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Hi All, Sorry I'm late - I do have a note! Full disclosure - I started this build a couple of weeks ago, blissfully unaware that this great beast of an STGB was lumbering along! Happily, @Ol' Scrapiron happened to chance on my build in 'normal' WIP, and @vppelt68 very kindly invited me to join this esteemed company - so here I jolly well am! I am going to build a Fortress Mk.I (the B17C in RAF service), more specifically as AN530 of 90 Sqn, based at Polebrook in Summer 1941. These were the first B17s to see combat, and although they were ultimately rapidly assigned other duties much was learned about high-altitude operations in the heat of combat which informed the B17E, the first version to be considered an effective war machine. Here's a photo of the aircraft: Here's another nice shot of crew preparing to board AN530: And here's some propaganda footage of the squadron's first mission, kindly shared on the original thread by @Eric Mc: Now there is some uncertainty around the colour scheme, and I have seen it modelled with Dark Slate Grey and Extra Dark Sea Grey uppers. However, I believe that it is more likely that the original Dark Green and Dark Earth uppers were retained, with an approximation to PRU Blue on the lower surfaces, much like this: I know this a different airframe, but the scheme shows the nice curved high demarcation aft of the wing. I shall be making my own marking masks using a Silhouette cutter. As I mentioned I did start this build a little while ago, so here's a link to the start of the build if anyone is interested: In case you were not aware, the Wolfpack Design kit is a re-issue of the old Academy kit which is of 80s vintage. There are a few improvements I have made (or intend to make), summarised as follows: - Correct the cockpit floor to two levels - Add the radio room, along with floors for the rear gun blisters and fuselage ribbing - Open out the oil cooler ports, which are blank on the lower wings - Correct the excessive wing dihedral - 3D printed radio gear, bomb sight, navigator & bomb aimer chairs and oxygen bottles I think that's it?! Anyway, very glad to be on board and looking forward to lots of Fort action and banter! Thanks for looking, Roger

Afrikakorps Soldier Prodding Unwilling Camel (F72391 & F48392) 1:72 & 1:48 Special Hobby During WWII in the African theatre of operations, both sides used the tools available to them to fight and transport themselves to the next battle, so naturally the camel featured at some point. The camel, known colloquially as the ‘ship of the desert’, is a large mammal that is as cantankerous as it is capable, having a huge fat storage hump on its back that allows it to travel for up to 40 days without a proper drink, its long legs and feet making it a capable of travelling vast distances without taking one step forward and two back in sand dunes. They’re still used everywhere there’s a desert, although 4x4 transport is taking over where the need arises. A reviewer of mostly military models and accessories must be flexible, so when the first set of camels came in, I thought “fair enough, a once in a lifetime thing. No problem”. Now we have two more camels in to review. An unexpected sequel, but now I’m just waiting for the next one. These two sets are 3D printed in both main aviation scales to go with your Afrikakorps or Luftwaffe desert diorama, whether it’s in the background or playing a primary role. The set name is a little misleading, as even the drawings show that the soldier is simply holding the reins of the camel loosely in his hand, probably waiting for Humpfrey to get up so he can finally make some progress. Both sets are supplied in the usual clamshell box with card header, the colours and branding different by scale for reasons that aren’t immediately apparent. The instructions are simple, and are hidden between the resin part and the backing, consisting of a simple visual of the model with painting examples. Both scale sets still have many supports attached to the underside, and to support the head of the beast, as well as the horizontal parts of the hopeful rider, who is wearing a peaked cap, which needed support during curing. I have nipped the supports from the larger model to show off the face, and as you may have already noticed the designs are the same for man and beast, just the scales that are different. 1:72 (F72391) 1:48 (F48392) With only a little work to do in order to remove the attachment pips on the underside, it should be ready for paint pretty quickly, and the detail is superb, leaving you to provide the harness controlling the animal’s movement, as well as it can be at least. Conclusion Detail is fabulous, with every aspect of the rider and camel carefully replicated, including the shaggy, wrinkly texture of the animal’s fur and its goofy face, however it still looks a little too happy based on the camels I’ve met before. Camels are a miserable, cantankerous species. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Hi All, My next project will be Wolfpack's B17C, to be completed as an RAF Fortress Mk.I. I have not built a Wolfpack kit before, but my understanding is that this is a re-issue of the Academy kit which I think is 80's vintage. Here's the box art: Here's the sprue shots: All look to possess nice crisp detail. Here's the decals, along with a thoughtfully included set of glazing masks: Other than the instruments those decals won't see the light of day, as I intend to complete as one of these two schemes: Both aircraft have TSS uppers, with the lower aircraft having PRU Blue undersides (albeit with a high demarcation running through the roundel). This one should be fun! Thanks for looking, Roger

