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Hallo This is one Panzer IV Ausführung J, the last variant, made in Austria. The production site is in Upper Austria close to the city Linz. The interior kit from RFM is quite different organized from MiniArt. I built the Ausführung H from MiniArt. In both kits, the major issue is the installation sequence. If you work approximately, as the instruction tells you, you may succeed of fail. If you work as the instruction tells you, you also fail. The main difference, the RFM call out for getting the hull done first, installation from engine onward afterward. MiniArt installs all the engine, interior and gear unit, break units at first, and I struggled getting the hull side walls glued correct together. One tiny mistake tortured me until the finish of the model! The position of the rear bulkhead was 0,5mm too far to the left. No location pins to prevent inaccuracy in sideward direction! Back to my present RFM build: Good idea, the hull fits great. The installation afterward, is not so simple, since the rigid side walls width does not forgive anything. It is not flexible! The installation of the front gear box, is such an issue. The support beams gets the holding pins off for the gear box, otherwise installation is impossible. The break unit for the right and left hand side, oooh! Here the instruction shows you just one unit, not the mirror way! If you build your first time such a tank, this issue may drive you crazy. The next thing I did, was drilling the support beam and gear box, to fix the gear box with a piece of plastic rod, moved inward at this very front position when it is in place. All the way round, multiple thinking is necessary, to do things correct. Well, tomorrow I want to spray. Happy modelling

Hi All, My latest completion is a pair of Tamiya Spitfire Mk.Vbs, both of which took part in the Malta campaign. This is a lovely little kit which I built in my pre-Britmodeller days, so there were few surprises. They were built mostly OOB, with the addition of Eduard harnesses and masks, and a set of DK Decals' ' Spitfire Vb Aces - Malta and MTO'. This set allows you to model 12 schemes: The schemes I chose to model are both aircraft from 229 Sqn: Here's a link to the WIP if anyone is interested: The first aircraft, EP716 was flown by Squadron Leader Thomas Smart DFC* RAF. Smart had been shot down over Dunkirk in 1940, but survived this crash and went on to lead 229 Squadron in Malta, until his aircraft suffered an engine failure on 12th April 1943 20 miles south of Pozzallo, following a bombing raid on Sicily. Smart bailed out but drowned before he could be rescued. I can find no photographs of EP716, but as you can see it is depicted in Dark Mediterranean Blue over Azure. I had never used this scheme before so the DMB had a bit of a learning curve, and I hope that I've broken up the single dark colour by way of a combination of modulation, pigments and washes. The second scheme is EP691, which was flown by P/O Colin Parkinson DFC RAAF, who ended the Malta campaign with 10.5 kills and 2 probables, and went on to survive the war. Here is a photo of EP691: This combination of Dark Earth and Extra Dark Sea Grey over Azure is quite unusual. You can see from the photo what a beating these airframes took, which I've attempted to replicate. Anyways, on with the photos - EP716 first: You can see that I had my first go at figure painting in a loooong time - I wasn't too displeased with the result: And here's the finished result: Next EP691: Here's a couple of both together: Finally, here's a couple of shots with a Mk.I from 611 (West Lancashire) Sqn from the outbreak of war, to show the difference between the delicate lines of the Mk.I against the street-brawling brutishness of the Mk.Vb: I've very much enjoyed this build, and have added a couple of the less-modelled Spit Mk.Vb schemes to the collection. Thanks to all who have added words of encouragement along the way - they have been much appreciated. Thanks for looking, Roger

