RichG

That sounds brilliant. I've got your initial Javelin parts and really excellent they are too! Was part way through my build when you mentioned having a crack at the cockpit, so I thought I'd hold back finishing the Airfix 1/72 Javelin FAW.9. I'm planning a similar uplift on a Frog Javelin FAW.9 to see if I can breathe new life into that. Certainly aware that the Frog kit radome was off; Freightdog Models do a replacement so I have one ready. The Airfix Canberra kit nose was always poor so any improvements to its front end are very welcome and the PR.7 is a very rare bird in 1/72! Can hardly wait - best of luck! Rich

I'd certainly be in the market for both; work on my Javelin FAW.9 is currently paused. Oh, and a Canberra PR.7 fuselage too if you're ever planning to make this available... got a couple of Airfix B(I).6 kits that need a new lease of life 🙂 Perhaps do an RAF Tengah flight line mid 60's. Don't know what it is but really I seem to get far more satisfaction reviving these old kits (with your help of course 😉) than I do from assembling some new superkit. Keep up the good work - its great stuff Rich

More "Aviation filmography" rather than "photography" but on the basis cameras are involved... I came across a facininating video/YouTube channel by InCamera, a film production company, who specialise in combining modern technology with traditional in-camera SFX techniques. In this video they talk about progress for a new WW2 Short Film 'A Memory Owed' and catch up with their pre-production tests and video as they explore the possibilities of combining scale pyrotechnic effects with a motion controlled miniature (in this case a superb HKM 1/32 Avro Lancaster with operating props and turrets). A particular sequence shows construction of a 1/5 scale Lanc wing and engine section which is used to reproduce / film an engine fire sequence. It goes into some depth about techniques to get things right and the importance of lighting. I understand the film will also feature the East Kirkby Lanc NX611 'Just Jane'. The yet to be released short film project: ‘A Memory Owed’ is an emotive story about loss, healing and remembrance set across 1944 and present. During the war, a young replacement Wireless Operator joins a Lancaster crew and takes off on his first operation over Germany. Fast forward 79 years to where 90 year old Stanley and his young carer, visit a museum. Their generational differences become more and more apparent until they discover a connection. Building on that connection, they go on a journey of remembrance... Enjoy...! Rich

Nice models Roger; also nice photos too. Not seen these before. Brings back happy memories of my dad teaching me to drive on the RAF Swanton Morley peri track in the mid 1970s. 🙂 Rich

That's worth knowing as I've had mine on pre-order (and paid for) from them for months but no sign of it. Not the end of the world to chase it up but now the A-10 is showing as "out of stock" on their website... grrrr! 😠 They could have at least advised me of a supply issue if that's the case and let me know the situation (days/weeks/months...?). Anyway an opportunity perhaps to review others' builds in progress and potential pitfalls... Edit: Guess what just turned up (unannounced) in the post this morning?! An Academy A-10C! Many thanks Jadlam and apologies for my doubting I guess there is a lot of new stuff going out at the moment... should've given it a bit longer before whinging Rich

Of course by selecting the Gannet AS.1/AS.4 Airfix have been able to extend the "home market" for this particular type to it's overseas operators - Australia, Germany and Indonesia. And I'm sure that will represent a healthy market beyond FAA fans. Its pretty noteworthy that no aircraft from these countries feature in the initial release, almost guaranteeing that Airfix will do a follow-up reboxing with the markings for these 3 countries. Also being a very quirky looking aircraft type it may well attract those modellers who would not otherwise buy an obsure British naval aircraft just because of its odd appearance; especially with folded wings (that's my excuse anyway...). Rich

Fantastic - although never on my wish list, it turns out this Ferret is exactly what I need! I've been slowly working on a diorama of a section of the Berlin wall using a couple of the AFV Berlin Wall kits. Also a couple of Accurate Armour modern British Army figures to serve as an RMP patrol, on duty in the British Sector. Its a 1970's era scene so I'm replacing the figures' helmets with more traditional Redcaps using Hornet heads. I have an Italeri Land Rover as an RMP patrol vehicle and this new Ferret is exactly what I need and should fit the scene perfectly. 🙂