Hi All, My latest completion is Special Hobby's Digby. Perhaps better known as the B18 Bolo in US service, a single squadron of these aircraft were delivered to the RCAF in 1940. The type was used by 10 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron in the maritime patrol role, and were in service until 1943 when they were replaced by the B24, with a consequent increase in range and payload. The type was well-liked by its crews and was reliable and sturdy - during service the squadron gained the nickname 'North Atlantic Squadron'. The squadron had a number of bases during the Digby's service, but were primarily based at Gander, Newfoundland. I've chosen to complete as PB*X 747, which on 30th October 1942 was responsible for the sinking of U520. Here's a photo showing 747 in the background (photo for discussion only - will be removed on request): Here's the WIP if anybody is interested: Anyway, on with the photos: Here's a final shot with another unusual RCAF aircraft: I've enjoyed learning more about this unusual aircraft. My learning was greatly assisted by @Carl V, who was most generous with information on the Digby (thanks again Carl!) Thanks also to all those who have added kind words and encouragement along the way - it has been much appreciated! Thanks for looking, Roger

Hi all. Currently working on a 1/72 Airfix Lanc, and I have a little bit of a dilemma requiring any knowledge from those more experienced with RAF markings of the WWII period. I'm aiming to use the kit decals for the roundels so its not so much a case of painting those on all together, but more for highlighting after for a bit of fading as I've done with the camo. The other aspect is the actual aircraft code. I need AJ-T, but the Airfix kit is only AJ-G and AJ-W. The T I have in a KitsWorld decal set, along with the aircraft serial, but the problem is KitsWorld has used an entirely different (and brighter) shade of red. In order to match the shade I have to either mix up something or use something premade. I spray with a booth in a room in the house so it really needs to be acrylics. Lacquers at a stretch. Anything close enough which can be lightened with a drop of white/buff/deck tan, or any combinations would be appreciated. A test I did a little while back for the red had my combining Tamiya XF-7 Red and XF-9 Hull Red for a fairly close approximation (until I forgot the mixture and will have to try it again ><), but the blue is a little trickier. XF-8 Flat Blue is not only too bright, and I'd assume the same for Medium Blue, but also tonally off. Can't just darken with black either as the test for that wasn't too convincing. So anything acrylic ideally. Real Color lacquer would be a potential option, and along with Tamiya (likely have to be a mix) would be best just for ease of spray in a confined area, otherwise I risk spattering. I think I have the red down but again any pointers would be appreciated. Chiefly need help with the blue if you can. Cheers. Gaz

Hi All, My next project will be Special Hobby's Digby, otherwise known as the B18 Bolo in US service. Now I shall admit that I knew nothing about this aircraft, but was looking for an esoteric subject after my Buffalo build - boy did I find it! The B-18 was based on the DC2 airliner and entered service with the USAAC in the mid-30s. The Canadian government purchased 20 of these aircraft in 1940, and following an evaluation period they were issued to 10 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron, replacing their entirely unsuitable Westland Wapitis in the maritime patrol role. To my considerable surprise they served in this role until 1943 when they were superceded by B24s, which carried a much heavier payload for a longer range. This is not to say that 10 Sqn were unsuccessful with the Digby - indeed aircraft 747 piloted by F/O F Raymes successfully sank U520 on 30th October 1942 east of Newfoundland. Based on their success the squadron gained the unofficial title 'North Atlantic Squadron'. So, an unusual subject with an interesting history! Here's the box art: Here's the sprue shots: All in SH's usual hard grey plastic - detail all looks very nice. This was a large aircraft - comparable in size to the Wellington, I should say. Some nice transparencies: As usual there's a mix of resin and PE: The decals look to be nicely in register: There are a number of schemes, a couple of which depict aircraft in very early war camouflage (probably during the aircraft's evaluation phase?). I'm more interested in the aircraft during its active service, so a scheme such as this may be a good option: There is an all white scheme too: I initially wrote this option off, until I noticed the rather important phrase 'later on the machine received maritime camouflage'. So could it be that there is a TSS option out there? I have only found photos of the aircraft all in white, but that would be a tantalising proposition indeed (I bet @dogsbody would be all over this!). Anyway, it should be a fantastic learning opportunity, so feel free to hop on board the Bolobus! Thanks for looking, Roger

