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My database shows I bought this in 2005 making it one of the older models in the stash. I started it about 2 years ago, then it went back in the box. As a result of talking to a club member about the pitfalls of the Hasegawa P-40 line, it came out again and I resolved to finish it. So here it is finished using Gunze paints and Cutting Edge Pyn Up decals for Dick Cresswell's kite. 77SQN RAAF. Darwin 1942 I found the decals, at least the roundels quite brittle, they all cracked and I really should have gone back and either masked and painted or used other decals, oh, well Eduard seatbelts and gunsights were also used as were Ultracast wheels and exhausts. All comments welcome IMG_1792 b IMG_1794 , kit tyhawk stb sideon-3 , by,

RAAF Beaufighter WW2 & Post-War Observer's Canopies 1:72 Red Roo Models These are a pair of vacuum formed observer canopies for the Hasegawa Mk.21 Beaufighter. The set features a WWII style canopy, and a later post war style canopy. Conclusion This is a quality vac formed canopy set for those who like the more realistic thickness of these. Recommended. Review sample courtesy of

RAAF Kingfisher Flying Boat Decals 1:32 Red Roo Models During WWII The RAAF received a batch of 18 Vought OS2U Kingfishers which were originally destined for the Dutch East Indies. The RAAF took these on charge in 1942, while initially used as training aircraft for pilots destined for flying boats in 1943 they were used to equip No. 107 Squadron RAAF. Here they were used for convoy escort duties until the Sqn disbanded in October 1945. Post war one Kingfisher was used in support of the Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition in 194748 The Decals If at first you think there is something wrong with these decals but you can't put your finger on it; it is because of the "reversed" appearance of the decals and apparent pale colours. These decals are done with a direct deposition printer using an interesting technique where the colours are printed in the reverse order to normal screen print decals, with the whites last, followed by the glue. So instead of "sliding" the decal on, you "slap" it on! There is no problem with moving them around. A separate sheet of whites is provided for backing all the decals if needed. An interesting addition to the decal sheet is a small envelope with two small 3mm clear discs in it. RAAF kingfishers were delivered with the gunsight telescope which went through the front screen. These were removed in service and the hole plugged. The instruction have you fill the hole in the screen with crystal clear (or similar)and then use the discs over this. Now if that is not attention to detail I don't know what is! Decals are produced for four aircraft; A48-4 No.3 Operational Training Unit, Rathmines NSW 1942. RAAF Seaplane Scheme Extra Dark Sea Grey & Dark Slate Grey. A48-17 No. 107 Sqn, Rathmines, Rathmines NSW 1943. Extra Dark Sea Grey & Dark Slate Grey uppers over Sky Blue. A48-5 No. 107 Sqn, Sussex Inlet 1945. Aircraft stripped back to bare Metal with fabric areas in Aluminium Dope. A48-13 RAAF Antarctic Flight, HMAS Wyatt Earp* 1948 - Overall Trainer Yellow. *Yes the Australian Navy really did have a Ship named the "Wyatt Earp"! Conclusion The service of these Flying boats is only a small part of the RAAF in WWII and after but still worthy of note. With sets like these the modeller has a chance to build one of these aircraft. Recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Hi all Here is my latest finished build and a continuation of my current fasination with aircraft of the Royal Austrialian Air Force Its a 1/48 Mirage IIIO of 2 Operational Conversion Unit based a RAAF Williamtown in 1984/85 (not 1987 as quoted in the kit instructions, thanks to Trojan Thunder for the additional info) Its the Kinetic kit which was not an easy build, I had major issues with the fit of the front end and the intakes which I fixed to the best of my abilities and I'm still not 100% happy with, it got to the stage that it got sent to the shelf of doom for a while but its now finally finished. So here are the pics, apologies that some of the pics might be a little bit out of focus my little one pulled my camera off the table by accident and the autofocus on my small lens is now U/S so I'm having to manual focus with my increasingly dodgy eyes ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Comments welcome ScottC

