specific parts of the A-4M variant are in the box, but I had to improve and details a lot those parts in shape and fines. All the following parts are made from scratch: · FOD for jet intakes and engine exhaust; · Details of the rear cockpit bulkhead. The followings are kit parts modified and detailed: · All undercarriage bays, legs and wheels; · ECM/RWR antennas and bulges; · Arrestor hook; · Windscreen wiper; · Cockpit tube and canopy details and rails. Some resin and PE aftermarket sets were used too: · Aires resin set for some antennas; · Eduard PE for vortex generator rows over the wings. · Eduard PE for slates vane; · Mk.82 bombs; · Cannon barrels; Many access panels, panel lines and rivets were re-scribed. COLORS & MARKINGS Paint were from the acrylics lines of Gunze and Tamiya. For the main TPS pattern colors from top to bottom: · Gunze H306 Gray FS36320; · Gunze H308 Light Gray FS36375; · Gunze H338 Light Gray FS 36495. A black primer was sprayed first all over the model. Then, thin layers of paint were airbrushed to obtain some variation of shades. Some drops of black and white were added to the basic TPS colors to create a random patchwork of new/old paint and weathering effects. The bombs are finished with colors and stencils to represent training drills. No one made a decal sheet for Low-Viz A-4M in 1/32nd scale nor inside the kit itself. So, I collect most of the stencils, serial number and codes from many different sources. The big Tomcat on the vertical fin sides is the black one from CAM decal sheet for Hi-Viz A-4M, over sprayed with highly thinned gray paint. RBF tags were added to finish the model. And now some pictures of the completed model. CIAO! Piero

Hello my friends! I would like to thanks all of you for your fantastic comments on my GR.5!!! I've already started my next model, something a little bit different from an Harrier but not so much: an USMC A-4M Skyhawk in T.P.S. See you soon in the W.I.P. section with pics. CIAO! Piero

Hi Shaun, I should have what you need. Let me give a check at home this evening and I'll let you know. CIAO! Piero P.S.: You are doing a really good job on this GR9. BRAVO!

Hello, Here is my RAF Bae Harrier GR5 serial ZD408 / 11 in 1(F) markings around spring 1990, with pilot name of Flt Lt Poole under the windshield on the starboard side. HISTORY The first development Harrier GR5 flew for the first time on 30 April 1985 and the aircraft entered service with the RAF in July 1987. The GR5 had many differences from the USMC's AV-8B, such as avionics, armaments, ejection seat. In December 1989, the 1(F) RAF squadron was declared operational with the GR5. Since the early operational stage, it was clear for the RAF that alterations were required for the GR5 to have an aircraft more capable in the interdictor role and not only as a daylight CAS plane. This lead to a the Harrier GR7 developed to add a night-time operational capability and avionics improvements for Battlefield Interdiction role. So, in the end the GR5 was only an interim solution used by the RAF to enter the second generation Harriers. KIT The model is based on the Trumpeter Harrier series in 1/32nd scale. Those kits has a lot of issues with shapes, sizes and details, but in this scale it’s the only game in town. This is my 4th model based on the Trumpeter’s Harrier family kits. Next will be an AV-8B Plus of Marina Militare Italiana (Italian Navy). CONSTRUCTION Basically the only part I had to scratch build was the new nose with his distinctive chisel chin under the ARBS sensor. This bulge was intended to accommodate an advanced recce sensor (MIRLS) that never enter the production phase. All the following parts are made in resin by me: · Modified instrument panel fitted with the navigation map display on the right side; · A Martin Baker Mk12H ejection seat; · All the wings pylons and the centerline pylon too; · Chaff&flare box dispenser at the back of the ventral airbrake. The followings are kit parts highly modified by me: · All undercarriage legs and wheel hubs; · Aden cannon pods; · Wings profile especially in the “kink” central section; · ECM/RWR bulges (wingtips, ventral fin and tail cone); · Cockpit and canopy details and rails; · All 4 jet nozzles and RCVs; · All antennas and external sensors (AOA, wind indicator, air & temperature probes); · Wing fences and vortex generator rows over the wings. A bunch of resin and PE aftermarket sets were used too: · Aires front wheel bay and cockpit tube; · Wingman BL755 cluster bomb; · Flightpath 1000lb bomb; · Eduard rear nozzle heat shield plates; · Many detail parts from the Eduard PE sheets. All the access panels, panel lines and rivets were re-scribed by me. COLORS & MARKINGS I prefer to use the acrylics Gunze and Tamiya colors. For the main camouflage pattern I tried vary mixing formula to obtain the NATO Green and Lichen Green shades, and this is my preferred formula I used for this model: · NATO Green – 50% Gunze H309 Dark Green + 50% Gunze H405 Olive Green; · Lichen Green – 50% Gunze H320 Dark Green + 50% Gunze H70 RLM Grey 02. Very few drops of Light Grey were added random during the painting stage to obtain some variation of the main shades. A couple of specific panels received standard RAF Dark Green acting as replacement parts. An access panel on the port side on the center fuselage is painted in Zinc Chromate as showed in some pics of the real ZD408. All the weapon load are finished with colors and stencils to represent training drills. Unit markings, serial number, id number and stencils came from so many different sources because no one decal sheet for NATO Green/Lichen Green Harriers is available in 1/32nd scale. What a pity. So, let’s move on with some pictures of this model… and sorry for the quality, yesterday the light was not so good. I hope to take some better photos in a couple of weeks. Here the "family"... I need a looong table... CIAO! Piero

