[2 x 1/48 scale bac vultures (tsr2s) part 1 is done :)]

Very nice!! I'm working on my own TSR-2 "What -if". A long range interceptor version. I managed to graft the nose/cockpit of the Airfix Tornado GR4 on to the TSR-2 forward fuselage. Took a wee bit of doing & a BIG bit of milliput!! Construction almost complete but a lot of finishing work to be done before it gets painted. Hope it proves to be of interest. I welcome any questions/comments/constructive criticism

[Let's see the rarest, most esoteric kits in your stash....]

Hmmm!

Airfix SR-53. I have 2. One in the original poly bag & the other in a Polish boxing.

2 original Airfix 1/144 Concordes. One of which was released in Air France markings

2 1/144 C-5A Galaxies. One in the Revell boxing & the other in the Testors boxing

Airfix VC-10 (BOAC ) in original Sky kings boxing.

Airfix C-130 with Bloodhound missile

Aurora C-141 Starlifter (1/110 scale I think)

Kitmaster Garrett locomotive

Collectors may now feel free to shudder but, all of these kits will be BUILT!!! My poor addled brain cannot grasp the concept of buying kits & NOT having any intention of building them!!

[New Harrier Gr.7 in 1/32 scale released]

I just bought my first Trumpeter’s Harrier GR.7 kit in 1/32 scale, and will not be the last of the type.

Is it a good RAF Harrier II kit?... No, at all.

So, why I bought? Just because I love Harriers and it’s the only game in town in 1/32 scale.

I don’t think there will be any Harrier II kit in 1/32 from Tamiya or Hasegawa… even Revell or Airfix(!) on the market in the near future.

Now, my only question is… how can it be possible that we still have a wrong new Harrier kit in 2011?!?!?!

I don’t care about the price, because it’s in line with the other kits from Trumpeter in the same scale.

The real problem is that the Trumpeter’s RAF Harrier GR.7 kit has not the specific parts to be a build as good replica of the real one. That’s all.

Why? Let me show you some of the more evident and objective missing and wrong things in the Trumpeter’s Harrier GR.7 in 1/32 scale:

• a Martin Baker MK.12 ejection seat;
  
• a ventral chaff&flare dispenser box;
  
• a correct pair of extra pylon for AAMs;
  
• a wing with “big” 100% LERX to be used with decals (on the sheet) for the ZG512 machine;
  
• a pair of “frog eye” air scoop for the 100% LERX and also fitted to GR.7A/GR9;
  
• a ventral central line pylon;
  
• a ventral adapter pylon for laser designation pods;
  
• a decal sheet with correct markings, stencils, roundels… all in correct colors too;
  
• a sprue with specific weapon loads for modern RAF Harriers… why not?
  
• (…)
  

Actually I’m building a Trumpeter’s AV-8B kit, trying to solve/fix most of the inaccuracies I found… nose cone profile, wings, undercarriages, nozzles, panel lines, ventral strakes, cannon pods… anything else?

After all you can buy and build this kit OOB, or you can buy and modify and scratch build anything you can or want to do. Last, do not buy the kit and save your money for a Tamiya’s F-16/Spitfire…

From my point of view, the Trumpeter’s Harrier kit OOB is not a good replica of an Harrier II, any type.

I wish for some aftermarket sets available soon on the market, specially for the decals… At the same time I’ll try to do my best with my first Trumpeter’s Harrier GR.7.

CIAO!

Piero

You are obviously a very dedicated modeller Piero & I respect that. I wish you success in your model. However, I look at things differently. I do not and never have gone looking for "inaccuracies". If I ever DId buy this kit, I would follow my own approach & get the best results I can using what is there. I have no interest in adding to the already outrageous prices for Trumpeter kits by wasting my hard earned on accessories, You have listed many "faults". I suspect that few, if any of these would be obvious to the casual modellers & observers. Therefore, from my perspective, they aren't worth the effort - especially as nobody that visits me & sees my models is ever going to notice any difference. Of course, this is really hypothetical because I am unlikely to ever buy this kit or, for that matter any other 1/32 kit by Trumpeter,Academy, Tamiya or Hasegawa . I don't care how good they are, the prices are completely O T T! This is not a narrow & blinkered view on my part - I am sure there are valid reasons for the exorbitant prices! It is sheer practicality. I only work part time & my available budget is very limited!!