Hi All, Although I haven't yet wrapped up my Albacore build, I'm working up the testicular fortitude to tackle the rigging so I thought that would be a bit 'hurry up & wait'. I therefore decided to start this project which is very much intended as a bit of a palate cleanser after two challenging builds in the Applecore and Stirling! I've therefore had these couple of beauties sat in the stash for such an occasion: I built this kit in my pre-Britmodeller days, so there are few surprises. It's straightforward Tamiya fare, and I'll be building mostly OOB. Here's a shot of the sprues: I have however got hold of a set of DK Decals' "Spitfire Mk.Vb Aces - Malta and MTO", which allows one to build no less than 12 yes12 schemes! Here's a closer look - you'll know who to ask nicely if you want to build any of the other 10! 🤩 Here's a closer look (the right way up!): I've decided to model these two schemes: As you can see both aircraft have the Vokes filter - both also have clipped wings. I've long fancied doing a Mediterranean blue Spit, and I have rarely seen the DE/EDSG/Azure combination done before, which I think is rather spiffing. I'm making the presumption that both would have been finished in the standard desert scheme of Mid-Stone/DE/Azure prior to delivery to Malta and then repainted with whatever was available locally. It's a well-known fact that these airframes saw a very hard life, so I may try to effect some of the underlying scheme showing through. Here's a photo of EP691: This aircraft was flown by P/O Colin Parkinson DFC RAAF, who ended the Malta campaign with 10.5 kills and 2 probables. I cannot find any photos of EP716, which was flown by Squadron Leader Thomas Smart DFC* RAF. Smart had been shot down over Dunkirk in 1940, but survived this crash and went on to lead 229 Squadron in Malta, until his aircraft suffered an engine failure on 12th April 1943 20 miles south of Pozzallo, following a bombing raid on Sicily. Smart bailed out but drowned before he could be rescued. Anyway, that's where we're at - I do also have the option of throwing this into the mix: Not sure yet - I might just keep this simple! Thanks for looking, Roger

Hi All, My latest completion is Italeri's Stirling Mk.I. Much has been written about this kit, not all of it complimentary. I actually started the kit over 4 years ago, but quickly got the fear, and it has since lurked in the stash shaming me. I therefore girded my loins in January and got on with the build. The boxing I had included decals for BF372 of 149 Sqn, based at RAF Mildenhall in 1942. This aircraft was flown by an Australian pilot, RAAF Flt Sgt (later P/O) Rawden 'Ron' Middleton VC. On 28th November 1942 his aircraft was badly damaged on a raid to the Fiat aircraft works at Turin. Despite suffering multiple grievous injuries, including the loss of his right eye, Middleton managed to complete a 4 hour flight to bring the stricken aircraft back to the English coast. Five of his seven crew then baled out (the front gunner and flight engineer remained aboard to try and persuade Middleton to carry out a forced landing). Following his refusal to do so, the remaining crew baled out but did not survive the night in the English Channel. Middleton stayed with the aircraft, which ditched into the Channel, his body not washing ashore until February 1943. Middleton was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross and promoted to Pilot Officer. Here's a picture of Middleton during his flying training: I cannot find any period photos of BF372, but there are several photos of other 149 Sqn aircraft: Here's a link to the WIP if anyone is interested. The build was mostly OOB, although the decals proved somewhat troublesome. I therefore had to spray some of the squadron and aircraft codes. Here's a couple of shots from during the build just to show some of the interior detail: Although much has been written about the deep panel lines on this kit, I was happy with the result after a couple of coats of primer and a light sanding. Anyways, enough waffle and on with the photos: Finally, here's a couple of shots with some other Bristol-powered loveliness: I'm glad to have finally got this one over the line after such a long period lying dormant. I must thank several people who have helped along the way - @12jaguar @dogsbody @elger @Heather Kay @Dave Swindell have all contributed knowledge which has improved the build immensely. Thanks also to all of those who have provided encouragement and kind words along the way - it has been much appreciated as always! Thanks for looking, Roger

Hallo This is a fast build. Straight from the box. 5 days. Between my Su-122 and my T-44. Happy modelling

Hallo This is my Su-122 from MiniArt with interior in 1/35. It was actually a nice work. The pro and cons are exact written in the WIP section. I omitted the photo-etched parts for fasteners. It is such an idiotic process; I have until now no way to make it properly. I used instead strips of Tamiya self-adhesive masking tape. Easier and looks not so bad to my opinion. I used a template for the wheels. And used Friul track chains. Have a look and I hope you enjoy it.

