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On Monday I received an HDM resin conversion kit to build a Manchester 1, it doesn't look too bad at all after a good clean up with a saw, files, a scalpel and wet'n'dry. I clambered into the loft to retrieve my only Airfix Lancaster kit and then carefully gave the sprues a warm soapy wash with an old toothbrush and a rinse. I lay them out on a table to dry and then must have knocked the clear sprue onto the floor because when the phone rang, I stood up to answer it and CRACKCRUNCH from under my clog.....no more cockpit canopy, no more forward turret, broken rear turret glazing. The man on the phone trying to sell me home insulation may very well have had his word power increased at that moment in time. In desperation I emailed Airfix on Monday afternoon asking if I could possibly buy a new clear sprue, having accidentally destroyed the one in the kit. I got a reply on Tuesday saying that one was in the post and it arrived, free and with a compliments slip, today, Wednesday. Full marks to Airfix for excellent service, it is very nice to be able to give some praise to a company. I know that others may not have had the same experience, but I am very impressed by their prompt response. Now all I've got to do is build the beast. Oh, and wear slippers instead of clogs..... John

I can't give a definitive answer, but try these: http://forum.keypublishing.com/showthread....7236&page=1 Read through this from start to finish-look out for the entries by 'Beermat' who is part of team restoring/building a genuine fabric wing Hurricane...... Use his links, the best one is: http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/vie...earch=hurricane Use the arrows at the top to go to the page before (photos) and the page after (rest of plans). It ain't perfect, but it's the best I can find at the moment. Of course you could always ask Beermat direct by joining the forum! Good luck, John

John, I suspect that your decals do indeed speak with a forked tongue. Where did they come from? I found a website quoting "Blenheim 1f N3531 QY-F of 235 (Fighter) squadron" associated with "Finescale-Modeller-Warbird-Modelling' but could not access the site. Whether this applies to your decals is likely, but I can't confirm that. Rawlings 'Coastal, Support and Special Squadrons' book clearly gives 235 Squadron the code letters LA. There is a small photograph on page 120 showing some Blenheims with LA codes and this is captioned as being 235 Squadron aircraft at Bircham Newton. It cites 254 Squadron as using QY while it flew the Blenheim IV and then using no code, just a single letter on Beaufighters until the code QM was used on their Mosquitos from early 1944. The book does not give a code for Blenheim IV N3531 in 235, but lists N3523 as LA-J, N3534 as LA-X and N3543 as LA-U. For the 254 Squadron Blenheim IV aircraft, QY-F were L9408 and N3611, while QY-D was used by L9406, V5735 and V5803. Another internet reference notes N3531 on a shipping strike in the North Sea from 235 on Weds 7th August, 1940. Yet another internet reference gives N3531 as crash landing at Thorney Island on 24th August 1940 after being seriously damaged by a Hurricane over Bracklesham Bay. Another 235 Blenheim, Z5736, was damaged in the same incident. Both crews survived. I'm sure that others will try to give you a code for N3531, but I have not yet found any information about it finally being shot down in September 1940 as my 'Battle of Britain Then and Now' book isn't around at the moment. John

Edgar, my thanks to you for such a clear explanation. I believe that the 'under fuselage band' was actually a stripe, about 6 inches wide, that ran down the centreline from just behind the propellor to just in front of the tailwheel, but I have not yet seen an original image of this to confirm it. There is a better-known Spitfire with yellow codes that I have now belatedly discovered. Spitfire IIa P8131 of 276 Squadron is coded AQ-C in yellow on Kits At War sheet 7209 and is also a Corgi die cast. There are original pictures of the aircraft here if you scroll down: http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl....htm&anno=2 Now a completed model, this has the black stripe just visible under the nose: http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/Gal1...Thomson/00.shtm In this one look at pictures 11 (AQ-C again) and then 2, is this possibly a 277 Lysander with yellow codes, late roundels and EDSG/DSG/Sky? http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/PictureV...chAndRescue.htm And is this a Walrus with 'BA' in dull red and 'N' in yellow? http://www.cebudanderson.com/downdrink%201.htm Opinions or comments welcome, I wouldn't have had any of these queries if the BBMF had used AQ-C on their aircraft! John

Thanks, Graham. Your reply suddenly triggered a dormant brain cell or three and I did a search here. The result: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.p...&hl=Defiant Lawksamighty, there is part of the answer in a thread to which I actually contributed..... I can only plead senile dementia or a youthful overindulgence in good English ale. However, the citing of an earlier AMO by Edgar clarifies one matter of the overall colour scheme but does not explain the use of yellow codes that was my original query. I think that Dull Red may be a more likely finish (as seen on one Defiant, many Walri and some Lysanders) but I am open to any further contributions! John