Hi All, My latest completion is Tamiya's Brewster Buffalo. I've chosen to complete this as an RAAF example, A51-13 of 25 Sqn RAAF, based at RAAF Dunreath, Western Australia, 1942. 25 Sqn were tasked with the air defence of Perth, and this aircraft was flown by Flt Sgt J Bailey. Here's a couple of photos of the aircraft (and presumably the aforementioned pilot?): The build was OOB, with marking masks cut on a Silhouette Portrait. Here's a link to the WIP if anyone is interested: This was part of an informal group build with my esteemed companions @mark.au and @AliGauld - many thanks for the pleasure of your company along the journey gentlemen, it has been great fun. With that, here's the photos: Here's a couple of final shots with a homegrown fighter of similar stance and proportion: It's nice to have this unusual aircraft in RAAF colours, and it's a great addition to the collection. Thanks to all those who have provided kind words and encouragement along the way - it has been much appreciated! Thanks for looking, Roger

Hi All, Fresh from finishing my Anson, the RAAF camouflage set a spark off. Some quick research revealed that the Buffalo did serve in Earth Brown and Foliage Green over Sky Blue: Here's a photo of A51-13: I would say from the photo that the aircraft code is more likely Sky Blue than white, with the '310' more likely white than the yellow depicted in the scheme. Here's the box art: And here's the sprue shots: Here's the transparencies: No open cockpit without surgery! Here's the decals and canopy masks: This should be a straightforward, enjoyable build. Now everybody has one of these in the stash, right? If anyone's interested I think this is a great opportunity for an informal group build. I bet @mark.au would be up for this one?! Anyone else tag along for the ride! Thanks for looking, Roger

Hi All, My latest completion is Airfix' wonderful new-tool Anson. I've chosen to complete as one of the box schemes, more precisely this one: As you can see AW665 was painted in an experimental camouflage scheme designed for maritime patrol missions. The white was applied over the 'standard' RAAF scheme of Earth Brown and Foliage Green over Sky, with the flanks in matt white with gloss white undersides. Here's a photo of AW665: The build was mostly OOB, albeit with harnesses added. I also chose to pose the side access door open, to open up some of the lovely internal detail: Here's the WIP if anyone is interested: Anyway, on to the photos: Finally, one of the major learnings for me was the size of the Anson. I'd always thought of it as a small aircraft, but here's a shot with a Mossie for scale: Two very different aircraft, but very similar in size! I've enjoyed this build immensely - Airfix are to be congratulated on this superb kit. It is one of the best kits I have built in any scale, and the detail and engineering are simply marvellous. Thanks for all those who have added encouragement and kind words along the way - it has been much appreciated! My next project may also involve some of the colours seen here - watch this space! Thanks for looking, Roger

Hi All, My latest completion is Airfix lovely little Blenheim IV. I'd always held shy of buying this kit as I thought it was old tool and hard, but to my pleasant surprise it turned out to be of 2015 vintage and eminently buildable! Rather than building one of the box schemes I went with this one: Of note are the Bristol turret and the gas patch on the rear fuselage - can't resist a TSS scheme! 248 Sqn were based at RAF Dyce (now Aberdeen Airport) during 1941, carrying out maritime strike and convoy escort duties. In June 1941 they then transferred to Norfolk, at which time they re-equipped with Beaufighters. The build was pretty much OOB - here's the WIP if anyone is interested: Anyway, on with the pics: Here's a final shot with some other Bristol lovelies: I've very much enjoyed this build, and it's nice to have another glass-nosed Bristol in the collection! Thanks to all those who have offered kind words and encouragement along the way - it has been much appreciated! Thanks for looking, Roger

Hi All, Well this is exciting! I've finally got my hands on Airfix' lovely Annie, after a veeeeeeery long wait! I've been itching to get this kit so as soon as it popped up as available I got it ordered. Here's the box, which is surprisingly big: Here's the sprue shots: You can see some lovely surface detail there! Here's the rather lovely transparencies: The decal sheet, which allows for 3 schemes (one RAF, one RCAF and one RAAF): I'm going to complete as one of these schemes - more precisely this one: As you can see it's an RAAF version, AW665 of 71 Sqn RAAF, based at Lowood QLD in October 1943. This was an experimental camouflage scheme for anti-submarine missions. The aircraft has often been modelled in TSS, which would have been lovely but sadly incorrect. Here's a photo of the aircraft: You can see that the codes are pretty dark - Airfix present them in Sky so I shall have to do something about that. I believe they should be in Dark Sea Grey so I shall whip out the Silhouette to cut some stencils. I am very much looking forward to this build! Thanks for looking, Roger