I tend to strive for effect rather than accuracy, Therefore, I really do not care how many "faults " a kit allegedly has. Doubtless this is a point of view that will not sit well with many on this site. However, it works for me!!

[New Harrier Gr.7 in 1/32 scale released]

Hmmm! Well, let me play Devil's advocate here. I've read all the comments and, my question is "Does it really matter"? How many of these alleged inaccuracies are obvious without a forensic examination of the real aircraft & hours of work poring over plans/drawings etc? From my perspective, if they aren't obvious without the examination I've described, then they aren't worth the trouble of "correcting " - especially if nobody is going to notice. It seems that being hyper critical & searching for nits to pick is the current trend. Is it assumed that that ALL modellers go over their model with a tape measure & micrometer & then spend hours comparing parts with plans? I suggest this may be a false assumption. I suggest that most of these kits will be bought by people who are happy to accept what is in the box & build it regardless.

The comments regarding accessories are also quite predictable and, these again seem to assume that modellers are willing to part with large sums of money on top of paying for what I consider to be a seriously over priced kit. If it looks like a Harrier then what is the problem? Doubtless there will be those who respond by saying " If you think it looks like a Harrier, then you haven't seen one". Well, I have seen & photographed plenty. I read similar disparaging comments about the Hobby boss Tornado kits. I have built 2 and, for my money, they look every inch a Tornado. I even built one with ( cue gasps of horror!) the thrust reversers extended. Seemed a pity to waste the detail!

So, there are whizz bangs in the kit that don't really apply to the RAF. Well, again, how many people will really bother? The Harrier is capable of using the items provided so it could be argued that they are representative and therefore ARE appropriate.

I suppose it boils down to our individual approaches to modelling. Mine is to use what is provided in the box and get the best results I can. I do not & never have wasted valuable modelling time by spending hours comparing kits with references & correcting "faults" that nobody will notice. Doubtless I will be condemned as a heretic!! . I have absolutely nothing against those who DO strive for accuracy. Quite the reverse. I genuinely respect and admire their dedication - they are far better modellers than I am. It's just not an approach that suits me. Of course, my comments on the Trumpeter Harrier are, in one respect, largely irrelevant because I simply refuse to pay the totally outrageous prices being demanded for these & other Far Eastern kits!! I only work part time & my budget is VERY limited!

Price of course is ANOTHER issue.....................!! A case of caveat emptor I guess!

Sorry if I've rambled on a bit . I'm not having a go at anyone - quite the reverse. I just wanted to add a different perspective here. After all, we ALL enjoy the same hobby! By all means disagree with me. I enjoy a healthy debate

[1/72nd B-52 decals]

Hi Tom,

I'm after Cutting Edge 72-211, in particular the B-52G, 'Special K' but thats silly money in E-Bay. If ever you come across that sheet I'll happily go halves with you on it! - but not half of $65 or whatever!! I'm sure I could hand paint the markings and make reasonable fist of it!!

What we need on BM is someone who can produce decals for us poor mortals who don't have either the knowledge or the technology!! The Cutting Edge story is crazy though....only in America, etc!

Cheers

Simon

Tell me about it!! I think you just have to be lucky. I picked up sheet 72-212 for only $16 on ebay

[British Air Force (RAF)]

Sorry!!! My photobucket seems to have crashed!! Try again later!! :shithappens:

[British Air Force (RAF)]

Good idea. How about these.

OK - I know the Sea Vixen wasn't used by the RAF but, it sure as hell LOOKS nice!! It was photographjed at Coventry in 2003 (

[Monogram 1/72nd B-52H conversion.]

VEEEEEEERY NICE!!!! I took a slightly different approach with the old AMT/ERTL B-52H. I've attached photos. Not quite finished. Might be totally implausible but, what the hell!! Obviously a "what if" . Still have to raid my box of death to make it look suitably warlike & I've yet to add the wing walk decals . Photos aren't marvellous but, I'll try a few close ups later. A pity the Monogram / Revell B-52D is so hard to come by. Been trying to get one for ages but, I refuse to pay what are often totally outrageous prices on ebay & second hand dealers.