Ah, gentlemen, that may account for Dave recalling the questioning of the entire colour scheme. It seems that 277 only had P8509 on charge from 21/12/42 until 1/4/43, predating the AMO that Andrew cites. However the EDSG/DSG/Sky finish was used by some Coastal Command aircraft from August 1941 which makes it a far-too-plausible finish for ASR aircraft that are spending most of their time over the briny. Any further contributions, please? Thanks, John

The BBMF Spitfire IIa P7350 appeared briefly in the colours of 277 ASR Squadron during 1999-2000. It was meant to replicate P8509 BA-Y 'The Old Lady' but was painted with rather unusual vivid yellow code letters. Here it is: http://www.angelfire.com/hi5/spitfiremk2a/...0_gallery1.html http://www.paulnann.com/Make.asp?Make=Vick...ef=pn_w2135.jpg It was finished in Extra Dark Sea Grey/ Dark Slate Grey/Sky with a Sky band and spinner, for which I would have expected to see either Dull Red or Medium Sea Grey codes. Can anybody explain the yellow codes or was it an error? Thanks, John

Will, Are these of any help? A Walrus afloat is rarely photographed, it seems. As to its weight, who knows? A bit of choppy water and it is indeed academic! http://www.aircrewremembrancesociety.com/o...s/fletcher.html http://www.cebudanderson.com/downdrink%201.htm http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=22938 The Tom Fletcher piece is a tribute to a remarkable man. This may be useful, too. It's on land and in Italy, but it may be helpful in your build. http://www.flickr.com/photos/8270787@N07/2526699843/ All the best, John

As Graeme says, a sort of house on the back..... http://www.1420h.org.uk/photos/page87/page87.html scroll down to see how to be comfy...... and here are some comments that you may find helpful and enjoyable: http://bfg-locations.editboard.com/t1177-fv-430-series-afv Now my father was a greasy gunner and he always maintained that REME had it soft; I always assumed it was because his younger brother was a REME gun fitter, but now I think he had seen how comfortably some of those lads lived! So you don't need an engine pack, Malc, just some wire and PVA'd tissue to make a really authentic 434..... John

Simon, I have no experience of this kit, nor could I even hope to smuggle the box past my wifely creature. Her vigilance seems to have increased exponentially since we both retired....her discovering the major content of the loft a few years back hasn't helped, either. However, these people have braved all to enlighten us: http://airfixtributeforum.myfastforum.org/...t__t_14284.html http://www.arcforums.com/forums/air/lofive...hp?t195194.html http://tedtaylor.hobbyvista.com/71-airfix-...ry/page-71.html I hope that their views are helpful. In modelling, big isn't always beautiful at the building stage. Good luck, John

Dear Ivor, Just out of interest, the Missing Lynx site has a short thread on that particular jeep: http://www.network54.com/Forum/47208/threa...Royal+Navy+Jeep Just to prove that it's not only we aircraft enthusiasts that notice the details..... The flight deck photo seems to suggest that the jeep bonnets were perhaps painted in a much lighter colour, as are seemingly the tops of the vehicles behind them. The colour seems to be consistent on flat the top surfaces of all of them, so I don't think it is glare. The colour of the bridge and visible superstructure is presumably a lightish grey and the lower parts of the jeeps certainly seem a lot darker in tone. As to OD or blue, it is open to conjecture. Knowing the military penchant for zealously painting and identifying their own property, I'd opt for the blue.... John

Hi, Darren, Apologies for not responding earlier, I was out last night introducing Early Bird as a replacement for Guinness to some St.Patricks celebrants. They were not impressed.... Keef is correct, just click on this: http://www.hannants.co.uk/ and put 'RAF serials' and later 'RAF codes letters' into the Quick Search box. Getting the right stuff for codes in red is the problem. There are lots of other model shop sites around, Hannants has one of the best websites to search and is a major stockist but there are many others. Do not neglect model railway shops as they often stock some fascinating lettering, but usually smaller than you would use for 1/48th. That is why I stay with 1/72nd, despite the failing eyesight. I have a lot of paperwork, a few books, a stack of kits in varying stages of completion (or not) and a range of markings but as yet still no completed aircraft from 500. I also have an abundance of similar bits for a Raspberry Ripple collection and a vast stack of Swedish stuff as well. As for Mosquito NF30 NT606 RAA - H, it is the one I planned to make for the simple reason that it is almost the only one for which I have a code! NT245 is apparently RAA - A, but the date for that is not specified. NT279, NT351, NT430, NT603, NT619 and NT620 are the other NF30s that I believe were on the strength of 500 but I have no codes for them. The information about black undersides for NT606 is interesting, I must assume that this was the post war gloss black finish but with green/medium sea grey upper surfaces. At about that time Mosquito T III VA882 RAA - A and TV963 RAA - Q were on strength for training and a couple of NF XIX (TA352 RAA - D and TA354, no code known) also graced the Squadron. The Squadron also had two Spitfire F22s about which I know nothing other than their serials PK563 and PK654. Oxford RR329 RAA - D or R and Harvard IIb KF423 RAA - B or T were also around as hacks at that time. Darren, I will contact you off line as a resident of the most important East Kent metropolis and I suspect that we can perhaps share some information. All the best, John

