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Hi, Just thought I'd show some progress of this kit, more to appease RMP2 than anything. I've not taken any pics until now as frankly I'm not a good modeller when compared to a lot of you people on here, and the kit itself is a bit poor in my opinion. Anyway the kit is the KP Masterlit/Masterline boxing so it comes with nice looking resin and etch cockpit, getting it to fit though, well let's just say its held together by a lot of superglue and foul language! I think the next job to tackle is those gaps in the wheel wells..... Cheers Su-25UB 1/48 by bryn robinson, on Flickr Su-25UB 1/48 by bryn robinson, on Flickr Su-25UB 1/48 by bryn robinson, on Flickr Su-25UB 1/48 by bryn robinson, on Flickr

I have a KP CS-199 in the stash from many moons ago and on looking it over the other day the prop is broken. I imagine the kit would probably benefit from a replacement anyway, and I'd be interested to know if there are any out there? TIA John

While on one hand it makes me a little nervous to have two kits on the go at the same time, I recently got this: ... and this does seem as good a place as any to build it. One of the box options is for a Malta Spitfire but I will be building one of the options from the Xtradecal sheet X72-161 The Battle for Malta - RAF: Specifically, BR294 GL-E. Our own Tony O'Toole was kind enough to advise me on the scheme and he recommended that the aircraft in question should be painted blue as per the top Spitfire in the picture - I think it will look really nice in those colours with the yellow codes. Tony suggested a colour similar to US Navy Sea Blue so I will use the Colourcoats ACUS07 over ACRN34 Azure Blue - thank you Tony Not sure if I will be able to make a start tonight, but if not... soon... Cheers, Stew

As my two AZ MkIXs approach completion, I thought that I ought to start another. This time I'll be making a mess of the new-ish KP (or AZ) Spitfire V. You may be familiar with the boxing: I can't decide which one to make, I quite like the USAAF one (and could use Tony O'T's build on here as a guide) but I don't think anyone has made anything that was flown by Neville Duke. Luckily, I won't have to decide until most of the painting is done. Here are the sprues: It's a great-looking kit on the sprues, I think it's the best second-generation Spitfire out (although I haven't got a Tamiya V). It's also got loads of spare bits (like the Aboukir filter). Here are the decals: KP forgot a couple of USAAF roundels but include them on a seperate sheet. I've done the interior: (Colourcoats Interior Green and a bit of Tamiya Flat Aluminium dry-brushing). The white plastic at the front of the nose is to stop the exhausts falling inside. A bit more: KP include decals for the seatbelts and instrument panel on the other boxings but forgot to include them on this one (or I can't see them). I made the belts out of Tamiya tape. I've done more since taking these photos, the wings and fuselage are together. So far, it's been a really nice kit to build. More to follow. Thanks for looking and advice or comments are welcome. I'd particularly like suggestions as to which one I should make (the Malta one is beyond my painting skills).

I've been wanting to do this triple build for a while now and I'm glad it's complete (my fourth Spitfire triple since December!), but it may be time to go back to single builds. All three are 1/72 Spitfire V's representing 'A', 'B' and 'C' wing versions, all belonging to 303 (Polish) Sqn. The build was part of the Spitfire Group Build dedicated to the memory of Edgar Brooks, and the build thread can be found here. First up, a Spitfire VA from the 1/72 Airfix Mk I/IIA kit reperesenting K9871, RF-P, flown by Boleslaw Gladych on 8 Dec 1941, where he, alongside Mieczyslaw Adamek, protected a downed Spitfire pilot over the English Channel. K9871 was built as a Mk I, but was modified into a Mk V and assigned to 303 Sqn in late 1941. I built one of Gladych's P-47's in that STGB, and I thought it would be nice to build one of his Spitfires. I've not been able to find any photographs of this aircraft as a 303 Mk V, only as a Mk I, so I had to apply 'typical' squadron markings from that period. Next to Gladych's P-47. Next up is Spitfire VB, BL670, RF-K, from the new 1/72 KP kit. This Spitfire was assigned to S/L Wojciech Kolaczkowski, who commanded 303 Sqn from Nov 1941 until May 1942, and had his name "Wojtek" painted on the nose, as well as the name "Krysia" formed with the individual squadron letter on the fuselage. Last up is Spitfire VC, AB174, RF-Q, from the 1/72 Sword kit. This aircraft was the mount of PO Antoni Glowacki, a Battle of Britain 'ace in a day'. The individual squadron letter, 'Q' formed the word "QQWCA" on the fuselage side, apparently meaning 'cuckoo' in a transliterated Polish/English pun! All three together.

