Col.

Nice work on the Wessex Fred, that RN Dauphan is a new one on me. Never knew they were part of the inventory.

Oh Mike she's lovely. Good call keeping the weathering light, from what I understand FAA aircraft were kept pretty clean aboard the carrier as part of corrosion control measures. So, what's next?

Shame you're not so quick at getting on with that Va.... OK, never mind.

Jeez, that was fast!

Only after you've finished that Valiant I hope?

Woohoo! Pictures at last. Well worth the wait too Paul, she's looking very good so far.

Cheers Miroslav, all that needs to be done now is the fuel vent pipe and a couple of engine-related cooling inlets on the mid-fuselage. After that's done I'll need to learn how to spray Alclad! All I can do is hope I don't bugger up the finish

Neat work on those seats Mark, both look very realistic. Who needs aftermarket?

I can highly recommend it mate, really nice with lovely crisp detail. I think there was a set of decals for the GA-11 released by Modelart in 144th but I'm hoping to convert the 72nd kit instead.

Hmm, guess one man's £60 worth of rare kit is another man's overpriced old model. Haven't looked at the Ebay link yet, has anyone bid?

Why?

Good to see you back at this one Bill, top stuff so far.

Thanks Karl, there was quite a few bits that didn't quite make it on the the seat because I was ham-fisted with the tweezers or scalpel. Nice idea about the display flight, perhaps one of our resident decal producers will come to the rescue Did think I'd seen a sheet in 144th somewhere but can't find where now. I'll have another look later and let you know. Thought I might as well get the wings on while I'm on a roll. There's a slight gap on the under-surface that'll need a little filler but it's the only fit issue I've come across so far.

Nice work Ian, particualrly impressed by your paintwork and weathering skills. No decals you say, was the scheme based on a kit option or did you go with a different one?

Fits like a glove! Next task will be painting the intakes and fitting the wings. Then I can do circuits of the living room making jet noises.

After a bit of painting and dry-brushing with Humbrol enamels our man and his bang-seat are almost ready to fit.

Yikes! It's almost imposible to see the shape of some parts in the Gran kit for the flash. I see what you mean about treating it like a vacform. Cheers for that Dave. Any intention of building one or all in the near future?

And to think I looked upon the 4-colour splinter scheme on Viggen's as challenging

Thanks Drewe, such a shame Airfix are going to give themselves a bad reputation from the (fresh) start by filling a big box of mostly crap or outdated kits by the sounds of things. Especially considering there are a selection of better kits around for most of the subjects

Any chance you fire up some photos Dave? Be quite interesting to see how they compare.

You mean like the two fingers I'm holding up to you right now? Actually smart boy, it looks as if Neville Duke wore large thick gloves while test-flying the Hunter prototype so that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it Since last night's time-trial was cancelled at the last minute due to a fog rolling in off the coast I came home and built up some detail on the bang-seat. With any luck this will still be visible inside the 'pit after a light dry-brushing.

Cheers Dylan, ain't it funny how you think it looks great until you see the photo on the 'net and catch sight of all the rough bits. Got to do something with that right shoulder, looks as if he's got some sort of body armour or a Joan-Collins-out-of-Dynasty type shoulder-pad under his flying suit. That blob of Superglue masquerading as an oxygen mask ain't looking too clever either. Oh well, guess what I'll be doing tomorrow

Here's the modified pilot next to his untouched brother. Because I want to build one of the first production Mk. 1 aircraft I though it would be different to finish him in the white flying suits usually worn by test-pilots, hence the initial coat of Humbrol matt white enamel. Should add a bit of interest to an otherwise black 'pit. Also started to detail the bang-seat but the work will be restricted to the headbox since the rest will be virtually invisible once installed.

Now you've got my full attention! Stop teasing, talk, damn you TALK!

OK, OK, I didn't realise the Messerschpit had missing bits and fair enough the other two are serious issues that could have seen lesser mortals pitching them in the bin. You have my sympathies on those. I'll await this secret project with baited breath but don't think I'm going to give up on teasing you about that Valiant at every available opportunity just yet