Navy Bird

Very nice indeed. I think the P-40 was created with desert camo and shark mouths in mind. 👍 Cheers, Bill

Now that's what I call a Scooter! Beautiful work Steve - one to be proud of. 👍 👍 👍 Cheers, Bill

My buddy Alfred E Neuman. What? Me worry? One time my dog ate a piece that I dropped. I don't want to tell you where I found it. True fact. ***** Flight deck is finished. Harnesses are all from the Eduard Big Ed photoetch set. I added the yellow handles on each side of the ejection seats - I found them on an old PE fret leftover from an F-4 build. I painted all the seats based on photos. I added the remaining control panel on the port side of the rear desk. Hopefully all this stuff will fit inside the fuselage when it's closed up. Eduard have you remove a brace that attached the rear of the ejection seats to the floor and replace it with a more detailed photoetch bit. And, as promised, the reading material: Note that I said reading material, not looking material. It's the articles that I like. I couldn't decide which cover I liked better, so I used them both. On to the next sub-assembly! Cheers, Bill

Perhaps, but you did not hear the words that "passed the barrier of my teeth" as Homer* would say. If Charon finds out, I don't think he'll give me a ride over the river and I'll be doomed to fold photoetch forever - and right when I get to the last accordion fold, it will all unravel and I'll have to start again. Over and over...for eternity. *Not Simpson I could, but then there would be this big nothing inside the model. I'd have to paint the windows black and folks would think the model was a die-cast. Gasp! That would be pretty cool, and there is plenty of room for a battery. Probably easier to print out the photos and display them next to the model! By the way, I'm old enough to remember when the interior of a model was illuminated with a "grain of wheat" lamp. I never could find the wheat no matter how hard I looked... 🔎 💡 There is, and I plan to have it open. You don't want to know how many times that's happened to me lately. In fact, one of the harnesses for the front seats refused to make itself known until I'd spent a good 30 minutes looking for it. And my knees aren't built for that kind of activity. The PE set for the cockpit is really quite extensive. Eduard did a good job, although it's a royal pain to sand away the panel details and the seat harnesses prior to adding the PE. Oh - if you follow Eduard's instructions you'll add the control yokes upside down. That's it! I can find some 1:72 Klingons and add them to the cockpit. ***** Speaking of adding stuff to the cockpit that shouldn't be there, I have to change my plan to add a copy of Zoo magazine to the rear crew station. The aircraft I'm building is from the mid-60s and Zoo wasn't published then. Drat! Now it will have to be a copy of Mayfair. Cheers, Bill

Great job and a great story. Thanks! Cheers, Bill

Did I promise some updates? I can't remember. Here are a few anyway. First up, it's another great day of Photoetch Origami for Fun & Profit. Eduard have you add some sidewalls to the entrance foyer: You'll notice that I've removed the moulded in throttles and filled in a few holes. Why? Because Eduard said so, and they're the boss. That's why it says Big Ed on the box. And add some rudder pedals that are unlikely ever to be seen by anyone, so consider yourself bloody lucky. The front instrument panel is made from five separate PE bits strategically placed on top of one another, or magically transformed from a flat bit of brass into a bona fide 3D object. The control yoke shafts were removed from the kit parts and replaced with smaller diameter styrene rod. All because the holes in the PE instrument panel are too small for the kit shafts. Oh well, gave me something to do. Seriously, five bits of photoetch for one panel is child's play. The rear panel consists of 18, and it isn't done yet. There is another instrument panel to be added to the port side of the desk - I left it out for this photo so you could get a better view of the big panel. The PE throttles were fun - these folded up like an accordion. They look better in real life because 1) they're smaller and 2) I'm an old man and can't see stuff that small. I'm working on the seats now. I replaced the canopy jettison electrical tube (or whatever we were calling it) with smaller diameter rod, and painted the seats according to the photos I've found. Then, all of the Eduard PE was added to make them look interesting. I should have the seats finished and in place sometime tomorrow (Ed. - That's what he always says.) Once all this stuff is finished, the cockpit assembly will get a coat of matt varnish. It's really a shame that virtually none of this will be seen through the Victor's Winders. Such is a day (Ed. - Several, actually) in the life of a silly modeller... Cheers, Bill

A wizard, a true star. 👍 Cheers, Bill PS. Apologies to the Hermit of Mink Hollow.

