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Hello folks, 2018 - Celebrating 100years RAF and looking forward to our local show where we will have a dedicated table about that topic. So this is my first contribution to it: short wip sum-up Kit: Airfix Scale: 1/72 Aftermarket: Exhausts from Quickboost & Masks from Eduard Colors: Ocean Gray (The Color of Eagles (Aircraft Colors) Medium Sea Gray (The Color of Eagles (Aircraft Colors) Dark Green (The Color of Eagles (Aircraft Colors) Sky (for Spinner) (The Color of Eagles (Aircraft Colors) Engine Cover Red (for the fuselage band) MRP Colors Weathering: Oil Colors

I’m not sure if I got a thing for the F-14 when I bought this kit, or I bought this kit and developed a thing for the Tomcat, but either way, the Airfix 1975 edition was the first Tomcat that I built and one of my earliest models. I bought it with my own hard-earned pocket money but because my folks expected me to save, I pretended that it was a Christmas prezzie from a classmate and I finished it on Boxing Day. Things have changed on the kit buying front since then, I’m bit more upfront and when the ‘Boss’ said, you’re having too many parcels delivered and I can hardly get in your man cave, I suggested she didn’t go in there. Someone donated this kit to me (like I needed another addition to the stash....) It represents a very early Tomcat and I suspect that Airfix were really keen to get a kit out at the time. It’s got the shape right for sure, the swing wings and connected glove vanes would have been a big gimmick, the all moving tailerons less so but fragile, the cockpit very basic. I decided though not only to build it straight away, but do so from the box, as per the instructions. As it turned out, I did add some things I knew should be there, like the nav lights, tinted windscreen, glued the wings swept and the gloves vanes shut and had to fabricate the RIO’s instrument panel which was missing, but in the main, it is no frills and just as Airfix gave it to you. I was quite impressed with the decals TBH, they were in register and easy to handle and I even made a few of those stupid mistakes that I made as a 12-year old. Sorry about the photo quality, bit of a rush. Anyway, enough from me; Wolfpack Baby...

Howdy folks - I haven't been around here for a few weeks as I have recently been having a massive amount of fun in the Airfix: The Golden Years GB… https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/forum/626-airfix-the-golden-years-gb/ …however I know a lot of folk don’t tend to look at the group builds – unless it is of special interest to their ‘field of expertise’. The GB is covering all aspects of ‘old Airfix’ which includes a lot of very basic vehicles and the like. So I thought I would pop my vehicle results here - where they might be better seen and in case they are of interest to anyone in the future. I did a couple of K2 ambulances - from the RAF emergency vehicles set. There is lots of controversy over whether the RAF ever actually ever used K2s - so I have pressed them into service with the 11th armoured division - who definitely did. They were built OOB with just lenses for the headlights and a bit of acetate for windscreens. The drivers came from PSC - as the Airfix drivers were more flash than flesh. As always in this area - constructive comment would be very welcome - so here we go... There is a WIP thread - which you can find here... They were a basic build and went together quite well for their age - I hope you like them. It's good to be back - Steve

Hi folks, I've finally managed to get round to completing the Airfix 1/72 B5N2 Kate which I originally entered for the Carriers Ahoy GB but alas as is so often the case was unable to finish. The kit has been an absolute pleasure to build with excellent detail throughout and went together with the minimum of fuss and only a tiny bit of filler here and there. I used some new paints for me - a set of Japanese specific paints from AK Interactive and whilst I think the colours are excellent - I found the paint itself to be a bit lacking - almost too runny and too sticky in equal measure. Never mind - I persevered and I managed to use them ok. Built OOB with the addition of a montex mask set and I used some eduard seatbelts for the cockpit. The title of this thread relates to the fact that I've never built a Japanese aircraft until now so I hope I've done the type justice. I've gone a bit photo heavy I'm afraid as you'll see below. Please let me know what you think.

So, here she is. My first model in about, oh, lets say twenty years at a guess. An Airfix Supermarine Spitfire Mk1a in 1/72 scale: Handpainted using a mixture of Tamiya and Humbrol acrylics, and added some detail using Eduard photoetch in the cockpit. Also used the Tamiya Weathering Master sets for a bit of detail on the gunports, exhausts and grub on the tyres. On the whole fairly happy with a first attempt in a long time; the paint went on a bit thick so thinner is a 'to-do' for next time; also need to investigate dry-brushing and washes to try and bring the kit to life a bit more...but on the whole fairly happy. Pictures taken on an iPhone so apologies for the variable quality! All tips and advice gladly recieved!

