jackroadkill

Thanks chaps - much appreciated.

That's an excellent philosophy to adopt; I must infuse my next build with as few monkeys as I can get away with (which, thinking about it won't be hard as it's practically a "what if?" build anyway). I think this one will turn out very well.

She's come out very well indeed, Dennis. So nice to see a Dora in this scheme.

Those are three fabulous Emils - well done, sir!

That's very cool. Who doesn't love a Malta-based Spit?

Thanks chaps, kind of you to say so!

Thanks Roger, very kind of you. The RFI is here: Thanks, JRK

Those of you who've seen the WIP will know that there was not a whole lot of P for months at a time on this build. For some reason I never really got into gear with this build. Why that should be I don't know because the kit built pretty well, the scheme is simple enough (other than those bloody invasion stripes which I'll be giving a wide berth for a while, I can tell you) and generally it's come together pretty well. The kit was Eduard's Weekend version. I used Colourcoats enamels, Montex masks (for the roundels, fin flash and code letters) and Mig Ammo panel line washes and pigments. I had some late war Eduard RAF seatbelt etch hanging around so I used this to add some interest to the cockpit. Weathering is very basic; I've gone overboard on my last few builds and felt that restraint would be a better approach this time around - as well as there being a small element of CBA (see above!). The scheme I chose was Wing Commander Roland Beamont's JN751 as it was on D-Day in 1944 when he was leader of the first Tempest wing, which was given the number No 150 Wing. Although initially tasked with strike missions, Beamont shot down a Bf109 over the invasion beaches, scoring the type's first kill of the enemy fighter as he did so. In the months following the invasion Beamont became a specialist in the destruction of airborne V1, destroying 32 by the end of the V1's operations. Following the war Beamont went on to have a distinguished career as a test pilot, establishing many aviation firsts and records. He eventually retired as the head of Panavia following the debut flight of the Tornado in 1979. Any comments or criticisms welcome. Thanks, JRK

Finally, the beast is finished! Thanks very much to all who have offered encouragement, stuck with this short (ahem) build from the beginning and helped me drag it over the line. I have to confess to doing next to no weathering on it, but I like the way it looks as it is. There'll be an RFI to follow. Cheers, JRK

Fantastic work, Stix. I've a number of these kits in my stash and I love them - this thread may receive many visits from me when I get around to building the next one!

Glad you're able to be back at your bench; the kit is a lovely build and yours looks great. I'll look forward to seeing it completed, and hope your health issues are resolved soon.

It surprises me that neither of those has the required 30, if I'm honest.

Well, there are some corkers to choose from in the poll above; STGB votes are fine - I've only got four that I'd be interested in in the here and now (I've sworn off twin engined aircraft and armour, so that makes the choosing a wee bit easier!) but there are eight GB's that I could get excited about.... Decisions, decisions! Am looking forward to the bunfight, that's for sure.

Thanks @mark.au, @Dunny and @bigbadbadge for your kind comments. I’m hoping to actually finish the blighter next week. Don’t hold your breath though!

This model, along with my recent Beaufighter, is the very reason I made that bold statement; I still flinch when I think about the miles of tape I used.

Did I say days? I must have meant months. I've realised that I'm now ten months, ten whole months, into this simple build. Happily, though, I can report that the building and painting are now complete, and only weathering remains. As I do whenever possible, I left the airscrew until last, as I think this brings the model to life. Being an Eduard kit you're supposed to cement the spinner to the cowling; I jibbed out of this and used Micro Kristal Klear as I'm less likely to break blades off that way. I'm away for a few days to my cousin's wedding, but I'm going to get on the weathering when I come home. For one thing I've a Ta152 to get started on, so I'm enforcing discipline and will finish the Tempest first before starting it. There's a wee Vampire that's getting close to finished now too, so there might even be space for another kit. Watch this space... Cheers, JRK

I'm only pulling your leg - I love seeing other people's models, especially when they're as tidy-looking as this!

You know what I hate? It's when I'm just about to finish a kit and am looking forward to RFI'ing it and then someone steals my thunder completely by not only beating me to the punch but they do so with a real corker of a model... Mumble mumble grumble, that's what I say!

That's a really smart job - the canopy and camo pattern are particularly eye-catching.

Cracking stuff. I really enjoy a 190, and four is a real treat.

That's an excellent model - and the "we don't nitpick" on the trophy is genius!

Another cracker, Werdna (pretty sure I've said that before once or twice!). Glad the kit went together well, too.

What a result - hard work pays off, eh? Such a great-looking aircraft.

Adam, that's a superb model. Absolutely superb... I approve of the hat; my grandpa played for Leicester just after the war.

Some proper howling lap steel guitar in this. Lovely stuff.