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  1. I've had this kicking around the stash many years. I really like the Revell Luftwaffe '46 kits and wish they'd have done more of them. I just like how absurd this thing is, two seats, twin 30mm in the cockpit, 20mm barrettes and a forward firing 20mm in a mini turret thing. It's great lol I lost the decals to it, but that doesn't really matter, hell I might even make it Hungarian or something. I've also gotten rid of the box as it;s one of those horrid side opening things that get crushed in the stash, although the artwork is cool, fighting B-29's and all. I'll build this in between my larger project which is a 1/32 Su 25.
  2. Hello everyone Here is my latest kit, finished this past weekend. It is A&W's 1:144 Mitsubishi J4M Senden "Luke". I have finished it in fictitious markings representing a machine from the 407th Fighter Squadron, 343rd Naval Flying Group, IJN, from Matsuyama Air Base, in late 1945. A&W kits are made by Anigrand Craftswork and cover only Japanese aircraft both real or projected, as is this case. The J4M was never built not even as a prototype as the IJN preferred the Kyushu J7W instead. Surprisingly though, the Allies gave it a codename. The resin parts were quite clean but had some moulding flaws that had to be dealt with. The joining of parts wasn't bad but still needed work and getting the main components properly aligned was very tricky and I didn't get it quite right. The kit was built mostly OOB with some details added such as the wing pitot tube and the 30mm cannon. In fact the kit came with only one gun on the port side. I removed this detail (I didn't like it) and made holes for the three guns it was supposed to carry as per some plans I found on internet. It was painted and varnished with brush. All decals came from my spares since the kit only came with insignia and the red was too light. Since "Senden" means "flashing lightning" I couldn't help putting some lightning bolt decals in the nose area (from a Sweet Rufe decal sheet). Thank you for looking and, as always, all comments are welcome Miguel
  3. The Ta 183 was one of the many aircraft planned during the Third Reich's 1944 "Emergency Fighter Plan." The aircraft never went beyond a wooden mock up. After WW2, Kurt Tank fled to Argentina, where he continued the development of the Ta 183 in what would become the Pulqui 2, Argentina's first indigenous swept winged fighter. Only 5 Pulqui 2s were produced before a coup d'etat took place in 1955, which ordered the cancellation of the fighter. The idea behind this plane was that Argentina joined WW2 on the Axis side, and as a reward it was given several Ta 183s to modernise its air force.
  4. With the bombing of the Japanese home islands increasing, the IJAAF was on the hunt for a newly designed interceptor capable of penetrating the fighter screen and attacking the bombers. When U-1224 arrived in Japan in February 1944 she brought with her plans and details of the Messerschmitt P 1101, a single jet engine interceptor along with their new stand off wire guided missile technology. With the coming B-29 raids on the home islands, the Japanese thought this was just the fighter for them, commissioning Mitsubishi to build the aircraft. The Mitsubishi Ki 90 Thunder Lord was only built in limited numbers, serving with the 520th Temporary Interception Group, the first to see combat with the new jet in March 1945. The group comprised of Senior flight instructors and the most talented flight students. Escorted by the groups Ki 84 Hayate's, the Ki 90 scored significant success against B-29 formations, being able to penetrate fighter screens with a 200mph speed advantage and stand off at a safe range while launching their X-4 wire guided missiles at the formations. Despite their success, there was never enough in service to change the outcome of the war. The kit itself is the Dragon 1/72 Me P 1101, with decals from the spares box. The kit itself goes together nicely and makes into a smart looking jet.