Morning all So I have ended up with 3 kits on the go at once, not planned this way just happened. I started with the Airfix ME262 for which I also have the Eduard etch set, started out promisingly but the more I have done the less enjoyable this one has become for several reasons, firstly the kit fit has not been up to the recent new tool standards, wings halves not mating correctly, wing to body and engine to wing fit... well I'm still working on that. As you can see from the pictures this one has taken more filler so far than the last 3 kits put together! IMGA0209 by neil Connor, on Flickr IMGA0211 by neil Connor, on Flickr IMGA0210 by neil Connor, on Flickr Because the Airfix kit was starting to get under my skin I started the Eduard Spitfire mk9, this is a Profipack so no after market needed but I picked up some Techmod decals for Israeli and Egyptian aircraft, this is a fantastic kit, extremely detailed and overly complicated. IMGA0207 by neil Connor, on Flickr IMGA0212 by neil Connor, on Flickr This one although going together nicely, does not lend itself for a quick build so I started a third kit. This being Revell P47 Thunderbolt 2013 rebox from 1990's moulds from what I can work out, So far I have spent maybe 60 minutes on this one so far and have been surprised how good the fit and detail is for such an old kit. Better than the new tool ME262? we'll see as I get further into it. IMGA0208 by neil Connor, on Flickr IMGA0213 by neil Connor, on Flickr The only disappointment so far is the box art shows the aircraft with bombs and centre line fuel tank but the kit has 10 rocket and P38 fuel tanks on the wings, I may have to find replacements.

Next up is this...... I also have these paint masks from AML with me which is something I have never used before so we'll see how that goes.... Everything else straight out of the box. This is where I am at the moment

A mixture of Airfix. HäT, Waterloo1815 and Italeri figures

Hello again. Getting ready to take a few days R&R. But before I do, here's something that I've thought about bring up for quite a while. Every now and then, on various sites, people ask about the very early F-14 Grumman Tomcats. Way back when, probably in the early 80's, I did this model of the #2 prototype Tomcat, used for weapons testing. The old Airfix kit was one of the first F-14 kits out, and it had SOME of the prototype characteristics, but not all. Also, about that time, someone came out in a magazine article and told about these prototypes, and how to do them. I forget the who and where, but I'm sure that I still have the info around, if anyone else just gotta... In any event here she is in all her (somewhat) faded glory, after to close to 40 years on the model shelf: Here is a picture of the data card submitted at her model contest debut, where I'm proud to say she took first in class! One of the tricky aspects was to reshape the wing gloves, and still keep the working wing-sweep mechanism. Here she is in the fast flight mode: And then wings extended for slower flight/maneuver: Next, note the modified wing glve outline, as well as the beefy early fuselage stiffeners: The altered wing glove outline was accomplished by cutting a sheet of Mattel vacuform plastic (the green I believe!), to the correct out line of the drawings, and then adding about 3/8" or 9mm to extend under the old wing gloves, where they were glued into place with CA. When the parts had dried, several applications of medium CA were flowed onto the new extensions -- each coat being allowed to dry -- and when enough thickness had been achieved, they were filed and sanded to final shape, resulting in wing gloves with new outline, and at least as strong as the original plastic. Of course, this was done before the top and bottom halves of the fuse were assembled. Also above, please note the half-round lights in the top and bottom of the wing gloves. These were round pieces of the appropriate plastic colors (LIte-Brite pegs, IIRC), installed into drilled holes, and then sanded smooth, then later masked to the half-round shape when painting. All the lights on the model were replaced with colored plastic bits -- no paints used. Also, the "2"'s on the tails were cut with an X-acto knife from black decal paper Below, another rear-quarter view showing the wing gloves, stiffeners, and the modified boat-tail: Another rear view with the wings extended: And with wings swept back. Note the parachute housing on the modified boat-tail, as well as the modified fuel dump: Right side view showing the open refueling probe, and some mods to the nose gear door: Some cockpit detail, and the rather naked fuel probe opening -- I had no photos of this area at that time: And a little more cockpit detail from the other side: Note that this was also before the act of dipping canopies into Future began, and the old girl is still paying the price! BTW, the yellowing areas are not attempts at weathering -- they are the result of applying MicroScale clear topcoat over the model, which because it was enamel-based, has begun to yellow. However, because this coat was very light on the model, it doesn't look nearly as bad as many others that were more heavily coated!. I now have an IMMUTABLE RULE -- no clear enamel topcoats ever!!! Next, the loaded-for-bear undersides: Not certain that all this was ever carried at one time, but it sure is impressive! One other note, at the time the model was originally built, it had no fuel tanks, nor had any other kits arrived on the market to steal from. I has to make my own masters -- and since no one had casting resin in those prehistoric days, I cast my own out of 70/30 lead/tin solder. Needless to say, over the years, the landing gear totally collapsed, and many years later, when some F-14 kit came out with correct fuel tanks, etc.,, I swapped out the tanks and the landing gear for the items you see now. One last shot of the nose: Note the scratched early under-nose fairing, as well as a "sort of" early style minigun cover. Now, I wish I had modeled the boarding steps, but oh well... Hope you enjoyed this trip in the way-back machine, when models were less-complicated, but some still sort of hold their own. I hope some of you will step up and make mine look bad -- can't wait to see YOUR results! Until then, Ed PS: while answer any questions after I return from R&R, but it may take a few days.