Dear fellow Britmodellers, here's my 1/72 Arma Hobby P-51C Mustang in markings of 382nd Fighter Squadron, 363rd Fighter Group, in France 1944. I built from the "Expert Set", photographs by Wolfgang Rabel. A full build review will be featured in an upcoming edition of Phoenix Aviation Modelling magazine. Thank you for your interest, best greetings from Vienna Roman

Hi All, My next project will be Special Hobby's Albacore Mk.II. I built Tamiya's mighty Swordfish last year and had another biplane itch, so what better than the Stringbag's replacement to scratch it ?! (ICM's 1:32 Gladiator almost got the gig, but I fancied an FAA build!) Here's the box art: You can see that an Operation Torch aircraft is one of the schemes included - here's all three options: I'm not sure that any of those schemes really float my boat - more on that later. Here's the sprue shots: All usual SH fare, with their hard mid-grey plastic and what looks to be good surface detail. Here's the decals, PE and instrument panel film: All look to be nicely done. Here's the resin components for the engine, machine gun and other assorted bits & pieces: Finally to the ordnance. This kit is supplied without a torpedo, but fortunately I did not use the tin fish from my Swordfish build, so here it is in all its glory: That will do nicely! As to the scheme, I'm rather tempted to have a go at a TSS/Night combination such as this one, X8942 of 828 Sqn FAA, based at Hal Far in 1942. There are a few nice photos of aircraft in similar schemes: All show a significant amount of wear, which I shall attempt to replicate. So, on with the build! Thanks for looking, Roger

Hallo This is my first vehicle with a gun but not a tank. Since I have experience now with MiniArt interior kits and the T-34, I think to have a good starting position. Here I will also use the older track chain from Friul, which is much better as the kit’s track. I started with the floor and all the tiny equipment. In general, the painting pattern is very different to the T-34. I have no idea if the instruction is correct. I can assume that it is so, since the colors mentioned here make sense. Even if they use in Su-122 production another primer as in T-34 production. In one way I am sure, it will look different! Well, the construction goes straight ahead. Just bearing in mind to deepen holes! Next day some oil, brush painting, dry brushing and some details more to spray. Happy modelling

Hallo This is my first MiniArt T-34 kit with interior. In comparison to the AFV Club, where I did two T-34 with interior, this kit is much more detailed. Actually, it is a joy to get this kit done. Sometimes the instruction gave me a search mystery, since some parts are shown in projection, where you see quite nothing, on the other side the comments are not conform to the flow of reading. The tracks are from Friul. I used the old track version, because I had them in storage. On the other hand, I thought it may also have been used in transition time or no new track in storage. But, the length of the track: The kit announced 72 links, actually I had to use 76 links. There may be a pitch mistake! My WIP: Happy modelling

Hallo This is my 4th T-34. The first one was from Dragon without interior. This one is from MiniArt the T-34 85 from plant 112 in 1944. I built two, the 76 and 85 from AFV. The kits are far-out not so detailed as the MiniArt ones. Here I am amazed about the details and accuracy. After building quite some MiniArt kits, I know the pattern of shortcomings. If you know them, they do not matter. At my first MiniArt tank, the T-60 I got crazy about them. · Holes are sometimes too small · If you have locating pins you must deepen holes, or enlarge them in diameter · Locating cuboidal embossments are sometimes difficult to recognize before cutting the part from the sprue · The instruction here you must be careful reading the direction of arrows Today I got also well along. What did I do? At the start I took Friul tracks. Since the links have no pins from the kit! Here I had some tracks in storage, so for this tank I will use an early track. For the second T-34 I will use a late track. There is one issue, where I am not sure. The discrepancies in colors in instruction of AFV vs. MiniArt. MiniArt claims for the rear hull the red ant corrosion color like Minium. In the front the blue grey at the floor and white for side walls. Some equipment at the side walls in blue grey also. The cover for the suspension axles at the floor in white. Well, does anyone have a guideline for the interior color system of Russian tanks in WW2? Now, it is funny I like this kit. I have a very quiet place, unnatural quiet, but my wife is in quarantine because of a positive PCR Test for Covid. Even my dog stays with her, so it is absolute quiet. Not sick, not ill, just reading in a room isolated. What you can see until today is plastic work, my finished tracks, the side walls and suspension, wheels and engine all done. Tomorrow I will finish up my gear box actuator and some interior. Afterward I will spray the first time at this kit. Happy modelling

The Petlyakov Pe-2 was the Soviet light bomber used during World War II and considered as one of the best ground attack aircraft. Built over 11,000 units, it is also one of the most produced twin-engine attack aircraft. The Pe-2 was fast, maneuverable and durable and it was also successful as the roles of heavy fighter, reconnaissance and night fighter. The model replicates the aircraft flown by Senior Lieutenant E. Sedov, 40th Bomber Air Regiment, Soviet Navy Black Sea Fleet Aviation, August 1944. The kit is the Limited Edition from Eduard containing photo etch frets, resin parts and a set of canopy mask. It also includes 5 decal and paint options. It was fun building.