  5. Hi all, well it's taken me a while to find the time to get some RFI pics of this project, my first ever sea scape, and only my second ever ship model - but we're here now! Having obtained a Revell 1:1200 Titanic kit, I thought it might be fun to do a kind of 'what if' job on it, to show what the Titanic might have looked like had she survived her fateful maiden voyage, and been subsequently pressed into military service with the outbreak of WW1 - just as her sister ships the Britannic and the Olympic had. I guess like many people I have always found the story of the Titanic a compelling one, with new plot twists being uncovered with every passing week it seems. In recent times I also learned of the fate of her sister ships Olympic and Britannic; most notably the Britannic, which was sunk in 1916 by a mine in the Aegean Sea whilst in service as a hospital ship. The Olympic too had her share of incident; although the ship was never sunk, she was badly damaged in a collision with HMS Hawke in 1911. Amazingly, 2 people survived all 3 incidents: John Priest, a stoker, and Violet Jessop, who served as a ship's steward on Olympic and Titanic, and went on to serve as a nurse on the Britannic. I had a lot of fun putting this together; the WIP can be found here for those sufficiently curious. Thanks to all for your comments along the way. Here, then, are some pics of the finished article: Thanks for looking in, comments and criticisms all welcome
  6. Greetings all, My first ever visit to this bit of the forum - having found some arm-bands just in case I was inspired, by the wonderful Titanic builds I had seen on here recently, to have a go at a ship model - only my second ever,and the first was some 45+ years ago ('Royal Sovereign' if I remember rightly, where I was the willing helper whilst my late step-father did most of the work). It follows, therefore, that expectations as to build quality, should not be that high! From researching the Titanic, and her lesser-known sister ships Olympic and Britannic, I found that the Britannic had been fitted out as a hospital ship during WW1, whilst the Olympic was a troop ship. I had an idea to do a 'what if' type representation of the Titanic, supposing that had the ship survived to the outbreak of war, she would almost certainly have been pressed into some kind of service. Having primed everything with my traditional Halfords car body spray, I then painted the bottom of the hull with a red oxide primer colour: I then had a small but significant change of plan - I decided that I would make it into some kind of simple sea-scape, which of course necessitated that I cut the bottom of the hull off! From this, you will have correctly determined that planning is not my strong point I then decided to completely respray everything with white! I then painted the deck sections with a thinned down tan colour: Obviously with a small scale kit such as this, the build phase was fairly straightforward: Prior to fitting any of the more delicate bits, I decided to try and paint the green stripe and red crosses, in the manner of the various photos of Britannic. I did so by hand, which is probably fairly obvious! The photos of Britannic showed that there were crosses mounted on the deck rails adjacent to the first and fourth funnels on either side. I made some from some pieces of styrene strip: I then made up and painted the four funnels: The funnels, and the cranes were then fitted: Finally, the masts and the additional red crosses I made earlier. You can't see them very well, but I also applied the decals: So that's where I am as of this evening. I hope to try and fit some cables etc, and maybe a bit of weathering - but that's for another time! Thanks for watching
  7. Second of my quick'n fun holiday builds. Take one (cheap) Tamiya 'Tom's Supra' kit; build it straight from the box; swap out the kit decals for the ones' that come with their 911 GT2 kit and, Ta daaaa.... Not everyones cup-of-tea, I know, but I had a shed-load of fun doing it over the last ten days or so, and isn't that really the point of the hobby ?. Feel free to ask any questions or post any outrage, it's all fine with me. Thanks for taking the time to look and/or comment. AFN Ian.
  8. So the second holiday project has hit the bench: Tamiya's 'Toms' Supra GT, definitely not going to be finished in the kit-supplied Castrol colours: Tamiya's TS-8 'Italian Red' with AK Xtreme Metals' Polished Aluminium' and some hand painted matt black (first coat only in these photos). The insides are all AK Xtreme Metals' 'Dark Aluminium' but obviously only just started, the cage is glued together but not to the chassis in these pics. Bodyshell is TS-94 'Metallic Grey'. Two light coats and nowhere near shiny enough, so I'll brush on a coat of Klear/Future before decalling, then another afterward. Going to keep the final 'look' a surprise as long as I can, but hopefully y'all will get a kick from it. Not too many 'What If' cars around so nice to do something that little bit outta 'left field', eh ? More soon. Ian.
