Albeback52

So it has a few panel lines? So what. Is that REALLY going to matter to the customers who buy the kit ( apart that is from what is possibly a vocal minority?) . I suspect not. In any case, a couple of coats of paint wil fill them up nicely. It looks good enough to me. Is the A6M a new tool as well? The original P40 & Zero were among the first Airfix kits I built! Not the old Spitfire IX which seems to be just about everybody's first kit. I've never built that one. Spitfire's, as modelling subjects, don't interest me!! ( CUE cries of HERETIC!!. BURN HIM ON THE PYRES OF SMITHFIELD!!) :lol: A re-tooled Stirling & Vulcan & Hampden & Halifax would be nice!!

I would think that it would be in their own interests as troop carrying flights are likely to be fairly regular for deployments etc. The runway will need to be kept operational at least on a care & maintenance basis I would have thought? Shouldn't present a problem as Leuchars is only an annual event. Besides, I reckon the Army might benefit from a possible annual joint Armed Forces open day/display? Just have to wait & see I guess. Air Chief Marshal Dalton's comment implies that the runway will remain open . Wasn't it resurfaced recently as well? Actually, when all's said & done, I still enjoyed the day out! A few after the show helped!!

It's possible I got my years mixed Dave - the Russian Knights were DEFINITELY only there on one occasion. I was sure the SU-24 was there on static display the same year. Can anyone confirn. Definitely got pics of the '24 though! It was a real treat REGARDLESS of year!

You could probably fuel the Flankers with it!! Still looks like the Russians certainly looked after you!

Nice shots Julien! I didn't actually get a picture of the IL-76 taking off - I'd packed my camera away at that point. I did get some other good shots though. I'll need to dig them out of Al's Archives & scan them into my PC. I'll post a few here Allan

All part of the ritual Harry!! Had some monumental soakings over the years. I think 1991 was the worst. Still, it was worth if for 4 SU 27s, an SU24 AND, watching the IL-76 take off & disappear in a cloud of spray!!

If , like me, you aren't keen on vac forms , you might like to try & get hold of the Eastern Express Bristol Brittania. It's the only injection moulded kit produced ( to my knowledge) It is however to 1/96 scale. By current standards, it's pretty basic but, a bit of T L C will get you a decent model. The last time I saw one, it was in Cubana markings. If I can get hold of another one, I'll build it as an RAF C1. Yes, even I know its the short fuselage series 100 version ( not used by the RAF!!) but, I don't care. Nobody that sees it will be any the wiser!! I think the mere fact that it is relatively unknown ( outside the UK anyway) type, will ensure we never see a decent 1/72 mass produced kit.

I'll echo that comment!! A pity it's only available in 1/144. If it were a decent scale like 1/72, I'd probably have half a dozen by now!!

Wish I could Paul! Unfortunately, I was only 11 & I didn't get my first camera until a few years later!! Funnily enough, it was my first show as well!! I used to live in Glenrothes so, delights like Lightnings, Hunters (even Javelins!) were quite familiar. What I can do though is scan some of my old pictures ( mostly 80s) into my PC & post them here. Now, for all those who may be under the impression that Leuchars 2011 is the last show, I have recieved the following reply to my email to the air show organisers Allan "Dear Mr Ford, You are absolutely right that it is rumour. We have been given no indication that this will be the last Show. Kind regards Roz Clark Airshow Manager 1 Tutor Road LEUCHARS KY16 0JW"

Would travel just to see Avro's finest anyway!! Shame about the Lanc not turning up but, a Dakota is quite an acceptable alternative. Looks like the KC-10 has pulled out as well! While I agree with the general sentiment that the line up is less than inspiring, I respectfully suggest that those expressing that view ( and that includes myself by the way!!) are perhaps looking at the show from a narrow enthusiasts perspective? - I know I am !! The die hard enthusiast only accounts for a small part of the audience. I think that most people who go will actually be quite happy with what is there. I'm going anyway - it's an annual ritual!! I'll post some of my old Leuchars shots later but, some gems I recall form the past are 2 F101C Voodoos from Bentwaters (1969 I think!) 2 USAF F102A Delta Daggers from the 57th FIS at Keflavik. They got diverted due to bad weather & the RAF "borrowed" them for the static display - I still remember comments about the "American Mirages"! A squadron take off involving 12 Lightnings & 4 Phantoms ( unsure of year - 1974 I think) Scramble take off involving 2 Vulcans There was also a memorable (and spectacularly noisy!) display from a Rockwell B1-B - before the USAF decided that the type should be restricted to tame fly pasts!