Hello, she is finished! Pictures of the model on Ready For Inspection in a minute. CIAO! Piero

Hello, thanks to everybody for compliments and help! A little progress on this GR.5 model, pylons and load has been glued under the wings and ventral point. Still some little parts, as antennas and clear lights, needs to be fitted. CIAO! Piero

Hello, pylons and external load are ready. Next will be the Mk.12H bang-seat, bubble-canopy, undercarriage doors and access ladder. CIAO! Piero

Hi Steve, thank you for your comment! Regarding your questions: Stencils are not hand painted. Most of the black stencils for the two-tone greens camouflage are available with the Harrier Retirement Decal sheet from Airframe (ZG506). Yellow stencils and bi-language "rescue" arrows... you have to look around... try with some cut&paste from RAFG Tornado stencils in 48th scale... The greens are mix-custom-formula using Gunze paint. NATO Green is a mix of H309 and H405. Lichen Green is a mix of H320 and H70. You have to try some before obtain the "right" shade. About the front cap of the Aden gun pods... the color is a buff-yellowish shade... as showed by many pictures of the real GR.5s http://www.airliners.net/photo/UK---Air/British-Aerospace-Harrier/2573912/L/&sid=f5aac8c05cc10c3c32466f692170ae97 http://www.airliners.net/photo/UK---Air/British-Aerospace-Harrier/0722089/L/ http://sg-etuo.de/Visiting-Aircraft/RAF-SAOEU?userlang=en Maybe the pod are too clean... yeah! Finally, ZD408 "my GR.5" had the centraline pylon fitted... https://www.flickr.com/photos/132337785@N03/22611291798 CIAO! Piero P.S.: Pictures are not mine. All credits by the autors. Pictures are used only for reference.

Hello, here we go again. Paint, decal and weathering stages are completed. Now its time to finish and fit all the minor parts. CIAO! Piero

Hello, thanks for your comments! The GR.5 will be finished with 1(F) Squadron unit markings. Just a couple of pictures to show the demarcation line between the NATO Green and Lichen Green. I've already started to apply some dark washing. CIAO! Piero P.S.: Ciao Paolè! Come stai, tutto bene tra i tulipani? Un abbraccione!!!

Hello, there’s much talking about 1/32nd Trumpeter Harrier on the forum lately. How much is good, how much is bad. As has been mentioned by others, there are around on this forums or other sites some reviews, criticism and tips on how to approach the individual (many) faults and problems of this kit. However, I am in the final stages of the construction of my fourth Trumpy Harrier, a GR.5 this time. Here some recent pics of the painting phase. CIAO! Piero P.S.: Sorry, no more Harrier resin sets are available at the moment.

Hello, Someone is interested in a new resin conversion set for the TA-4J two-seater Skyhawk? It will for the A-4E/F/M Trumpeter kit in 1/32. I'm working on this right now. In-progress pics will follows soon. CIAO! Piero

Very very nice Telic Harrier here!!! Good job Jurek!!! CIAO! Piero