This kit was first issued in 1969 and I have a very early edition in a really ratty looking box. This will be a great way to build a kit and get rid of a box that is on the verge of falling apart. Pictures to follow.

This is my starter kit purchase from our generous sponsor and the plan is to build it as the in box scheme. The parts have been washed and left to dry in preparation for starting over the weekend. Here are the photos of the box and sprues.. by John L, on Flickr by John L, on Flickr by John L, on Flickr by John L, on Flickr

Joining you with this fine Shorts offering. To be completed as the NASA option. Purchased for £10, from Jet Age. Previously a donation from a visitor. Here are the parts.

I found this kit tucked away in my stash and thought that I would have a crack at a second entry for this GB, the time left is a bit tight but we'll see how we get on. As can be seen in the photos below, I must have planned a start at some point because the fuselage and wings are off the sprues. by John L, on Flickr by John L, on Flickr by John L, on Flickr by John L, on Flickr

As a diversion from my usual 144 Airliners, I'm joining this GB with the arrival of three kits from Jadlam A very nice Xtradecal sheet arrived from Lowestoft earlier in the week My aim is to build at least two of the kits together - the first one will be finished as J-2113 of the Swiss Air Force (Dubendorf 1951) and the second will probably be the Italian 4.28 from 1952. Perhaps they met at an Airshow in the early Fifties? Time to get started...………... Regards Mike

This kit is the 1/72 scale Airfix Messerschmitt Bf-109E from 1975. This poor fitting, rivet studded little beauty is rarely built these days, but I thought I’d give it a go. The overall dimensions look ok on this one, but some of the fit is not very good with huge gaps at the back of the canopy and a front windscreen that just sits too low. Assembly of this basic bird was a snap. Cockpit is just a featureless floor, seat, and instrument panel with raised discs for dials. Paint is Grau RLM 02 with a black panel. The only thing I added was a set of simple seatbelts made from Tamiya tape. Camouflage colors are Model Master enamels; Dunkelgrün RLM 71/ Grau RLM 02 splinter and Hellblau RLM 65. The decals in the 1975 kit weren’t all that sharp, and they were stuck fast to that 40 year old “protective” waxed paper they came with anyway. I had to try something else. The new tool Airfix 109E in my stash came with alternate German and Bulgarian insignia, so I raided that kit’s markings for Franz von Werra’s Battle of Britain aircraft. I don't agree 100% with the 1965 Profile Publications rendering (the colors and pattern of the wings camouflage and the red on the spinner, for example), but the painting is still inspirational! As for that canopy; detail on the kit part is vague and it doesn’t fit well. Also, von Werra’s aircraft was a Bf-109E-4, but the old Airfix kit is a Bf-109E-3, so the canopy was a slightly different design too. I opted to use a Hasegawa E-4 canopy from the scrap box instead. Fit was not quite perfect, but plastic shims fix things up well enough. After applying the RLM 65 Hellblau undersides and fuselage sides, I added von Werra’s distinctive white markings on the wingtips, tail, and nose. A brushed-on coat of Future glossed things up, then I added the markings. Unlike their decals from the 1970s, the decals that come with the new tool Airfix kits are first rate! With the installation of the more delicate kit exterior details and a coat of semi-gloss (5 parts Future to 2 parts Tamiya Flat Base), Airfix’s Old School 109 rivet monster is done!

Painted with Humbrol and Vallejo acrylics

Airfix 1/72 North American P-51D Mustang (55107). Miss Miami was assigned to Lieutenant Rep Jones of the 77th Fighter Squadron, 20th Fighter Group at Kingscliffe. It was named after his home town in Florida. He completed his combat tour in April 1945, claiming seven kills (ground and air). The aircraft was scrapped in September 1945. Painted by brush using Humbrol Acrylics, Vallejo Model Color and AK Interactive True Metal. Decals by Microscale.

