CH-53D

Oddly, I clearly remember - the Frog Hawker Hurricane, around 1970. It belonged to a friend's older brother, the parts were all scattered in a drawer with other junk, but he said I could have it. I dutifully scoured the drawer and recovered every piece of black plastic I could find, plus the decal sheet and box top. But no instructions. I took it home and assembled it by looking at the box illustration, putting it together with some contact cement (Evostick?). Since the wheels were up in the picture, that is how I built it. As I had no instructions, there was no reason for me to think the decals went on a different way than I chose, which was to carefully cut each one out with scissors and glue it on, backing paper and all!. I still have that model stashed away in a box somewhere, though it was in rather deplorable condition last time I saw it. That may not have been wholly due to the ravages of time, but rather my inadequate skills when I built it.

The seller of these kits has proven himself an honourable gentleman. Once I successfully contacted him, he explained that there had been some foul up with fleabay, and the information for a bunch of his orders had disappeared. I provided him with the information on my purchase and my address, I received a shipping number forthwith. The kit arrived today, and I am very impressed, it looks splendid. Well worth the wait actually.

Absolutely beautiful! I saw that plane in person in the mid to late 1970s, though I don't recall which airport (such memories get a tad blurry these days). Braniff was very colourful airline.

Very attractive indeed! The aircraft does look quite different in those colours.

Absolutely splendid! What a beautifully done tiger scheme.

A splendid result, particularly when produced from such a "basic" kit. Well done! The only Mach 2 kit in my stash, and likely to remain the lone product of theirs, is the Lockheed JetStar, purchased many years ago because it is most probably the only injection moulded kit of the type we'll see produced. While I have examined it many times, I have yet to muster the personal fortitude to tackle it. But what you have produced here inspires me with a little confidence, and a nudge in that direction.

Absolutely splendid! I have this kit and had some trepidation about how those big decals would work, I'm very glad to hear they worked well for you.

Both are very nice indeed! Though I like both styles, I particularly like the clear canopy on the FAW.2, it makes it look more like a production aeroplane.

A good save!

Splendid work on this, Phillip, and a very enjoyable ride watching the progress. I fondly remember the "invisible" Huey, I used to ogle it in the hobby shop but never managed to buy one when they were still available. They were expensive to a youngster! I actually have one of those Monogram pocket catalogues, acquired as a early-teen in 1974 when we moved to the US. I just looked, it is still (coincidental to @anders1970's post) tucked safely inside my B-36 kit, which has been in the stash since around 1990 because I never had space to put it if built. But now I have moved into the last house I intend to live in, perhaps it should get some love.

The KP came out very nicely indeed! Well done. I am impressed with your decal repainting skills. You know, I was perfectly happy with the old KP kit I built back in the last century until I saw your Eduard kit here. So I bought one. And while I was buying it, I found out they do the Graf Zeppelin version also, so I bought that as well. You, sir, have been a naughty influence on me! 😄

Very attractive colour scheme, and lovely paintwork. Well done!

A lovely little aeroplane, well done!

That really does look promising! @JagRigger I'm very glad that yours has arrived. I have been in contact with him and now have a tracking number for mine.

Wonderful pictures, thank you! The different helmets front and rear are quite clear.