Hi All, My latest completion is Airfix' Defiant, completed as an Air Sea Rescue variant V1121 of 277 Sqn RAF, based at RAF Hawkinge in 1942. I couldn't find any pictures of V1121, but here's another Defiant of 277: The aircraft is modelled in TSS 'B' Scheme, with Sky codes and spinner. There was some discussion in the WIP over the scheme itself - here's the WIP if anybody is interested: The ASR variant carried a dinghy pack along with smoke flares - here's the dinghy pack: These did not come with the kit, so they were designed in Fusion 360 and 3D printed. I also added an Eduard harness and rivetted the airframe, but it was otherwise OOB. Anyway, on with the photos! Here's a final shot with an 'original' Mk.I which I completed a few years ago: This has been an enjoyable build, and it's nice to have an unusual version of the Defiant in the collection! Thanks to all who have offered advice and support along the way - it has been much appreciated! Thanks for looking, Roger

German Tank Riders Set 2 (35377) 1:35 MiniArt via Creative Models Ltd Getting a lift on a tank was a treat for the foot-soldier that occasionally turned sour if their lift came under fire from an enemy tank, especially if the turret started to rotate and the crew began using the main gun. Sometimes they’d ride into battle on the back of a tank, using the turret as cover until it came time to dismount, other times it was a case of sitting somewhere flat on the hull of the tank, saving a quantity of shoe-leather getting from A to Battle. The set arrives in an end-opening figure box, and inside are seven sprues in grey styrene, three of which were linked within the box on arrival, but were removed for ease of photography. Each figure has a separate sprue, and there are three larger sprues of accessories that will provide plenty of additional fodder for other projects or the spares box. The figures are broken down sensibly into torso, separate arms, legs and heads, with additional breaks where detail and moulding requirements dictate, especially in the hands where fingers are separated to grip weapons, and where the bottom of the feet would be visible, the sole has been moulded separately in order to depict the tread. Two soldiers are sitting cradling their rifles, while one is kneeling and holding his MP44 in both hands as if he is a little wary of possible enemy contact. The final figure is crouched on his haunches with an MP40 in his hands, leaning forward and alert, as if he is also concerned about what it coming down the road. Someone ought to tell the other two, as they seem totally unaware. The three accessory sprues are filled with various weapons that include Kar98 rifles, MP40s, MP44s, MP38s, an FG42, and various pistols in and out of holsters. Ammo pouches, map bags, ammo boxes, water bottles, gas mask cylinders, day bags, entrenching tools, bayonets in and out of scabbards, a row of seven Stahlhelms that use sliding moulds to create the distinctive peak and rear brim of the helmets, as well as an open kit box with hollow interior, lid, and a hollow cup. The last bit of slide-moulding is used to provide the recessed lenses for a pair of field glasses. There are a few items on the sprues where the uses are not immediately clear, but as they’re in a tiny minority and shouldn’t be needed for this set, it’s not an issue. As always with MiniArt figure sets, the sculpting, poses and fabric drape of the individuals is first-rate, with construction eased by the join lines of the parts being along the natural seams or bends of the various limbs, which extends to the accessories in equal measure. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Hi All, My next project will be Airfix' Defiant, back in my more familiar quarter scale after a number of 1:72 builds. Now I have built this kit before as a 'standard' Mk.I, so I thought rather than the usual day or night fighter schemes, I'd go with something a little less common. As @Fritag is currently engaged in a frankly superb 3D printing-enhanced rendition of a target tug, I settled on an Air Sea Rescue variant instead. I shan't bother with the box art or sprue shots as you've all seen them before! 🤣 As my subject I've selected V1121 of 277 Sqn RAF, based at RAF Hawkinge in 1942. Now there are a couple of versions of this scheme available, the first one being this: I personally do not believe that DFS would have been used for this mission, so I am going for TSS instead: I'm also going to go for dark red aircraft codes- I have not found a photo of this aircraft, but did turn up the following of an aircraft of 276 Sqn: As you can see TSS is noted, as are the Dark Red codes and the absence of a Sky identification band. Not apparent are the wing-mounted dinghy pods shown on the schemes. I did turn up a couple of pics relating to these: I will design these in Fusion and 3D print them, but otherwise the build will be mostly OOB. I will however give Rosie the Riveter a day in the sun, as the kit's surface detail displays not a single rivet: As you can see they are a prominent feature of the Defiant, so hopefully that will lift the build a little. I'm rather looking forward to this one! Thanks for looking, Roger

