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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 Wolfpack Design's B17C, built as an RAF Fortress Mk.I. I built this as part of the B17 STGB - thanks very much to @vppelt68 and @reini for hosting this great group build! The Fortress Mk.I was the first time the B17C was used in combat, and the many hard lessons learned by 90 Sqn were directly applied to the evolution of the aircraft into the formidable fighting machine it became. The squadron were based at RAF Polebrook, Northamptonshire in summer 1941, and conducted early offensive raids over Germany. I chose to complete as AN530 - here's a photo of the aircraft: Here's another rather nice shot of crew about to board the aircraft: Here's a link to a propaganda film depicting the squadron's first mission: There is some speculation over the scheme, but I have chosen to complete in Dark Slate Grey & Extra Dark Sea Grey over PRU Blue, mainly due to written reports I have sighted. The kit is a re-boxing of the Academy kit, which I believe is of 90's vintage. There are a few known idiosyncrasies with the kit: - Excessive wing dihedral, corrected by adding 1mm shims to the top of the wing roots - Blank faced turbo intercooler ducts, which were opened out - Incorrect cockpit floor, which was scratch-built Here's a link to the WIP if anyone is interested: I also did a fair bit of work adding an interior to the build (in vain, as it turns out - completely invisible!). Here's the proof: Enough waffle - on with the pictures! Finally, and just for scale you understand, here's a shot with another unusual heavy: I realised after the photos that I'd neglected to add the glazed covers to the landing lights - hey ho! I've thoroughly enjoyed building this unusual mark of the Fortress - despite its shortcomings I believe it builds up into a nice representation of an early Fort. Thanks for all those who have provided encouragement and kind words along the way - it has been much appreciated! Particular thanks to @Robin-42 who very generously provided some invaluable information on the interior of the B17C. Thanks for looking, Roger

German Tank Riders. Winter Uniform 1944-45 (35370) 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 temporary cover until it came time to dismount, usually off the rear avoiding the exhausts, other times it was a case of sitting somewhere flat on the hull of the tank for a well-earned rest, and saving some shoe-leather whilst still getting from A to Battle. During winter periods, especially in the freezing cold of the Eastern Front, a seat on the warm engine deck would be prime real-estate, helping to defend against the biting cold that required heavy uniforms and great-coats, of which the Nazi invaders were woefully short. The Set This set arrives in a figure-sized box with a painting of the four figures that are depicted on the front, and annotated portions of the painting with part numbers and colour call-outs added to facilitate construction and painting of the figures. Inside the box are eight sprues in grey styrene, the sprues having a little flash here and there, although very little encroaches on the parts themselves. The parts for each figure are found in separate sprues for ease of identification, and parts breakdown is sensibly placed along clothing seams or natural breaks to minimise clean-up of the figures once they are built up. The sculpting is typically excellent, as we’ve come to expect from MiniArt’s artists and tool-makers, with natural poses, drape of clothing and textures appropriate to the parts of the model. There are three sprues that are devoted completely to a substantial quantities of accessories that include Small Arms, Stahlhem helmets, pistols in and out of holsters, ammo pouches, bags, satchels and map cases, water bottles ribbed cylindrical gas mask canisters, entrenching tools and bayonets in and out of scabbards. The weapons range from MP40s, an STG44, an FG42, Karabiner 98ks, MP28, Erma EMP-35, Gewehr 41, Walther P38, and of course a Luger P-08. The colour call-outs on the rear of the box are given in Vallejo, Mr.Color, AK RealColor, Mission Models, AMMO, Tamiya, plus swatches and colour names to assist with choosing your colours. These refer to the green colour numbers on the paintings above the chart. Conclusion Another realistic set of figures for your AFV projects, with so many accessories you’ll be spoilt for choice. Detail and sculpting is first rate, and what we’ve come to expect from MiniArt. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

I’m looking for the most accurate match for the blue grey and grey used on PBY 5-A’s in late May 1942. The red dots and rudder stripes of the Catalina have already been painted over. I’m not locked into any brand just whatever provides the best match. Thank you so much

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, 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

