RichG

Not sure exactly when the strengthening plates on the transportation joint were added; probably not before the 1990s. They were definitely fitted to Sea King HAR.3s as this walkaround of Westland Sea King HAR.3 ZA105 clearly shows it fitted to this airframe. Probably safe to assume it was a mod applied across the whole fleet. Rich

There have been a few resin F-4K/M (Spey engined) seamless intakes specifically for the 1/48 Hasegawa FG.1/FGR.2 kit produced over the years from the likes of Cutting Edge, DMold Modelworks and most recently XMM. I'm not sure if any of these are still available and I think the latter two are/were Russian in origin, so very doubtful... I do actually have the DMold set although not completed as yet. The fit seems good but you're right much hacking of the kit is involved. AlleyCat Models also produced a set but I don't know if they're still in business. https://www.alleycatmodels.co.uk/phantom-seamless-f-4-km-british-intakes-for-148-scale-hasegawa-kits-1-6122-p.asp Another resin set of intakes is currently available from GT Resin who seem to sell exclusively through Sprue Brothers in the US. They also produce a detailed under wing belly strap and reinforcing plates that were used on late service FG.1/FGR.2 Phantoms. https://spruebrothers.com/gtr48038-1-48-gt-resin-british-phantom-fg-1-fgr-2-seamless-intake-set-has-kit/ See page 6 of this thread for more info... Rich

Yes you're correct, part A10 is probably best described as the insert for the jet exhaust "roof" area. Strangely not mentioned in the instructions. I suspect its because the first Airfix Hunter F6 boxing was to orignally include a Hunter F6A (similar configuration/parts to the FGA.9) but when that version was dropped from the final release of just the F.6 , the part somehow got overlooked in the subsequent FGA.9 release. HTH Rich

Good plan. My thinking went along these same lines too. Rich

Interesting. It would make perfect sense judging by previous Mach 2 releases. A 1/72 Haystack is top of my personal wishlist and I had always the forlorn hope that Airfix might give it some love as one of their left of field releases. Unlikely perhaps but you never know. A Mach 2 Hastings (manufacturer that is, not speed...😆) would be a challenge for me but I'd probably give it a go! Rich

The Sea King has landed (care of Jadlam & the postie👍) on my doorstep... And once I got over initial surprise at the dark(er) grey shade of the plastic, my initial reaction is WOW! I know it won't be acceptable for some, but I do think the treatment of rivet detail looks fine. Might be my eyesight but viewing the fuselage from about 3 or 4 inches (i.e. closer than normal) it's hard to actually tell if the rivets are raised or not. I confess I did get swept up in the initial launch razzamatazz and since suffered "buyer's remorse" for ordering yet another new kit of a subject I had only a passing interest in (certainly in RN guise) and consoled myself with the potential for yellow HAR.3 with Xtradecal help. However on opening the box the remorse has evaporated with thoughts turning to a 771 NAS "Ace of Clubs" machine. I wonder if it is Airfix's best kit yet? Rich

Great stuff! Remember getting this kit when it first came out, as a Christmas pressie, having been a youngster swept up in the excitement of the Apollo era, moon landings etc I was keen to get one of these kits with its dramatic box art. Along with the Lunar Module and the "Old 66" Sea King. Long time ago, but recall it being a big kit with large and reasonably moulded bits of plastic in the box that went together without drama. My big brother helped me with the build and I so was impressed when he showed me how to mask the black areas to get straight lines! Survived many moon missions to be proudly on display in my bedroom for quite a few years! Rich

Yeah, perhaps time Airfix gave the Whirlwind some love. I remember building this kit in the mid 1960's; it came in a plastic bag back then with colourful Roy Cross artwork and presented as simply a "Westland H.A.R. MK1". There were RAF Whirlwind HAR.10s (yellow) and HC.10s (camo) based where I was so this was a must have and one of my first kits. I think the colourful markings were HMS Protector's flight, a Royal Navy Antarctic patrol vessel between 1955 and 1968. These helicopters sure carried some fancy markings over their career! Rich

