Dandie Dinmont

More than vaguely, I would say. Nice job. The old Hunter really was a bonnie looking airplane (and still is come to that) and you’re showing it at its best. Craig.

That’s the sort of innovative thinking we’ve come to expect from you Alistair. Craig.

What, no mirror underneath to show off the exquisite detail? Craig.

Very nice set of markings. Worth the wait! Craig.

Good progress there. Finished by the weekend? Craig.

That engine is a work of art Alan! Will it be on display in the finished model? It would be a shame to hide it away. Craig.

Glad to hear it! it would be a crying shame to hide all that top notch fiddly bittery. Craig.

Beautiful work as ever. Will any of this actually be seen once the model is finished? Craig.

I wouldn’t have noticed the mistake if you hadn’t pointed out and I doubt if anyone else will once all the undercarriage bits are fitted. Don’t let it get you down. Besides, you have to maintain your formidable reputation for shooting yourself in the foot at least once in every build and then making a fantastic recovery! Craig.

Sorry, I was distracted from the fine paintwork by the blazing sunshine you were apparently enjoying this morning. I literally couldn't see the end of the garden (and it's not that big a garden) when I got up this morning, though it does seem to be brightening up now. Also, I think I have the same vice (the thing the model's attached to not..oh you know). Aldi special? Well to be fair, it would be tough doing it what with the terrible pain in all the diodes down your left hand side. Or is it right hand side? Drat, I'm going to have to listen to the tapes again. Model? What mod..oh right. This is looking better and better Alistair and I'm sure the decals will prove no obstacle to your relentless progress. That underside is looking particularly spiffy! Craig.

This is looking great Alan and I'm following along for sure. But what about the Hellcat!!!? Craig.

Just had a flick through this month’s Flypast and there’s a short article by someone who flew this very aircraft at the Tactical Weapons Unit as part of his training. Apparently it was quite a change from the Hawk he’d previously been training on! Craig.

Very smart looking Alistair! Try not to follow my usual practice and remove the paint right down to the plastic with your “light sanding” (not that I really have any fears that you will do so). Craig.

Just got caught up. This is a simply stunning build John and your attention to detail is admirable. Craig.

Ah Ferryhill, scene of one of the greatest missed opportunities of my life. I would say more but I imagine anyone coming to this tread for some hot P51 action must be confused enough as it is. Craig.

Shame. That new turntable will be being put to use! Craig.

At first I read that as having a Tornado just go past the box and thought “it must have been flying a bit low”. But I’ve caught up now. Don’t suppose it’s heading my way (I.e. down the ECML)? Craig.

Gosh, that really is more cuteness than one small cat should be capable of projecting. If you could bottle that, you’d make a fortune! Give Daisy a tickle under the chin for me. Craig.

I’m sure most around these parts would consider another picture of Arthur (he must be a big boy by now) a perfectly acceptable form of thread update. Craig.

This kit really looks like a gem Alistair though it is no doubt flattered by your skill in putting it together. Craig.

Ooh, shiney! Craig.

Astounding. The minesculeness of the bits is astounding, as is your ability to locate them accurately. You’ll be carving a joystick out of a grain of rice next. Craig.

Coming along nicely and at a furious pace too. Done by the weekend? Craig

Alistair, I trust that you realise that by continuing to produce work of this calibre, you risk dangerously depleting the world’s precious store of superlatives. I urge you to lower your standards and add in a few gluey thumb prints and gaping seams immediately in order that this crisis may yet be averted. You know it makes sense. Craig.

Haud yir wheest min, I hivne finished the wee een yet an' the wife wid kill me onywy! Craig.