RAAF Short 'C' Class Empire Flying Boat Conversion 1:72 Red Roo Models During the early stages of WWII before Aircraft production was kicked up a notch many air arms found aircraft in short supply and looked for civilian aircraft to fill the gap. The RAAF was particularly short of long range assets. There were though a number of Shorts C Class Empire Flying boats in the country which were pressed into service. The RAAF would use five of these aircraft which would be serialed A18-10 through A18-14. Aircraft from Imperial Airways were impressed into service, where as Aircraft owned by Quatas were subject to a formal charter. Some of these aircraft would be fitted with bomb racks, and a nose aiming position, and they would receive upper defensive gun mounts. Other aircraft not fitted for bombing would also receive upper gun mounts. In all cases the gun mounts were open with a wind deflector fitted in front. Two of the aircraft would also gain camouflage colour schemes. None of these aircraft would go on to survive the war. Only one was lost to enemy action, the others to accidents. The Conversion The conversion from Red Roo is for the CMR Kit and contains; 1 clear resin bomb aiming copula, 4 bomb racks, 2 browning 0.5cal machine guns, 2 Lewis guns, 2 scarff rings, 2 azimuth arms, 2 wind deflectors, 1 template; and the decal sheet. There is a clear acetate sheet which contains a template to scribe a new hatch on the left rear of all four aircraft. This hatch retracted internally and allowed use of a Lewis gun from this position. A similar but larger hatch was located on the right hand side. This allowed engines to be loaded into the aircraft, and again a Lewis gun to be deployed. The instructions are comprehensive and need to be studied depending on which aircraft is to be modelled. Some had the bomb racks and associated bomb aiming window, and some did not. Again top armament options varied between aircraft. The metal parts are brass and so quite soft, care will be needed in handling these. A full sheet of decals is provided for all marking options. This includes serial numbers, code numbers, roundels, and fin flashes. The look to be colour dense, with no registry issues. Conclusion The service of these Flying boats is only a small part of the RAAF in WWII but still worthy of note. With sets like these the modeller has a chance to build one of these 5 historic aircraft. Recommended. Review sample courtesy of

RAAF ARDU C-47 Dakota Project INGARA 1:72 Red Roo Models What must be the longest serving transport in the history of the Royal Australian Air Force must be the venerable Douglas C-47. Even after its successors in the form of the Caribou & Hercules were on the scene the C-47 continued to serve with the RAAF's Aircraft Research & Development Unit (ARDU) based at Edinburgh in South Australia. It was finally retired in 1994. The last job of this venerable aircraft was to take part in project INGARA. Ingara is an aboriginal word which mean "long way" Between 1992 and 1994 C-47 A65-86 was modified with a radome under the rear fuselage which housed a synthetic sideways looking radar which had been developed they the Defence Science & Technology Organisation. The project was undertaken to test the design of a radar system capable of producing high resolution ground mapping at long stand off ranges, including target detection of trucks and tanks. 75 hours were flown between 1992 & 1994. Following retirement in 1994 A65-86 is now at the Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm museum at Nowra. The INGARA project did not end with the C-47, the radar was later integrated into a Beach 350 King Air aircraft to test and validate broad area airborne surveillance concepts, as part of Joint Project 129 - airborne surveillance for land operations. The experience of the Ingara team was critical in convincing the US to undertake the Global Hawk project with Australia. Scientists and engineers from what was then DSTO (now DST Group) played an integral part in adding maritime surveillance and dynamic control capability to the Global Hawk system and systematically tested the deployed system against various ISR scenarios. The system was proven in the Gulf War where tactical intelligence was collected at night and through thick oil smoke. The system is now part of the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Test Bed to assess and evaluate multi-sensor ISR issues, and is the only system of its kind in Australia that can collect fully polarimetric radar data. The Conversion This conversion from Red Roo contains the parts and decals to make A65-86 as she was when fitted with the INGARA radome. The parts are the main radome, blanking astrodome mount, VHF antenna, Blade antenna, two etched transponder aerials and a mounting plate for the radome. The instructions are clear about where to fit the parts, the colour scheme and decal placement. The decal sheet designed by Hawkeye models provides all the markings needed including the Blue cheat line. They are in register, well printed and look colour dense. Conclusion This set enables a late use C-47 to built which had an interesting and important job with the RAAF's Aircraft Research & Development Unit. Red Roo continue to bring us interesting conversions with an Australian slant. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Hi everyone, I would love to try and do a 76SQN kittyhawk with the lightning flash, however there is no decent photos that I can find on the internet. Is anyone able to assist at all? Below is an image that I have cropped off another image.