I doubt an Airfix AEW.3 Gannet will be here anytime soon. I'm sure experts will correct me, but my understanding is the AEW version is so different from the other versions that it would need at least a new fuselage as well as many other specific parts, undercarriage etc. It would in effect have to be a totally different kit. That was certainly my experience from trying to convert a 1/72 AS version to an AEW many years ago. Although personally I would have preferred the AEW, I think Aifix have probably made a sensible commercial choice going for the AS version. This fits in with their 50's naval types collection, allows for a weapons load/bomb bay and offers more marking options with overseas operators and FAA Squadrons (for future re-boxing opportunities). I shall definitely look forward to building one. Rich

Enjoy...!

Conversely I also think its great fun to speculate without actually having the slightest clue at all. It adds to the excitement of the announcement on the day. Wiil it be "this subject" this year? and will it be in "this scale or that scale?"; "Wow! Didn't see that coming!". In light of the Airfix website struggling in the past, many people do seem really interested in the announcement on the day. I recall some disappointment when news of a particular year's "big release" slipped out - not with the subject in question (which I predicted ) but with that particular cat being let out of the bag early. Rich

I think the old Airfix 1/48 Jaguar GR.1 is actually a Heller tool - a by-product of when Airfix and Heller were in the same stable. Heller actually reboxed the kit in 2012 and Revell in 2014; Heller has announced a 1/48 Jaguar GR.1/3 in their 2023 line-up (I assume its this original tool). So I would guess that any future Airfix 1/48 Jaguar would most likely be a new tooling. I do think a new Airfix Jag is a distinct possibility - I actually recall Airfix designer Paramjit Sembhi throwing out a pretty random question during an online discussion, asking what weapons load people would expect on a Jaguar... (it was about 12/18 months ago...). My money would be on one in 1/72. Rich

Great build! Incidently the correct inboard pylons, with the straight leading edges, are on sprue "P" (parts P27, P28, P32 and P33 ). The instructions do actually call-out the part numbers correctly, but the instruction drawing unfortunately is of the Sea Harrier’s different shaped pylons (D1-D4) - so an easy mistake to make! BTW I understand there are in any case some problems with the kit's inboard pylons (location & length); also the position of the the outboard pylons needs adjusting. I am just about to start this kit myself so I found these helpful notes as part of a review on building it by Nick Greenall from IPMS (UK) Harrier SIG - Tips to Get Your Harrier Looking the Part Rich PS my plan is to do the same Harrier GR1 (XV788/M, 1 Sqn RAF Wittering 1970) but in the low vis scheme as innspired Roy Cross’s original box art for the 1/24 Airfix kit. Thanks for the prompt @cmatthewbacon 😉

I'd never realised the Wasp/Scout was built in Hayes with the connection to White Waltham for their assembly and testing. Clearly there's a good link then to White Waltham, arguably equal to the Fairey Gannet perhaps? An Airfix 1/48 Wasp/Scout would be a delightful choice despite that oft-quoted truisim "helicopter kits never sell" (personally think a Wasp / Scout would sell by the bucket load and I would be more than happy if this is the outcome). With only one prototype built I would have said a new Fariey Rotodyne kit remains a distinct outsider amongst the runners and riders. I still see a Fairey Gannet as the odds-on favourite in the Airfix clue stakes. 🤔 Rich

There's an irony here in that most Matchbox designed kits of this era were infamous for their engraved panel lines (in contrast to rival Airfix's raised lines); these being of the "trench" variety. In some of their later offerings they switched to raised lines. For the Victor kit for some reason* the wing surfaces have 2 parallel raised lines - almost as if Matchbox couldn't quite kick their "trench habit" saying "if we had engraved it, the panel lines would be this wide...." 🤣 Rich * I suspect the kit designer chose to replicate the edges of each panel rather than just represent the gap between panels - but it gives a guide for rescribing down the middle.