Hallo My second T-34 from AFV with interior. The kit by itself is not so accurate. But, I liked it anyway. The track chain is not the quality I like. I had to absorb it. Well, I hope you like the photos, Happy modelling

Hallo This is my AFV T-34 with the 76 canon. The kit actually is far away from the quality used from MiniArt. In some ways to grasp and to figure out by yourself where parts are correct located. The instruction does not answer your questions. I had the luck to have the MiniArt instruction alongside. Specially the color guide is non existent. The track I used from the kit, since the metal tracks from Friul I will use for the MiniArt kits. In general a fast build. One more with the 85 canon to build next. Happy modelling

Dear fellow Britmodellers, here's my 1/72 Dragon Panzer IV Ausf.J (final production). Painted with Mr.Hobby acrylics, photographs by Wolfgang Rabel. This kit (#7629) includes mesh side skirts, a novelity in small scale. I built out of the box, representing a vehicle from 9th Panzer Division in the Ardennes (1944/45). A commander figure (from Preiser) will be added. Thank you for your interest, best greetings from Vienna! Roman

This is my Revell rebox of the Dragon 1/32 Messerschmitt Bf110. I started this last July and wanted to do the best I could with it as I really like this aircraft it's a very good looking plane. I spent almost seven months building it which includes possibly a month on its own just for painting. The model went together well with a few minor issues that were easily fixed around the wing root. The paints are Mr Colour and Tamiya I mixed various shades to get the desired colour for the camouflage. I the ccolours went over a black base which was then protected with klear floor polish and I then used flory models sand and black washes as I wanted the aircraft to have a dusty used ans battered appearance. Once that was sealed in I used AK pigments Sienna which helped add to the dusty conditions of North Africa. I also dusted the pigments over the canopy as the glass was far too clear and although absolutely brilliant was too clear and clean. I sealed the pigments in with more klear twice more to get more dust onto the surfaces and canopy. I did the same with the figures. I am yet to get accomplished at figure painting but I am satisfied with the clothing and highlighted details with washes etc. I used a drill to create the battle damage which enabled me to show off one engine. I added lead wire into the destroyed engine to add more detail as it'sa.really nice feature on the kit. The base was a £5 cork board from Tesco with cheap pollyfilla (filler for dry wall) and some foam underneath so that there was a bit of depth to the base I wanted the emergency landing to be a split second from catastrophe but they stopped just in time. I did add dents to the nose as well as I wanted it to appear as though stones etc had been kicked up by the crash landing and caused damage. Anyway I am so happy to call this finished and happy with the result. Enjoy the photos and all comments welcome. I couldn't do anything about the back ground as it's a small room but the sunlight lent itself very well for the scene I have here.

Dear fellow Britmodellers, here's my annual round-up of completed model kits. Due to external circumstances 2021 turned out to be one of my most productive years. All photographs by Wolfgang Rabel. 1/72 Special Hobby Marder II 1/72 AZ Model Bf-109 G14AS "Black 3" of JG27: 1/72 Revell SdKfz 7: 1/72 UniModel SU-100 with OKB Grigorov wheels: 1/72 Academy M3 Half Track with Blackdog stowage: 1/72 Eduard Fw-190 A8 "Black 4" of JG300: 1/72 Eduard Spitfire IXe "Soviet Air Force": 1/72 Hasegawa He-111 H-16 (with special thanks to @Sky Keg ) : 1/72 Airfix Me-262 A2: 1/72 Italeri M8 Greyhound: 1/72 Tamiya Mosquito Mk.XVII: 1/72 Eastern Express Yak-9B: 1/72 Attack Mercedes L1500: 1/72 Dragon Willys Jeep w/armored cab: 1/72 Dan Taylor Modelworks Humber Mk.II: 1/72 Special Hobby SdKfz 250: 1/72 Hasegawa Ju-88 G1: 1/72 Sabre Kits Henschel Hs-126: 1/72 Revell Sturmpanzer 38(t) Grille Ausf. M: 1/72 Kovozávody Prostějov Lavochkin La-5: 1/72 Kovozávody Prostějov Hawker Tempest Mk.V: 1/72 Dragon Sherman M4A1: 1/72 Arsenal Model Group P-63A "Soviet Air Force": 1/72 IBG Otter Scout Car: 1/72 Revell P-47D Thunderbolt: 1/72 Revell T-34/85 with OKB Grigorov wheels and Golikov Project turret: 1/72 Special Hobby A-20 Boston "Soviet Air Force": 1/72 PST ZIS-6 with M30 122mm Howitzer: 1/72 AZ Model Bf-109 G-10/R2 (recce version w/ AML camera housing): 1/72 Sword Spitfire XIVe "Polish Squadron": 1/72 Dragon T-34/85 with OKB Grigorov tracks and wheels, Golikov Project turret: Thank you for your interest, all the best for 2022. Greetings from Vienna Roman