Hi everyone HNY from a very warm (27deg) & sunny Middle Zealand. So this project is a sort of 'getting back to basics' build. Initially I started it back in April'ish last year, then after just two sessions, boxed it all up and found something else that was 'newer' and 'shinier'. I dug it back out just before Christmas but have only been able to grab 30mins here and there whilst 'Daddies little Stormtroopers' have been home on the SEVEN WEEK summer hols - I work from home, so guess who was on 'entertainment duties'. OK, 'nuff talk, this is the 1981 (?) Esci kit, released a couple of times by Italeri, this particular boxing is the one with the HUGE AdA decal sheet and the updated weapons sprue. Massive amount of PSR needed to get the wing-roots flush with the fuselage and various other filling chores. I built this purely for the fun of it, no detailing of any sort, even left the seat out (for now) just to have it sitting on the shelf alongside my Marineflieger TF-104... Kit - Italeri (nee Esci) 1:48 Paint - All Xtracolour enamels. Decals - Microscale 48-128 & 298. Extras - A LOT of filler & swearing. AMD Mirage IIIO 3 Squadron RAAF Butterworth, Malaysia Early 1980's Thanks for taking the time to look and/or comment, as ever all criticism, comments or questions are welcome. AFN Ian.

Here I present my first attempt at a resin model. Its the CMK DH Vampire F1, which I picked it up at a local model expo for A$20. Build thread can be found here. I found it rather challenging - warped parts, pin holes, miss cast parts and fragile decals. Oh, and it's a tail sitter as well (I was worried about using too much weight with the rather spindly looking legs), so a bit of blu-tack is needed to keep it on an even keel. That being said, it doesn't look too bad from a few feet away and I do like the colour scheme. Its finished as the first RAAF Vampire, a British built F1. Brush painted with Tamiya and Italeri acrylics. Probably the last model kit completed before the end of the summer holiday tomorrow, back to work Monday :-( Thanks for looking.

So, I finally got my Beau finished over the Christmas holidays. I'm quite pleased with how it came out. I now just need a white / EDSG / DSG / white camo'd one! regards, Martin

At moment building a Piper L4 Cub and to use colour scheme of RAAF as used in New Guinea. I am undecided as to if overall scheme should be a Dark Green or Foliage Green with White tail planes and rudder. Cannot really track down a definitive answer so any help much appreciated. Derek

This is a “What-if” RAAF Hawker Hunter F6 in 25SQN markings. It is a follow on from the chapter in "The Alternative RAAF & RAN Fleet Air Arm - Australia's Little Asian Wars 1951–1975" by John Baxter detailing the invasion of Australian protectorates. In this chapter the scenario is - India has invaded the Cocos Islands and destroyed the Australian garrison including the flight of six CAC built Hunters F9s from 24SQN sent there to protect it from air attack. In my alternative addition to this scenario the RAAF immediately negotiated with the RAF to receive a squadron of Hunter F6s to be transferred from the RAF units in HK and modified with the Dutch air to air mod to allow them to carry Sidewinders. This was because the F9s for the Reserve units were coming off the CAC production line slowly due to the priority being given the new CAC Sabre Mk30s currently in production for the full-time inits. They are then put on alert for the protection of the major centres on the west coast of Australia from Perth to the north. The Reserve squadrons were given these duties as the full-time units only had Meteor F8s with limited range, obsolete Vampires FB30/31/32s or were in the process of converting to the new Avon Sabres slowly coming of the CAC production line. I have changed the serial no on the jet to an A number which in the book is in the A86 range. As these are a different model to the F9s of 24SQN and 23SQN which are numbered from A86-1, I've just added the A86 to the original serial number aka A86-462 instead of XL462. I've also added the 462 in white on the nose and lightly painted over the letters of the RAF serial under the wings.

Hi all Here's my latest completed build, and the second of my Royal Australian Air Force collection. Its the 1/48 Kitty Hawk F-35A built as A35-001, the first F-35 for the RAAF. It's in the markings of 2 OCU The kit was an real nightmare to build, poor fitting and required lots of filling, the paint ended up not coming out the way i was hoping hence the light areas that were supposed to show through the final finish aren't really visible (which isn't a bad thing as it's only really visible on the real thing in bright light). I started it easy back in January but it spent a few months on the shelf of doom. Now it's finished I'm fairly happy with it, and I've taken a pic with my RAAF F/A-18F I was planning on doing an RAF F35-B and a US Navy F-35C but after this one i might reconsider that idea ! Enjoy ScottC

