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Hello Everybody ... after seeing the start of the B-25 mitchell Group build. Its killing me that i cant participate yet. The B-25 is my favorite Medium bomber of the war as it was so Versatile and adaptable. I saw a few PBJ’s started ( USMC B-25 not Peanut butter & jelly ) in the group build. I had a minor Discussion with @JOCKNEY in one of the Threads. Both the build and discussion inspired me to dig this out of storage. I did some clean-up and touch ups. I think considering it was started 24 years ago its doing ok. The seams have started popping but not to bad. I started this Monogram B-25H in 1994. I had to shelve it many times while trying to dig up info on Camouflage and markings. Pre internet era was not easy to find things out. Eventually I came across Jerry Scutts “Marine Mitchells and found this the “Magic photo” that solved my issues. Sadly that was in 2001. It would take another 18 months to ultimately finish this in 2003. Yes thats right a 9 year build up until 2014 it was my longest. Sadly now #2 to my RAAF Catalina build which is 14 and growing. Well without further talk here is my PBJ-1H from VMB-613. The business end with the 75 mm. Ive built maybe 5-6 of the Monogram Mitchells since the 1980’s. This is the last survivor and my favorite. If i can get my other obligations taken care of I will be building another for the Group build. Hopefully a Revellogram but maybe another. Dennis

Hello all ... Im going for a second round of questions here. The first round was in the Cold war section. Mainly because the first round was concerning early Av-8b’s and now im looking for more current USMC use. First question is concerning paint. Heres a screenshot of a painting chart from cybermodeler referencing the scheme I have questions about. The colors call out for Gunship grey over Medium Grey blue. Is this the USMC Version of the Air forces “Have Glass Scheme” ? If yes is it truly Gunship Grey or something closer to the Grey used on the F-35 ? Whats the underside color called in the scheme ? Is it Blue grey or is there an official name ? My Thanks to any and all who answer. Dennis

After a year when I have really struggled to find time for modelling, I have definitely been busy over the Christmas break! These are both based on the old ESCI model (still IMHO the best 1/72 Harriers), using both decal options from one box (one of these kits came as a dirty bag of bits without decals, but fortunately with all its parts!). First up, an AV-8A of the US Marines: And then a Matador - Toro, toro, see you tomorrow my son! When you can't decide what to build, build a Harrier, then build another for luck - Happy New Year all! FredT

Hello again! As promised here is my 1/48 Hobbyboss F4U-1 Corsair on its scratch built display plinth. I wanted to capture the look of a sun bleached, beaten up Corsair waiting for the next sortie.

Hello mates! Here is my little blue Marine Corps Grumman Cat in 1:72. Marine Air Group 33, US Marine Corps, Pohang AB, Korea 1952. I bought this in the nineties and finished the build in 2001. I did a lot of detailing, scribing and extra stencil decals, otherwise it is straight from the box. This was a really good kit at that time, with very realistic outlines. I only changed the cross section at the rear. I hope you like it too! Cheers!

Done, work in progress here: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235023718-usmc-sniper-team-vietnam-135/&page=4&tab=comments#comment-2845164

A small 'air event' at Flagstaff Airport this morning, attended by, amongst others, the US Marine Corps' HMLA-369 'Gunfighters' with their mix of UH-1Y and AZ-1Z helos.

USMC Harrier AV-8B, pics thanks to member "Fights On" taken on board USS MAKIN ISLAND LHA-8.

