klubman01

Looking really good. Can't wait to see the finished article. Trevor

The shield that you mention is a stylised version of the Falkland Islands coat of arms, as seen on the flag. On the Harriers it was a mid-blue shield with a white sheep at the top as the most prominent feature. I will dig out my flying logbooks and see if I can find anything else that may be of use. Just got to remember where they are! Trevor

PS, a Harrier crashed near the airfield in late '84, following a bird-strike at low level. Pilot survived the ejection but suffered broken arms. He landed in the water near the airfield but, luckily for him, two airmen raced out to him in an inflatable, and hauled him to safety. They subsequently received commendations for their quick thinking and actions.

OK, this is stretching my memory a bit but...….. In late '84 I was on the Herc Det, 1312 Flt, and the Harrier detachment was on the opposite side of the runway from us. As you correctly surmise, they were coded V, T, O, and L. I did have the serials written down once but goodness knows where that information is now. As regards insignia, I took some photos whilst across the runway one day, and submitted them to Modeldecal. They subsequently appeared as an "extra" (with the photos) on one of their sheets (again, memory fails me). Typically, IIRC, the 1453 Flt insignia looked rather like 1 Sqn's markings, plus they carried the Falklands crest, but only on one side. Perhaps this is the extra marking you refer to? Also worth noting is the fact that the underwing serials were painted over, usually in Dark Green. This is due to the fact that the fuselage and wing section were transported down south in C-130s as separate items - no room for both in the cargo bay at the same time. They were then put back together at Stanley before the north bound aircraft was dismantled. I imagine that the original pairings of wings and fuselage became muddled over time, and therefore the serial on the fuselage was the reference for maintenance. Whilst I was there, the Harriers were permanently fitted with refuelling probes but didn't do a great deal of refuelling from us - the Phantoms of 29 Sqn were our main customers, with the Harriers only rarely taking fuel. I hope that points you in the right direction. Trevor

Very nice pair of 935's. Lovely job on both of them. I have the Le Mans K3 waiting to be built. Did you use the kit wheels, or are they aftermarket items? Trevor

Well done for the quick turn round. Looks much better now. Trevor

Very nicely made and presented. A small point, if I may? There should be the Nav's periscope on the left side of the cockpit. The left hand glazing between the canopies was removed, and replaced by a solid panel housing the periscope. Helped the Nav get a better view forward. Trevor

Exactly right. On 237 OCU they remained fitted, and were definitely LAG, even after the wrap-round DG/DSG was introduced in the late seventies.

Any mass ahead of the main wheels is bound to help. Trevor

I use Milliput on a regular basis for my models. Depending on how big and/or tricky the styrene part is then I use CA for small parts and Gel type CA for large parts. Gel type has a slightly longer working time compared to straight CA. Trevor

Looking good. Trevor

Yesterday (Tuesday), on the A153, half way between Sleaford and Grantham, I saw a very nice red early notchback Mustang. Only got a brief glimpse as I was driving in the opposite direction. Looked like it had a roll cage, with wider wheels. A track day car? Nice, anyway. Trevor

I use a similar arrangement for my 1/43 models, except that I prop up one side of a Tupperware box with a length of timber that's just under 3/4 inch thick. The prop is in place all the time, including straight after airbrushing has been completed. The box protects the models, and the air gap allows a degree of circulation. I usually leave them like that for a week before doing anything with them. Trevor

Nicely done. Love the "tide mark" along the hull.

Welcome aboard. The dexterity will return (practise makes perfect). As for eyesight, I too suffer with age related problems. So, whenever I get new glasses I also buy a pair with "close up" lenses. Makes all the difference. BTW, love the old car. What make and model is it? Trevor

Nice car, nice job. Well done. Trevor

Great result. Trevor

Great work. I followed the WIP with interest, and the final result is excellent. Trevor

Le Mans 66 is a great film, I agree. Trevor

I am very familiar with your nomadic lifestyle. I too moved around a lot with work. 1/43 scale models lend themselves to "remote" modelling, just as you say. Great model. Shame about the missing parts, but always nice to see another 1/43 RFI. Trevor

Blimey, that's good. And not red, either! Great work, well done. Trevor

Nice!!!

Utterly bonkers, utterly brilliant! Trevor

Cracking build, great job. Well done. Trevor

Top car, top driver, top model. It's the mutt's nuts! Trevor