Fifer54

Aaaah..... No, you're alright . . .

Me too! But given that my subject is basically a German Mountain Rescue chopper, I think Tannhäuser may be even more appropriate!

I'll be watching this build carefully. I have a later boxed issue of this in my stash with a different sprue layout, proper printed instruction booklet, and very little flash. Interesting. Huma obviously re-tooled this at some point.

I've had a change of plans for this GB. I was going to build Revell's reboxing of the Zvezda Mil-26 Halo, but I believe that is too big a project for a GB. So, a Revell 1/72 UH-1D joined the stash, in the German SAR boxing. I believe this to be Hasegawa plastic, and it will be built OOB in the kit's decal scheme. Here are the kit's mugshots: Sprues: Decals: Instructions: And paint scheme: Aaaand that is my first entry for the Helicopter, autogiro, and STOVL GB! Good luck, everyone, can't wait to get started on Saturday!

In Warplanes of the third Reich, William Green states that a number of D-series airframes were converted to H-series by removal of underwing weapon racks, addition of dual controls and a new rear canopy "with glazed nternal blisters". So he is suggesting that there was no production of Ju87Hs, just converted Ds. He also provides a profile. But he doesn't have a photo . . .

When I right-click on the link, I get a 403-Forbidden error . . .

There are Republic F-105G Wild weasel kits from Revell, Monogram and Hasegawa, according to Scalemates. As for availability, who knows? . . .

Thanks, Enzo, I do realise that, I just prefer not to duplicate entries if I can. I think my big Mil Mi-28 Halo is calling out to be built, even though its size will make it a Major Project. If I finish before the end of the GB, I may do another helo, maybe the Flettner (what a fascinating machine!)

Well, I've just checked to see if I had already signed up for this GB, and I haven't, so please count me in Dunno what I'm going to build yet, I've got Huma's 1/48 Flettner Kolibri (but I see you're doing one of those), Revell's reboxing of Zvezda's Mi-26 (if I built this I may even splash out on the Begemot decal sheet), Amusing Hobby's Focke-Wulf Triebfluegel, and a Sword 1/72 Harrier T.4 that intimidates me. So I'll build something, I think the big Mil is calling me . . .

Is an Arado Ar234 eligible for this GB? If so, count me in!

My own favourite is the prototype Bolingbroke, with the lengthened Mk.1 nose. Iy just seems sleeker than all the others . . .

I had the good fortune to meet Colonel Leonov at the "Cosmonauts" exhibition at the Science Museum a few years ago. I feel privileged to have shaken his hand. Покойся с миром, мой друг.

So how come Obi-Wan aged about 40 years? . . .

Porsche 356 engines have been fitted into real VW Beetles before now, so it should work in 1/24! Late model beetles have even had Porsche 911 engines fitted, but then you need to extend the rear bodywork . . .

Is it possible that the aircraft's throttle has just been opened and torque reaction has rocked the 'plane on its undercarriage?

According to W. Green in Warplanes of the Third Reich the 109 development for Spain was the 109J, to be licence-built by Hispano, but with DB605s supplied by Daimler-Benz. But DB605s were not forthcoming from Germany, who couldn't meet their own needs, never mind supply Spain! 25 partly-completed airframes were supplied to Spain without engines. Hispano converted one to use a H-S89-12Z engine in a lash-up mounting, which flew in March 1945. The remaining 24 were completed during 1947-49, but were never operational. These were the Ha1109-J1L. In May 1951 a developed version, the Ha1112-K1L, flew with a H-S 17-12Z engine in a proper installation, with gun and rocket armament. 65 of these were built, gaining the nickname Tripala (three-blader) due to it's 3-bladed d-H Hydromatic propellor. 1954 saw the purchase by Spain of Rolls-Royce Merlin 500-45 engines and Rotol propellors, from UK government surplus stocks, which allowed the development of the definitive Ha1112-M1L, armed with Hispano 20mm cannon, and rocket packs. 172 were built, these were the Buchons, and the last of them endured in Spanish service until December 1965.

Thanks, O Great & Glorious Leader, I will do so . . .

Wot 'e sed!

That would be der Grashuepfer or die Heuschrecke. I can't find these for sale anywhere. My Google-Fu is letting me down. Anyone any clue?

The real question here is whether anyone would be able to call you out for the wrong Watts Airscrew in 1/72 if you didn't tell them! Just say it's "from the spares box"! Of course, you've already given it away, and now every Britmodeller and his dog will call you out on it . . .

Thank you all. I know from seeing the experience of others, how supportive this fine forum can be. We have a funeral to attend next Tuesday, which should help with some closure, and then maybe we can begin to pick up the threads of everyday life again. I'll be back to building when the mojo returns . . .

Ladies and gentlemen, It is with deepest regret that I must withdraw from this GB with immediate effect. My stepdaughter has passed away after a short illness. Her death was expected, but has occurred far sooner than anyone foresaw. I'm currently on compassionate leave from work, as I've been unable to concentrate on the job. I can't get focussed enough to work on models either. The Shack is partly painted, and will remain as it is for the foreseeable future. It will get finished (I hope), just not now. I leave you with a picture of the model as it stands now.

White Spirit is the name used in Great Britain for Mineral Spirits. It's sold as a brush cleaner and paint thinner (for oil-based enamels).

Thanks for the comments, guys! @Ray: Since finding that the movable parts are actually more like removable parts (flaps keep falling off!) I am fastening them in place "fixed" when they are repaired. @Pat: Nope, no SAAF decals in this release (I was disappointed, I'd have built that one!). Just 2 RAF choices; XF730, 'B' of 120 Sqn at Kinloss, 1965 or XF704, 'F' of 201 Sqn, same location and year. Sorry to hear about your FROG Shack, we've all done it at one time or another, but it's still a haemorrhoid. Progress has again occurred, after much fettling of slots, tabs and wing spar the wings are on! As can be seen in the pix, work is ongoing building up the engine nacelles, tip tanks, etc as sub-assemblies before attaching them. Soon be ready for paint!