  9. Calling this finished, but waiting for nose probe to arrive, then it's finished! Pitroad kit with Retrokit skybolts and chaff dispensers
  10. In March 1981 the USAF announced the ETF program to replace the F-111. McDonnell Douglas entered the competition with the F-15E, a modified F-15D. General Dynamics summited the competition with a heavily altered F-16, the F-16XL. The F-15 was the favourable aircraft for a long time, two engines and a bigger payload. But when General Dynamics refitted their F-16XL late 1984 with the new General Electric F110 engine, super cruise suddenly came into reach. With the new and uncertain adversaries on the other side of the iron curtain, the mystic MiG-29 and Su-27, this feature made the F-16XL the winner of the competition. The F-16E Strike Falcon came into service in June 1988 and 540 where produced. It is still in service with the USAF, Israel and Australia.
  11. Here are my pictures of my recently completed Martin Baker MB5 completed in the colours of Squadron Leader JB Prendergast of 414 Squadron Royal Canadian air force Germany May 1945. I've always loved the Martin Baker MB 5 and bluntly the advent of jet aircraft at the end of World War II prevented going into service I always wondered what it would look like in Squadron colours and in Osprey aircraft of the aces number 81 Griffon Spitfire Aces there is a colour drawing number 26 on which I based the model. 414 Squadron had been assigned to the second tactical air force to perform armed reconnaissance and the red nose I thought looked really good with contra rotating propellers. I've used xtradecal roundels & ccodes. I also did a live pin wash and used clear satin varnish varnish for the first time which looked really good at this scale. Apologies for the rudimentary stand, I prefer aircraft with the undercarriage up and the somewhat rushed photographs. This was the new AZ model MB5 went together well with the exception of the canopy which was badly fitting and the propeller blades which needed considerably cleaning up at their bases. I hope you enjoy
  12. As the title says, this will probably end up sitting on the shelf unfinished for months or more likely years however it's one of those things that when you get the urge to build something you simply must build it no matter what else is on the modelling table. So for everyone's delectation and encouragement I hear-by inform the gathered members of this esteemed institution that I will attempt to construct, for the edification of the populous one of Hawker's finest never built aircraft........ The P.1027! Having seen a few builds of this version of the Tempest and having a collection of intended real world builds of the aircraft linage, I realised that perhaps I should get around at some point to build this version of the Tempest especially as I have been building a Mk1 series II Tempest. First this I did was locate some drawings which I found HERE as drawings 57 and 58. These drawings are as they state in 1/72 sale, if you handle them correctly. I found that I had to print the drawings off in Landscape and to fit the page while printing onto A4 paper. So drawings: Check Next a kit to modify.... well I could buy off the internet as there is nowhere local for me to buy anything or I could use the Academy one I have part started in my stash. Sounds good until you read a review or two, in my case from looking at the Valiant Wings publication Airframe & Miniature No.4 "The Hawker Tempest" by Richard A. Franks, which says "the fuselage is 2mm short and it's not all up the front or back, it's mid-way. To correct it, you need to split the fuselage at the point where the rear bulkhead in the cockpit sits". Not really a problem as the nose is going to get cut off so why not make this modification as well, and 2mm is quite a large amount, 144mm/14.4cm which is roughly 5 inches off the top of my head There are other inaccuracies that are also mentioned but are minor compared to the length issue. Anyway, that's a kit sourced too Propellers contra-rotating propellers to be exact! Now the front of the Rolls Royce Eagle (1944) has quite a large area behind the propeller hub's and after looking at the Wikipedia entry for the engine decided to use the propellers from the Wyvern which was initially