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I'll start this with a disclaimer. Those hoping for a quick build with regular and informative updates will be disappointed. My model building mojo has exited the building stage left, without even a by your leave! But I still dip in here regualry to get my fix, so the spark definitely hasn't gone out! Just waiting ... Some of you have already seen I managed to pick up this Contrail kit of one of my favourite aeroplanes, the locally built Supermarine Southampton. I cycle over the Itchen Bridge daily on my way back from work, which goes over the part of the old Supermarine factory where these venerable flying boats were constructed! It's an aeroplane that doesn't have a lot of options regards to kits. There is the resin option from Silverwings, and the vacform offering from Contrail. I think that's it? Slightly surprising given it's long life as a production aircraft, and it's good looks, but the fate of a lot of interwar designs. Now, I am a novice to vacform. I have dipped my toe in the water building large Guillows balsa kits, but I'm going to assume they are in a totally different league to something like this. Vacform would not be my first choice, but beggers can't be choosers. I was disappointed to see it arrive today in just a paper envelope with a little bubblewrap around it. The hull has unsurprisingly been damaged in transit, but as the kit was bought to be built, and the damage will be the least of the headaches in the build, no big obstacle. Now, a few photos. Make the most of them! Supermarine Southampton vacform kit by Mike, on Flickr Supermarine Southampton vacform kit by Mike, on Flickr Supermarine Southampton vacform kit by Mike, on Flickr The damage - it's the same on both the hull sides, the weakest and thinnest part of the sheet. Supermarine Southampton vacform kit by Mike, on Flickr Blooming' Nora it's basic 😱 Apparently there are the engine casings here. 🧐 Supermarine Southampton vacform kit by Mike, on Flickr Instructions Supermarine Southampton vacform kit by Mike, on Flickr Looks simple enough to me? Supermarine Southampton vacform kit by Mike, on Flickr Supermarine Southampton vacform kit by Mike, on Flickr Supermarine Southampton vacform kit by Mike, on Flickr Supermarine Southampton vacform kit by Mike, on Flickr And not forgetting the all important jigs Jigs by Mike, on Flickr Anyway, wish me luck ...