Lavochkin La-7 Berlin Operation (MKM144152) 1:144 Mark I Models The Lavochkin La-7 was the ultimate refinement of a series of designs that began in the pre-war period with the underpowered LaGG-1. It differed from its immediate predecessor, the La-5, in several ways. The wing was redesigned in order to accommodate the engine air intakes and stronger, lighter wing spars made from aluminium alloy that were utilised. The engine benefitted from redesigned exhausts and a new propeller was fitted up front, and many aircraft were fitted with three of the lighter Berezin B-20 20mm cannon instead of a pair of ShVAK 20mm cannon carried by the La-5, increasing the weight a little, but the slowing effects of their bulk was all-but cancelled out by the additional power of the engine, aerodynamic improvements and the new exhausts that contributed a little thrust to the equation. Despite flaws with the new engine arrangement, combat trials were considered a success, with 55 enemy aircraft shot down for 4 losses. It was considered superior to its German contemporaries, lacking only in terms of firepower (hence the switch to the three Berezin cannon arrangement) and reliability. The latter gradually improved over the aircraft's service life, and the great Soviet fighter ace Ivan Nykytovych Kozhedub flew the aircraft when he claimed the last 17 of his 64 official victories. Around 2,000 airframes were delivered into service before the war’s end, with a grand total of 5,700 flooding off the production lines before they were shut down in 1946. The Kit This is a new kit from Mark I, and the first boxing includes markings for airframes that were flying over Berlin during the last days of WWII. The kit arrives in a small end-opening box, which isn’t an issue at this scale, and inside are two sprues of olive green styrene, two sprues of clear parts, a single decal sheet, and a folded sheet of A4 instructions, printed in colour on both sides. You get parts to make two kits, and there is a choice of cowling parts for each of your models to differentiate them on the display shelves. The models are very small of course, with the fuselage parts only 5cm or 2” long before adding the cowlings, but detail is good, but be prepared for handling small parts, as there are quite a few. You may be able to see from the photos that there are very fine tooling marks on some of the sloping surfaces, but having run my fingers over them, they are visual only, and will disappear under a coat of primer. These two photos are of the same sprue from either side to show the detail. Construction begins with the minute little cockpit, which has a separate seat and control column added to the L-shaped floor, that is then inserted in the space between the upper wing halves that are moulded in their entirety as a single-span, single-thickness part, with commendably thin trailing edges as a result. The fuselage halves are joined together, have the top cowling choice made after removing a little flash in the area, the representation of the engine inserted in the choice of cowlings, after which it can be mated with the fuselage, noting that there is a tiny instrument panel with dial decal, and a rear bulkhead that are added beforehand. The fin and rudder are moulded into the fuselage, but the elevators are each a single part that use the standard slot and tab method to fit into the tail of the beast. You even have a choice of open or closed canopies, using either one contiguous clear part, or three separate sections to pose the canopy open. Underneath the model are main gear legs with separate retraction jacks, wheels and captive gear bay doors, plus a tail-wheel in the rear that has a linked pair of bay doors inserted into the fuselage that also acts as the base for the strut. A front view shows how the landing gear should sit on the ground to assist you with fitting it all at the correct angle. The main gear bays also have small inner doors moulded as a V, and the radiator fairing under the belly is also fixed onto a recess in the central trailing edge of the wing part. The final assembly is the three-bladed prop, which is moulded as a single part with a two-part spinner surrounding it, sliding the axle into the hole in the front of the fuselage. There is a radio antenna moulded into one fuselage half, but you’ll need to make your own pitot probe for the starboard tip, which the colour profiles will help with, as they’re 1:144. They also provide a wiring map for the radio mast to the tail. Markings There are a generous four decal options on the sheet, of which you’ll be able to build two, of course. The profiles are given in full in the instruction sheet, but larger side profiles can be found on the back of the box. From the box you can build two of the following: Decals are by an unknown printer, with good registration, sharpness and colour density, with a thin gloss carrier film cut close to the printed areas. Conclusion I’m constantly amazed by the level of detail achievable on such small models, and this little Lavochkin won’t disappoint. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Hi All, My next project will be Airfix' Blenheim Mk.IVF. Now I'd always assumed that this was an old tool re-box, but when I did a bit of research I found out that it was a new tool from 2014 (although I suppose that's getting on a bit now!) Here's the box art: Here's the sprues, in Airfix' usual light grey, softish plastic: All look to be nice and crisp with a decent level of detail. Here's the transparency sprue: Here's the decals, which look to be nicely in register: I decided to ignore the box schemes, particularly once I saw this one: Of note are the Bristol turret and the gas patch on the rear fuselage - also can't resist TSS, I'm afraid! A bit of research told me that 248 Sqn were based at RAF Dyce (now Aberdeen Airport) during 1941, carrying out maritime strike and convoy escort duties. In June 1941 they then transferred darn sarf to Norfolk, at which time they re-equipped with Beaufighters. I've decided to run this build concurrently with my N-3PB build, as both are TSS schemes, and I am lazy going to paint them at the same time! Anyway, on with the show, Thanks for looking, Roger