powered with the same engine and indeed the rear section or the propellers has the same diameter at its rear. The front part though...... A chat with TsrJoe and I ended up digging out a set of Shackleton propellers which have the right diameter as in the drawing as look as if they have the right shape too. Not only that but the front part of the hub looks to be the right shape going by the drawings! The rear of the Shackleton propeller hub will also roughly fit inside the Wyvern rear hub so I should be able to fill and shape the Wyvern part with the Shackleton part inside it, so that's the propellers sorted as well So that leaves working out what to do with the engine and radiators under the fuselage. Well the engine should be relatively straight forward. I have both plan and side elevation drawings which I can use for templates. The head on drawing can be used to produce a template for the rear of the engine as well. Both the plan and side templates will have to modified to fit around each other and the central tube which I will fit for the modified Shackleton propellers to fit into. Other than making up box's for the exhausts to fit into, not checked out anything to make them though I am considering using some small diameter tubing, I am thinking of using the bottom of the kit's radiator for the under engine intake in this build but I haven't checked it yet so I may have to use something else. Time will see what happens. Right. That's the build started so it can now sit around for months on end without me doing anything else to it. Heaven forbid I actually pick up a saw and plastic and actually have a go at it Gondor
  13. Hi everyone and while I'm a regular contributor to BM, this is my first post on this thread - a Royal Navy Tornado of 892 Naval Air Squadron, HMS Ark Royal, 1980 built for the GB here on Britmodeller. You can read the short build (and even shorter backstory) Here but in summary.... Kits: 1/72 Airfix Tornado (fuselage/undercarriage) & 1/72 Revell F-18A Hornet (wings, tails and stabilators) Decals: Matchbox F-4 Phantom donated by Tim Moff (cheers Tim!) and stencils from the Airfix kit. Paints: Revell Acrylics brush painted, White from a rattlecan, Klear, Flory Models Wash. Extras: Stores from spares box and/or the source kits She won't win any good looks competitions and now that I look at it again, I think she looks a bit too 'Soviet' to be serving with the Royal Navy But had fun with it and has got me thinking of future WHIF ideas.... Thanks for looking! Dermot
  14. Backstory: The Hellcat was never intended to be the mainstay of the USN fighter force, as the F4U Corsair, with its generally superior flight performance, was intended to be the Fleet's premier fighter. However the ineradicable problems with the latter's deck landing performance prevented it from being fielded on even the large USN Fleet carriers. Even then, the need for a successor to the F6F-3 in advance of the advent of the F7F and F8F was not widely appreciated. However, despite the US blunting the advance of Imperial Japan in a series of major sea and land battles during late 1942 and early 1943, new and improved types were coming into service with both the Japanese Army and Navy, particularly the Ki-84 Hayate and A7M Reppu. Pre-war Japanese naval attaches sent grave reports home regarding the awesome industrial potential of the US and Japan acted on these reports, developing a series of massive underground production facilities. They also developed advanced production methods, rewarding factory line workers for their ideas to improve efficiency of production and indeed design improvements. Their military was not exempt from changes, too. The recognition that pilot training needed expanding and improving was also acted on, together with increased cooperation between the IJAAF and IJN. The net result of these policies was an improvement in both quality and quantity of Japanese aerial opposition by late 1943, together with increasing losses among Hellcat units. Grumman resolved to tackle the shortfall in key areas of Hellcat performance and developed an effective response in the Grumman F6F-7, conceived in a phenomenally quick time and deployed in combat for the first time in late 1944 . . ." The F6F-7 incorporated a Wright R-3350 engine of 3000hp