And I thought my conversion was brave... that is FANTASTIC!

It looks like a few KC-135Rs have sacrificed their engines for this one! It reminds me of a book I once read by Dale Brown called 'Flight of the Old Dog'

Yes I agree with prices on ebay... I saw one original issue B-52D go for £130 recently! I was lucky to get mine at an aero jumble for £25 (after some bartering). I did see one at the Cosford show for the same price, if I'd have known I'd have grabbed it for you.

Thanks Tom. Glad you like it. Actually, only one KC-135 sacrificed its engines & that had been broken up for parts long ago after losing an argument with my resident feline - Kizzy the Model Slayer!! The other two were "donated" by the Fightpath CFM-56 engine set.( I've got 2 spare engines - I'm sure I can find a use for them!!). I've also got the Italeri boxing of the B-52G to tackle at some point!. Getting a decent fit with engines to the wings was actually the biggest problem. I also didn't QUITE manage to achieve the "at rest" droop of the wings that I wanted but, even a slight improvement is better than none!! You're right about the book!! That's where I got the idea although, The "Old Dog" still retained the original 8 engines. As for load out, I was thinking about a triple AIM-120 launcher on the outer wing pylons ( where the fuel tanks used to hang) & a load of JDAM/Paveway type bombs on the inner pylons.

I guess a new kit of the B-52 is probably just a fantasy!!

[Monogram 1/72nd B-52H conversion.]

VEEEEEEERY NICE!!!! I took a slightly different approach with the old AMT/ERTL B-52H. I've attached photos. Not quite finished. Might be totally implausible but, what the hell!! Obviously a "what if" . Still have to raid my box of death to make it look suitably warlike & I've yet to add the wing walk decals . Photos aren't marvellous but, I'll try a few close ups later. A pity the Monogram / Revell B-52D is so hard to come by. Been trying to get one for ages but, I refuse to pay what are often totally outrageous prices on ebay & second hand dealers.

[Confused already!]

That's a very good question & I think it's really a case of "you pays your money, you makes your choice". The Airfix 1/72 Lightning F3 is in DEFINITE need of a bit of improvement. It as after all a very old kit. On my own example, I limited this to replacing the ejection seat & missiles with aftermarket items & replacing the undercarriage doors with home made items made from thin plastic sheet! They looked a whole lot better. I do not, as a rule, like photo etched parts - especially if they are going to be tucked away out of sight. I find them often too fiddly & a lot more trouble than they are worth.I can see the sense however if they are EXTERNAL & in plain view.

I remain to be convinced however if a lot of the (often expensive) resin accessories are actually much better than kit items they replace - especially with modern kits.. Clearly, in the case of an old kit like the 1/72 Lightning, there is no contest but, my own personal choice would be build my 1/48 Lightnings "as is". I am very satisfied with the bits in the box. Others may disagree. That's fair enough - I respect that. My general policy is to make do with what comes out of the box & only add improvements where I deem them obvious & necessary. I rarely buy aftermarket accessories unless I wish to build a totally different version. An example being the Victor B1 & Vulcan B1A.

I think Phil made some very good points in his post. If I were a newbie to the hobby I'd be inclined to adopt his sensible & practical approach until you gain experience

Regards

Allan

[Airfix LightningF3 - first build]

Aaah!! Lightnings! A real fighter & not a dinky toy like the FI6 !! I used to live in Fife & the sight (and sound) of those beautiful machines at Leuchars was unforgettable.

Welcome to the forum. I think the ancient Airfix Lightning F1A was my 2nd foray into kitbashing in 1967 ( I think!!) The first was the Airfix Folland Gnat! It was of course a disaster as first times often are!! (No smutty comments please !!). I think others have said most of what I was going to say. The 1/48 Lightnings are beautiful kits & well worth taking time & effort over. You may also like to try the Revell Lightning F6. It was originally released by Hasegawa and, despite its age, it builds into a fine replica.