Apologies for reviving this old thread (or if there is a more relevant one). I have just taken delivery of a nice new Airfix 2021 release Avro Vulcan courtesy of Jadlam's current offer for this kit for £44.99 (RRP £72.49) including free delivery in the UK. Its the same price at Wonderland Models (+ postage). Its still available and I've also noticed it even cheaper now at £39 from www.timetunnelmodels.com Not sure why this would be, perhaps Airfix have had another production batch and have discounted them to retailers, but if you want/need one it's great opportunity to bag one. I doubt it will be cheaper. I understand the kit is not without its challenges though, most notably the engine intakes. So to get me past this potential show stoper I decided to order some 3D resin replacements from www.aerocraftmodels.com. They come into 2 flavours for either the 201 or 301 Olympus engines fitted to the Vulcan and provide a seamless solution. An initial dry fit to the kit suggests they will look superb with a very minor adjustment to the kit. I also got a canopy from Aerocraft too (with tiny separate windscreen wipers). Beautiful and clear. Aerocraft Models is run by @Ali62 of this parish. Great stuff m8 👍 It started me thinking about other aftermarket for this kit (hence this thread) and I'm toying with the Eduard sets - discontinued now but still available from Hannants. I know the accepted wisdom is little of the cockpit is visible, but If I take this route I might see if I can make the front top section or at least the canopy, detachable using micro magnets - still thinking about that. I also have the White Ensign PE sets designed for the old Airfix Vulcan. I put my bomb bay set in a primer coat years ago but its still on its fret. I wonder how it fits? I might at least be able to use the bomb carriers with better bombs (I understand the Airfix ones are a little short in length). So a lot of aftermarket is on the market and the availability of the kit at reduced price makes it more justifiable (at least to me...) Rich

Apologies also, for aiding and abetting the hijack @Navy Bird but hopefully you'll forgive it in the spirit of your "1:72 Gloster Javelin Jambalaya" and in raising the potential for a new tool 1/72 Flying Flat Iron...😉 Rich

@Gondor44 Apparently the squadron badge is a markhor's head. Chosen to commemorate many years of service in North-West India, the markhor being a mountain goat frequenting the Khyber Pass. Its a good choice you've made. These Far East Air Force units are often overlooked. I'm plannng on doing mine as a 64 Squadron Javelin alongside a Canberra PR.7 of its sister 81 squadron using @TeeELL Canberra parts - but I'll have to make the 81 sqn decals as they don't exist commercially (something new for me...) Rich

In fact there were 2 RAF Javelin squadrons based at RAF Tengah, Singapore for a time: 60 Squadron July 1961 - April 1968 64 Squadron April 1965 - June 1967 They were based on the airfield by the UK to help upgrade the air defence of Singapore, Peninsula Malaysia and Borneo against any incursions from the Indonesian Air Force following the Confrontation between Indonesia & Malaysia. After the Indonesian president Sukarno was deposed in 1966, the dispute ended peacefully. 74 Squadron Lightnings replaced the Javelins of 64 Squadron, until RAF Tengah closed in 1971 and the base was handed over to Singapore. In 1964, an Indonesian Air Force C-130 Hercules crashed into the Straits of Malacca while apparently trying to evade interception by a Javelin of 60 Squadron. Rich

Me too; quite superb. Apparently its done by some sort of black magic... further cockpit parts and ejection seats for the tin triangle are rumoured to be in the pipeline. If you're into that era I can also recommend the @TeeELL range of Canberra parts to correct the poor front end of the old 1/72 Airfix Canberra B(I)6 or to convert it to the stretched Canberra PR.7; plus other upgrade parts for the nose wheels and engines. Also similar conversion parts suitablly adjusted to fit the old Frog Caberra B(I).8 kit. All superb. Thes are some of the best fitting/accurate after market parts I've ever used. Rich

Interesting choice of subject, the Sea King; kinda ticks all the Airfix boxes for me though. Except of course it does fly in the face of the received wisdom oft cited on modelling forums by those much more knowledgeable than me that "its well known that helicopter kits are not popular, don't sell... so don't expect Airfix to do any in future... they've said as much...". Funny that. 🤔 😂 🤣😂 Sarcasm mode off. Order just placed with Jadlam at their discounted price, plus a couple of quid off with my reward points and free UK postage. V. happy! Rich

I think the required bits are there in the box, just needs the appropriate decals. It must be on the cards for a future release... after all, there are connections in high places... 😉 Rich

