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This has been an interesting return to modelling. I hadn't built a kit since 2018, only finishing off a 1/48 F-4S Phantom build from 2018 in April, which just required decals and finishing. I decided to include multiple new ventures with this kit - switching to Mr Hobby lacquer, upgrading my airbrush to an Iwata Eclipse HP-CS, use of 3D printed weapons and an ancient Microscale decal set (48-237). Ever since building a 1/72 Hasegawa VMFA-531 F/A-18A in about 2001 (badly), I have wanted to do a better job of capturing that cool early look of the legacy Hornets with that warry skull on the tail fin. Sadly, the Grey Ghosts are no more (even in 2001 they were long gone), but here is my model of what would have been a hot rod plane for the Marine pilots in the mid 80s. Paints used for the TPS were Mr Hobby 337 (FS 35237) for the glare panel, 308 (FS 36375) for upper surfaces and Sidewinders and 338 (FS 36495) for undersides and outer tail fins. Mr Hobby metallics were used for the exhausts (61 Burnt Iron), gun panel (28 Steel) and pitots and sway braces (203 Super Iron). I also used some Humbrol enamels for the pilot figures camo helmet cover and smaller details like undercarriage door edging. Also my first foray into using oil paint (Winsor & Newton) for panel line accentuation and staining/weathering. ResKit weapons used were Mk20 Rockeye cluster bombs and AIM-9-L/M Sidewinders. These are kits in their own right, with great decals and provide exceptional details. Overall, a great kit, quite fiddly in places and, in hindsight, not the most friendly kit for a return to modelling with my high expectations of producing a good outcome, but I am now very content with the result and will be able to display it with pride. Here are the pics, taking you back to the mid 80s, pale greys and the coolest USMC markings, hope you like what you see. Comments, questions and criticism welcome.

Next in line is the venerable Hasegawa 1/48 F/A-18A Hornet, I know it's the 'C' boxing but I planned this years ago when 'A's were hard to find (I've already removed the 'C' tail fin fairings). The kit, inspiration and AM Ever since I built the 1/72 F/A-18A when I was a lot younger, I've always wanted to reprieve the build with the awesome looking VMFA-531 'Grey Ghosts' tail marking (the skull glaring lighting bolts). With what seems to be a common occurrence with these Hasegawa Hornets, the first order of duty will be to repair the rather fragile wing extension/backing for the LAU-7/A5 launcher rail. Fortunately it's still in the bag. This might be a slow burner as I'm not guaranteed regular hours to build this.

Reskit has published its - impressive - production programme for the next 6-7 months. Downloadable here : https://reskit-models.com/image/RESKIT2025-FEB2026.pdf V.P.

To borrow from a previous Phantom build, I have a confession to make: I hate all-grey schemes on jets. Really. But I like pointy planes that go fast. What to do? Find colourful prototype, retirement or anniversary schemes and just say no to low viz! Besides, it's my favourite subject in my favourite scale and my favourite scheme. Of course it's a Phantom and of course its Raspberry Ripple. Yee-ha! The build process is detailed in the WIP thread here. Project: McDonnell Douglas FG.1 Phantom II Kit: Fujimi Kit No. 34001 Royal Collection Scale: 1:72 (as revealed in scripture) Decals: Xtradecal X72296 (kit decals were "unusable due to age", an expression I hear often from wifey) Resin: CMK cockpit set no. 7441; Aires exhaust no. 7179; ResKit wheel set no. RS72-0067 Photoetch: From the kit for canopy details and gear door actuators; from the CMK cockpit set for HUD, instrument panels, and cockpit details Canopy Masks: Made by hand! With a pencil and a pair of scissors! Paint: MRP 183 Oxford Blue, 184 Signal Red, 125 Super Clear Semigloss, 048 Super Clear Gloss; Gunze H11 Flat White, H12 Flat Black, H20 Flat Clear, H77 Tire Black, H90 Clear Red, H94 Clear Green, H317 FS36231 Dark Gull Gray; Tamiya XF-69 NATO Black; Alclad ALC101 Aluminum, ALC103 Dark Aluminum, ALC111 Magnesium Weathering: I hate weathering. Improvements/Corrections Scratchbuilt intake FOD covers decorated with decals printed on inkjet at home Replaced kit cockpit and ejection seats with CMK resin set Instrument panels, rudder pedals and HUD detailed with CMK photoetch Cockpit sidewalls, canopies, mirrors, and canopy sills detailed with kit photoetch Replaced vertical fin pitot probes with hypo needles With a great deal of effort, replaced kit exhausts with resin set from Aires Replaced kit tyres with ResKit resin wheel set How about some photos? Here is what the cockpit looks like (hard to get a good picture after assembly): This CMK cockpit set is designed for the new tool Airfix kit, but works well in the old Fujimi kit with minor modifications to the kit plastic. Good to know, because... ...I have another Fujimi kit in my stash - and the Xtradecal sheet for Alcock & Brown. Should it be a future project? Vote early and vote often! Cheers, Bill

Wheels set for British Phantoms. F-4 K/M Phantom and Phantom FG.1/ FGR.2 in 1/72 scale. Wheels set for F-4 B/N Phantom in 1/48 scale. Wheels set for F-4 J/S Phantom in 1/72 scale. Wheels set for NH-90 in 1/72 scale. NEW Japanese pilot & land crew (1935-1945) in 1/48 scale

In this section you can see catalog of protuction RES/KIT in 1/72 scale (Upgrade sets).

In this section you can see catalog of protuction RES/KIT in 1/72 scale (Wheels & weapons)

In this section you can see catalog of protuction RES/KIT in 1/48 scale (Wheels & weapons)

In this section you can see catalog of protuction RES/KIT in 1/35 scale (Wheels & weapons)

The RES / KIT accessories company for stand modeling was created in 2015 by two modelers in Kiev, Ukraine. We started with the development of aircraft wheels in 1/48 and 1/72 scale. Currently we are expanding our product range with equipment and figures in 1/35 scale, photoetching and decals. Visit the RES/KIT website: www.http://reskit.com.ua/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reskit.ukraine/