Craig, I must assume that you want the original scheme as found on the Matchbox issue of this kit. Here is the box: http://www.fortunecity.com/meltingpot/port.../skyservant.htm Scroll down for the rather indistinct paint plan. However, these built kits may be more helpful: http://www.kgwings.com/skyservant/skyservant2.html http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/Gal1...-Attard/00.shtm http://gregers.7.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=7066 Finding decent images of the real aircraft in splinter is not so simple, I have seen a few starboard side pictures, but very few from the port side and no plan views at all. I think you will have to rely on whoever did the diagram for Matchbox and then those who used it for their kits. Personally, the white Swedish version appeals more - one Halfords can, no messing about! John

Dear Via, I can only speak for the few sailors that I have met over the years, but back in the days before email and mobile phones, the most precious commodity for most of the fleet was a letter. Just getting a sack of mail was a huge morale boost to the crew. I suspect that the COD Gannet really should have been sprayed Post Office Red as I think that it probably carried as many letters from shore to carrier and from carrier to shore as anything else that Her Lordships thought crucial for the carrier and its supporting group. Mind you, unfortunately there is no Red Gannet visible under the 'vehicles' on this site: http://www.postmanpat.com/ Letters delivered to a carrier were also distributed around their escort and supply ships by helicopter, boat or wire. I will bow to those who know better, but I still think that letters were probably their staple cargo over the years, along with the odd VIP or guest on a flying visit. John

Dear Paulo, I have found some more information for you. Eduard do an etched brass set: http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/ED35445 The replacement wheels and tyres are by MR: http://www.mrmodellbau.com/_shop/product_i...or-REVELL-.html This site may give you some more pictures of the chassis to help you: http://www.panzer-modell.de/referenz/in_de...10t/man_10t.htm Good luck, John

Dear Paulo, These links may be helpful to you: http://www.panzer-modell.de/specials/man10/man10.htm http://www.panzer-modell.de/berichte/man-10t/man-10t.htm http://www.panzerbaer.de/helper/bw_lkw_10t_milgl-a.htm Use 'Google translate' to convert it from the original German. There is also a problem with the tyres supplied in the Revell kit, they are Michelin XLZ and meant for the MAN 15t. The MAN 10t in German service used Continental tyres: http://armorama.kitmaker.net/modules.php?o...ent&id=1322 I have not yet found a supplier for the correct tyres in 1/35th Best Wishes, John

By chance I found this when looking for something entirely different. It may inspire some of you: http://www.amv83.fr/Navycag/centennial.htm I'm sure that there will be a vast array of transfers (or decals for those of us who are not grey of hair) emerging from the US later this year..... Now who knows which are the best paint matches? And where can I find a 1/72nd Sabreliner, which was the original object that I sought? Thanks, John

I saw this via Missing Lynx when I was looking for something else: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8270787@N07/4826066317/ I know nowt about Avenger/Tarpons but for all three aircraft there seems to be an absence of Observer unless he lurks deep in the bowels of the fuselage. Was they hidden away or are they all AWOL? Oh, and these have the nose gun. Apart from that, this sequence of photos (mentioned elsewhere on these boards with reference to a Proctor) is well worth a wander through for all manner of aircraft and vehicles. John

Paul, The Pig is indeed a beasty of many variants. Googling 'Humber Pig' comes up with all manner of things. You might find this helpful: http://www.hmvf.co.uk/pdf/TheEarlyHumberPigs.pdf and these: http://www.warwheels.net/HumberPigINDEX.html http://www.arrse.co.uk/military-history-mi...toration-2.html Be aware that, as far as I can tell, they were all Deep bronze green initially, plain sand in Cyprus, 'IRR NATO green' and black or plain 'IRR NATO green' in UK service. The RUC ones seem to have been grey or possibly black for the initial versions. Some of the more exotic colour schemes on restored vehicles are not actually authentic, but who cares - if it looks good then why not? There is a black or deep navy one out there somewhere with NYPD on the side.... Some interior bits: http://www.goatpark.force9.co.uk/tempsite/humber.htm http://www.milweb.net/webverts/36053/ I hope this helps, John