I wonder how quickly there will be after market decals for an HAR.3? With the extended cabin and extra windows on the clear sprue it looks like the kit has the parts to build this version from the box. I guess it would make a logical future release. I've always fancied the 78 Sqn RAF Mount Pleasant special markings with the yellow/black stripe in the 1/72 version; would look good in 1/48. Having said that I do really like that RN HAS.1... very old school. Rich

Great choice and brilliantly executed Airfix. No personal problem with the rivets, far better than a plain surface and overlapping panels rather than traditional panel linessounds like progress. Love the idea of following a particular airframe through its life down the years. OK Airfix you've sold me, I'm in! Rich

Tamiya XF81 RAF Dark Green 2 is often suggested as the best - if acrylic paint & airbrushing is your thing. This thread may be of help. Rich

Always liked the shape of the Counties; sort of epitomises the '60s Royal Navy I think. I've just started the kit and I always like to see what you can do to improve these classic / vintage kits. Got some aftermarket to improve it, 3D resin, PE and even some wood decking (1/700). I know its got accuracy issues but hopefully I can find some info on correcting it.* BTW the "HMS Devonshire" in Tomorrow Never Dies is actually the Type 23 (Duke Class) frigate HMS Westminster (F237) and was used to portray all three fictional British warships in the movie: HMS Chester, HMS Devonshire and HMS Bedford. HMS Westminster was completed in 1992 and remains in service with the Royal Navy. She entered a two-year refit to extend her life until 2029; however the refit has now been suspended due to the ship's poor condition, making her future uncertain. Rich * PS I've now found some good info on correcting the kit in this build thread

Here's my inspiration for the landie ... Rich

I just ordered a couple from Jadlam (free postage plus I had £12 worth of reward points ) AK Interactive 35012 Land Rover 88 Series IIA Rover 8 AK Interactive 35013 Land Rover 88 Series IIA Station Wagon I'm planning an RMP version with the ragtop for a Berlin Wall dio to go with the new Airfix Ferret when its out. No idea if this version is correct, but not too bothered. Already have some figures, street and wall section. The Station Wagon I plan on doing as an RAF Police vehicle circa mid '60s that used to turn up to nick me as a kid for playing in the derelict Valettas & Hasings on the RAF Seletar fire dump! Here is the AK site with the instructions, finishes and an unboxing video of the Station Wagon issue: LAND ROVER 88 SERIES IIA STATION WAGON LAND ROVER 88 SERIES IIA ROVER 8 LAND ROVER 88 SERIES IIA CRANE-TOW TRUCK Rich

Sorry just picking this up. Many thanks for the update @TeeELL I'm sure it'll be well worth waiting for. As it happens I'm immersed in things Canberra myself using your fantastic upgrade parts. I was nearing completion of my PR7 when I realised I needed cameras in the rear fuselage but by then I'd buttoned up the Airfix rear fuselage (not yet joined to the PR7 nose). So plan B is to use this fuselage for a better B(I)6 or a B15. And continue the PR7 build with a second kit once I've worked out the rear camera locations and flash bay. I hope you are enjoying the water - idylic weather. 😎 Rich

And Tamiya XF-81 (or AS-30) RAF Dark Green 2 is perfect for the Green (IMHO... ) As others have said the hyperlink to the @Phantome RAF Cold War / Modern color & model paint guide in the original post no longer works. Try this instead: http://www.theworldwars.net/resources/file.php?r=camo_rafmod Rich PS @Phantome the reference under Transports (1945-1996) to the Transport Command scheme in the guide remains incorrect as it refers to "a topside aluminum finish with white undersides." It was of course the reverse, with white topsides and an aluminium finish (or in some cases highly polished natural metal) undersides. Which resulted in RAF Transport Command aircraft often being referred to as the "Shiny Fleet" by the rest of the RAF. I feel certain that whilst most will know this, you will want to have it correct in your guide.

£31.49 (free UK delivery) direct from Jadlam. https://www.jadlamracingmodels.com/hobby-boss-81777-hawker-hurricane-mki-1-48-plastic-model-kit/ Rich

Quick question (wouldn't want to distract you... ). What Dark Green paint did you go with for your PR.7 build? Hataka or Humbrol? Rich