As this group build is a celebration of Edgar Brooks' life, and as there is still a month to go, I think I can squeeze in an early cannon Spitfire as I don't think anyone has built a Mk.Ib yet... The plastic is the same as the IIb kit I built earlier but with (obviously) different markings and different parts used for the underwing cannon bulges. Here is the box-art (excuse the shonky pictures please, it was pre-coffee very early this morning): The example shown on the front of the box is the one I shall be attempting to replicate. Here are the box contents: ... as noted above, the same as in all the boxings except the late Vb which has a slightly differently framed canopy. Therefore you can use this mask for the Ib, the IIb and the early Vb: So I'll make a start over the weekend... Cheers, Stew

I never met Edgar Brooks nor corresponded with him directly but like many others on this forum and others I benefitted from his research and freely-given knowledge so I am glad of this opportunity to record my gratitude and honour his memory. I'll be building the new-tool Kovozavody Prostejov (KP from now on) Spitfire IIB: I'm not sure if I will build it as per the box or steal the underwing cannon bulges and transfers from the AZ models Mk.Ib: ... because I like one of the 92 Squadron options from that kit (with the black port wing underside) and am not particularly inspired by the KP markings choices - the KP ones (plus a third option shown on the front of the box): ... and the transfers: ... and the AZ Mk.Ib options: It's the top one I particularly like but for some reason the AZ kit itself does not really appeal, in fact it makes me think of hard work every time I look at the parts *shudder* - here are the AZ transfers - note the stencil set is identical for both: Incidentally I'm sure I have seen the new KP kit referred to as a re-box of the AZ Spitfire kits - I don't believe it is, although the tooling might have been done by AZ, the sprues are shown below - the AZ sprues are the upper set, the KP the lower set and the KP parts are noticeably more refined: I think from the look of the KP sprues you can build any cannon-armed Spitfire from a Mk.II up to a 'desertised' clipped-wing Mk.V - possibly a Mk.Ib too, but the underwing cannon-bulges on the AZ sprue do not match any parts on the KP sprues, though the KP does include a choice of two underwing bulges... however I cannot find a decent photo or drawing of the Mk.I cannon bulge so it is difficult to say if they represent the same parts; the KP ones are shorter and more kidney-shaped than the AZ ones. Here are the KP instructions and clear parts (including the gunsight): Finally, I will try to replace the kit parts with these: Like all the Master gun barrels they are so beautiful I get all teary-eyed just looking at them and can hardly bear the thought of using them on one of my models (I also have several packs of the .303s that I am saving for my Mythical Perfect Model) That's me then, sorry for the lengthy preamble and thanks for your patience if you are still reading Cheers, Stew