Hi, I am trying to build DH 84 RAAF ambulance, likely A34-54. It is in WIP...- a scratch work. Here: http://www.goodall.com.au/australian-aviation/dh84-pt2/dh84-dragon-pt2.htm within record for A34-54 there is a photo described like that: A34-54 at Mareeba Qld in 1943 with No.2 Air Ambulance Unit. The factory paint scheme has been replaced by jungle green camouflage with red and white ambulance cross. Frank F. Smith collection I've seen in net someone's model of the same machine (not sure that exactlu "54") which was painted in DKEarth/Foliage Green with light blue undersurface. So - was it one or two colours from top on DH 84 RAAF Ambulances? And the bottom - white or light blue? Besides my doubts about the colours, which I should apply on this machine - the another problem is that I think that there was (perhaps) a nose art on this machine on left side (bee or something like that). I will appreciete also some info on this. Was it on "A34-54" or on another Dragon? Best regards Jerzy-Wojtek

Been tinkering with this one on an off for a few years. It has habitated the Shelf of Doom for some time so I thought it was time to finish it up. Tonight's progress was to mask and paint the windscreen, but then I could not resist to put some decals on it. more to follow

History The Folland Gnat was ordered by the RAAF in August 1965 after it was decided there was a need for high-performance jet training to prepare pilots for the EE Lightning then entering service. This was part of a trend that developed in the 50s and 60s to implement an "all-through" jet training syllabus, with pilots going from ab initio to advanced training on jet aircraft. Of a total of 97 Gnats operated by the RAAF, the first 20 were assembled in Australia from UK production, with the remainder produced by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) and Hawker de Havilland with an increasing level of local components. By aircraft A7-031, production aircraft contained approximately 85% local content. In addition, CAC also built the Gnat's Bristol SIddely Orpheus turbojet engine under licence. The Gnat's main operator was No 2 Flying Training School (No 2 FTS), operating the type from 1970 until the final course on the type in 1991. In addition, the Gnat was operated by the Central Flying School (CFS) to train RAAF flying instructors and also in the lead-in fighter role by No 2 Operational Conversion Unit, No 5 Operational Training Unit, and Nos 25, 76, 77 and 79 Squadrons. The Build I will be using an Airfix 1/72 Starter kit for my build. It will be OOB except for markings. I have a scheme in mind but need to confirm the decals I have for the build will be suitable (gives me an opt out for the planned scheme and an opt in for another if the first don't work out )

Hi all, I'd like to present the second of in a set of RAAF WWII aircraft I've built, this time a lesser know one. It is quite strange that they RAAF only operated 3 P-38 Lightnings during the war and they were of the Photo Recon variety (operated by 1PRU), they were loaned a few more by the USAAF. There is a bit of conjecture over whether the original 3 were Photo Recon F-4s or started life as P-38E’s which were modified either in the US or here in Australia. They operated from Mid 42 to late 44, with all 3 eventual being written off with one incident unfortunately resulting in the lost of the pilot. I built the last of the 3, A55-3, she started off life as a P-38E with the serial number 41-2144 (there was even for a while some conjecture as to if this serial number was actually correct), she was converted to F-4-1-LO either here in Australia or in the US. She served with 1PRU from 27Feb42 till she crashed due to undercarriage failure on the 10Dec43, the wreckage is now in the Darwin Aviation Museum. This build was part of the P-38 STGB, to which I was host. I was meant to have finished this in time, but as some people know I have a crazy work schedule and am away from home for long periods, so I missed my own deadline. The base for the build is a Academy 1/48th P-38F (which is not a nice kit at all as there are lots of errors), with a Red Roo resin PR conversion kit. Thrown into this mix are a new resin cockpit, wheels, turbo bits, and some PE. The paints are LifeColor acrylics from their RAAF WWII series...just love these paints. Please enjoy, included is a link to the build. http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234980483-raaf-f-4-1-lo-a55-3-1pru-1943-completed/

Hello all I am building a RAAF 3rd squadron Mustang and I would appreciate suggestion on what red I should use on the spinner, all the referenced I found just say "red" without any more info. Is it dull roundel red? is it a different red? Is it available ready made by in acrylic form? Thanks a lot Paolo

Gday All Thought I might throw my hat into the ring . I found a Monogram Lib in the stash. A few parts have been cut from the sprue, and the upper wings and tail surfaces rescribed. Im assuming this falls below the 25% threshold? Anyway, on to the box and sprue shots Untitled ] ] by More to follow Bruce

Hello All, My interpretation of 79 Sqn RAAF Spitfire VIII (yes I know the kit is really a Mk IXe). Fun to build and fun to paint -- happy days! Thanks for looking and thanks for commenting. Good Modelling all Ian

