ColonelKrypton

Good luck. It seems even the likes of Motortrend and Hotrod magazines have trouble with a solid definition you can nail to the wall. There is a common central notion but the edges can get a bit fuzzy. cheers, Graham

Marvelous Idea Adrian. Add me to your growing list. I would suggest however that having too hard and fast rules might be a bit too restrictive. After all, paint is not usually provided in kits As you likely already know, out of the box ( OOB ) categories have existed for a very long time with IPMS and other organizations although it now seems the OOB label has been reborn as "basic kit build" ( BKB ). That notwithstanding, some of the old ideas of OOB are something to consider like where it was permissible to replace grab handles and similar items with scratch makes items (for example replace grab handle with bits of wire) or markings ( either decals or hand painted ). Of course, the emphasis is on good basic kit building regardless of whether the kit is a good 70's Tamiya something or other or a modern "super kit" having loads of parts and details. Where you draw the line on what is or is not good basic model building is kind of like nailing pudding to the wall. First things first - gotta get to the Bun Fight! cheers, Graham

I have one as well although one of the more recent Revell boxings. Picked up on a whim while on a discount sale despite it not being my preferred scale but nothing ventured, nothing gained and all that. cheers, Graham

Welcome to The Britmodeller Forum Churchill single type group build When: 26 July - 26 October 2025 Hosts: @ColonelKrypton and @bigfoot Eligible subjects: Any variant of the British Churchill tank. If someone wished to build a Black Prince that would be OK to even though strictly it is not a variant of the Churchill, it is often thought to be. Model building and group builds are about enjoying a creative past time, not always about hard and fast rules so a bit of leeway never goes amiss,. *Do note: This being my first crack at taking on the role as a GB moderator, I was a bit unsure of how to start and organize this "Welcome and rules" topic. A quick search found one such topic created by @Marklo which I have used as a template Rule #1 have fun and don’t let the deadlines be a source of stress. Personally, I love deadlines - I quite like the sound they make as they whiz by. Rule #2 There is a traditional rule of thumb GB rule of 25% with regard to how far progressed any project is at the start of the GB. I would like to treat this as loose guideline rather than a hard and fast rule. Better to enjoy participating in a GB than getting all worked up about percentages. Rule #3 All builds must have a work in progress (WIP) topic. Typically these WIP topics start with the traditional photos of kit box and contents. How much detail provided in your photos is up to you - a little or a lot, just a photo of the kit box or a dozen photos of the sprues, you decide; there are plenty of photos of kits and their contents to found all about the internet. No hard and fast rules - I think you are starting to see a pattern Do however be sure to provide some details of any aftermarket items you choose to use. Rule #4 : Each completed WIP should also have a corresponding completion or ready for inspection (RFI) post within the Churchill STGB Gallery topic of no more than five photos. All comments by others should go in the subject's associated WIP thread. Rule #5 Please keep any discussion of any parts, decals, kits, (etc) items for sale outside of the GB's topics either directly by PM or within the Britmodeller dedicated Buy/Sell area only. Rule #6 Any questions? Ask in the Churchill STGB chat topic or directly to myself @ColonelKrypton or @bigfoot Will there be a poll at the end? I don't know as I hadn't given it much thought. One can be easily created if participants so desire. Cheers,

Yes indeed. I have my selected Tamiya Churchill on the bench, still in it's plastic wrap patiently waiting my attention. cheers, Graham

Good morning Gerard, I have know about this STGB for some time and was planning to just jump right in when it's time came round but I thought I might as well just make my intentions known so that you could add me to the list, please and thank you. The Hurricane is my favourite of the Hurricane / Spitfire pair. It seems however, that good Spitfire kits are easier to find in my part of the world than are good Hurricane kits. A recent trip to my local hobby store, found several Spitfire kits but ZERO Hurricanes. Much time has been spent reviewing, multiple times, the seemingly endless postings on Britmodeller of @Troy Smith @dogsbody ( to name just two of many ) and others on Hurricanes facts and minutiae. I have learned much which I previously was unaware. At the moment, my intention is to build at least a couple of Hurricanes which will be decidedly Canadian subjects. As to the price of kits - in Canada the Arma Hurricanes in 1/48 scale are around the $100 mark +/- ( Canadian $ ), 1/72 around $40 +/-, Airfix and HobbyBoss1/48 around $50 whereas Eduard 1/48 Spitfires are also around the $45 mark if you can find them. cheers, Graham