The only pearl of wisdom I would add is that you should not allow yourself to be put off by the often derogatory remarks about "inaccuracies" to be found in certain kits. It seems to be the trend nowadays to be hyper critical of every kit that appears. My own experience of these "inaccuracies" is that in many cases, you wouldn't notice them unless you (a) went over the REAL aeroplane in forensic detail, ( used a tape measure & micrometer to check the dimensions of every kit you buy and, © were prepared to spend hours religiously comparing the bits of your kit against plans,drawings & photos.!! I consider all of this to be a total waste of modelling time and, it is my view also that a "fault" that is not obvious without close scrutiny, isn't worth the effort of "correcting"! You will of course adopt your own personal approach to the hobby . Mine is to make the best job I can using what comes out of the box!. That hasn't changed in 44 years!! I have even seen comments to the effect that the individual concerned will not buy a particular kit because it is so "inaccurate". I have difficulty coming to terms with that sort of attitude. It seems unduly negative and, I believe that the sort of negativity I describe will only serve to put people off modelling.

Regardless of my comments above, I do respect and admire the skill & dedication of those who DO strive for total accuracy. They are far better modellers than I. However, that approach does not work for me! Maybe I'm a bit of a heretic? Who knows! At the end of the day all that matters is that we all enjoy the same hobby. HOW we do it really doesn't matter. I hope you enjoy modelling & perhaps you will post pictures in due course?

Regards

Allan

[HP Victor]

I use Halford's Appliance White or Ford Diamond White. I also use the matt grey & matt white primer. They also do a good Filler/Primer in the large 500 ml can. I recently completed the Revell Victor myself. I've attached a few photos. It's not the easiest of kits to build but, it's worth it. Kit is build from the box with no modifications. The air intakes are a real pain the a*** but, I took the easy way out !! The intake blanks are not quite right but, they look good enough for me. I've a coiuple more to build & have laid in the Flightpath Victor B1 & Victor K2 sets.

[1/32 Tornado F.3 or Phantom FGR]

I'd settle for one of each - PROVIDED they weren't made by Trumpigawajimiyacademy or whatever! In that event, I 'd have neither because I simply can't afford the exorbitant prices being asked for kits produced in the far East!

[Airfix Vostok AND Saturn 1B now available]

But there are some collectors who like to have a sort of set with the unbuilt kit and a built one. I think I can understand this but could anyone build the Frog Bloodhound @£1600 plus?

And all of with a 'stash' have a little of the magpie in us don't you think?

Cheers

Adam

Fair comment Adam! - especially about the Frog Bloodhound!! I wasn't having a go at collectors - far from it! It's just not my scene. Like you, I buy to build - even collectible kits!! If any kit collectors are reading this & they got the impression I was denigrating their own hobby I apologise unreservedly.

[Airfix Vostok AND Saturn 1B now available]

I have two of the early 1990s boxings of the Vostok here. Perhaps I should have sold them a couple of years ago....

Cheers,

Bill.

You could be on to a winner Bill!! It just amazes me though exactly what will be paid for a "collectible" kit! I have 3 of the original 1969 Airfix Concorde kits One of them is the Air France version which I think was actually difficult to get hold of in the UK.I've built one & will build the remaining ones later. I have seen the prices these old kits fetch but, they are NOT for sale!! The original price of 13/6 is still displayed on one of them!! I had an interesting discussion with a kit collector at an Air Show a few years back. He was displaying some of his kits as part of a modelling exhibit.

I had several of the kits myself & the look on his face when I told him that I BUILT THEM was highly amusing! No offence to him - he was a really nice guy but, I think he just couldn't understand the concept of kit BUILDING as opposed to collecting!

[Airfix Vostok AND Saturn 1B now available]

The current isue of Airfix Model World magazine has an article on the Airfix kit of the R7 'Vostok' pointing out the correction to colours etc. An interesting read if you're interested. I believe the Saturn V is also being re-issued.

Both Saturn V versions are actually available now Paul - Apollo & Skylab. My local model shop has them on sale at £34.99 each. Plenty listed on eBay as well. I was particularly pleased to see the Saturn 1B re issued. This particular kit always seemed to be quite hard to get hold of.