This is my first completed build of the year, KP's 1/72 Letov S-20L done in the markings of aircraft #55 of the 4th Eskadrile of the Lithuanian Air Force, as it was in 1928. The Lithuanian Air Force bought 10 S-20Ls from Czechoslovakia. Apparently they weren't popular, and four were lost in crashes. They nonetheless remained in service until 1935. This aircraft was originally painted in a Sand/Dark Green/Black Green scheme, but later repainted in just Dark and Black Green. I used Humbrol 30 and 241 for these, and the latter was as bad as reported in these forums. It took me three to four coats of unthinned paint to get decent coverage. The KP instructions recommended Humbrol 30 and 120, but I went for the Dark Green/Black Green scheme instead, based on the Blue Rider monograph on Baltic air forces. The kit was a straightforward build, the tricky parts were fitting in the cockpit and the exhausts. The latter required a backing strip of styrene to stay in place. Even then they're not quite the same length. Some of the strut placing instructions were vague, and the locating holes for the struts on the top wing were not in line. I ended up drilling new ones. Apart from the Lithuanian tricolor fuselage band, all the decals went on without a problem with warm water. The stencils were tiny and I lost about half of them. Anyway they can't be seen well with the green camouflage. This is the second biplane I built, chosen because the wings weren't staggered and the rigging (when I get to it) is simple. Nonetheless I broke the starboard struts and had to remake them. In the process the top wing is a bit skewed and I will live with that. I will update this post once I rig the biplane. Besides the cool markings, this build was meant to be a 'warm-up' for some more biplanes I have in the stash. Finally, all the wood paints were done with Vallejo browns and wood colours, and with Vallejo wood grain applied over it. Thanks for looking, and comments are welcome.

Hello everyone, Here's another finished project, number 4 for 2016. It's KP's old tool 1/72 Lavochkin La-5FN finished in the markings of twice Hero of the Soviet Union and 41-kill ace Vitaly Popkov. The colors are slightly off, but overall I am quite pleased with it. Despite being an old kit, it built rather nice. It is finished with Vallejo acrylics. The little silver band around the engine is a piece of Tamiya tape painted, and the 50 kg bombs are from Eduard's MiG-15 kit. I started this kit over a year ago, only to lose the canopy to the carpet monster. While I was in Japan over the winter, I stopped by Leonardo ET, a small used model shop in Tokyo. Much to my surprise, in the very bottom of a bagged kits box was the very same kit. Mr. Yamaguchi, the shop owner, gave me the kit for free after I told him about my mishap!

Kovozávody Prostějov is to release a new tool 1/72nd Aero L-29 Delfin kit - ref. Source: http://www.kovozavody.cz/jarni-ofenziva-u-kp/ AMK new tool L-29 Delfin is also in progress: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234983875-172-aero-l-29-delfin-by-avantgarde-model-kits-amk-cad-release-december-2015/ V.P.

SU-22M4 Photo-Etch & Mask Sets (for Smer) 1:48 Eduard The Smer, Kopro/KP/etc. kit is getting a bit long in the tooth, mould-wise and could do with assistance in the detail department, which is what Eduard specialise in. These two sets As usual with Eduard's Photo-Etch (PE) and Mask sets, arrive in a flat resealable package, with a white backing card protecting the contents and the instructions that are sandwiched between. SU-22M4 Set (49735) This set consists of two frets of Photo-Etch (PE) brass, one of which is nickel plated and pre-painted, the other bare, plus a small slip of clear acetate with the HUD glass shape pre-printed on the surface. The instrument panel and side consoles are first to be attacked, shaving all the moulded-in detail from the main panel, to replace it with a layered assembly of parts that will improve the look no end, and avoid all that delicate painting. The side consoles are folded up and attached to the cockpit tub sides, with some additional parts for extra 3D effect. The kit seat is given a set of pre-painted seatbelts; the control column an additional part; the rudder pedals are replaced with new PE ones, and the HUD receives a nice framework on which to seat the aforementioned film once cut out. A pair of cockpit sill skins allied with the closure hooks in the canopy and rear-view mirrors finish off the interior work, after which there are a LOT of small aerials, raised panels and sensors added around the airframe. The afterburner ring has its central ring removed and the new highly-detailed PE part glued to the remainder, for a much more authentic look; the drop-tanks are provided with detailed filler caps; the chunky probe on the nose is stripped of its over-thick protrusions, and a full new set are added, probably best done right at the very last gasp of the build. SU-22M4 Mask Set (EX479) Whilst the masking job for the -22 isn't extensive, this set gives you both a full set of frame-hugging masks so that you can fill in the compound curves with tape or liquid mask, plus a set of wheel masks to allow you to paint a perfect hub after doing the tyres. All of this is pre-cut into yellow kabuki masks with the instructions pointing the way through every panel. A masking set is a great time or stress-saving addition to your build, whatever your motivations. Review sample courtesy of