My favourite Greco-Roman t-shirt: Cheers, Bill

Really? Now that I didn't know. Britmodeller is so full of interesting tidbits - I need to file that one away for my next cocktail party. A mate in my local modelling club found pictures of his model (Firefly I think) on a Russian website. We believe they were grabbed from his Facebook account and the cad was claiming it was his model. At least we think that's what was going on, as Google Translate made a mess of the webpage. In any event, he sent a note (in English) to the site and the page was taken down. The moderators did the right thing - how often does something like that happen? Probably not very often. Now, as long as the General is in on the scheme, I see no problem. Unless Baldrick mucks it up. ***** I know, I know. It's page 4 already and I haven't done any modelling. Soon! I'm painting the cockpit bits per the discussion on the previous page and I should have some photos tomorrow. Cheers, Bill

True, but a printout of the front page of The Times in 1:72 won't be recognizable. Too many words. Zoo, on the other hand, usually has a picture on the front which just might work in this scale. Especially when you have to look through Airfix plastic to see it. Neither is barley as far as I know. All kidding aside, the RGB values for Camouflage Grey (used to be called Barley Grey) are 150; 157; 158 (from e-paint.co.uk). That's pretty neutral - just a teeny smidge of blue-green. Are you thinking perhaps of Camouflage Beige (used to be called Hemp)? Aft walls are a Sky colour? Like the bottom of a Spitfire? They look much more grey in the photos I've found. It's possible, of course, that the photos I found are the later tanker version and perhaps colours have changed. I'll be doing XL512 from 1963-64 (kit decals). Airfix say Humbrol 28 Camouflage Grey - I assume this is BS381C 626. From the RGB values I mentioned above there is the smallest bit of blue-green in it, but I don't think it would be very noticeable. Great photos of the ejection seat, but why would that seat be in Florida? Probably some crazy modeller who sat in it to watch YouTube videos of V-bombers while quaffing a few pints of bitter. Very helpful painting ideas. Thanks! I've used Gunze off-white before for areas like those dissimilar material panels you describe. I'm sure you've also used it at some point or another. It's definitely a warm off-white. I don't mind you posting the pics - matter of fact, why don't you put some stickers on her, send me the pics and I'll post the RFI. Saves me from actually building this beast! Cheers, Bill

The one I get is called Shingrix. According to Wikipedia (yeah, I know), it's available in the UK through NHS for folks between 70 and 79. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoster_vaccine#United_Kingdom Cheers, Bill PS. There is no vaccine, however, to prevent the building of gliders so build all you want!

Thanks so much. I've gathered a bunch of cockpit photos and I think I have a plan for painting the cockpit. Instrument panels and various controls are black (although some photos show the panels as a medium grey - the pre-printed Eduard panels are black so that's what I'll have). Ejection seat frames are black; cushions as below - Eduard provide etch harnesses that are tan for the parachute pack and blue for the occupant. The survival pack can be yellow as seen below or brown/tan as you suggest. The inside of the canopy framework looks black. The desk for the "back seat" guys is a brick red colour, instrument panels and ancillary controls are black, seat frames in the rear are interior green, and the desk support legs and the cabin walls are a light grey (Airfix say Camouflage Grey). It looks like the floor of the cabin is black, although Airfix say Camouflage Grey again. Is that what used to be called Barley Grey? My plan is to have the door open and ladder down as that will add some interest. I will be my normal naughty self and pose things that shouldn't be, like the flaps down and the air brake open when she is parked. I may leave a copy or two of Zoo magazine at the navigator's station because, well, why not? Thanks Andy. I had a look at the builds you posted here, and, as usual, they rock! With you and @Retired Bob helping me out, I should only go astray part of the time (when I listen to @Martian). ***** As for the rest of you guys and your banter - it's my fault. I approved it in advance without knowing what any of you would post. Kinda like some social media mogul that keeps popping up in my news feed. Anyway, serves me right. Onward! Cheers, Bill

Yikes, those be long wings. You'd think that aeroplane didn't have an engine... Cheers, Bill PS. Nice work, glad you're back. Shingles suck. I'm always first in line to get vaccinated when Doc says it's due. I think it's every 7 years or something like that.

Thanks - looks like Andy painted the cushions a tan colour. ***** I'm off to Maryland tomorrow for my son's birthday. I won't be back until next Tuesday so I'm afraid there won't be any updates until then. If it means anything, I managed to paint the cockpit floor today. Whoop. Cheers, Bill PS. Feel free to banter while I'm gone.

Airfix say to paint the seat cushions Humbrol 24 which according to their website is Trainer Yellow. Is that correct? I was suspecting tan or green, but yellow strikes me as odd. But what do I know? I love that photo of Farnborough 1961- all the men have suits and ties. Was this industry day, or was that typical airshow attire back then? Cheers, Bill

The anti-flash white scheme in the kit is from 1963-1964. Not sure that makes any difference. Either way, I'm not going to bother sanding that off the floor. Besides, in the off chance you can see the floor through the canopy it will add some interest. Just remembered the cockpit is black... Ah, OK. That S.2 was the first all resin kit I ever built. Learned a lot on that one. The S.1 is also resin, and a significant improvement in the fidelity of the details. Too bad CMR isn't making kits anymore. They had quite a lineup of interesting subjects. Who said anything about democracy? This is a benevolent dictatorship. Keeps wifey out of the workshop too. I don't know why Mr. Color has to have such an annoying smell - other solvent based lacquers don't. Let's take this one step at a time, shall we? I need to build the Valiant and Vulcan first. ***** I've decided to use a combination of Eduard photoetch and kit styrene for the instrument panels and other controls. If I went entirely with the PE I would lose a lot of the 3D nature of these details. To use both means that I'll have to cut up the PE panels so I can fit individual bits onto the raised portions of the styrene. Sounds like fun, eh? Woo hoo! Cheers, Bill