Very nicely done. cheers, Graham

Very nice. Another great build rolling off of the Yg Models AFV assembly line. cheers, Graham

Count me in. Great War subjects are not always that popular in the group builds but deserve to a bit more attention. This one does cross over the "string bags" ( or whatever the proposal is called ) proposal but being more broad based might get a more attention and gain some traction.. Gotta get in the Bun Fight first however. cheers, Graham

I haven't seen the Classis Airframes kit on any store shelf for a very long time. eBay would likely be the best source but not something I am going to entertain. I am hoping that Arma produce a Mk.I with fabric wings in 1/48 scale and failing that I would like entertain the idea of building the soon to be released Kotare Hurricane Mk.I which I seem to recall is an early model with fabric wings. However, I have been finding bits and pieces of your and others descriptions of modifying a metal wing to be a fabric wing. I have sacrificed a HobbyBoss 1/48 Hurricane Mk.I for experiments in this regard. Progress is slow and nothing I wish to share at this time. As to my quest for decent 5 spoke 1/72 scale Hurricane wells, I have found my solution. On a whim spurred on by a sale at at local hobby store, I took a chance and purchased a Tamiya 1/72 Spitfire Mk.Vb kit. This kit has two sets of wheels, 5 spoke and covered hub. Upon inspection both sets are decent enough but the tire is a bit small at not quite 9mm and do look at bit too small for a Hurricane. If I had no other choice they would have done in a pinch looking a wee bit larger than the wheels sets in the Airfix 1/72 Spitfire Mk.Vb ( 8.5mm diameter ) and the Revell (Germany) 1/72 Spitfire Mk.Vb ( also 8.5mm diameter). If I used them and didn't say anything only the most keen might have noticed. My solution however was to follow you lead and use modified Arma 1/72 Hurricane four spoke wheels and Eduard 1/72 Spitfire XIC 5 spoke wheel inserts to create a very suitable 1/72 5 spoke Hurricane wheel. Going one step further, rather than use the wheel set from the Arma kit, I cast some replacements for my use and did so as well for the Eduard 5 spoke wheel inserts. The parts from the original kits have been returned and those kit are now patiently waiting their turn on the work again. Casting the wee tiny 4mm diameter wheel insert was a bit of challenge but once I figured out a simple way it was easy to make enough for my use. Holding those tiny bits to trim to size and thickness made use of simple jig comprised of a piece of 0.75mm ( 0.030") sheet styrene with a 4mm hole in which the wheel insert is placed upside down and it's back side can then be sanding smooth, square, and to thickness. I use black styrene when working with light coloured plastic as it makes it easier to see the bits I am working on. Several photos follow, first one shows a wheel up in it's 4mm hole being worked on, second one show the cast resin Arma wheel replacement being worked on to accept to the wheels insert, and the third one, a bit out of focus, shows the Arma kit's four spoke wheel on the left, the Eduard 5 spoke wheel insert in the middle, the Airfix Hurricane Mk.I stock wheel on the top, and my replacement part on the right. I have been using the AK Interactive acrylic paint markers for quick and easy detail work, the wheel up done with aluminum marker and the tire in rubber black. Ruler for scale and keep in mind that the Eduard wheel insert is 4mm in diameter. Turned out well enough I might consider bashing out a custom four spoke wheel for the Arma Hurricane using the Eduard 4 spoke wheel insert or perhaps consider using 5 spoke wheels on the Arma Mk.I as I have come to understand that 5 spoke wheels could also be found on early Mk.I's with all metal wings as well. Thank you everyone for your comments and suggestions. Now, to put the Airfix Hurricane aside and patiently wait for the start of the Hurricane STGB starting in just over a month. cheers, Graham

Very nicely done. The weathering is spot on - not too much nor to little. Wee Warrior modeling at it's finest. cheers, Graham

