Dave Slowbuild

Much better for the filling and ‘partial re-scribing’ of those heavy panel lines. I heartily approve! And the added details are terrific too.

Wow, that leather seat looks real!!

Mark, thanks for the warning - but sorry to hear that it came as a result of your own misfortune. Hope you are well on the way to a full recovery Best wishes, Dave

What a fantastic challenge you have set yourself James! I’m gobsmacked by the frame structure with the printed fittings. In fact everything you’ve done so far is amazing….. I will tag along if that’s OK? Best wishes Dave

Mission accomplished Bertie! I’m looking forward to seeing your Flying Club expand in due course. And I will be keeping an eye on the boatyard too!

@derekS, @Geoffrey Sinclair, @BS_w, many thanks for your help, your comments are duly noted! @Buz, thanks for the offer of the photo, I have just sent you a PM. My first attempt at a PM, so hopefully I haven’t messed it up…

I recently received the Airfix 1/72 Curtiss Hawk 81-A-2 kit as a gift, but I'm not taken by the Flying Tigers example as boxed. I'd prefer to go for this scheme on Xtradecal sheet X72139, showing a P-40 of 55 Pursuit Squadron, 20 Pursuit Group, based in California in 1940:- The artwork for this aircraft is labelled as a "P-40" rather than a "P-40B" as all the other schemes on the sheet are. Furthermore the artwork shows long-barrelled guns protruding from the top of the engine cover, so I'm thinking that this is an early production Model 81. I'm no P-40 expert, but from what I've read it seems that early Model 81's might have either one or two guns in the wing? And then I'm not sure if they would be long or short barrelled... To summarise:- (1) Long barrelled guns above the engine? (2) How many guns in each wing? Long-barrelled or short barrelled? The Xtradecal sheet references the Monogram book USAC/USAAF C&M Vol.1, p139, so I assume there is a photo of this machine there. Unfortunately I don't have a copy! If anyone could shed any light on these questions I would be very grateful. I'll admit I'm hoping for long-barrels so I can build something that looks a bit different to the more familiar P-40B! Regards, Dave

Bravo Bertie, I like your style!

You made a beautiful job of this kit Giampiero. As always, your painting makes it something special in my eyes!

Fabulous! Love the build, the scheme, really great modelling!

I’ve often wondered about these kits too. I’m eager to see how this one turns out and how much you enjoy it Bertie!

Fabulous modelling Putty, and many thanks for the detailed explanation. You are an inspiration!

It doesn’t look like you’ve had to fight it Heather, really it doesn’t. What it does look like is a worthy addition to the 1940 fleet!

I sometimes tell the model repeatedly that “resistance is useless”. This helps reassure me that my ultimate victory is assured. Just a matter of perseverance. It (almost) always works

Great ‘little’ models, and many congratulations on the new home. I am in awe of anyone going the self-build route!

Very impressive work Carlos. You clearly enjoy a challenge! I had not heard of “micro balloon” filler before, looks interesting.

Lovely work Alain, and I like the tone of your silver finish. I’ve got the original Matchbox kit in my stash, hoping to get to it one day! Happy new year, and all the best for 2024!

Thanks for the tip Andres, that’s an impressive result!

Two builds to be very proud of there Mark! (And incidentally, I only managed two builds this year, so you are not alone on build rate!)

Another prolific year, and such a high standard! I went through the list several time trying to pick a favourite, it was hard but my heart keeps pulling me to your Sea Gladiators. Lovely! Hope your head is reasonably clear today, Jan 1st…. Have a great 2024 Alistair!

Fabulous builds and finishing Mark, I’ve much enjoyed following all of them through the year. All those painted markings, your own paint mixes, the research and thought going into the captured airframes… so much to be admired! Have a great 2024!

Glorious! Fantastic way to end your modelling year. Happy New Year Marcel!

Your “modest” output of 20 compares to my 2 completed builds…. well almost 3, but almost complete isn’t complete now is it? The main thing for me is the really high standard you achieve with older and cheaper kits, and the pleasure you get from the hobby which comes across from your posts. Long may it continue! Looking forward to following your output from 2024. All the best to you and yours for the New Year!

A fabulous year’s work; my favourite FWIW is the Sword spitfire, but then I love all things in PRU blue! It’s been said so many times before, but I need to say it myself, your brush painting is top notch!

Well done on seeking out a striped Hurricane, and a lovely build too!