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

Hawker Tempest Mk.V (A02109) 1:72 Airfix The Hawker Tempest was a development of the Typhoon, originally called the Typhoon II, it was envisioned to solve all of the issues that bothered its designer Sidney Camm. The main difference was a much thinner wing which reduced drag and improved aerodynamics of the laminar airflow. The wings could accommodate 20mm Hispano cannons that packed an enormous punch, and lent itself to the low-level attack role that it was designed for. The engines intended to power the aircraft were the Centaurus, Griffon and Sabre IV, and initially the Rolls-Royce Vulture, which was terminated early in the design phase, leaving the three options going forward and necessitating substantially different cowlings to accommodate their differing shapes. The Mark V was split into two series, with the Series 1 having the Sabre II that had a similar chin intake to the Typhoon and many Typhoon parts, while the later Series 2 used fewer Typhoon parts and had their cannon barrels shortened so they fitted flush with the leading edge on the wings. A few of the early Mk.Vs were used as test beds, while other marks were developed alongside it, such as the Mk.IIs with Centaurus engines and a cylindrical cowl; Mk.VIs which had a very short production run; the Mk.III and Mk.IV that used two types of Griffon engine and didn't see service, and later the TT.Mk.5, which is where a lot of Mk.Vs ended their days towing targets. The Kit This is a new tooling from Airfix in what I jokingly call “the one poo scale” to irritate my fellow Moderator, Julien who calls it “the one true scale”. In reality I have no issues with any scale, but prefer my models in 1:48 for aircraft. Truthishly, I’ve been more impressed with each passing release and the detail being squeezed into this scale, so you can be assured of my equanimity during this review. The kit arrives in a standard red-themed top-opening box, and inside are four sprues in Airfix’s usual light grey styrene, a small sprue of clear parts, decal sheet and a folded instruction booklet with spot colour printing. The sprues are filled with well-detailed parts and some clever engineering, which should please anyone in the market for a 1:72 Tempest V or anyone that appreciates a nicely crafted kit. Construction begins with the seat, which has a slightly soft quilted rear cushion and is attached to the head armour, with lateral tubular mouldings, which sets the tone for the cockpit being made in sub-assemblies. In order to close up the fuselage however, there are a number of other sections that need completing first. The simple two-part L-shaped tail-wheel bay is first; The instrument panel with clear gunsight/compass and instrument decal; then the three-part intake grille is made up with its circular centre. Two 0.6mm holes are made in the fuselage halves before all four assemblies are added to the starboard fuselage half after painting the cockpit walls, so the fuselage can be closed up. The cockpit sill insert is inserted into the oversize aperture later on. The lower wings are full-span, and are stiffened by adding the spar/wheel bay walls and the cannon barrels, plus the closed-up main bay doors if you’re going for a gear-up model. Clear landing lights slot into the holes, and another is added into the belly, and a few more holes are drilled. Surprisingly, the upper wings are full-span too, and have the cockpit floor moulded in with the foot trays ready for the rudder pedals and control column to be added once the wings are closed up. Rudder pedals at 1:72 is good to see, although only until you close up the fuselage and consign them to darkness, most likely. The completed wing assembly is then joined to the fuselage by inserting the leading edge into the back of the chin bulge, and dropping the trailing edge into place, gluing it all closed once done. The elevators are each single parts with P & S on their tabs, but you get a separate rudder to add to the tail fin, which you can offset for a more candid look. Beneath the tail you can close up the tail-wheel bay for in-flight, or pop a two-part tail wheel into the bay with a pair of doors installed at an angle on either side. The main gear is a single strut with retraction mechanism and captive door, and a short ancillary door that is fixed to the outer edge of the bay before inserting the main legs. A retraction jack and triangular inner bay door is then inserted into the two inner edges and the 5-spoke wheels are placed on the axles, with another 4-spoke set left on the sprues. Both sets have some sag engineered into the bottom of the tyres to give the impression of weight. Behind the chin take is an outlet ramp with a cooling flap that is added while the underside is completed by fitting L-shaped pitot; crew step and aerial, the latter having scrap diagrams to show their correct orientation. The six exhaust stubs are each made from two parts that interlink to create the stacks for each side, so they can be slotted into the sides of the engine cowling, then the single-part prop is given a choice of different shaped two-part spinners, before it is placed against a tubular insert that has the axle pushed through to join the prop carefully with as little glue as necessary. Once the glue is dry the tubular insert is pushed into the front of the fuselage and cemented in place, leaving you with a spinning prop if you’re careful. There’s a pilot figure included on the sprues, with a detailed painting guide if you wish to use him, and you also have a choice of open or closed canopies, fixing the windscreen first, and either butting the canopy up to the screen or leaving it open as far back as the head armour. An aerial is fixed to the fuselage spine at an angle, and another pair of scrap diagrams help with orientation. There are a pair of clear fuel tanks included on the clear sprue, but they aren’t needed for this boxing, and there are no stencils for the clear pylons. Markings There are two decal options on the sheet, as is common with Airfix kits, and you have a choice of one in D-Day stripes and one without. From the box you can build one of the following: Wing Commander Roland Prosper “Bee” beamont, No.150 Wing, Newchurch, Kent, England, June 1944 No.486 Sqn., Royal New Zealand Air Force, RAF Castle Camps, Cambs., England, April 1944 Decals are by Cartograf, which is a guarantee of good registration, sharpness and colour density, with a thin gloss carrier film cut close to the printed areas. Conclusion This is an excellent new tool from Airfix with plenty of detail baked-in. There’s no doubt that there will be more boxings, as indicated by the unused drop-tanks and wheels, so keep a look out to expand your squadron. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

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 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, 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, 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

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

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, I did this model some years ago - not so many in fact. It was short after I was visiting UK and in Airplane magazine there was a kind of monography of AW Albemarle showing on one photo a piece of fuselage of rather badly weathered mashine from 295 Squadron. Perhaps I made it too heavy exploited. In painting I followed the profile from this web page: http://www.britisharmedforces.org/ns/ns/raf/nat_albemarle1.htm But now I have doubts about the lettering - should be rather 8Z.A, not 8.ZA sice the squadron code was 8Z not ZA... Is the profile I followed wrong or the squadron made an exception in writing codes??? Here she is: Comments welcome and regards Jerzy-Wojtek

I had an idea not too long ago to build a reasonable representation of all the aircraft 609(WR) squadron flew. The squadron was formed in 1936 and disbanded as a flying squadron in 1957 so the list isn’t so daunting. I will do some WIP treads and continue to add to this thread as builds are completed. finally sorted some pictures so will add the last ear builds. All builds are 1/72 Current status This is the current plan, with those completed in green.

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 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

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 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