Hi All, My next project will be Special Hobby's N-3PB. This aircraft was purchased off the drawing board (24 in total) by the Norwegian government in 1940, just before the fall of that country. On delivery these aircraft were operated from Iceland by 330 Sqn RAF, made up exclusively of exiled Norwegian aircrew. This squadron flew from 1941, performing maritime patrol and anti-submarine missions until they were replaced by the far more capable Sunderland. This will be my first floatplane build, although I have built a couple of seaplanes (namely the Sunderland and Walrus). Here's the box art: I believe this was a new tool kit in 2015, and the sprue shots show a nice level of detail: Floatage: And the small transparency sprue: Not sure if I have the testicular fortitude to separate those canopy elements! The decals look nicely in register, along with a small PE fret (I think those are the rudders): At this stage I'm planning to complete as this aircraft GS*G: Very evocative photos showing the operating conditions! I may have to do a bit of wear and tear on this airframe to reflect the harsh life. Anyway, off we jolly well trot! Thanks for looking, Roger

Hi All, My fifth 🤩 completion for the year is Special Hobby's Boston Mk.III, completed as Z2230 of 88 Sqn RAF, based at RAF Swanton Morley in July 1941. 88 Sqn were formed in July 1941 and were tasked with the operational evaluation of the Boston, after converting from Blenheims. There are a number of photos of Z2230 (photos for discussion only and will be removed on request): Tail only shot: Third in line: And one showing the code RH*D: You can see that there is a disparity in the roundel type between the first three photos and the last, and that there is a mix of older MSG and newer dark red squadron and aircraft codes between the aircraft. I've chosen to model Z2230 in the 'early' scheme of Type A1 roundel and MSG codes as in the last photo - I have therefore omitted the tail patch seen in the first photo, which looks to be a repair patch. I built this kit as an RCAF Mk.III Intruder last year, so I know there are foibles in the kit. Here's the WIP for this build if anybody is interested: I made a few 'improvements' to the kit: - Shimmed the fuselage by 1mm to correct the mismatch with the glazing - Added wingtip lights using clear sprue - Scratch built a Mk.IX bomb sight Anyway, enough waffle and on with the photos! And here's a couple of shots with the aforementioned RCAF Mk.III Intruder with its experimental DG/OG/Night colour scheme: I've very much enjoyed this build despite the challenges, and it's nice to have an 'early' RAF Boston in the collection! Thanks for looking, Roger

Hi All, My latest project in the 'Reasonably Priced Kits To Keep Dunny Busy On Gardening Leave' Series is Special Hobby's Douglas Boston Mk.III. Now once again, some of you may be feeling a rather eerie sense of deja vu as I built one of these last year as an RCAF Night Intruder, but this time we are going back to the Boston's original role with the RAF as a light bomber. So here's the box art: I shan't bother with the sprue shots as you've all seen them before (here's my Intruder WIP if you haven't and want to): Now I did find this extra sprue in the kit: On finding this I did briefly flirt with doing a Turbinlite version, but then settled back to my original plan of an 88 Sqn aircraft, based at RAF Swanton Morley in 1941. 88 Sqn were responsible for the operational conversion to this type after flying Blenheims - I am sure that the upgrade was welcome. I'm planning to model Z2230 - there are a number of nice photos of this airframe (photos for discussion only and will be removed on request): There's also a couple of nice colour images: And third in line: I've chosen this airframe for a couple of reasons. You can see that there was a mix of MSG and dark red codes as well as roundel types - in fact Z2230 appears to carry a 'hybrid' roundel which looks to have the overall proportions of a Type C roundel but with a smaller red portion, along with the earlier MSG codes. All adds a bit of interest. I have not yet been able to discern the aircraft code, but that shouldn't slow the build down too much - any info on this gratefully received. Compared to the Intruder version this does not carry the porcupine exhausts and has different cowlings, all of which are catered for in the kit. I shall also need to scratch build a bomb sight, as there is none provided in the kit. I shall also be shimming the fuselage to correct the glazing fit, but I am aware of that pitfall ahead of time! I have the loosest of personal connections to this build - I attended a cadet camp at Swanton Mortuary in the mid-eighties, and remember well the delights of wildest woolly Norfolk! Anyway, on with the build, Thanks for looking, Roger