After trying to build two Typhoons simultaneously a few years ago, and failing, I decided it would be easier to build four(!) at the same time. One of the four is the left-over from the first attempt, see this thread on Aeroscale: Tale of Two Tiffies . I am using three different kits: the Pavla car-door, the Brengun bubble-top, and two of the Airfix late-war version with 4 blade prop and Tempest tail planes. The schemes I have chosen are: (Top two profiles by Chris Davey from Osprey's Typhoon and Tempest Aces of World War 2 by Chris Thomas; bottom two profiles by Chris Thomas from 2nd Tactical Airforce Vol. 4 by Shores and Thomas) I have spent several days already on getting the parts to fit together, which for the Pavla kit has been a considerable hassle! The wings and fin have had to be thinned considerably, as have the cockpit areas (and still the resin cockpit doesn't fit as intended). Both the Airfix and Brengun kits mainly need the height of the wheel wells reduced to allow the wings to close properly. In the case of the Brengun, the tops surfaces were sanded to translucency, as well as the bottom edges coming up too. The Brengun has the edge over the Airfix wheel wells, and in detail and accuracy in general, but every part needed some clean-up. The Airfix open gun panels inspired me to open one wing on the Brengun kit, originally intending to use the Airfix parts in the wing. However, on closer inspection 1) they weren't a good fit, and 2) are not accurate enough. So I'll have to scratch build something. All the parts needing silver painting were stuck to sticks and airbrushed, then given a brown wash. I'm onto the cockpit painting now (black above the tubular framework, dry brushed with grey, grey-green below). The Airfix instrument panel transfers look OK, and for this scale, and considering it is really hard to see into the cockpit of the Typhoon, they will be fine.

Hi All, My first completion for 2022 is Special Hobby's 1:48 Blackburn Skua. The model was completed as L2963 of 803 Sqn FAA, pilot Lt C H Filmer, TAG Midn T A Mckee DSC, flying from HMS Ark Royal. The aircraft was shot down during the raid on the Scharnhorst on 13th July 1940, and force landed near Trondheim with both crew being taken as PoWs. The aircraft was recovered by German forces, and several good photos of the aircraft therefore exist (copyright Michael Balss - images used for discussion only and will be removed on request). There are a couple of notable things about the scheme: - The non-standard centre to the fuselage roundels - The interesting personal marking by the cockpit, which shows an arm in naval uniform firing a Luger at a wasp with a human Hitler head (of course) - The propeller is finished with an aluminium front and black rear Here's the scheme as presented by SH: I have replicated the non-standard fuselage roundels, but chose to use standard 'B' type roundels on the wings instead of the 'A' type provided, as I felt these would be more appropriate(due to their small size I used 1:72 wing roundels from a Wildcat, which were the perfect size ). I also retained the black & white underside, although there had been an Admiralty order around this time to overpaint the underside in Sky (invoking Modeller Rule #1 - it's my model and I shall do as I wish!) The kit as presented has a couple of inaccuracies, some of which I chose to correct (some of which I learned about too late!). In no particular order: - The underside cavity for the bomb is the wrong shape - it should be rectangular, rather than the 'lozenge' shape presented. - This aircraft should only have a landing light on the port wing, rather than both (this was serial number dependent) As I had applied primer before I was aware of these inaccuracies, I chose to let them lie. I did however make a number of additions which hopefully have improved the end result: - Scratch built the rear bulkhead in the TAG position - Boxed in the landing lights and added lamps - Added wingtip formation lights using clear sprue - Scratch built the distinctive bomb release crutch using plastic rod - Drilled wingtip hand holds - Modified the main undercarriage legs to emulate the distinctive vertical stance - Added non-slip walkways to both wing roots - Changed the a/c code letter on the tail from black to blue, as was standard FAA practice at this time Here's the WIP if anyone is interested: I've thoroughly enjoyed learning about this unusual type, and the quality of the build has been helped immensely by several contributors, including @iang, @mick b, @Grey Beema, and @Heather Kay - thank you all very much for your advice and contribution. Anyway, enough waffle and on with the photos! Finally (and just to illustrate scale, you understand ), I took a couple of shots with FAA contemporaries the Fairey Swordfish and Vought Chesapeake (one of which was a lumbering old dog, and the other was a Swordfish 🤣): I've very much enjoyed building this most unusual of aircraft, and learning more about its significant contribution in the dark early days of the war. The desire to build a companion Blackburn Roc has significantly increased, as it would be rather rude not to! Thanks for looking, Roger