Tend to agree with you Dave. I think it certainly fits nicely in the "interest zone" of Airfix subject selection for 1/48 as Airfix have a tendency to like doing 50s/60s subjects in the bigger scale, particularly FAA subjects; it sits well with not just Buccaneer but their Sea Vixen too. It's also has a certain complexity/quirkyness (some may say ugliness) that might appeal to Airfix in 1/48. Whereas, to my mind at least, Airfix seem to have a preference for 70s/80s RAF cold war types in 1/72. Big dilemma is which version though; as was said earlier AS/COD and AEW variants differ so much would probably need to be essentially 2 different kits. If they did a Gannet at all my money would be on the AEW.3 purely on ugliness quotient... (off the scale 🤣) Rich

Yes, agreed it is a fascinating series looking in detail at different areas of the Lanc including videos on each crew station, exploration of the fuselage, flying controls, undercarriage, fuel systems etc. using extracts from the wartime Air Ministry Pilot’s Notes. UK Aircraft Explored I've just got the Border Models Lancaster nose kit to start work on and there's a great thread that's also helpful in understanding the equipment fitted and structure of the nose area for those of us modelling this area. Rich

Interesting. I know they had one for the HK 1/48 Lanc (and which I'm tempted by) but had no idea they had a 1/32 version in the works. It does look a superb product but all the same at double the price of their 1/48 version (already expensive) it does seem inordinately expensive. It's about the price I paid for my 1/32 Border Lanc Nose kit from Hong Kong (not including postage). Incidentally my Lanc nose kit arrived at the begining of December; very nice of course but the jury is still out on whether its VFM. 🤔 Rich

Its not a bad theory, whether its based on "great minds think alike" or Airfix sensing Taro Tominari of Dynavector was on to something in his original subject strategy. I'd actually be pretty confident of a Gannet, Hornet and Scimitar appearing from Airfix in 1/48 at some point sooner rather than later. Not sure about the Wyvern - maybe. Even though none are particularly high on my own wish list, they all make pretty interesting subjects and would be right up Airfix's street. As to the Gannet, the AS verison would possibly give Airfix more options (different operators, bomb bay etc.); but I'm guessing the AEW would be more popular. Tough call. Rich

Considering Airfix's typical subject choice and recent release pattern I wonder if these subjects (with Sea Vixen & Javelin) could really be described as unlikely. In particular as they covered (and have rereleased) 2 of the 3 in splendid 1/48 kits - the subject matter is hardly alien. I'm sure if Airfix considered there was demand for any of these in the smaller scale they will be produced. And they do seem increasingly to be releasing kits in both scales. Rich

Thanks! Came from Guillem Roca of Rocast Models who makes some incredible detail stuff and ground support equipment mainly for 1/144 airliners. I have an ambition for a small airport diorama project; opening up the entrances and cargo holds on a Zvezda 1/144 scale B787-9 (perhaps even putting LED lighting in). Like the great stuff @TeeELL has produced, 3D design/printing seems to be opening-up a new dimension to the hobby (sorry too many puns... ). Don't know if Guillem has an account here on BM, but his website is https://www.rocastmodels.com is well worth a look to check out his range and some highly detailed modelling! Anyway back to 1/72 Javelins for now. Rich

Just started surgery on my old 1/72 Airfix Javelin to test fit the new @TeeELL parts (and my razor saw skills). Offering up the new rear fuselage to the kit plastic shows a perfect dry fit and wow! does that make the kit look 100% better. I keep gazing at it in wonder... 🤩 Much excitement at the prospect of a decent 1/72 dragmaster. Such a shame the Airfix of the day could not get this correct when they modified the Heller original kit. I think I've decided now to restrict myself to have only the airbrakes deployed open on this one and not have the flaps down as well - it looks kinda silly. I'm going to use the flaps on the Frog Javelin I'm building in parallel. Lots of precise holes to cut in the wings but I plan to use a new method (for me!) using polyester thread as a saw. https://youtu.be/CM8NqpnfaBA I was contemplating the markings and finer points of detail when I came across the @Antti_K build thread of the 1/48 Airfix Javelin from a few years ago. A total masterclass on the subject - "Borneo Escort - 60 Squadron Javelin FAW.9R". Inspirational stuff. And no excuse to get things wrong with the finish. Rich

