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Thought I would start a Work in Progress post for my new project - concurrent Italeri and Revell 1/48 Blackbird builds. When I say new, I actually started the Italeri SR71 about 20 years ago, and therefore before YouTube even existed. Without any access to the plethora of modelling tips now available on the Interweb, my initial attempts at this difficult kit were a bit feeble, and it sat in a box 90% incomplete and 10% in disaster for a long time. I've kept the thing all these years, as I'm loathe to throw anything away, and I'm a sucker for a lost cause. Since I took up modelling again a few years ago, I've been collecting a few aftermarket bits for it, and last year bought the Revell kit also, along with more aftermarket parts. (I tend to limit my 'stash' to aftermarket goodies rather than kits, as they take up less space and are easier to hide, thus avoiding awkward questions) So I've now got two different kits and a load of bits to make the same aircraft, but have decided that I don't want two big black aircraft, and plan to do one in the early black/titanium two tone scheme that I like. Therefore, the Italeri kit is to be converted to an early A12 Oxcart. The reason this is a bit of a 'Frankenstein' build is because I plan to use some aftermarket bits on the Revell kit, and some of the spare parts from it will then be allocated to the Italeri A12. My list of bits includes: A very warped Italeri Kit A new Revell Blackbird kit (it may not be the perfect kit, but compared to the Italeri one, its fantastic!) Some Afterburner Decals Armory resin wheels, early and late types Metallic Details 3D printed Cockpit. Metallic Details grills and jet nozzles photo etch Reskit nozzles Eduard Undercarriage photoetch Eduard Interior photoetch Redfox 3D instruments Master pitot tubes x 2 New Ware kabuki mask There's a lot of excellent information available on this Forum on both these kits, which I think I have read most of, and this is an enormous help in hopefully completing the builds. I'm afraid my A12 conversion (or SR71 for that matter) are never going to compete in terms of accuracy and finish to many that have gone before me, but there are two other criteria for me that are more important; 'Have Fun', and 'Get It Finished!'

Well, here she is! Revell's 1:48 SR-71 Blackbird in all her glory. This was a project asked of me around August last year, in order to be done for SMW'22 at Telford. It was a big project and down to the wire as I was still working on her at 2am on the Friday I was meant to be leaving for Telford! Anyway... Built for Revell UK, she shall be seen at various shows, both model related and not, advertising the Revell brand and what they are capable of producing, around the UK this year. She's now in their capable hands for the foreseeable future, so it was a good thing I was taking photographs of her at 2am, almost reminiscent of the night before Telford. Safe to say, I probably won't build anything this big again, especially to photograph as it was a nightmare to even get these half decent shots! Not a bad build and if you take your time, everything fits fine. a Few sink marks needed filling here and there but nothing major or to worry about. See you round! https://www.facebook.com/jamescommissionbuilds

Hi folk's this has sat in the stash for ages so time the beast was set free,records galore and a few first's too.A simple kit with minimal parts but a few idea's to liven up the the painting in mind.box art for now spru shots ASAP.No drone version mind!

Hi All, I'm a newbie and new to group - started building again and this is my first model since boyhood. Far from perfect but learnt a lot on the way... Sean