Dear Ed, A couple more sites that I have found that you might find useful in your quest: http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/showthrea...ot-names-sought and http://surfcity.kund.dalnet.se/gladiator_raf_521.htm Both sites are worth a wander-the second one has links to 1401 Flight that also take you to its brief precursor, 401 Flight. As ever, just because it is on the internet don't necessarily make it true, though! I agree with Seahawk and Edgar re. the badge and motto-it may well be the front end of a Blenheim. I haven't been able to prove it by finding the relevant close-up image of an ordinary IV to allow the counting and distribution of rivets, perhaps someone else can do that. For once, rivet-counting is definitely indicated. John

Dear Ed, The Roden kit has markings for N2309 B at Bircham Newton 1942-43. If you click on the transfer sheet on this review, you can see what Roden offered: http://www.ipmsusa2.org/reviews/Kits/Aircr...8_gladiator.htm I have to assume that they have it right, but have not yet found the picture to confirm it. The code letter B seems to be white on the sheet, that may be subject to debate as well. However, as to the picture of the badge and motto you may find this helpful if you read the thread: http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/showthrea...nslation-Needed I have not yet seen anything else to either deny or confirm the story about the badge and motto. Therefore the image that you show may not actually have been on a Gladiator....I leave that to those who may know! John

Dear Saveno, Fascinating! In all the years of looking for 277 ASR squadron aircraft pictures, I've never noticed the little masts on the fronts of the upper wings. This is, in part, because they are so slender and relatively short. They are also not on all Walrus pictures, but I suspect that this is because they were fitted later in the lifetime of most of the aircraft. These two images are from the Pacific fleet, more relevant to you: http://www.historyofwar.org/Pictures/pictu...ck_landing.html http://www.historyofwar.org/Pictures/pictures_walrus3.html These just show how inconspicuous the masts can be: http://www.wwiivehicles.com/unitedkingdom/...rine-walrus.asp http://www.flickr.com/photos/8270787@N07/4143562794/ An Australian restoration: http://www.airliners.net/photo/Australia--...b55667b367f13e4 And an Argentinian in service: http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/el_...lrus/ARA282.jpg Finally, a thread with more links to photos: http://forum.keypublishing.com/showthread.php?t=96548 and one from britmodeller, just look at the picture on the box, not that it is always a reliable source of information: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/lofiver...php/t28664.html I suggest using either wire or sprue for the masts, they really do seem to be very delicate bits of structure on the rather industrial Walrus! Best wishes, John

According to these sites, Julien is absolutely correct. The A6E did not appear in combat in South East Asia. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/sys...-6-variants.htm http://www.arcforums.com/forums/air/index....showtopic=67579 Sorry! John

Gentlemen, As a relative novice to this site I must say that the friendliness and helpful response from the members has been something that I have very much enjoyed. After a lengthy and interesting thread the response to Edgar, whose views I have considered to be perfectly reasonable, has surprised and somewhat saddened me. We all make statements and judgments that may be considered by some to be injudicious and open to question, but based on something we believe to be true or a valid point of view. My experience of life has always indicated that the throwing of stones is rarely helpful to others, whether your abode is vitreous or cast iron. What nobody has yet mentioned is identity of the Spitfire being so 'neatly' painted in D day stripes. What Squadron does it belong to? The code appears to be either D or probably O followed by a B, D, P or R. None seem to fit for active squadrons with Spitfires in June-August 1944. Any suggestions, gents? John

Just as a bit of general information, my uncle was an ex Halton brat and served in the RAF from 1937 until he retired in the mid sixties when 'his' Valiant (he was the crew chief) was scrapped. No photos, sadly, just his memories in chats long before he died. As an a brat he was trained to keep aircraft in good condition, mechanically and cosmetically. From 1940 onward, the cosmetic bit became less straightforward as time, ground crew and materials became less abundant. He was in the UK until early 1942, then a short stint in South Africa before spending from late '42 until after VJ day in India/Burma. His service in SEAC covered Hurricanes in most variants, some Spitfires and odd communications types and finally Thunderbolts. India/Burma had a difficult climate, a lot of sun, ditto rain, high humidity a lot of the time and British wartime paint wasn't up to it after a few months. Most aircraft were only replaced when they were either destroyed or finally cannibalised for spares. Paint was scarce, parts were nearly as rare and serviceability was poor compared with the UK. He said that the airframes were in generally poor cosmetic condition with lots of touching up and patching with the only paints that were available but often did not match. Colours faded in sunlight, the paints tended to 'chalk' and dust (then rain and mud) added their overall air of neglect. The primary things for the ground crews were mechanical reliability, appearances came a very long way down the list of priorities. However the Thunderbolts were well finished, he said the American paints were more durable than ours even if the aircraft were a lot more complex to service. Looking at SEAC aircraft images it does seem that many of them are indeed a bit 'tatty' round the edges, despite the best intentions of their service crews, but not as grim as I had expected. Perhaps Halton brats had too-high standards? John