combat rating, an improved 'bubble' canopy and revised armament of 2 20mm cannon and 2 0.5in machine guns. The machine shown below is my interpretation of the famous #155 of Cdr Roger Hedrick, CO of VF-84 based aboard USS Bunker Hill. It is depicted as at the beginning of the 2nd battle of Saipan in November 1944. Hedrick, and #155 were fortunate to have been airborne escorting a TBM strike when Bunker Hill was sunk by shore-based Judy dive bombers, which had evaded the CAP, which was fully engaged the Ki-84 escorts. Unfortunately, although Hedrick was able to recover safely aboard the USS Wasp, #155 was unceremoniously dumped over the side to make space for Wasp's own aircraft. The model was based on the Eduard F6F-3 Weekend edition, with bits from the Airfix Skyraider, the NT Airfix P-51D and a Matchbox Tempest II. It was built as part of a "what if" GB on another forum, and the link to the build thread is here: http://uamf.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=311&t=11040. Mods, I'm not sure if linking to a build thread in another forum is within forum rules / etiquette. If not, either delete or ask me to do same. regards, Martin
  15. As I am waiting for some oil paint to dry on my Aerosan I have started on my next project. I bought this a couple of years ago at the Telford kit swap: It was originally released in 1988 by ESCI / Italeri, this is the AMT re-boxing which came out a year later. The Ka 52 is the two seat version of the Ka 50. There are three brown sprues which feature some nicely engraved panel lines: There is a very basic decal sheet and OKish clear parts which look like they would benefit from a polish up: The instructions offer only one scheme I have also ordered this PE set and this lovely decal sheet which provides all the missing stencils and plenty of scheme options. Bye for now, Nigel
  16. I finished this yesterday. I used the ACE Ka 50 PE set for a few pieces and it had a few dimensional issues which I had to correct. Its done as a what if as the kit gives a quite different representation from a real Ka 52. I hope you like it: WIP can be found here: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235004867-172-amt-kamov-ka-52-hokum-b/
  17. Evening, while building my 1/72 B29, I started looking over my shelf of doom as a distraction. Doing that I found the Revell boxing of the Hasegawa He 111 H-6 and ICM He 70 F-2, both in 1/72. One half painted, one ready for painting, I started thinking how to paint them, actually I thought a of a What If to let them stand out of the crowd somehow. I thought of asking here, if anyone knows interesting, colorful, distinctive or somehow different paintjobs or camoflages. I for example thought of a Japanese He 70 or a post-war Isreali He 111 but maybe you know something better. Thank you In advance Levin
  18. Hi all, I'm currently working through a 'what if' of the Airfix 1/72 Tornado. Needless to say, those who have built it will know just what it is like. I was going to build it Grey as it should be, but then I had an idea after I had primed it black, how good they look in black. I was going to give it a night fighter scheme, but then opted for a 'what if' of a bomber command special livery, as the Op Granby Tonka is at the moment. I'm going to use a mix of aftermarket Granby decals, and the kit decals. I thought this would be a good idea as I've never seen it done before. 'Primed' with a coat of Tamiya X-1 Photographed beside my girlfriend's Airfix C47 Masking for camo layed out. I tried to follow the examples set by the Halifax and Lancaster bomber styles. A couple of coats of Tamiya Flat Earth first. Followed by Tamiya RAF Dark Green 2 First unveiling of the masking efforts, the black is still X-1 but I changed that to NATO Black. The Hindenburger fuel tanks from the Revell equivalent, and I wasn't aware until afterwards that I put the fins on wrong. The underside, having been painted with Tamiya NATO Black, and Pitot probe painted silver. The blu tac was holding the fuel tanks straight while drying Top down view of the paint job. As she is now. Exhausts fitted, still needs some minor touch ups, clear coated, and awaiting decals and weathering. I have either a Harrier GR9 or SU27 to keep me entertained until I'm ready to progess with this kit.