[Airfix Vostok AND Saturn 1B now available]

ps - a case in point about "collectors" prices?. There's an Airfix (original issue) Vostok kit on ebay right now starting at £45. I wonder perhaps if the re issue of the Airfix space kits will knock a small hole in the "collectors" market?

[Airfix Vostok AND Saturn 1B now available]

Ariane V in 1/96 & 1/125 is fairly easy to come by. (1/96 revell/Dragon kit)

Ariane IV in 1/288 is fairly easy to come by

Ariane IV in 1/125 hmmmm a bit harder but does come up on ebay but look out also for the bobkit & bobcat releases, they are the same

Ariane IV Revell 1/144 is a B*****ER to find and generally goes for too much money (ebay)

Aer Moldova, Apex and Eastern Express all the same

And generally old rocket kits go to collectors for too much money

BUT this site is worth a look

Cheers

Adam

Thanks Adam - appreciate the information. I know what you mean about collector's prices!! I'm frequently shocked by the prices being asked for "collectors items". Perhaps I shouldn't be? I think perhaps I just have trouble getting round the concept of buying a kit with absolutely no intention of building it!! To be honest, many of these are kits I want and, will also build but, unfortunately I can never afford because of the price. However, I note that Revell in particular regularly re issue their older kits & I've managed to get some of their rocket/missile kits at very reasonable prices. I've also got several of the Glencoe rocket /space kits

[Airfix Vostok AND Saturn 1B now available]

Sounds like a good idea. The good thing about rockets is they don't really take up a lot of shelf space!! I've already ordered 3 of the Vostok kits ( actually, isn't it TECHNICALLY the R7 rocket?. Vostok was the actual spacecraft bit!!). It's a nice kit - I've built it before. I've also bought the Saturn IB.I don't know if it was a poor seller before. I certainly found it quite hard to get hold of before. I'll be getting one of each of the Saturn V versions as a wee birthday treat to myself!! Lol!

The Vostok kit has its fair share of critics - I guess they will likely bemoan the fact that Airfix did not choose to remould the kit to produce booster sections of the correct width. That's fair enough. But, considering the limited information available in 1969, I reckon Airfix did a pretty good job. It looks good enough for me. I believe there are also kits of the R7/Vostok made by Eastern Express and Apex?

I'm sure if manufacturers produced kits of military rockets (Atlas, Thor, Titan & Soviet equivalents) they'd probably sell like hot cakes! I hope the Airfix kits do well. The Saturn V is certainly pretty impressive once assembled. Does anyone know if the old Heller Ariane kits are still generally available?

[New Victor B2/SR2 resin set...]

[quote

Yep...not far off the mark...we'll finish this lot and Airfix'll announce an all new kit ....( was going to say Trumpeter but then you would need to hang onto all this stuff to correct the thing yet again!!),

Andy..

Don't know about "correcting" but, I'd more concerned about the need to take take out a 2nd mortgage to afford any of Trumpigawajimiyacademy's outrageously exorbitant prices!!

[Vulcan/Victor idea]

Can you tell me where I can find the Barabrith(?) set for the Victor? Sounds very worthwhile. Is this generally available or, will I have to contact the manufactured direct?

Hello Ableback52,

You can PM me if you want a set of Barabrith parts for the Victor.

However, I have just started to offer these for sale and I make these in my spare time, The response has surprised me and there is quite a backlog.

PM me if you want to go on the list.

Regards,

Terry

Thanks Terry - I appreciate that. I didn't realise you were making these sets in your spare time. Best of luck in your venture - if the response has been as good as you say, you might be on to a winner!

[Vulcan/Victor idea]

18 aircraft rolled off the production line fitted out for full Skybolt carriage, XH538 through XM612.

Hi General.

Can you tell me where I can find the Barabrith(?) set for the Victor? Sounds very worthwhile. Is this generally available or, will I have to contact the manufactured direct?