The postie delivered to me a small box this morning from @TeeELL containing a number of Javelin parts. I have given them the obligatory once over and I have to say they look quite superb. The fit of the new jet pipes into the replacement rear fuselage for the old Airfix kit is sublime; they slide into position beautifully without the need for any glue. They look spot on capture the subtle downward thrust line and toed in appearance to perfection. Wow! It really shows what can be achieved with 3D printing... its some form of black magic! Of course in reality its testimony to the skill and commitment to accuracy of their creator as shown in this thread. I'm planning to try and build a detailed/accurate FAW.9R from the Airfix kit incorporating all the parts. I know deployed flaps and airbrakes on the ground are possibly unrealistic (but on the basis its my model etc...) although i might go for one or other. I also plan to update a new Frog FAW.9 kit I have and for which I've got the Freightdog replacement nose. In this case I plan to use the undeployed airbrakes. For this one I may also make some intake / exhaust covers based on those in the Airfix 1/48 kit which should add a bit of colour to the basic camo scheme. They will be in the markings of 64 and 60 Squadrons based at RAF Tengah, Singapore in the mid 1960's. Many thanks - much appreciated. Rich

Now that is nice... gorgeous even. I like it, I like it a lot! 👍 Rich

I have seen the basic BPK P-8A for quite a range of prices depending on whether tax and postage is included. Seems to be available at arounf £148 including postage through eBay in the UK (although I am slightly suspicious it may have increased since it was initially released). Hobby Link Japan has it at £142.90 + £17.77 (I assume there may be tax on that too). So not really a cheap base kit. With additional resin parts / decals for around £12 its probably par for the course generally for Air Graphics stuff. TBH I can't see what added value the parts offer over those included in the kit in this case - they seem to be just replacements. Postage on the other hand at £20 in the UK does seem a tad excessive - unless they are using a special delivery or courier service. For Royal Mail (I doubt the parcel would be over 10kg) so it sould be around £5.95 - unless there's a hefty premium for packing... 🤔

Not sure what specific modifications you are referring to so can't really help. In general have always found Aires cockpit sets require a fair bit of sanding of the plastic parts (i.e cockpit sides, inside/tops of wings etc) to ensure a good fit. Edit: Sorry I see you have supplemented your original post with more specifics: others may have more specific advice on these parts but as you suggest you need to remove and thin those areas on both the lower and upper inner wing surfaces to be almost paper thin. Not personally fitted this part and I'm not convinced that a pretty good wheel well could not be made from the basic kit with wire and rod - using the resin as a basic reference. Lightning F.6 cockpits were finished in BS381c 632 Dark Admiralty Grey. This is a hard shade to find and not included in most of the popular modelling paint ranges. I've seen people use the wartime colurs Ocean Grey or Medium Sea Grey as a substitute, although Dark Sea Grey maybe technically closer - albeit dark for a 1/48 cockpit. I understand FS36152 is also a good match. If you are intent on building XR753/A 23 Sqn RAF Leuchars as flown by Wg.Cdr.I.Thompson (overall aluminium with white fin or B. Hopkins without white fin), you might check out the more recent Xtradecal X48099, dedicated to the Lightning F.6 which includes this a/c. https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/X48099 Hope that helps Rich PS that's a nice photo btw. I'm just in the process of building a 1/72 Frightning and was contemplating a natural metal finish and thinking about diferences in tone. This photo could be useful for picking out the highly polished aluminium areas.