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Hi all, this was the last one finished for 2018 and it's the stately Handley Page HP.54 Harrow II by Valom, built for the January issue of Airfix Model World. Being a Bomber Command type I was really pleased to see that we finally had a decent IM model of this important, though largely unsung type. The Harrow served in several important roles during its tenure, as a bomber, minelayer, (carrying the Long Aerial Mine LAM), crew trainer, (navigation, gunnery and air munitions), spares transport/freight carrier and a paratroop ship. In its final form, as the Sparrow, it performed sterling service as an air ambulance, troop carrier, VIP transport and military freighter, a true multi-role aircraft. Another service performed by the Harrow was that of experimental tanker, with three aircraft loaned to Sir Alan Cobham's company, Flight Refuelling Limited for in-flight refuelling trials with C-Class flying boats. Being of a short-run nature the kit required a bit of extra work, as was to be expected, but nothing out of the ordinary. I decided to add a bit more visual interest by cutting out and dropping the flaps and elevators, opening the side loading door and scratch building the fuselage interior. The forward fuselage was also enhanced with the addition of the nav/radio operators position and equipment and scratch built gun turret interiors. The basic kit guns were replaced with modified items from the Mini Art range. The only areas of concern were the undercarriage support braces which were rather flimsy and so were replaced with lengths of Contrail aerofoil strut into which steel pins were inserted. The locating points were vague and the pins were necessary to ensure proper alignment and provide a more robust structure, especially with those heavy wheel sponsons. The model was painted using MRP lacquers and weathered, as usual, using Abteilung oils and Matt Effect Thinner. Regarding the markings I decided to go with Montex's masks to paint the large white underwing and fuselage codes rather than use the kit decals as they contained a lot of carrier film, this being very easy to use and produced a more realistic result. The only issue with the decals themselves concerned the Type A1 fuselage roundels which are a little too large and so used suitable replacements from Modeldecals sheet MD102. I'm a big fan of Valom kits and can't speak highly enough of Vaclav and his little company. During the build, I managed to wreck one of the Type A1 wing roundels and didn't have an appropriate spare handy so emailed him to see if I could acquire a replacement. Four days later a package arrived with a complete replacement decal sheet, free of charge....great service. I have several more of his kits in the works and can't wait to get stuck in. Now, how about a Virginia, Over/Sidestrand or Hendon! (Special thanks for all the interior reference material supplied by my good friend John Adams, you're a gentleman, sir). Thanks for looking and hope you approve. Melchie