Fifer54

Hi! The main colours you require will be RAF Dark Green, RAF Dark Earth and RAF Sky. I usually use Humbrol 117, 29 and 90 respectively. Humbrol reference numbers are the same for enamels and acrylics. For Vallejo colours, 92 in their Model Air range is the equivalent to RAF Dark Green, while 8 or 9 could deputise for Sky. Unfortunately, there's no equivalent for RAF Dark Earth in Model Air, but 921 in Vallejo Model Colour might be OK. Hope this helps . . .

I am shocked that we've got to six pages in and on-one has yet mentioned this paragon of plainness, the PZL "Belphegor":

Yes, fine, but under no circumstances EVER buy any kit produced by Starfix!

If you want a quick, cheap, easy, looks-like-a-Hurricane-when-it's-done, build, these are a good bet . . .

Okay, this model has haunted me! Inadequate research, inaccurate decals, and a simplified kit have all conspired against me, in spite of the kit being actully a VERY easy build, to test my mojo. It was nearly thrown at the wall several times, and I was ready to ask SWMBO for her spare set of knitting needles! But, here she is. She's fought me all the way. I wasn't aware how dark the pictures were until I uploaded them to my PC, so I apologise for those. I have put new bulbs in my photoflood lamps and they are obviously not up to the task. Hawker Hurricane Mk.1 of No.85 Sqn, RAF, based at RAF Debden in July 1940: P2923 VY-R It's early days in this GB, so I may enter another later. For now, I have a Bf109 to build for a BoB GB elsewhere . . .

Finished!

Sorry, guys! No progress and no photos! I'm really struggling with my Mojo on this one. I think it may be because the actual chopper I'm building doesn't interest me that much. I think I may search the 'net for some decals for a different example, maybe a US Army "Slick" from the 'nam era. . .

I'm sorry, I didn't say it was the Academy Limited Edition Bf109E-3 "Heinz Baer"! I dare say that if the decals don't work out, these things can be painted . . .

Thanks for your support, guys. I've taken it on board. I did eventually use Sky for the underside. I've decalled her this evening, and the decals have certainly "brought her to life". A clean-up of the decal solvent in the morning, then a Matt coat, add the final details and she's done. I do think she'll look fine on the shelf! This has been my first 1/48 build for a long time, I decided to change from 1/72 as my eyesight and the steadiness of my hands are deteriorating as I get older (66 in 2 weeks!) I'll be building lots of vintage Monogram and Revell in the next few yearsl My next build will be Heinz Baer's "White 13" Bf109E-3 in1/48, but that's for a BoB GB elsewhere on the 'net. I f anyone hasn't seen this kit, ALL the upper surface camo AND the canopy framing are provided as decals- that's a major challenge with my (lack of!) skills!

Well, guys, it seems that my model is inaccurate, my painting is inaccurate, and my decals are inaccurate. I think I'll call it quits and leave it at that. Now where are those knitting needles? . . .

Ready for decals. I found that I didn't have any Sky Grey, nor suitable paints from which to mix Sky Grey,so the underside is in Sky . . . Hope to get some decals on her later today.

Made a start! Began with a little bit of parts painting on the sprue. Here is the fuselage, ready for closing up. I'm not just snapping this together, Tamiya Extra Thin is being brushed along all the seams, and into those hefty sockets for the alignment pins I haven't taken a pic of the wings being assembled, It's just five parts, but here below is where she's up to now. Nearly ready for paint! According to the Xtradecal instruction sheet, the actual undersurface colour of my subject is not known. We all know it should be Sky, but Xtradecals claims that it could be Sky, Sky Blue, Sky Grey, Eau-de-Nil, or a locally mixed colour. Apparently Sky was in short supply from its introduction to Fighter Command on 06/06/1940 until Augaust 1940. I think I'll go with Sky Grey . . . 1

Thank you, jur! As for the noseweight, Revell suggested 5g, I stuffed a little Blu-Tak between those frames in the nose, and put a sausage of Blu-Tak behind the IP . . .

Slowly taking shape! As you can see, the fuselage (is it called a fuselage on a helicopter?) is closed up. The rotors and landing skids are fitted for the photo!

I don't believe so. In the linked review, Brett Green points out some ways this is better than the Hasegawa, i.e., restrained detail and an easier build. It's possible Pegasus Hobbies could have "adjusted" the tooling, but I see no signs of Hasegawa provenance. But they are good and inexpensive . . .

I'm going to have a go at this GB (can't let a BoB GB get away!) I'll be building the Pegasus Hobbies "EZ Snapz" 1/48 Hawker Hurricane. Now, before anyone dismisses this kit as a toy, or as not a proper model, read Brett Green's review on Hyperscale here. Here are the obligatory ID shots: I won't be using the kit decals, the instructions give no clue as to the identity of the machine featured, other than a serial P3901. I know that a little bit of GoogleFu could find it, but it's just as easy to open a pack of aftermarket decals and finish it as a different machine that I can identify from the start. I'll probably be building P2923/VY-R of no.85 Sqn. I'm actually trying to kickstart my modelling mojo with this. Me Mojo's gorn AWOL . . .

I'm sorry about the slow progress on this one. My modelling mojo has completely gone AWOL . . .

Also, I just thought, there are several model shops that have Facebook pages. I know of "Model Kits for Less" and "Veteranus models". Both have discounts off RRP, and some offers including p&p. Worth a look.

I can only agree with all that has been said before, check out the secondhand kit dealers, look for special offers, and if the cost of modelling items brings you to despair (it has brought me there in the past) just think that you could have taken up Golf, or Photography, or even drinking copious amounts of beer, and ponder the costs in those hobbies. Modelling, relatively, is as cheap as chips (as they say!) Part of the "trick" is to buy kits when you see them on offer (if you can) and build up a "stash". I decided last year that I needed to move from building 1/72 aircraft to 1/48 aircraft, and my stash now contains 27 1/48 aircraft kits. Now, I know this is small potatoes compared to a lot of BMers, but with the 9 1/72, & 4 1/144 kits left in my stash I have several years of modelling there if I never buy another kit, and I'm hoping that this year is the only "building from the stash" year in the near future. Check out your local charity shops, you may strike it lucky, leave your number with them to contact you if they get any kits in. I know that people have found real bargains that way (Airfix "James Bond" Aston Martin for under £!0!) PM me with contact details, I have an Airfix 1/32 armour kit that could be yours for the cost of the postage!

In the Greater Manchester area, MJR Models has aircraft, armour, maritime and automotive kits, along with slotracing and model railways. I can't give an address as they are in the process of moving to new larger premises, which will open when Mike decides it's safe to open up. Meantime he is trading on Facebook as "Model Kits for Less" I have no connection with this firm other than as a satisfied customer . . .

Best wishes and a happy Bastille Day to all our French members.

servd in half a

A picture at last! Here is the basic interior. I decided to build this as the ambulance variant, but making up the strtcher racks is sooooo fiddly I may yet just leave a bare interior and close the doors!

Go on! You know you want to . . .

Well, I've made a start, but I've no piccies to show cos it's just a bit of parts painting on the sprues! I've run up against Revell's refusal to tell you which paints to use except by Revell paint colours. The names of colours used on the helo are NOT mentioned anywhere. Revell must be absolutely paranoid at the thought of a Revell modeller buying a pot of Humbrol or Colourcoats. I understand them wanting to promote their own product, but this stance just gets in the way . . .