Hi All, My latest completion is Airfix lovely Beaufort, completed as a Mk.Ia, LR906 of No.2 Torpedo Training Unit, based at RAF Castle Kennedy, Scotland, in September 1943. I cannot find any photos of LR906, but here is a Beaufort in a similar scheme: Now I built a Mk.I late last year, but fancied something a little different. The Mk.Ia differs from the Mk.I in the turret (the Mk.Ia uses a Bristol-manufactured turret), addition of a DF loop on the fuselage - I believe they also used a different version of the Bristol Taurus engine. The kit contains components for the DF loop and turret, although they are not mentioned in the instructions. Here's the WIP if anybody is interested: Here's the photos! Here's a family shot with the aforementioned Mk.I: And just for scale here's one with another rather effective torpedo bomber: I've very much enjoyed this build, and I think the scheme rather suits the Beaufort. I've surely got a couple more in me - perhaps a Malta-based aircraft, and I'll have to do a DAP RAAF version! Thanks for looking, Roger

Hello The product I'm going to introduce this time is... I made my favorite tank, the Soviet Heavy Tank JS-2. It was hard to get it, but luckily, a week after I bought it secondhand, I focused on completing it. ^^ After basic base painting, oil painting and matte finish, we did wetting. During the first painting, the desired color did not come out, so I re-painted it to get a slightly bright color. I didn't edit the picture separately, but there is a background flying function on my phone, so I try to upload it with that function. It's not perfect, but please enjoy it. ~ I hope you have a great day.^^

Hi All, My next build will be Airfix' lovely little Beaufort. Now some of you may have a rather alarming sense of deja vu, as I only completed one of these kits in November 2022 (itself a repeat build of an earlier failure), but fear not dear reader - this will be completed as a Mk.Ia!! I enjoyed the last build, and fancied a different scheme for this project. A bit of light browsing bought up this: I am planning to complete as the bottom left scheme, which is LR906 of No.2 Torpedo Training Unit, based at RAF Castle Kennedy, Scotland, in September 1943. I cannot find any photos of this aircraft, but the scheme appears repeatedly on various decal sheets. As you can see it is finished in white with EDSG upper surfaces, with DSG aircraft codes - until I hear different I shall go with this. I shan't bother with sprue shots as I've already built this kit - here's the WIP if anybody wishes to see it: Now if you look at the above schematics, you may note that the major difference between the MkI.a and the Mk.I is the turret (I think the Mk.Ia also used a later version of the Bristol Taurus). Now I dimly recalled that there had been some discussion on @Rabbit Leader's lovely build a couple of years back, and indeed a search through Dave's most entertaining WIP unearthed that the kit does contain the required turret components. Here's the thread: You will find the turret information on page 4 (thanks also to @AdrianMF for his significant contribution). Here is the clear sprue which shows the two turret types: You can see the glazing for the Mk.Ia Bristol turret bottom left, with the original Mk.I Daimler turret top right (I think that's the right way round?). Rather curiously, the sprues do not appear to contain the twin Brownings required for the Bristol turret, so some scratch-building may be required. The other interesting thing for this build will be the torpedo - my understanding is that training versions of the torpedo had a red or yellow nose, which will surely brighten up the scheme! Anyway, it should prove to be an interesting build! Thanks for looking, Roger