Ok well I finally get to start this build, as members are already finishing!! Well as I have mentioned I’m and going through a bit of a phase at the moment (nothing unusual there!) of RAAF WW II aircraft, preferably the more obscure the better. Well strange as it seems the RAAF only operated 3 P-38 Lightning during the war (operated by 1PRU) and were loaned a few more by the USAAF. There is a bit of conjecture over whether the original 3 were F-4s or started as P-38E’s and were modified either in the US or here in Australia. They operated from Mid 42 to late 44, all were eventual written off with one incident resulting in the lost of the pilot. I will be building the last of the 3, A55-3, she started off life as a P-38E with the serial number 41-2144 (there was even for a while some conjecture as to if this serial number was correct.), she was converted to F-4-1-LO either here in Australia or in the US. She served with 1PRU from 27Feb42 till she crashed due to undercarriage failure on the 10Dec43, the wreckage is now in the Darwin Aviation Museum. I had forgotten what I had bought for this build other then the Red Roo conversion kit to turn her into a F-4, but it seems I may have gotten a bit carried away! Ok the base will be Academy’s 1/48 P-38F (Glacier Girl), it was recommended for the basis of the conversion. Then….some masks, Quickboost’s Air Intakes and Superchargers, they look so much better than the kit ones. Aires resin interior along with Eduard PE set, it’s for the Hasegawa version, but I’m bound to find a use for it. Hopefully it will be a quick build, I was very relieved to find out the RAAF aircraft didn’t have the “Haze” colour scheme used by the USAAF as that would have been a pain to get right! First up tomorrow will be lots of washing and resin cutting…maybe even some painting! Have been waiting for this build for soooo long, am really looking forward to this one!

Built as a bit of fun, I added CMK resin seats, and it's not exactly finished (missing details, like the canopy MDC cord, I'm still waiting for inspiration). Photographed complete with chequered tablecloth and plant pots background - but built in two weeks while waiting for parts for my STGB Phantom. This kit was free from Lucky Model HK as it was in a redemption offer if you spent over £75. Mad, but I wasn't going to miss that, as i was spending my Christmas money anyway. Pretty nice kit, better detail than Revell's. Fits together about the same as Revell. The kit decals are absolutely fantastic, best I've ever used from a kit. Painted with Xtracrylix and Revell Aqua Gloss Black. Probably the easiest paintjob ever. The whole build was a very nice diversion and I really enjoyed it. It also looks very eye-catching and doesn't take up too much space for a 1/32 jet. It's also the first Aussie plane I've ever made. A nice build like this helps obsessives like me remember what modelling is really about! Al

I am jumping in to build this: I took this picture back in 1988/89 when I worked on these classics I will be using the Formaplane BAC 1-11-500 kit which will have to be cut down to a -200. The kit I have is minus landing gear, so I am thinking about scratch building it if I can get an Airfix kit gear for reference or a good walkaround. I would really love to build it with doors and airstairs open but I think I am getting ahead of myself hear. Picture of the plastic to follow soon.

Another one rescued from the back of the shed. One of the first short run kits I made - a High Planes 1:72 Beaufighter. Built well over 10 years ago when I was still using enamels (still brush painted). After cleaning up the dust and cobwebs (there was a spider living in one of the engine nacelles) she doesn't look too bad. I can't find the instructions so I can not remember what unit she belonged to, other than she is an early RAAF machine. Can't wait until I can get my hands on the new Airfix tooling! Thanks for looking.

Wow everyone is quick listing their builds! Ok for this GB I’m doubling up, not just the colour scheme is Australian but the aircraft was designed and built here as well! So here she is Not the prettiest aircraft ever build but it was Australia’s first combat aircraft to be designed and built here. Initially it was designed as a fighter but it lacked speed and high altitude performance to take on the Japanese fighters. But it was easy to fly and quite agile along with its heavy armament meant it was a good light ground attack aircraft. It featured extensive armour plating over an airframe of wood and aluminium which meant it could sustain heavy battle damage and still return to base...though it was a bit prone to ground looping. I had wanted to build the Alley Cat 1/32 version but it was a wee bit expensive....so I settled for the Special Hobby version. It looks to be a nice model with a resin engine and details. Ok I said it looks to be a nice model but a really close examination reveals that it will need quite a bit of work to get in right.........I should have bought the Alley Cat one! The extras will be Eduard’s PE set and Montex masks, though I thought I had a set of aftermarket decals for it.......will have to have a look. Now just need to get the 110 finished by next break......plus find time for the SciFi build as well!!!