Dear Friends Having another go with Imgur. This is the Airfix Dornier with Extradecal markings for KG3 in the BoB. Used the Eduard resin MG-15 guns The guys getting over-heated bringing the bomb are from Zvesda Hope you like it? Andrew

I'll be along with this in a while http://www.vintage-airfix.com/airfix/ho-oo-rolling-stock/lowmac-and-jcb3-p-409.html But being railway related, I feel duty bound to be a bit late with some photos! Anyhow, as you can see from the link it first came out in 1964 and has a rarity rating of err 'rare'. I'm saving some pennies with the Dapol pairing- Dapol hit upon the neat idea of selling the Job separately to the Lowmac so model building sites don't have to be rail served. I think they'll be plenty of fun ahead! Thanks to our hosts for conceiving this build to haze through the summer with.

Hi everyone I've finally finished my Airfix DC3 Dakota Mk IV and what a great kit it is. The only additions that I've added was some masking tape seat belts on the flight deck. Unusually for me there is no weathering at all on this one and I'm very happy with how she turned out.. For my next build I'm going to finish a kit I started a while back the Airfix 1/48 Gloster Meteor F8 as well as carrying on with my Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire Mk IXe Cheers all Iain

Evening one and all, I'll be honest, I haven't finished an model of any description for probably over a year... I'm a serial kit-starter! I've got a few non-finished GB kits sitting on my shelf of doom but I just do not have the energy to finish them. I know it's bad but I am in a massive CBA mood with models right now. I think a large part of that was the fact my man cave was pretty much unusable during the spring/summer/autumn months. I have also moved house which has taken alot of my energy, but I have moved to a new house with my partner and we have a spare bedroom, so now I actually have room to make some models and she has space to do her crafty bits as well... it's a win win! Best of all we actually have a driveway now! No more parking in the street for me, or worrying if I will be able to get a parking spot when I got home from work. Now, my unfinished kits are in my man cave, however that is at my parents house so I can't really do much with them for the time being. So sitting here in the evenings I have pretty much been reading and getting ideas on stuff to build. That is where this post/thread comes in, I've decided to do a few simple builds to get my motivation up. I have decided to do the following kits because I want to get them built. I have got two kits of the Zero to do and only one of the Hawk. I have built the Hawk before (the 112 Sqn edition) so that shouldn't present me with any troubles. The two Zero's will not be painted in the scheme depicted on the box. I purchased a decal set a while ago with the intention of using the Chinese Nationalist Air Forces roundel for the Hawk. That was before I bought two Zero's. So they will be done in the below schemes... and... Please excuse the poor pictures, the lighting in here is pretty poor, I need to get some better bulbs in the spare room. The CNAF version is a quick simple colour on top and bottom, it also ties in nicely with the Hawk. The 261-Kokutai version is an interesting one that caught my eye a while ago, I don't think I had ever seen a camouflaged Zero before I saw that sheet. It looks simple and easy enough to do - famous last words I bet! These builds will not be the fastest in the world, I was meant to start these at the start of the holidays - however family trips/visits put a stop to that (yay!). If I get these three done within any decent time frame (about 5 years) then I have the following to add... I haven't started on these kits yet, I just wanted to get the thread up to give me a KUTA to start them. I haven't included the sprue shots as I am sure we all know what these kits look like now. More to follow soon I hope! Kind Regards, Dazz P.S.... I can not actually find the designation of "A6M2b" anywhere... I am assuming that it is the Type 21 "version" with the folded wing tips? I know it says "A6M2b-21" on the back of the box, but I am not too sure if I can trust that.

I had the Airfix PR.XIX in the stash already, and could have just gone for the Swedish scheme straight from the box but I was browsing the big H and saw some interesting decals that had a story attached. They were a big investment for one kit, so to justify them, I got another one - modelling logic, got to love it First up, the Sword FR.XIVe box: And the Airfix PR.XIX: The decals. I'll be doing the Indian FR.XIV on the right and the Thai PR.XIX on the left. And a bit of background. It appears that as RAF India units disbanded or came home, they left their aircraft to the fledgling RIAF, who also kept the aircraft they'd been loaned towards the end of WW2 meaning they had quite a fleet of mixed marks of late war Spitfires: http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Aircraft/History/919-Spitfire.html The Thai one is PS888. Yes, that PS888, the same airframe as in the Airfix box and this article: PS888 in Singapore Sprue shots will follow when I start building. Andy

Hiya Guys, what can I say, yet another Spitfire. I just needed a quick build before going on my hols and this one was sitting in the ever diminishing stash. Built straight OOB and painted with Vallejo model air, as the paint was going on I thought it was looking to dark but once I put the final matt coat it lightened up nicely. I tried black basing and once again i found it doesn't work for me in this scale particularly when painting camouflage. Anyway here it is and as usual all comments and criticisms will be received in the same good natured manner in which I am sure they are offered. Thanks for looking.