  19. Hi All Thought I would share some photos of a recently finished model which had the unusual difference for me of being a What-If inspired aircraft. I should really do more of these RFI posts as they are nice to show off work, and in this case could possibly offer some ideas about different schemes to try than the usual, but for the most part I simply forget to do so! Here goes with a back story - amazing how you can get carried away writing these! SAAB JAS 41A "Falk" No. 255, Flygvapnet (Swedish Air Force), 1994 During the 1980's, the Flygvapnet (Swedish Air Force) required a replacement for the JAS 37 Viggen, and SAAB began work on the next in line of Swedish home-developed aircraft in the form of the JAS 39 Gripen. Development of the new multi-role fighter however was problematic, with major issues arising around the aircraft's stability and flight control systems. The severity of these issues was confirmed when after having already created much concern amongst officials and taken much longer than projected to be ready for test flights, the prototype crashed in 1989. The loss of the prototype brought the Gripen project to a standstill, and whilst SAAB assured that the project could be brought back on track with the construction of a new prototype, the Swedish authorities demanded that work on the new fighter was to be shelved on the grounds of spiralling development costs and the urgent need of replacements for the Flygvapnet's ageing fighter fleet. The still very real threat posed by the Soviet Union also contributed to the decision, especially as the formidable Sukhoi SU 27 Flanker was then entering widespread service in the East. Acknowledging that a new home-developed fighter would not be ready for service with the Flygvapnet until the mid to late 1990's at the very earliest, the Swedish authorities saw no other option but to look towards buying a foreign existing fighter "off the shelf" as a stop-gap in order to re-equip squadrons as soon as possible. Submitting a request to procure 120 fighter aircraft, Sweden shortlisted the General Dynamics F 16 Falcon, McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet and Dassault Mirage 2000 for consideration. With the Scandinavian neighbours of Norway and Denmark already using the F 16 Falcon successfully, in Autumn 1990, the Swedish authorities selected the Falcon as best suited to their requirements. The fighters would be assembled locally by SAAB as the JAS 41A "Falk"; and with production put at high priority, the first Swedish built aircraft was flown in 1992. In common with the RNoAF F 16's they were equipped with tailcone braking parachutes for landing in icy conditions, however minor modifications were made by installing Swedish electronics and systems in order for the aircraft to be compatible with Swedish armament already available. Deliveries for operational conversion within the Flygvapnet's squadrons began in late 1992, and the aircraft was declared fully operational by summer 1994. The last of the JAS 41A fighters rolled off the production line in 1999. With the crisis of urgently acquiring a new fighter over, and the JAS 41A "Falk" comfortably settling into Flygvapnet service, in 2006 the Swedish authorities decided to resume development of the Gripen programme, and SAAB restarted the project, improving on all areas where the original prototype had failed whilst making use of the latest technological advancements. Designated JAS 43, the Gripen II first flew in 2012 and is expected to enter service by autumn 2016, serving alongside the JAS 41A until the "Falk" fleet is withdrawn starting from 2020. Model is the AMT 1/72nd General Dynamics F 16A Falcon taken from the Thunderbirds display set, brush painted in a scheme using Humbrol colours resembling that of the Gripens we know in service today. Hope you like the model, and all comments welcome! Daniel
  20. Good afternoon everyone, On Sunday I went to Cosford and picked up, among other things, an Airfix 1:72 TSR-2 and a Pit Road 1:144 TSR-2 "Strike Role". So, seen as I'm planning on doing the 1:72 TSR-2 as my local Cosford example, I thought- why not utilise the 1:144 kit's belly fuel tank and martel missiles to create a "what-if" variant? Based on other info on the internet: This is my interpretation of the TSR-2 GR4 as it could have served in the 1990-1 Gulf War. it is fitted with a targetting "pod" underneath the nose of the cockpit and a retractable refuelling probe on the side of the cockpit, as well as the 4 underwing pylons with Martel missiles. -RBF tags and engine nozzle FOD covers made from paper -Paint was mixed from a variety of Vallejo Air colours -Decals from the Airfix Buccaneer (And the obligatory comparison with a 1p coin) Thanks for having a look! Any comments are much appreciated. Kind regards, Sam
  21. Kit manufacturer: Hobbyboss Scale: 1/48 Type: A-10 Thunderbolt II Extras used: Eduard canopy masks, Aftermarket decals, scratch built FOD covers Paints and colours used: Tamiya and Mr Hobby Finished today. Very much enjoyed this build, Finished in arctic aggressor camo, couldn't get the exact decals so its finished as a bit of a what if scheme. Slightly overdone the pre/post shading and the pva glue on the bomb lenses hadn't dried when i took the pictures. Anyway, here's the pics and thanks for looking
  22. Hello All, not sure if I posted this. Completed it earlier in the year - a Tamiya 335 kit with some owl resin Ju88 SN2 aerials. A bit of a what if night fighter. The build is not great but I am happy with the finish. Thanks for looking and have a great Christmas, Ian
  23. This is the Tamiya 1/48th scale Douglas A-1H Skyraider in What If Fleet Air Arm markings. I added a Eduard Zoom set for the cockpit, Quickboost resin sets for Pylons, Gun Barrels, Boot Cockpit Enclosure and Antennas. An assortment of after market and kit decals all in 1/48th scale were used. The model is painted with Mr Hobby Paint in Extra Dark Sea Grey and Sky. This is the link for the WIP thread Thank you for looking, Joe.