Do you have any DEFINITE information to that effect. I think the suggestion that this is the last show may be premature. There has been no confirmation to this effect either on the RAF Leuchars website or, the Air Show website. Todays Fife News carries an article confirming that the base will not be handed over to the Army until between 2013 - 2017. No specific date is given. So, the "last show" could be between 2 - 6 years away!!

That's interesting Geoff. Thanks for the info. That would tie in then with the Defence News article I saw. I may therefore have misunderstood it - looks like I assumed that the total order was being reduced to below 40 aircraft! 138 - 150 would of course make a lot more sense. It remains to be seen however if such sense applies to the actual procurement. I am yet to be convinced of the value of unmanned combat aircraft outside a few specialised roles ( e g reconnaisance). but that however is outwith this thread. Maybe I can stick some RAF/ R N markings on my F-35 kits after all!!

Although I'm not really a civil fan, even I will admit the VC-10 has to be one of the most beautiful objects ever to fly! Superb models .A pity there isn't an I M kit in 1/72 scale!! Even I might be persuaded to buy a few!

Fair comment. Good film if you concentrate on the aeroplanes & ignore the rest!!. I think though that the film was a waste of good actors like Tom Skerrit & Michael Ironside. Still, what the hell!! Yes , Meg Ryan has aged well!! What was it she said? "Take me to bed or lose me forever"? No answer to that one really - at least not here!!

I don't think it's been officially confirmed that it's the last show but, if it is, it's a very poor exit!

Thanks Enzo! I was sure my aging mind wasn't playing tricks on me!!

Actually Andy, I think I'm the one that should be apologising for possibly hijacking the thread by mentioning the subject! The one I'm talking about was made in 2008. It's a German production but, in english language. I picked it up for £4.99 on Amazon. If you can live with some of the implausibilities in the plot, it's a good piece of viewing. Not quite up to Blue Max standards but. good nonetheless. Obviously, I expect there will be some who will disagree with my opinion here but, we can agree to differ. I think the film you are referring to was titled "Von Richthofen and Brown" It was released in 1971. You can get it on DVD at Amazon but, its only available in Region 1 format (USA/ Canada) Allan

A truly AWFUL film!! The aeroplanes were nice though. Felt it would have improved tremendously if Tom Cruise had been killed baling out of that F-14 though!! One thing though, the F-14 was fitted with Martin Baker MK 7 ejection seat was it not? The Mk 7 has a secondary firing handle on the seat pan. Are we to believe hot shot Maverick was so stupid he didn't know how to operate his bang seat?? " I can't reach the ejection handle" (as he struggles to reach the one ABOVE his head!). Yes, yes, I know!! Artistic licence!! Now, I have a question for you all on a not unrelated subject. Does anybody remember a really dreadful French tv series from the late 60s/ early 70s. Think it was called "The Aviators" or, "The Aeronauts" or something similar. Lots of nice Mirages & Mysteres & lots of improbable derring-do in which the intrepid hero pilots were involved every week? I seem to recall only one series then it just vanished into the depths of TV mediocrity. I've just watched "Flyboys" and, I have to say that despite the panning this film got, I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you ignore (a) the crude attempt at political correctness by introducing a coloured pilot to the Lafayette Escadrille ( never happened in reality of course!), ( the totally unnecessary but unfortunately obligatory romantic sub plot and, © the EVIL HUN ( aka the Black Falcon) - who was almost a cliche by himself, it was a damned good action movie. The Gotha(?) bombers were particulary good. OK - maybe the CGI battle scenes were not exactly like the real thing but, I reckon they were b***** good anyway! Also got "The Red Baron". While falling short ( more than a little!!) on historical accuracy, it was another fine action movie - especially the somwhat implausible but nonetheless spectacular night engagement between Richthofen's squadron & a flight of Handley Page O/400 bombers!

I wouldn't take ANYTHING seriously if it appeared in either of these gutter trash rags! You can buy a similar type large scale model of HMS Victory for approx £500 as a complete kit. Given the size & complexity of the Victory model, I think the price is actually quite reasonable - especially when you factor in the time it will take to build. For those of you of a certain vintage, you may remember Heller's magnificent "Le Soleil Royale". With over 2000 parts AND full rigging, it took me nearly 2 years to complete the model. Even in 1978 prices it was expensive!! As has been pointed out, it will cost you £1000+ to buy a full r/c ship model of this type so, I suggest the cost overall isn't necessarily excessive. I'd love this one but, my fear is that the sales might not be enough to keep the mag going & I'd be left with a partial model. I wonder perhaps if the gutter press would be equally dismissive if, for example, the offer was for a (hypothetical) History of the Royal Navy in 137 weekly instalments at £5.99 with an introductory price of £0.50 on the first issue? (with FREE parts every week to build a 1/200 model of HMS Hood)? Allan Allan

