Radpoe Spitfire

The sad thing is while Airfix are bringing out the new kits, they are manufactured at a low price in factories that don't have as high a standard as they should. If the standard of quality control were higher, this may be reflected as a higher price- maybe better that than a poor reputation. Such a shame, but I've been lucky so far and no serious issues. Regards Adrian

Or maybe, on a similar vein, try depicting your diorama just after a rain shower? Getting the vehicle to appear wet could add a touch more reality to the diorama. Hope you get things sorted- seems a shame to bin your hard work. Regards Adrian

Over the last month or so, I've been lucky to be entertained by a Tiger moth, one of the 2 Jet Provosts from Gamston, the A400m and the Catalina G-PBSY. Other than that I'm almost under the approach for Gamston so plenty of GA stuff. If it counts, at least 7 impromptu flypasts if the very lamented 558, one of the crew lives in the village where we keep a caravan, so often he would make a beeline on thier way in and out of Finningley(it's proper name! was- is and always will be )

I've seen the 109 in many guises, but this is a first and I like it. It's never easy achieving a realistic natural metal finish, but to compliment one with the fabric primer- you've cracked it. Thank you for sharing. Regards Adrian

They look very good. I don't suppose you are interested in producing decals for other squadrons? I'd love a 1/32 or 1/24 scale set of a certain Mk Vb of 616 squadron's, it's serial is AA879 & was a named aircraft called "the Manchester Civil Defender. Oh it was usually flown by one Flt Lt Johnnie Johnson!

Hmmm, another one that is going to be of interest to follow. Many of my models reflect local (to me) based units & the Wellesley served from Finningley-20 miles away, but close enough. Haven't done the Matchbox kit for many years, so I shall enjoy this . Regards Adrian

The difficulty may come with kits sold by various companies that are from the same moulds-Otaki, Arii and Matchbox all released the same spitfire Mk 9. Revell and monogram did the same Mk II, (as well as monogram producing thier own mk9) I have a book from 1996-97 that lists the 1/48 kits than produced, I shall list them as time allows Regards Adrian

Could not agree more with the point about the chin turret, as you've said, done as a transparency it will be no major problem to produce.

Well done Airfix, they seem to be on the ball with re tooling and doing a B17 is fantastic news My only gripe is they should have been doing a B24 as well.

Having finally seen one, I'd like to ask, would it be worth it for Airfix to do it in 1/32 scale? It seems a real shame that to date this scale has not been used by the company for any aircraft kit. Yes I know they have what is still a very good kit in 1/24, but if they can upsize kits like the Defiant to 1/48 then the possibility is there for 1/32 kits. Other than Revell no other major kit manufacturer have released a Hurricane in this scale, but I'm sure if airfix did, it would sell very well. So what do you think? Regards Adrian

From memory on the 50th Anniversary Flypast for the Battle of Britain, there were many F4's sitting on Wattisham's apron. Amongst these were 64 Sqn aircraft- but not sure which type they used. That said I don't recall a dramatic painted aircraft of theirs. So are they in the running or just also rans?

Ooooooooo Matron!!!

Swot!!! C'mon General, don't spoil the fun now!

Vacforms are definitely not for the squeamish, but results can be rather good. Many years ago I built the Sangar/ Tigger models (what was then ID models) F.8 Meteor 1/32 scale, it wasn't perfect by a long shot, but now looks the part in the 616 Squadron display at Doncaster. Which if you pull up 616 Squadron display at Aeroventure under images on your search engine shows the model in a cabinet.

He's keeping us guessing!!! Tom, don't tell us, the suspense adds to the build.

Oooo are we talking "Nifty six" squadron firebird? He queries with undisguised anticipitation. Regards Adrian

Having kicked my RAF career off, down in darkest Wattisham, I got a soft spot for the old Phantom, despite my love of all things with propellers. By the sounds of it, this is going to be- a, RN or b, RAF in grey/green, either way it's gonna be interesting!!! I shall watch this space with pleasure. Regards adrian

I concur with all the above comments, Tamiya have always had a reputation for MV kits that are straight forward builds. Buy something inexpensive first, such as the early Shermans or Panzer II, but with having a sound model building background you'll be fine. Regards Adrian

I concur with all the above comments, Tamiya have always had a reputation for MV kits that are straight forward builds. Buy something inexpensive first, such as the early Shermans or Panzer II, but with having a sound model building background you'll be fine. Regards Adrian

That looks smashing, you've really done a cracking build of what is an aircraft that deserves better from manufacturers, well done that modeller You comment about using FR containers for the transparencies, I've used old cassette and CD cases in the past, but not thought if using these.... Until now. I know what I'll be buying chocolate wise in future. Regards Adrian

Fray Bentos!!!! I grew up on thier pies A shame the tank itself is not still with us but the brand is. It is entirely possible it could have Argentinian connections though. Cheers for the info, Adrian

Thanks for that info Jack, the site you mention is where I saw the images but didn't go further - shall look more into it. It is so nice to see so many of the type preserved- even with the wrong calibre weapon. Regards Adrian

Had a look at images of preserved shermans in Argentina, many of the one preserved seem to be Firefly Vc's. is this the case or are they of a local pattern upgrade? Regards Adrian

Hello again Mike, I'm sorry I can't get the photo out of the book at the moment but I hope this is of some help. The book is called Fighters Defending the Reich by Bryan Philpott ISBN No 0 85058 341 7 case bound and ISBN No 0 85059 318 2 soft back ( both likely out of print I'm afraid). It is No 4 of a series of books called World War 2 Photo Album. Here's the interesting bit, page 44 shows Oblt Priller in front of a FW 190 A7 on 26/6/1944 with a mottled rudder. The No 13 has a rounded oblong "3"; (Bundesarchive no 298/1753/15. Beneath this is a photo showing the area of another of his 190's which in the description has a yellow rudder- this has a curved "3" ( B/A no 493/3352/12). On page 46 is a photo from the starboard side of the page 44 FW 190!A7 (B/A 490/3274/12). I hope these are of help. Regards Adrian, Ps PM me your email & I can get the images to you that way if you wish

Hi Mike, I'm away until tonight, I've got a reference book at home showing a photo of Prillers Black 13 reputedly used on D-Day. I'll drag it out and let you know the canopy type and I'm sure the book has a catalogue number for the archive the image came from. Regards Adrian