johnd

A heartening story. I also like the bit where he "flew bombing raids behind enemy lines". John.

He didn't: it was provided by British Airways (the one that merged with Imperial Airways to form BOAC in 1939). John.

Cheers, Bob. Do we know why the mods were introduced? Preparation for RATOG and/or RPs springs to mind but then wouldn't they include the rudder too? John.

A little bit more information: Plate 60 in David Brown's "The Seafire" shows an 807 Squadron LIIC vertically on the deck of HMS Hunter and the ribbing on the fabric covered elevators is plain to see. Other than that, the book is quiet on the subject. In Morgan and Shacklady's "Spitfire: The History", there's a description of MB307 (IIC) having its fabric rudder and ailerons set alight during RATOG tests. The problem was cured by switching to flashless powder but as a temporary measure, the elevator surface was covered in metal in place of fabric. On the other hand, there's a test report from Supermarine flight logs regarding PR241 (IIIC): "(Quill 29-12-44). Westland metal elevator." and PX921(LF.III) "(Quill 5-4-45)...Metal elevator by Cunliffe Owen." So not clear cut. John.

The Red Line can be brushed, it just needs an extra coat or two. John.

Oh yes, it's closer to Vallejo than Tamiya in terms of usability and the colour accuracy looks better than both.

First impressions are that it's good paint. I've used Red Line with a brush and had good results without thinning it with anything at all. I also have some of the Blue Line (optimised for brush) stuff...must get round to trying it. There were some bad reviews just after its introduction but the problem was addressed quite quickly so check the date on any adverse reaction to it. John.

It's the Edgar quote above that raised alarm bells. I'd previously thought that metal elevators had started to appear about the same time as the Mk.21, which would fit with the Morgan and Shacklady information, but then again, Seafires never seem to stick to 'the rules'. Great photo, btw, but shouldn't those walkway lines be asymmetrical? Or is that another idiosyncrasy of Seafires? John.

I read earlier that all Seafires had metal elevators*. Is this the case? It came as a bit of a surprise but if it is true at least it's not too late to correct my Sword Mk.II and Mk.III. Please advise... Thanks, John. *I do mean elevators rather than ailerons.

This was discussed in CedB's BM thread here. Mid Brunswick Green was the answer, I think, but I'm not sure whether a definitive match was found... John.

Nicely done! The Italeri Corsairs always attract criticism from those in the know (no doubt with good reason) but the finished article always looks good to my untrained eye. They're a good build too. John.

In 'Spitfire at War 3', it says that on 17 June 1944 131 Sqn. undertook comparison flights between aircraft with standard and extended tips at low and medium height. The standard ones won and the extended tips were removed. There was no call for operations at high altitude at that stage of the war. Beautiful models. John.

Model Alliance sheet MA-72118 has Reynolds' S146 (PR256) on it. John,

Very helpful, thanks. You also answered another question too, whether it's ok to add the flow improver to the paint pot when it's first opened. Bonus! John.

Ouch! Looks like in-store collect is the way to go if you're fortunate enough to have one nearby.

Yes, mine was delivered to store in 5 days from the order being placed. The earlier one I placed took about 3 days. John. PS I also got 10% off the other stuff I bought in-store because of the 'click and collect' order.

Leffe Royale? Had the Blonde and Brun in abundance (and a red one once) but not familiar with that one. Please elaborate... John.

Hi Martin, no, I didn't think that. I can only speak as I find and it's frustrating that the rest of the world breezes through the kit and I struggle. I'm pleased that it's popular and it builds well for others. I don't have an agenda, I love Airfix, I love Beaufighters (my Dad made undercarriage legs for them) and wanted to make the Firedog version and a rocket armed SEAC one too. Maybe a second attempt is called for. John.

I'm not the only one to have trouble with the engines and canopy. Tony O'Toole reported the latter as being too wide at the rear, needing squeezing in to fit. Others have commented on the 'power egg' to wing fit and the three part cowling though it's a while since I touched it and don't remember who. An example of the brain deleting trauma? John.

Very nice! I kind of like the undercarriage legs moulded onto the doors because of laziness, but they're not quite as crisp as separate parts, I agree. Underwing roundels were not carried between 6th June and 11th August 1940. John.

Yes, sorry, was going to elaborate. As far as I know, the kit is accurate. I just found it a very disappointing build based on the fit of the parts, especially the engines and canopy. The latter was the last straw, really, as you can chop, sand and fill your way around everything else though it shouldn't be necessary on a modern kit. I know to keep paint off mating surfaces on the modern Airfix offerings and dry fit parts first but to no avail. John.

I'd recommend reading reviews of High Planes Beaufighters before you take the plunge, though as they are short-run. John.

In fact, there's this: https://www.hpmhobbies.com/high-planes-bristol-beaufighter-nf-mk-if-kit-1-72/ The High Planes Beaufighters are no harder to build than the Airfix ones and transfers are included. John.

Fairly straightforward. Alley Cat Models do a Beaufighter I conversion set for the new Airfix Mk.X. You don't get the antennae though. Also, the Airfix kit isn't great. John. Update: Owl make photo etch aerials.

It's coming together very nicely. Is there a knack to thinning with flow improver? When I tried it with my Winsor and Newton stuff I struggled with bubbles. A few drops is fine, any more, problematic. John.