I suspect that Ammo Mig had Takom manufacture the kits and put them in Ammo Mig boxes. There are many other such examples within the industry. both Ammo Mig and Ak Interactive have become much more than just paint makers and are becoming generic hobby suppliers as well. I just saw an announcement for AK Interactive who have now added the American brand AMT to their lineup. cheers, Graham

I concur, very nicely done and will ultimately show that attention to detail in the finished build. I didn't know so I did a quick search and not only just cockpit bits. Amazing, fabulous, ( add your own adjective(s) ... ). Highly detailed snippets of models all on their own that when added to an already good kit like the Arma Hurricanes would quickly treble or quadruple the cost of basic kit. Will I? Won't I? Never say never, never is a very long time But back to @MeneMene's Arma Hurricane... There is merit and pleasure in keeping it simple (KISS) too. You are off to a great start. cheers, Graham

I have a vague recollection that the Takom T-54B (mid production) was also sold by Ammo Mig without the MAZ-537G tractor and trailer. cheers, Graham

Very nicely done. cheers, Graham

Very nicely done. I admire those that build these Wee Warriors and the models they create. This scale has become a bit small for my aging hands and fingers but I keep trying every once in a while. cheers, Graham

Of course there are The closest brick and mortar hobby store is an hours drive away and I don't get into the big city very often. Costs more for gas that it does for shipping from one of the online Canadian stores I frequent. The challenge is that most have very little in the way of older model kits limiting shopping sprees to the more recent releases. cheers, Graham

I do but it is much larger than your ( Unimat? ) but I could manage. The way modified and mounted the wheels in the lathe is very creative. I have made a note. cheers, Graham

No. The first 20 Hurricane Mk.I's in RCAF service where UK built Hurricanes. Some where used for a while, some damaged in incidents, some put in storage, and I think some didn't have propellers when first imported and subsequently got one of the 3 blade propellers the others where 2 blade. The survivors were taken out of storage and eventually found their way back to the UK. Carl Vincent had a four piece article in the Canadian Aviation Historical Society's magazine https://www.cahs.com/store/p391/CAHS-C-UKH.html Unless someone speaks up with a "the XXXXX 1/72 Spitfire kit has wheels that are near 9mm diameter; it is looking more and more like making a casting of the Arma wheels modified to take the Eduard Spitfire 5 spoke hubs. cheers, Graham

Thank you Troy. I do in fact have an Eduard Spitfire Mk.Ixc in 1/72 and shortly after I started this thread I discovered that it has the three hub types. I have been considering doing just as you suggest by fitting the Eduard wheel hubs to a larger ( Arma or modified Airfix or ?? ) tire. Certainly very doable. However not wanting to use the wheels from a very nice Arma 1/72 Hurricane and leaving it without I will have to consider my options. My preferred scale is 1/48 but the only way I was going to get an early Hurricane Mk.I with a fabric wing is the Airfix kit in 1/72. I have also considered that and have already mounted one to a temporary mandrel for mounting my ersatz mini lathe ( Foredom flex shaft handle mounted on a board ) but have not yet ventured so far as to sanding it down. The Airfix tire being a flattened type would be a bit of challenge to just sand down keeping everything round but also doable. The Airfix wheel, at least in your photo, appears to be not only a bit large in diameter but also a bit too portly ( bulbous or thick ... ) when viewed side by side with Arma wheel. I will have to but both on the workbench and eye them up in person. I have never tried modifying a round doughnut shaped aeroplane tyre by wrapping a strip round it. I may try just for the sake of giving it a go but my first thought is that it might end up being a lot more work for whatever is gained. I am pretty handy at making silicone molds and casting parts in resin so perhaps making a master in this way may be the path I follow. I am hoping someone sees my post and has already measured up some 1/72 Spitfire wheels and know of one or more that are oversize which just might be the easiest path. I am a true believer in KISS but do very easily wander down the over complicated path far too easily. I am not sure if you are referring to the 19779 Airfix Hurricane Mk.I or Spitfire. In any case older issues of most kits are not that common anywhere that I shop which means that if I need to go to eBay which implies buying from somewhere in US or overseas which is not my choice due to rising postage costs. Most Spitfire kits ( 1/72 and 1/48 ) whose instructions I have perused via Scalemates have at least 5 spoke wheels, at least the earlier types. I have only noted a few kits which specify 4 spoke and none that I have looked at having 3 spoke but I do know that the 4 and 3 spoke types where used on later marks Thank you Pat, every little bit helps build the bigger picture. cheers, Graham