I think you're right Steve!! There's another one turned up on evilbay at US$59.99 & $40.65 postage. That/s about £37 for the kit alone. One of mine will be coming to a work bench near you shortly!! It will be a "what if" R R Trent engined C-5(K) operated by the RAF! I have the Draw decals C5- stencil sheet & will find suitable RAF markings from the spares box! The Trent engines are courtesy of a wrecked Revell A-380! The Galaxy is big enough so that even these huge engines don't look out of proportion. I'll post pictures in due course. I wonder though, how many of the C5 kits that get bought will actually get built as opposed to gathering dust on a collector's shelf? Allan

Hi John. Actually, I think the RIAT price was well over £30 this year . You're right. The list of participants is less than scintillating but, it's a matter of personal choice as to whether it's worth going or not. Unfortunately, only you can decide on that one. For me, the answer is easy. It's an annual ritual. I go with 2 friends, we get an early train (might be a much later one this year), go for a few beers afterwards & then get a late(ish) train back. Even if the show is poor, we make the best of it & always have a good day out. It's not clear whether or not this will be the last show. If it is, then it's a pretty limp farewell ( in my view anyway). The foreign participation ( or lack thereof) is particularly poor. I'd like to qualify that though by saying that as one of the die hards, I'm very choosy! Lol! People like me & my buddies really only represent a small minority of airshow crowds. I think that most people will be quite happy with what is on offer. I think the only "new" item on show is the LC-130? Even the Vulcan is only passing through! However, I understand that following the tragic loss of one of their pilots, the Red Arrows will not be making any more displays this year because they have to work up a new set of routines? I think their absence might have an effect on crowd numbers. I didn't do RIAT this year ( the first time I've missed it since 1989) largely because I couldn't justify the overall cost for what I considered a rather lacklustre line up. I do therefore see where you are coming from. But then, maybe I've been spoiled over the years? The show was virtually a (reduced) repeat of last years. I'll be doing Leuchars next week purely for the reason stated above. One thing I won't be doing is going for the arrivals! I usually get my photographs on arrivals day but, there is very little there to justify the expenditure of megapixels (and a day return on the train!)!! Allan

I built one of those when it was first released. A bit basic but it builds into a decent model & it's quite an impressive size!! I built a second one about 5 years ago & added new ejection seats to it - the cockpit is after all VERY visible!! Other than that, it was out of the box ( and some new decals of course!!). Sadly, it took a plunge of the Carrier deck last year...............!!! I'm sure that plenty of people will have plenty of issues with this kit. That however is not my problem.I enjoyed building these kits - largely because I don't waste modelling time looking for faults. I work with what I have !. There are of course better options available now - there's a very nice 1/48 kit produced by Kinetic ( now re-boxed by Italeri). Hannants have the Kinetic original at £34.99 with the Italeri reboxing at £59.99!! Beat that !! 25 quid just for a new box & decals!!! Looks nice in the desert camouflage though!! Allan

Sometimes Phil, a dream is all we have!! . Joking apart though, there appears to be decent market out there. It's good to see that at least some famous Royal Navy ships are available. Being perfectly cynical, I'm sure that if (for example), the US navy had operated Tribal class destroyers or, Black Swan class escort sloops, we'd probably have about 6 kits of each by now? ( meaning no disrespect to our American friends by the way!) One thing that has put me off warship modelling on a larger scale ( no pun intended!) is the question of scale! I feel that 1/600 & 1/700 are simply too small. Be interesting to see what follows the Warspite. I'm personally glad to see Airfix dabbling in 1/350 scale. Even a large warship is manageable. While I may not like the choice of their subjects, I think they are wise choices as, they are relatively well known & more likely to attract sales. Possibly good sales will tempt them to expand the range ? Who knows. ps - I forgot to add a Nelson class battleship &, (now we venture into the realms of the unrealistic!) , a First World War Mackensen class battle cruiser to my list!! Yes, I know that none of the Mackensen class was ever completed ( which is why it will never be seen in kit form!!) but, it was at least a very handsome design & would make an equally handsome model! Dreaming on!! Allan

Ah - REAL cinema!!! Add The Day the Earth Stood Still ( not that unspeakable version with Keanu Reeves!!) ). One of my favourite all time movie sequences is from War of the Worlds ( no, not the Tom Cruise abomination!) when you see the Martian War Machines rising silently above the ridge behind which they'd been hiding & then gliding towards the waiting troops. Still very menacing & more than a little eerie! I have the Pegasus models 1/48 Martian war machine and, a handy 1/48 M-48 tank. A little diorama work over the winter months perhaps! I've had the Williams Bros C-46 for years! Get around to it one of these days. Worth getting hold of if you can find one.