Radpoe Spitfire

As others have said, it is so nice to see the old Monogram kit make an airing- and a lovely built to boot. Like others have mentioned, I'm a fan of Monogram's 1/48 range, not always the most accurate kits, but at the time, a lot cheaper than the Japanese offerings. Way back in the early 1980's, I'd drool over what was in their catalogue, it was always a good range. Their real beauty was that they went together well and although they were sometimes a bit gimmicky, looked good and were a very good blank canvas to model on. IMHO It took many years for other manufacturers to supersede them detail wise, but I still think they still up front as per the quantity of types. I never got to do this kit, but it looks brilliant. Thank you for sharing and giving me a nostalgia boost. Regards Adrian

Much as I love the glazed Do17z, it's so refreshing to see a solid nosed variant, and done so well at. A cracking job of a much under kitted aircraft. Thank you for sharing. Regards Adrian

Oh, how I wish I had the time, space and money to produce something as stunning as this- in any period if aviation. Wingnut Wings as far as kits go the pinicle of 1/32 models of WWI types- this one demonstrates why in bucketloads, well done John! I can only assume that the ledgend in English has something to do with an early attempt at arial propergander which appeals to the chivalry of both airborne and ground foe alike. If I had the the time etc, I'd love to build one of WNW's Fe2's as they where flown from RFC East Retford- about 6 miles NE if where I live. Sadly the airfield site is now home to a more somber institution- Ranby Prison!!!! Thank you for sharing. Regards Adrian

It's a joy to see this kit being built and so beautifully done. It is yet another truck I have a soft spot for.

Methinks the government have realised that the cuts to the defence budget were both irresponsible and short sighted given the present world climate. Tis a shame they had a rethink after scrapping the Harrier and Nimrod.

thank you for the feedback, the team work hard & all credit due to them. I Don't suppose you have any shots of the Seaking at all? It is IMHO of the best rebuilds by a volunteer group- but I'm biased.

Nice picture of the old girl Melchie, it is one of two former HMS Protector Whirlwinds the museum has. I'm a member of SYAM, but work and family illness have curtailed my chance to go over there properly for many years - what do you think of the place & how is it over there? Interested as I miss the place dearly. Regards Adrian ( aka Stuart at the museum) Long story, but went through a phase of hating my first name, so became one of those folk who also uses one of my other names. So now I go by either, gets confusing but can be a giggle. A.F.S.F-S

I couldn't agree more about helo's, other than Airfix and Revell with the Lynx and Italeri with the Wessex I can't think of any recent releases by the major manufacturers in 1/48 or larger scales.I know of Fly's 1/32 offerings, but other than that and various re issues the situation is bereft compared to fixed wing. I remember a time where you could get quite a good variety in 1/72, albeit limited or poor detail due to early mould technology. Maybe it is dictated by the Market figures that Helicopters aren't good sellers, I don't know, what I do know is that there is a potential market that needs filling.

Nice one General, in many ways the older helicopters are woefully overlooked by mainstream manufacturers these days. But this one looks superb. As you said its stablemate is at Doncaster. Currently it is the only aircraft in the UK preserved in a UN coluor scheme. While it is the subject of a die cast release, there is one at the museum many of us older modellers are familiar with. YHPG's Whirlwind HAS 1 was the original colour scheme Airfix used when it was first released. Thank you again for sharing. Regards Adrian

This may court a little controversy, but does the RAFM have to be in the capital? While Cosfotd and Lynham have been muted, I think Scampton, having good road acess would fair better, bring a national museum to bomber county and preserve a bomber command airfield.

The Gannet is an ugly beast but has a strange beauty of it's own, A contradiction in statement, perhaps but her beauty is more than skin deep- don't ask me what it is- but it is there.

Hi, don't know if this has come down through the grapevine as yet, but I heard it on local Lincolnshire radio yesterday that it has been announced that it is likely that Scampton will become the new venue for the Waddington show from 2017. The announcement went on to say that a defence minister had contacted the Mp for the area with a view to go ahead. Fingers crossed it is the case as Scampton is better logistically. Regards Adrian

Hi Paul, Welcome to the forum. I don't know if you have a Boyes department store near you. Some of them tend to have good craft sections & sell what you need at a reasonable price. It's worth a try with them Regards adrian

I've said a few times, a kit is a blank canvas, a model only comes out from what you put into it. You see the real thing from a distance of roughly equal size in appearance to that of a kit, tell me which is over detailed.

Looks superb now it's complete, just re read your comment about working on the real thing. It was quite a magical experience to be able to work with the real McCoy, even more so it was a real privelege to be able to work on vehicles that actually saw action, although they are machines at times I often wondered what stories they could tell if they could speak. At Budge it often started as a wreck and finished as a stunning restoration. The guys and girl that did the most work were a dedicated bunch and it showed in their work.

Well I must admit, when I saw the cad of the Stuka with engine detail- I wasn't expecting that!!!! It'll be a 1/48 Dornier 17z and a B17G next. One thing though, Airfix is trying hard for us modellers- even if folk moan about faults. Now, if only they can do justice on a Blenhiem or a hunter in this scale?

How about a P39 Airocobra? Revell do one at a reasonable price.

Thanks for the info folks, I shall look at the links you've posted. Much appreciated Adrian

I only ever saw the BAE Mossie, so to see another in UK skies is long overdue. Shall look forward to see this one fly

I must confess, I knew it was an ex-Canadian aircraft, but I do not know what differences there are between the US and Canada built airframes. As for the black knight, how much different it is in the civilian configuration as to stock military,again I know little. I assume differences are down to cockpit fit - ie Ejector seats and ??engine?? And whatever external hard points, if any. Many thanks Adrian

It may do, I wasn't sure if anyone had done decals- my next course is to look at getting some custom made, thank you for your help. Regards Adrian.

Thank you for sharing 2 real beauties, especially in the 75th anniversary of the battle. Considering the year span of 33 years the quality of finish shows that your skills have not been lost. When I first saw your Spitfire I thought it was 1/32, not 1/48 it looks that detailed. The Hurricane is equally stunning in its own right, again giving the appearance of a larger scale. The only thing missing is a Defiant to make it a trio. Well done on both these two, they look amazing. Regards Adrian

That is a real stunner, for so many years we have only had the 1 injection moulded kit of the "Growler" & now Airfix finally give us this, and boy have you done it real justice. Thank you for sharing & well done. Regards Adrian.

Now this could have gone in Civil aircraft as well, but does anyone know if a set of decals-any scale have been produced of his T-33, the Black knight? I lived in Worksop for a time, and knew his Father worked at the town's hospital( with my Mum), so I'd heard stories that he made a number of flights over the town. Only asking as I would love to do a model of this special. Regards adrian

I'm pleased you built it.The Me 109 was one of the first aircraft my Dad introduced me to, way back in the day. He had a paperback book by Martin Cadin(?) all about the 109 - the Augsburg Eagle was his favourite aircraft. One of these days I will get around to building one as a reminder of his inspiration which gave me my interest in WW2 and it's aircraft. Cheers Dad, Adrian