  24. I have two old Italeri Rafale-M kits that are known for their inaccuracies, incorrect raised panel details and poor fit. Besides, these two kits share one set of transparencies ( read - one sprue is lost ) I don't want to spend much time to build accurate replicas of this beautiful aircraft, neither I want these kits to be in the stash forever so I decided I will quickly build them in "What If" scheme where accuracy does not mean much. The stories: In growing tension of looming Cold War 2 it became evident that the fixed wing of newly deployed HMS "Queen Elisabeth" and HMS "Prince Of Wales" consisting of F-35B is vastly inferior to navalized version of Russian built T-50. An immediate response measures have to be taken however an absence of catapults and arresters on the carriers made it impossible to accept any existing naval aircraft type but F-35B. While it was technically possible to relatively cheaply refit the carriers with arresting gear and approach systems, installation of a catapult required full revamping of the vessel and therefore was prohibitively expensive. The solution was to use STOBAR system for aircraft launch and recovery, however this approach required extensive modifications of existing aircraft designs to provide required trust/weight ratio for ski-jump take-off. Revised versions of Naval Typhoon, Sea Grippen, F-35C and Rafale-M were submitted for assessment. Most of the designs provided ski-jump launch capabilities by reducing payload weight and increasing afterburner thrust however French engineers' approach was somewhat different. Rafale-MS offered flat thrust vectoring nozzles that along with sophisticated automatic launch control system and canards maintained optimal thrust/angle of attack combination before sustained horizontal flight is established. Additionally there was a dedicated "take off reheat" engine mode for which specially formulated high energy fuel from a separate tank in the fin was used that made it possible to launch the plane with full load of weapons. Although being optimized for STOBAR scheme Rafale-MS retained CATOBAR capabilities. At about the same time the dormant conflict in Eastern Ukraine begun to flame up again and there were rumours that the separatists have obtained several ground attack planes. The aging fleet of Ukrainian Flankers and Fulcrums denied manufacturer spares and support was not in a shape to repel potential treat from the East, at the same time dire situation in economy prevented modernization of national air force. In this light the highly controversial credit from EU and subsequent order and quick delivery of 12 Rafales raised many questions and accusations of corruptions. Ukrainian Rafales were reduced capability versions visually distinguishable by absence of in-flight refueling boom. As it was mentioned above, I'm planning to modify RN aircraft with flat thrust vectoring nozzles, Ukrainian plane will bear splinter camouflage. I'm not too familiar with Royal Navy markings. I'm going to print my own decals, so the questions are - could "Royal Navy" inscription be in black? I can't print white (yet) and I don't want to spend extra money on decals - do RN aircraft bear LoWiz LightBlue-Pink roundels? - is vessel name is written on the plane? - no-nonsense serials / other numbers? - any other suggestions for markings? At the moment I did the following - copied transparent canopy parts in non-transparent resin, will use it as a punch for pushing missing canopy from transparent film
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