Hi all, My name is Nick and have been in and out of the model for the last 5 or 6 years. Only in the last year I've taken it back up as my full time hobby. I build allied ww2 afv's and have just started to explore allied soft skin vehicles. I have a passion for the churchill and sherman tanks, also bedford and scammell trucks. I have almost finished a Churchill mk.v from afv club. It has been a 6 month + build but due to work commitments and moving house I have only just set the bench up again. Will try to post a picture when I figure out how.

Hi All, Having recently RFI'd my Sptfire Mk.I, I now have the appetite for something a little less... mainstream, shall we say? What better than an early war, twin seat, Bristol-(under)powered beastie to get the juices flowing? I've had Special Hobby's Skua peeking at me from the stash for a while, and I'm feeling suitably strong-willed to give it a red-hot crack. Here's the box art: As you can see, this is the 'Norwegian Campaign' boxing, which allows completion of 3 schemes from 800 or 803 Sqn FAA, all of which were embarked aboard HMS Ark Royal in July 1940. All 3 aircraft were also shot down during the attack on the Scharnhorst on 13th July 1940, although only one of the six crew were killed (Lt. R S Bostock) - happily(?) the rest were taken as PoWs. Of the 15 aircraft which took part in the raid, 8 were shot down - brave men indeed. As we all know, the prototype Skua was powered by the Bristol Mercury, but the Mk.II was Perseus-powered, and 190 aircraft were delivered to the FAA. Although they acquitted themselves well in Norway and the Mediterranean, they struggled against more modern opposition, and were withdrawn from front line service in 1941. I'm going to complete as this scheme: This is L2963 of 803 Sqn FAA. I've never completed an FAA aircraft in Sky Grey before, so this will be an exciting new experience! A quick image search does not turn up any pics identifiable as L2963, but there are a number of pics of Skuas from 803 Sqn aboard Ark Royal in 1940: Some nice details visible there. Here's another: Finally, here's a nice shot of the cockpit: On to the kit - here's the sprue shots: Moulded in the usual SH hard, mid-grey plastic. The surface detail looks reasonable, although I might have to give Rosie an outing... Here's the transparencies and resin parts, which includes what looks to be a very nice Lewis gun: Here's the decals, PE fret and the mask set I picked up: So off we go on another FAA adventure! I also have a Hurricane Mk.I (Tropical) I might build in parallel just for a bit of light relief, inspired by @bigbadbadge's lovely recent 'spaghetti' scheme (watch this space!) Thanks for looking, Roger