Hi Guys! This will be my report. I already open the topic to reserve my idea. © I am using Dragon's Ar 234C with V-1 and Revell's Me 262A, both 1/72. Background story is following and build starts very soon. I hope you are interested in these. Edit: And here the background story: In the 30s of the last century, before WW2 began, Germany developed some planes with new kind of engines, jet engines. Two of these planes, which came to service, were the Arado Ar 234 “Blitz / Lightning” and the Messerschmitt Me 262 “Schwalbe / swallow” As result of the allied air raids on german aviation industries the production was spread and moved to southern part of Germany or occupied territories - including Czechoslovakia. After the war the Czechoslovakia kept the production line for the Me 262 and the Ar 234 in the Avia, czech plane manufacture. Avia keep the Me 262 without any big changes and build them as S-92 single seater fighter and the trainer CS-92. But beside the twin engine Ar 234B the Ar 234 was developed to the C-standard with 4 engines in two nacelles, that didn’t come to service in German Air Force during the war. So the Ar 234C became Avia B-234C. May the 14th in 1948 the new state Israel was founded when British mandate of Palestine ended. Instead of founding an additional arab state in Palestine, the Arabs decide to destroy the jewish state. Arab groups in the former Mandate, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, supported by other countries, declared war to Israel on May the 15th. It was necessary for the new Israeli Air Force to get planes, fighters and bombers. But there was an embargo by western countries. So they found in Czechoslovakia a country, that was willing to sell them weapons. Israel decided for the S-92 as “Snunit” (swallow) and the B-234C as “Barak” (Lightning)) and the planes were shipped disassembled. In Israel the planes were assembled and two new squadrons were founded. The B-234C squadron became first operational – so they gave the name “First Jet Squadron”. The S-92 squadron was named “First Fighter Squadron”. In need of long distance attacks (Iraq, Saudi Arabia) and the short range of the jet bombers the IAF decide to purchase a flying bomb. But none were available. The idea of one of the mechanics, to look for the forced labourers which were forced to build the V-1 for the Nazi was successful. The IAF found some survivor, who immigrated to Israel after the war. Below them were also engineers, which kept in mind how to build. First flying bomb in Israel was produced as “Shalom I” (Peace 1).

Some of the original OEZ/Kovozávody Prostějov's (KP) classics Sukhoi 1/48th kits were becoming difficult to find. They're to be re-released soon by SMĚR (http://www.smer.cz/en/). ref.0853 - Su-7BKL "Fitter-A" - http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10326152 ref.0854 - Su-7BMK "Fitter-A" - http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10326153 ref.0855 - Su-17/22M-3 "Fitter-H"- http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10326154 ref.0856 - Su-17/22M-4 "Fitter-K"- http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10326155 ref.0857 - Su-25 "Frogfoot-A"- http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10326156 ref.0858 - SU-25UB/UBK "Frogfoot-B" - http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10326147 V.P.

Hello guys! I was starting this no. 001 kit of the recently deceased KP some weeks ago. One piece canopy, raised horrible panel lines and no fitting at all. Cockpit seats are "stoled" from a MiG29. I fully erased all those panel lines, I will left him nude without engraving. Sorry for my English. Unfortunately I'm posting from my phone and I cannot upload any photos.

Using 3D designing tools, Kovozávody Prostějov (KP) is working on a new 1/72nd SG-38 Schulgleiter kit. Source: http://modelweb.modelforum.cz/2014/09/05/kovozavody-ve-3d/?lang=CS And MPM/Special Hobby is working om the same subject... http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234973208-172-sg-38-schulgleiter-sk-38-komar-by-mpm-productions-test-shots/ 1st box art - Other versions and boxing announced: K-38 Komár, Swedish G-101, Finnish SG-1 etc. V.P.