Hi All, My latest completion is Eduard's relatively new-tool Spitfire Mk.IIa, completed as P7840 of 340 (Free French) Sqn, based at RAF Turnhouse, Ayr in December 1941. P7840 was the thirteenth of seventeen Spitfires donated by the Belfast Evening Telegraph Spitfire Fund, and was titled 'Mountains o' Mourne'. Here's a couple of photos of the aircraft and the squadron (kindly provided by @Troy Smith - images for discussion only and will be removed on request). The scheme attracted me as it unusually has the aircraft in DFS with the earlier Rotol spinner and type A.1 roundels. In addition my Father-in-Law hails from Dromara which sits at the foot of the aforementioned mountains. 340 Sqn was formed in November 1941 as part of Le Groupe de Chasse IV/2 (Fighter Group 4-2) "Île-de-France", flying defensive patrols from Turnhouse until moving further south in 1942, at which point they re-equipped with Mk.Vbs. The scheme was therefore only applied to the aircraft for a relatively short time, and my light weathering of the model reflects this. Here's the WIP if anybody is interested: The model was completed mostly OOB (as it was Profipack that adds a few extras!), although with the national markings (mostly) with home-cut stencils. Like most Eduard kits the detail is superb, but with some unnecessarily fiddly elements - as an example the radiator assembly consists of 12 pieces including 2 PE radiator grills (a bit much for 1:48?). Anyway, on with the photos: Finally, a couple of group shots to show the evolution of the beast (from R-L Airfix Mk.Ia, Eduard Mk.IIa, Tamiya Mk.Vc, Airfix FR Mk.XIVe - all have their own WIPs and RFIs if anyone is interested, and still plenty of gaps to fill in the collection, although these have all been completed in the last year or so): I've very much enjoyed learning more about this interim mark of the Spitfire, and bringing this unusual scheme to life. Thanks for all who have added kind words and encouragement along the way - it has been much appreciated! Thanks for looking, Roger

Transport Box with Panzerfausts (P48001 & P72003) 1:48 & 1:72 Special Hobby 3D Print The original Panzerfaust was a WWII invention of Nazi Germany that gave the power to take down a heavily armoured tank to a single soldier, in the shape of a disposable launcher tube that could project a shaped charge to a target over a short range. The operator needed little in the way of training, but some bravery or foolhardiness was required to get close enough to the tank in question due to the limited range. When used properly however, they could be highly effective in disabling or knocking out many an Allied tank or other armoured vehicle. They were even attached to aircraft on occasion, which must have been quite an experience. These two sets from Special Hobby’s new 3D Print range both arrive in orange-themed blister pack with card hanger on the rear and the instructions sandwiched between the two parts. Inside are the resin parts, with decals safely separated behind a piece of clear acetate at the back of the blister for the 1:48 set. Other than the smaller set not having decals, both sets include the same components, consisting of four Panzerfaust 60s in a printing frame, plus a transport box that is printed in two sections, set slightly apart and held to the small base by delicate fingers. An additional tubular riser with an array of fingers supports the interior structure of the case, which has slots to receive the weapons once everything is cut free from the base. The layout of the boxes is different between the two scales, but the design is essentially the same. For extra realism you can add some wire or thread from your own stock to represent the carry-handles at each end of the case. 1:48 (P48001) Note the decals included in this larger set 1:72 (P72003) Note that there are no decals in this set Conclusion 3D printed aftermarket parts are incredible in the level of detail that they can provide with a relatively low part count, and these are no exception. The trigger mechanism alone would have taken several PE parts before now, and preparation of the parts is a breeze. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Hi All, My second completion of 2023 is Special Hobby's Blackburn Roc Mk.I, completed as L3114 of 759 Sqn FAA based at RNAS Donibristle in November 1939. Here's a photo of the aircraft in the foreground: I couldn't resist this scheme, if only for the non-standard yellow surround to the fuselage roundel! The kit was built mostly OOB, albeit with home-cut stencils for the national markings. As with all SH kits there's a few foibles, mainly around the assembly of the wings (which have a split to permit folding. A brief summary of 'improvements' as below: - Added reinforcing tabs to the wing roots making for a stronger junction - Added formation lights to the wing tips using clear sprue - Boxed in the landing light positions and added lamps from clear sprue - Rivetted the whole airframe - Trimmed undercarriage legs and doors to allow positioning in the correct 'vertical' position Here's the WIP if anybody is interested (source of many Roc puns - be warned 🤣😞 Anyway, on with the photos: Here's a couple with the Skua I built last year: The family resemblance is strong! Here's a final shot to prove @Dandie Dinmont's assertion that the Roc makes that other notorious turret fighter, the Boulton Paul Defiant, look like a sleek beauty: I'd say you are 100% correct Craig! Although it is no beauty, I have really enjoyed learning more about this most unusual aircraft, and it's nice to have this footnote in naval aviation in the collection. Thanks to everybody who offered kind words and encouragement throughout the build - it was much needed and was much appreciated! Thanks for looking, Roger