Hi All, My latest completion (possibly the last of the year? ) is Airfix' lovely 1:48 Hurricane Mk.I Tropical. I have built two previous versions of this kit (of which more later), and I know that it is a lovely kit, viceless to build. I've chosen to complete as P2638 of 274 Sqn RAF, flown by Sgt F H Dean from Sidi Barrani, Egypt, 1941. I'm currently reading 'The Desert Air War' by Richard Townsend Bickers, and it's been an eye-opener to the imbalance and shifting nature of that conflict, as well as the pivotal role played by the Hurricanes of 274: Here's a photo of the aircraft (and Sgt Dean): The model was completed mostly OOB, apart from the addition of a Yahu instrument panel, and Eduard harness and canopy masks. Inspired by the photo I've chosen to open up the wing gun ports to add a little interest - I've also tried to replicate the level of wear apparent on the airframe, as well as the locally applied 'spaghetti' camouflage. Anyway, on with the photos: Here's a shot with a Desert Air Force compatriot - a P40 from 112 Sqn: Finally, I couldn't resist a group shot with Dickie Cork's Sea Hurricane from Operation Torch, along with a BoB example: I've very much enjoyed this build, and I'll add it to my 2021 yearbook, which is here if anyone is interested: Thanks for looking, Roger

Hi All, I thought I'd add a second build thread along with my current Skua WIP, as I've got a sneaking feeling I might need some light relief from that build , so I'll see how I go with 2 separate WIPs for the moment! This will be my 3rd build of an Airfix Hurricane (the others being a BoB Mk.I, and Dickie Cork's Sea Hurricane), so the kit holds few surprises (which is part of the attraction!). Here's the box art: Here's the sprue shots: Both transparencies and decals look nice: I've got a Yahu instrument panel, masks and Eduard seat belts: I'm going to complete as the box scheme, which is P2638, flown by Sgt F H Dean of 274 Sqn, based in Sidi Barrani, Egypt 1941: Here's a photo of the aircraft, along with Sgt Dean: The spaghetti scheme will add an extra level of interest to the colour scheme, so I hope I can do it justice - there's also some lovely detail in the photo showing wear and tear, which I shall do my best to replicate. Inspired by the photo, I'm also going to open up the panels on the port wing to show off the provided machine guns. I've already made the cut, which you can see here: Here's the finished article, which looks acceptable to my eye. After a very busy few weeks it's nice to be back at the bench, so I'll be working on this and the Skua today and tomorrow - wish me luck! Thanks for looking, Roger

Here is a WIP shot of a diorama set in Normandy 1944. As the title suggests it will include a house, a small orchard or veggie garden and a tree as a basic description. A churchill or firefly tank will be included as well as many other details. Here is a picture of the almost completed house.

Hi All, My latest completion is Airfix' Spitfire Mk.I, finished as FY*Q of 611 (West Lancashire) Sqn, based at RAF Duxford in Autumn 1939. Here's a photo of the aircraft: There are a few unusual elements to this scheme: - The lighter blue of the fuselage roundels - On the starboard side, the tail of the 'Q' is truncated (presumably painted over) - There is a lighter panel (again, probably freshly painted at MU) - The lack of an a/c serial This is a Mk.I right at the start of the conflict, so it does not have any seat armour, has the early armoured windscreen, 'pole' antenna and no IFF wires. This was originally part of a dual build, along with a Mk.XV Seafire, to show the evolution of the aircraft across WW2 (the Seafire was from July 1945 - geddit?). Sadly the Seafire did not make it, as every single one of the decals practically exploded on contact with water 🤬. Here's the last photo of both together before its sad demise: The scheme was completed using Tamiya (DG), AK Interactive (DE & White), Vallejo Nato Black & Aluminium. I had an Eduard etch set for the cockpit, and a set of Eduard masks. I finished the gun port covers using my now favoured method of painted Tamiya tape, and the wing walk markings were masked and sprayed. Anyway, on with the photos! Although I've never been a particular fan of early Spitfire schemes I've actually grown quite fond of it over the build, and it makes for a slightly less-seen version than the ubiquitous BoB schemes. I may have to repeat the Seafire build, and I'm certainly going to extend the Spitfire types in the collection! Thanks for looking, Roger *EDIT* Hi All, As there was some commentary over the appearance of the finished scheme, I couldn't resist taking some photos under natural light to try and offer another perspective. As a comment was also made that the Spit looked as if it were wearing a desert scheme, I thought it would be rude not to include a desert scheme to compare and contrast 😙 (the same Dark Earth paint is used on both Desert scheme and TLS - please excuse the missing antenna wire on the Tomahawk). I hope that this provides a better representation of the finished model - I also slipped in a Defiant as another early war RAF comparator, just for sh*ts and giggles! Here's the photos: Thanks for looking, Roger