New 1/72nd KP Models (http://www.kovozavody.cz) Source: http://modelweb.modelforum.cz/2013/09/06/kovozavody-prostejov-tiskova-zprava/?lang=CS V.P.

Kovozávody Prostějov is to release new 1/72nd Arado Ar.96B/Avia C-2 kits - ref. KPM0014 et KPM0011 Source: http://www.aeroscale.co.uk/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=17643 Boxt art Source: http://www.kovozavody.cz/en/produkt/arado-ar-96b/ Source: http://www.kovozavody.cz/en/produkt/avia-c-2/ V.P.

Thanks Enzo & Paul for allowing Dylan my youngest son to post his first group-build. We started the model recently, and it wasn't till we had started that it occurred to me it might be eligible for the trainer GB. Below is a photo of what's left of the box we got the kit in a while ago, I'm sorry there isn't photos of the parts on the spues but we didn't know we would be going global at the time ! The parts were mostly free of flash and went together well, Dylan had to have a go at filling for the first time as the gaps between wings & fuselage and the halves of the fuselage left a bit to be desired. I wanted to try to mask the canopy but Dylan said he could paint the frame with a brush, the result is very good until you look at it head on and realise the framing is squify on the canopy not Dylan's fault, I was tempted to clean it off & mask up but I didn't want to put him off so it will stay as it is. He has painted the underside with the splinter pattern of greens on the topside to do, it will have Luftwaffe markings. More photos will follow as he progresses, any feedback that encourages him and allows his dad to continue building kits would be greatly appreciated. http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy113/Jockney007/image_zps4610cd0c.jpg http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy113/Jockney007/image_zps7e388059.jpg http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy113/Jockney007/image_zpsa7149fa3.jpg http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy113/Jockney007/image_zps2e10553b.jpg http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy113/Jockney007/image_zps02676910.jpg http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy113/Jockney007/image_zps7cb2b411.jpg Cheers Pat / Dylan

Well, this is the first of my builds that I have posted on Britmodeller. I'm aware that it does not come up to the standard of most of that posted here but I feel that building it has brought me on as a modeller, and we all have to start somewhere! The kit I chose to make is by Czechoslovakian (as they were then) manufacturers KP (Kovozávody Prostejov) and represents an Avia B.534* fighter aircraft which was one of a small number which, as part of the Slovak Insurgent Airforce, provided air support to the 1944 Slovak National Uprising. A fine fighter in its day (in fact, I have seen it described as the apogee of bi-plane fighter design), following the Nazi dismembering of Czechoslovakia it had largely become a second-line aircraft by 1944 when Slovak patriots rose up against the puppet Slovakian Government. In default of more modern types becoming available, owing to large parts of the Air Force remaining loyal to the regime, the B.534s were nonetheless pressed into service. Based at Tri Duby (now Sliač) airfield in Central Slovakia, white S-12 was one of four B.534s which, alongside an initial complement of a couple of Letov S.328s and Emils, made up the full complement of the Combined Air Squadron. From comparison of the box art with that on Scalemates, I would say that this was probably a 1980s boxing. The state of the decals would certainly seem to support this! The moulding had quite a lot of flash on it too and in a couple of cases I had to make a call as to whether an aperture had been flashed-over, or part of the moulding had failed. I'm not sure in all cases I got that right! I loved the Slovak National Uprising markings; unfortunately the decals were very fragile and a bit yellowed. I decided to tolerate the latter if i could sort out the former. It took two coats of Hu49 varnish, but I managed it! This was my first foray into rigging (and stretched sprue more generally), but I wanted to give you all something to look at, so I thought I would give it a go. I have skimped slightly, but I think the overall effect is there. It was also my first foray into the use of vacform parts (in the form of the cockpit transparency, the kit one being missing). Overall, I think it went reasonably well, although my painting could certainly be better, and the positioning of some of the struts leaves something to be desired. But I enjoyed the build! Thanks for looking. * A IV I believe