Lazy Builder

That looks amazing. Is it a wooden frame and paper covering?

You've done a great jon with an ugly aeroplane (compared to an SBD). Your photos work really well too. Reckon Academy may be on the phone soon!

Did you take the paint off or overspray? If you took it off, what did you use?

I agree that's an amazing job you're doing. Can't wait to see the finished article.

Very evocative photo, reminds of of RAFG in the 80s. They look very shiney, I wonder if they always looked that good?

That looks so good, especially the weathering. All the early Israeli aircraft looked really tired and you've got it just right well done!

What I don't understand is, why do they all look so right. Was it the time they were built when everyone seemed to have the same ideas? Very nice display if a little spooky.

Looks amazing but...................................... £65 is seriously expensive loft insulation. Was looking at my Monogram P-61 and it cost me about £15 a couple of months ago. I've seen them built and with only a bit of extra effort and PR they look really good. The extra £45 can get you an awful lot of interesting plastic. However, you pays your money etc

I picked one of these up at our show last Saturday and seeing your build I'm glad I did. Nice one!

As I remember when I built this as a Heller kit years ago, I put lead shot every where I could, that wouldn't be seen, and put a white metal seat in it; still wouldn't sit right. Then accidentally flatened the main wheels too much and when they were on I managed, with care, to make it sit properly. Sadly after a while the u/c gave up the ghost because of the weight and I made a stand that went into the jet pipe and put the u/c up - looks very nice 'clean'. My Dad worked on these a/c for a good few years and he said, 'it looks like a Vampire', which was more than good enough for me. Glad to see it back again and wish it was 1/48.

I use the fine wire from spanish red wine - handy excuse, if you need one! LB

That top picture is so atmospheric. You can easily imagine the pilot running out to scramble against an incoming raid. Excellent build, well done.

Amazing build of an amazing aircraft. What are the 'cockpit' in the wings for? This needs some research!

Looking through this week Flight magazine I came across a picture of a Mi-28NE attacke helo with what looks like a wardrobe under the port weapons pylon. I assume it's a weapon system of some sort but I suppose it could be a cargo pod. Does anyone know what it actually is? LB

Thanks, a friend told me the same off line. Looks like the Testors kit is theonly show in town.

Possibly asked before but is the Heller '1/50' Cessna 0-2 actually 1/48th and is it accurate?

Sorry, have just realised I have put this in 'Ready for inspection' and apologise if you were expecting photos. Still feeling my way.

Is it me or does the Valiant's undercarriage look like the design team forgot it needed one and made one up at the last minute out of an old hangar access stand? It's a lovely looking aeroplane until it sits on the ground. The other 'V's look great in the air but equally well on the ground.

Nick, I have sent an e-mail reply for your PDF. Another question please. From my journey through the internet it seems that the early P-36s were more reliable than the Cyclone powered versions. Were the aircraft taken into US service generally better built and maintained being on US soil rather than in the more hostile environments such as South Africa and India? Ian

Terry, That is useful - do you know where 510 were based at the time? Cheers Ian

Nick, Thanks for the lead, sadly the Mohawk in the film is a MkIV - i.e. no cowling bulges for the 2 x 303s above the cowling. As you say it's an amazing bit of film and gives some good ideas for diorama building. I'll try and track done those books you mention. Best wishes Ian

Nick, Would be grateful to see your info - my e-mail is i_d_williamson@hotmail.com. Regards Ian