[Vulcan/Victor idea]

Hi

Welcome to the site

Both are good models but, as has been pointed out already, they do require a bit of effort. The Flightpath sets are excellent but, do require a fair bit of skill & patience. I already have both the Vulcan B1 and, Victor B1 and, Victor K2 sets. I have attached photos of my Victor K2. This one was built straight from the box. There are no modifications or corrections whatsoever. As a general rule, I rarely bother with research or, go over my models with a tape measure & spend hours comparing parts with plans to measure "accuracy". As long as it looks like the intended subject, that 's the only "accuracy" test I normall bother with. I aim to achieve a good model just using what is provided.

The general fit of parts of the Victor is not marvellous - to say the least and, the intakes are a pain the a***!! I got round THAT one by taking the lazy way out - intake blanks! They aren't quite right but, they do the job good enough for me!! Yes, in case you ask, the refuelling probe IS broken!! The fit of the Vulcan parts is not great either -again, the biggest problem was getting a seamless join in the intakes. I have my own method which, I'll be happy to describe if you want details. Unfortunately, my only Vulcan went to that great hangar in the sky following an encounter with my resident feline - Kizzy the Model Mauler!!

I have in mind my own Vulcan "what if " project. The Vulcan B3. This will feature a tandem cockpit & a V-tail. Under the wings, I am going to hang a pair of "bunker busters" ! No, not those 5000lb tiddlers the USAF used in Iraq!! No, I have in mind a modern LGB "Tallboy" bomb. I'd like to do an open bomb bay as well & am wondering if the bomb bay parts from the forthcoming Airfix Valiant might be adapted?

[Pigsty's white Vulcan]

Very nice job!

I'm old enough to remember seeing these white beauties in the flesh ( so to speak!!) along with the Victor B1s & B2s

I never could be bothered with rescribing any model. Too much like hard work & tedious to boot!. I'm very lazy. I have yet to do a white Vulcan although I have 2 camouflaged examples. I satisfied myself with gently rubbing the panel lines down to a bare minimum - they don't look too bad under a couple of coats of paint. Good enough for me!

Agree with you about the Halfords acrylic paints.Been using them for years. Ford Diamond white is an equally good choice I think. They do a good range of base colours & I particularly like the metallic shades. The only down side is these paints really STINK !!

I'm about to start work on a "what if" Vulcan B3. This will feature a tandem cockpit a "V" tail and, completely smooth skin ( all in the name of low observability!!) OK- slightly preposterous but good fun! Well, that's MY excuse & gives me a darn good reason to get rid of the panel lines without re-scribing the darned thing!! . It will also have an underwing bomb load. As I recall, Avro had actually designed (but never produced) underwing bomb carriers each mounting 12 x 1000lb bombs & to be carried on the hardpoints that were intended for the Skybolt missile.

[What if?]

Ilike both but i agree the buff say dale brown to me, and I LIKE IT! nice work, what did you use to alter the buff?

Hi Goose.

The basic kit was the AMT/ERTL B-52H. The nose came from a 600 gallon centreline tank from the Revell 1/32 RF4-C Phantom. The tailplanes are actually the wings of the REvell/Monogram 1/48 F8E Crusader, The winglets used to belong to a Supermarine Swift long since broken up for parts!! The wingtip ECM/ESM pods used to be the B43 (I think?) free fall nukes provided with the Revell 1/48 B-58 Engines are CFM-56 type. 4 of which were salvaged from a long since broken up KC-135R. The other 2 were from the Flightpath CFM-56 set.

There was/is(?) a plan to actually re-engine the B-52 with Rolls Royce RB-211 engines ( de-rated to about 35,000 lbs thrust each I think). Unfortunately, I/72 scal RB-211s are a bit thin on the ground!! I had considered using the engines from the Revell A-380 ( they are about 1/72 RB-211 size!!) but, I wasn't prepared to do that - I'll need them for my RAF Airbus A-380 C1!!

The basic kit is a pig to build to begin with so, I had a lot of "fun"!! The dark grey I used was Revell Aqua colour Panzergrau. It gives a lovely matt finish. Like all my models, the B-52 was painted the old fashioned way!! I don't own an airbrush! Don't like the things!! That's basically why the model is so "clean"! The though of hand weathering such a large, heavey & awkward to handle model was just TOO much!!