Hello, Here is my USMC A-4M Skyhawk II number 160024 in VMA-311 Tomcats markings around the mid 1980s. BRIEF HISTORY The A-4M Skyhawk II was the dedicated Marine version with improved avionics and more powerful J52-P-408a engine with 11,200 lbf (50 kN) thrust, enlarged cockpit, IFF system. Later the A-4M were fitted in the nose with the Angle Rate Bombing System (ARBS) with TV and laser spot tracker. The A-4M was the ultimate Skyhawk type in use with USMC. The final A-4M Skyhawk was delivered to USMC in 1979, and were used until the mid-1980s before they were replaced by the AV-8B Harrier II. The last Skyhawk retired from USMC was the OA-4M two-seater variant in 1994. KIT The model is based on the Trumpeter A-4 Skyhawk series in 1/32nd scale. Those kits are good, not at level of Tamiya/Hasegawa kits, but can be easily improved to obtain a nice Skyhawk replica in large scale. Size, shapes and construction remind me the Hasegawa’s A-4 Skyhawk in 1/48th scale… with the same pros and cons. The plastic is a little bit soft and this can be a problem with strong glue, filler and sanding. CONSTRUCTION Basically all the specific parts of the A-4M variant are in the box, but I had to improve and details a lot those parts in shape and fines. All the following parts are made from scratch: · FOD for jet intakes and engine exhaust; · Details of the rear cockpit bulkhead. The followings are kit parts modified and detailed: · All undercarriage bays, legs and wheels; · ECM/RWR antennas and bulges; · Arrestor hook; · Windscreen wiper; · Cockpit tube and canopy details and rails. Some resin and PE aftermarket sets were used too: · Aires resin set for some antennas; · Eduard PE for vortex generator rows over the wings. · Eduard PE for slates vane; · Mk.82 bombs; · Cannon barrels; Many access panels, panel lines and rivets were re-scribed. COLORS & MARKINGS Paint were from the acrylics lines of Gunze and Tamiya. For the main TPS pattern colors from top to bottom: · Gunze H306 Gray FS36320; · Gunze H308 Light Gray FS36375; · Gunze H338 Light Gray FS 36495. A black primer was sprayed first all over the model. Then, thin layers of paint were airbrushed to obtain some variation of shades. Some drops of black and white were added to the basic TPS colors to create a random patchwork of new/old paint and weathering effects. The bombs are finished with colors and stencils to represent training drills. No one made a decal sheet for Low-Viz A-4M in 1/32nd scale nor inside the kit itself. So, I collect most of the stencils, serial number and codes from many different sources. The big Tomcat on the vertical fin sides is the black one from CAM decal sheet for Hi-Viz A-4M, over sprayed with highly thinned gray paint. RBF tags were added to finish the model. And now some pictures of the completed model. CIAO! Piero

Hello! This is my Italeri/MRC 1/35 AH-1W COBRA. I added some scratched details to the cockpit and crewed it with a D-Toys resin figure in the forward position and my own figure built from spares in the rear position. Other mods included detail painting the instrument panels, drilling out the cannon barrel's , adding wiring, boxes and harness's etc. I also used decals from Two Bobs Aviation Graphics to depict a Whiskey Cobra from HML/A-167 "WARRIORS" USMC. I painted it with Tamiya acrylics and for the weathering I made use of AK Interactive's panel liner washes, with some artists oils. Here are some more photo's I wanted to share with you.... Happy Modelling! Darren.

I've always fancied making an all black Korea bird, or a late Vietnam Electric wizzy, wither USN or USMC. (Also used by the US Army too, but details are scarce to say the least. I suspect test aircraft only?) Can I safely assume the Sword release has been abandoned? So that leaves: 72: Matchbox or 48: Encore A choice between an old kit in my preferred scale) or an expensive one. I know there are issues reported with the fit of the matchbox canopy, and lack of cockpit detail is pretty much a given, so a rare trip to the aftermarket will be likely to achieve food results. Have I missed anything? If I stumble across a MB kit is it still worth the effort considering the lack of competition (note: whilst I don't mind basic detail I don't want to be filling trenches)

Some superb diorama ideas here from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, commonly known as The Boneyard, where the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) takes care of disused warplanes and fighter jets. http://www.bing.com/maps/#Y3A9NTEuNTA2NDAxfi0wLjEyNzEwMCZsdmw9NiZzdHk9ciZlbz0wJnNzPXlwLllONjh4MjM0MTQxODIxfnBnLjF+cmFkLjgw Go to the Bird's Eye tab, zoom in, rotate for some stunning views.

Tamiya M48A3 depicted as US Marines in Vietnam. The kit is from the 1970's with part of the the Legend M48 Stowage Set added and the AFV Club Indy Track (the black stuff). Weathering with MiG Vietnam Earth pigments

Hovering with the “Flying Nightmares”, VMA-513 Harrier AV-8B II Plus, 165006 / WF01, VMA-513, USMC (Hasegawa 1/48th) The latest model in my Harrier build project (#19, 1 to go, can I/you believe it?) is the Harrier AV-8B II Plus variant flown by the United States Marine Corps (USMC). Now forming the backbone of the USMC Harrier fleet, the first AV-8B II Plus was delivered in March 1993. 165006 was delivered in October 1995 and was the last of the new-build Harriers delivered to the USMC, the remaining AV-8B II Plus aircraft were “remanufactured” AV-8B II aircraft that were withdrawn from service to be pushed through the remanufacturing process. In all, the USMC received 27 new builds and 74 remanufactured AV-8B II Plus Harriers. VMA-513, the “Flying Nightmares” disbanded in July 2013 as part of the transition to the F-35B. This build uses the Hasegawa kit plastic straight from the box, with just the addition of two resin Mk.83 unguided bombs. The model shows the aircraft when she was flown as the VMA-513 Unit Commander’s mount WF/01 in the Harrier Tactical Paint Scheme of Dark Compass Grey (FS36118) saddle and Dark Gull Grey (FS36231) over Dark Compass Grey (FS36320), circa 2009. She is brush painted with Lifecolor’s acrylics and I used the kit decals. The model is weathered using Tamiya powders, artist pastels and Zig brushable pens. Vallejo matt varnish was used to flatten the finish. The “saddle” is probably darker than real-life and I’m not convinced of any of the greys used – that Arizona sunshine soon fades the paintwork. The blue tail is a guess as well. What the hell, it’s only a model. This is how it turned out ... All feedback welcome as ever. LAST, but not least, from the production line is the GR.7A flying with the Naval Strike Wing as part of Joint Force Harrier.