The cockpit photos at the Thunder & Lightnings website show the console pivoted up. The Eduard PE has a fold line in the front panel that allows you to pose it this way if you like. Sure. I'll have to stage that outside, as they won't both fit inside my photo booth. Come to think of it, the Victor just by itself might be a tight fit. I have some photos of the cockpit without the "fourth" seat and the tracks and pivot mechanism is still present in the floor. Not sure why Eduard tell you to remove it. I'll go with three seats but I'll take the lazy man's approach and not bother to sand the floor detail away. ***** OK, white it is. I'll use the kit stickers for XL512. Cheers, Bill

I suspect this means I'll have to decide on the scheme before I button up the fuselage to know whether I include the fourth seat or not. Hmm. The S.2 or the S.1? The latter I did in white as it appeared during carrier suitability trials. The S.2 is EDSG overall. I figured it would. There are some aircraft that will always attract attention on this forum, and the Victor is one. It helps that we don't see it that often. I hope to do her justice. That's a good process. I've done something similar - the Testors semi-gloss white that I used on my TSR.2 and Buccaneer S.1 requires many coats to get good opacity. I sometimes apply it over a gloss light grey. Very light. Yeah, I've been snipping bits off the runners, trimming the nubs, and in general getting the cockpit parts ready for paint. In studying the Airfix and Eduard instructions, it seems I have to make some modifications in order to use the PE, and those are in process as well. Today I was informed that the tubes coming out of the top of the ejection seats are not barber poles and have to be replaced with smaller tubing. And, now I have to decide on the scheme to see if I need to remove the track and pivot for the fourth chair from the flight deck. All this - and none of it will be seen through them teeny winders. I'm sure it's the subject matter. Thanks Bob. I wouldn't have caught that - sure am glad there are folks here who know this aircraft. 'Cuz I sure don't! I just think it looks way cool. Welcome aboard. You haven't missed anything yet. I suspect the build is going to take a long time, especially if I try to do it right. ***** Let's take a poll - anti-flash white or green-grey camo? I will abide by the results (unless it has anything to do with Twitter.) 🐦 Cheers, Bill

Exactly. I think this drawing is representative: Compare to the wings in the kit: Cheers, Bill

Everyone needs one! Maybe two... Cheers, Bill

What happens when you translate "Sigmund Freud" when you have it on the "Oedipus" setting? Mine gives me The End by the Doors. Cheers, Bill

I found it: Hasn't been an update since 2018. Cheers, Bill

There was a bloke on BM who started a thread about scratchbuilding a Victor in 1:32 scale, so I don't think you'll be alone it that padded room. Thanks Bob. I am sure that I'll be asking a lot of questions as the build proceeds. There aren't a lot of Victors over here. Well, actually there are none. Anyway, first question below. It is big. I think I can make room for it in my main display case but only if some of the older builds get moved to the auxiliary case in the fruit cellar. I can't stream that here in the US but I did watch the trailer. I caught some glimpses of a white Victor in the background. I see it stars the skipper from Gilligan's Island so it must be good. But spanking a grown woman? My, my how times have changed. ***** First question - Airfix provide four "rumble seats" behind the pilot and co-pilot. Three are at the rear instrument panel/desk and the fourth is in-between that and the pilot, right in the middle of the deck. Eduard have you remove this fourth seat and its tracks in the floor. Is that correct? I hope so, as Eduard do not provide seat harnesses for the fourth seat. Cheers, Bill

Ooh, lazy! I can do lazy, without even trying. If I do the anti-flash white, I'll want to use the same paint I used on my TSR.2. I think that was Testors (yikes!) RLM21 semi-gloss white (believe it or don't). I have about 10 bottles of the stuff because I had planned on painting the Valiant in white. Hmm...that reminds me - I never bought the new Vulcan kit. Welcome aboard! I'll do what I can - having just looked over the instructions for the kit and the photoetch stuff, I realise that virtually none of the cockpit will be visible once the fuselage is assembled. But I will tart it up anyway because it's there. Cheers, Bill

Good to know. I bought my old Revell/Matchbox Victor at a model show after I got tired waiting for someone to make a new tool kit. When I opened the package, it had both kits - the grey plastic Revell version, and the multi-coloured Matchbox version. I think it was missing some of the Matchbox bits, but I wasn't looking to build both. For its time, not a bad kit at all. You can get one on eBay now for about $30. Since I got the new Airfix kit directly from Airfix, I had it before any of the hobby shops in the US even had it in stock. One of the guys in my local club asked me why I would spend such money on a Victor - I told him because it's way cooler than any B-52. Cheers, Bill