Good day all, I am currently fussing over an Airfix 1/72 Hurricane Mk.I kit which I want to build as an early Mk.I as provided in the very early 10 UK built Hurricanes as supplied to the RCAF. The Airfix kit is a good start except as many already know, does not have the five spoke wheels as found on the early Hurricane Mk.I's. I am exploring several ideas on how to resolve this issue. Aftermarket replacements while an option are very low on my list. Those reasonably priced at less than $10 replacement parts quickly treble in price by the time I had exchange rate and the high cost of international shipping. For that kind of money I could by a kit with decent wheels just to use those wheels for this build hence my current thinking. Spitfire and Hurricane wheels where the same but tires where a different size with the Hurricane's being larger. However, many kits have wheels and tires which are often either too large or too small. The Airfix 1/72 and 1/48 Hurricane Mk.I kits both have tires which are too large. The sweet spot in 1/72 for Hurricane tires is right around 9mm. The Arma 1/72 Hurricane tires are around 9.2mm whereas the Airfix are around 9.8mm. My thinking is that perhaps there is some 1/72 Spitfire kit ( having five spoke wheels ) which also have oversize tires. The question then becomes which one(s)? Anyone know? Has anyone made some measurements? Several hours of poking around on Britmodeller has provided some good details on the full size wheels and tires but nothing with respect to 1/72 kit tire sizes being too small or too large except for some comments on 1/48 scale kits. Tamiya 1/72 Spitfire Mk.Vb comes with two sets of wheels/tires - five spoke and covered hub. This would be a perfect solution but are the tires in this kit the correct size for a Spitfire or are they oversize and close to 9mm diamater? Other Airfix 1/72 Spitfires? Right size? Too small or too big for a Spitfire in 1/72 but closer to that sweet spot of around 9mm for a 1/72 Hurricane? Hobbyboss 1/72 Spitfires? Same questions. Other kits? But must be recent issues and easily available from local hobby emporiums. I am not looking for highly detailed absolutely accurate ( but that would be nice of course ) just a good reasonable representation of five spoke wheels for my 1/72 Hurricane Mk.I without having to order from the US or overseas and incurring those excessive postage costs for just a set of aftermarket wheels. cheers, Graham

Artists follow a "fat over lean" rule when painting. What that means is that it is OK to apply a "fat paint" over a "lean paint" in order to prevent cracking of the top layer(s) of paint. We follow this rule somewhat when painting our models. We know it is OK to apply one type of paint over another otherwise problems may or will occur. Oil paints and enamels are examples of "fat paint" - they have a higher "fat" or oil content and take longer to dry or cure and usually are a bit thicker. Lacquers are an example of a "lean paint" - they dry more quickly and provide a very thin tough finish. Crafters often make artistic use of purposely causing paint to crackle. They do this by applying a "lean" over "fat" where the "fat" is often a crackle medium and used much like the Vallejo crackle medium referred to earlier. Putting a quick drying acrylic paint over a dried acrylic paint is not likely going to work very well. I have heard of some using PVA type glues as a crackle medium but I never had any luck with it. I have not tried the Vallejo crackle medium but I did view the Youtube videos noted. It is an interesting technique Perhaps using something like a lacquer paint over the crackle medium might work or maybe a "crackle" airbrush mask or template might provide the look you are after? cheers, Graham

I have one of the same and plan on a simple out of the box build. However, I am sure I will fuss over some extra detailing. cheers, Graham

Welcome aboard. Pleased you could join us. 33 days and counting. cheers, Graham

Very nicely done. And, interesting as you have made mention of that Polish TV series, a quick search of Youtube and wonder upon wonders, it seems that KINEMATOGRAFIA POLSKA had uploaded that series three years ago and with English subtitles no less. Episode 1 to get things started: cheers, Graham