The Nightmares will end in July 2013 - VMA-513 - Decommissions For those of you interested in USMC Harriers, you may or may not know that USMC unit VMA-513 "The Flying Nightmares" officially decommissions on Friday 12th July, 2013. They have already completed their last flights this week. The Nightmare were the first USMC unit to receive the Harrier in April 1971. The Harriers and pilots are being dispersed to other USMC units. Equally good news, the USMC are looking at certain upgrades to the Harriers to keep them flying until 2030 according to some recent press stories. Here's an oldish story now (Sept 12) about how/why the Italian Navy managed to retain their Harriers when we didn't.

On my to-do list (so not even in the stash yet) is a Phantom & Buccaneer from Ark Royal - so have been collecting bits and bobs of research for kits, decals etc. when in my facebook newsfeed this picture appeared. In the quest for something different this is a must - not even a what-if https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=504946332904577&set=o.90901647900&type=1&ref=nf

Harrier AV-8B II - 162074 / VL-07 of VMA-331 "Bumblebees", USMC, c1986 The latest model (build 13) in my Harrier Project is an AV-8B II of VMA-331 "The Bumblebees". It's an attempt to copy the aircraft as shown in some photos in the World Air Power Journal (Vol.6, 1991) and Andy Evans' BAe/McDonnell Douglas Harrier book (Crowood Press). As VMA-331 only flew the original AV-8B II variant before being disbanded, it was also an appropriate choice of VMA as I ultimately want to a Harrier from each VMA. The aircraft depicted, 162074 / VL-07, was later re-manufactured as an AV-8B II Plus, 165311. The original cockpit ended up back in the UK I believe. This is the Revell / Monogram kit and is pretty much built straight out of the box. I created some decals for this particular serial and modex and added some Verlinden Mk.82 Snakeyes and a couple of TERs from (I think as donated) a Hasegawa Weapons Kit. Harrier experts will notice a number of flaws, both in the kit and introduced by me. Assembly is pretty straightforward compared with the Hasegawa kit as it does not need to support the multi-variant build. In some ways I prefer it to the Hasegawa version, in others I don't. As i have two more to build, it's not wise to hate it! She's brush painted of course, using Life Color's acrylics: "Israeli Green" (FS34064) and "Extra Dark Sea Grey" (FS16099) for the upper surface camouflage and "Light Gull Grey" (FS36440) for the undersides. Pylons are painted in white (as per colour scheme set out in Aeroguide 16 for this specific aircraft). I used FS34079 for the Snakeyes. A coat of three of Klear sealed the paints ready for the decals (from the kit and bespoke as mentioned). Weathering from Tamiya and rounded off with a spray of Humbrol matt varnish to finish and seal. I'll close up the canopy once I've added an MDC (a story for another day). Things I'll "fix" for the next one ... re-position the nose formation lights and pitot tubes; extend the main undercarriage strut to make it easier to get it to sit firmly on the ground; re-shape the intakes where they meet the fuselage; heat the canopy to modify its shape for a better fit; get some sway braces for the TERs (I had to drill holes to use 0.15mm nickel wire to attach the bombs), fit the refuelling probe before painting and tone down the decals for the formation lights. Enough waffle, here she is ... Comments welcome as ever. Next up on the bench will be a Hasegawa AV-8B II Plus as flown by the Italian Navy (perhaps SaintsPhil and I can get our models together on the next Harrier SIG display at RAF Cosford - April 2013?).

Hi all, Just put the finishing touches on this, first time I have put anything up for inspection for a while, had a bit of time out from building, but got on and finished this at the weekend. Its the Revell boxing of the old Monogram kit, so not a lot in the way of recessed detail on the kit, its built OOB and I actually enjoyed this. I couldn't bring myself to attempt a re-scribe as with my skill level it would just end up looking worse lol, but may bag myself a cheap Airfix GR3 or SHAR and have a go on that. cheers Simon