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Hello I am planning to build a RAF (or RCAF) Catalina or Canso and I am searching for Roundel and code letter masks in 1/72 scale. So far the only company I found is Army cast. My question is if anyone knows the Roundel and code letter size these airplanes had, and if these masks are available from any other company. Thank you in advance

Hi All, Happy Easter to one and all! Whilst I am waiting for a replacement kit for my DAF duo project, I thought I'd start another build! Inspired by @AliGauld's lovely 1;48 B25, I thought I'd have another crack at Auntie's lovely Mitchell II. This was one of my very first RFIs on this forum, a whole 5 years ago, so I thought it was about time to build another. As that build was one of the kit schemes, I thought this time I'd try something a little different, so I'm going to build this as a PRU version, specifically MA956 of 684 Sqn RAF: You will note that this is a single colour scheme, so I will have to try and add some texture! I was a little dubious regarding the scheme as presented above - an AVM flying on operations?? There is very little photographic evidence I can find of this scheme, but the legend Tony O'Toole did build one a few years back. Here's the scheme as presented on his thread (I believe it is a DK Decals sheet): That shows no mission tally, no AVM pennant, white centres to the roundel, and a serial in white - hmmmm! Any photographic evidence gratefully received, but at least I can paint it PRU blue. Interestingly this version of the scheme shows de-icing boots, whereas the other does not (I suspect the latter to be correct, and it will certainly add a little interest). So, here's the boxart: Here's the sprues: The lovely transparencies: The decals (stencils only will be used), along with obligatory mask set: In order to make a PRU version there are a couple of changes I shall need to make: - Fair over the astrodome behind the cockpit - Plunge mould a large astrodome in place of the dorsal turret - The ventral turret is faired over - The 3 cameras were mounted in the ventral turret location arranged in a lateral fan (one pointing downwards, two oblique), so appropriate holes will need to be drilled. I don't think the cameras will be at all visible so no point adding them. As I say, references are scarce for this one, so any information gratefully received! As the wife is infected with the spicy sneeze we will be laying low this weekend, so plenty of available bench time. There's always a silver lining,,, Thanks for looking, Roger

This one has occupied me since Christmas. It's not an easy kit to build, with quite a few significant pooh traps, not least the 5 part fuselage. As I often find with big kits, I was getting a little tired of it by the end. Nevertheless, I am very pleased with the results and now struggling to find a place to display it! The kit comes from BPK (£99.99 via Jadlam) and the decals from Air Graphics (£21.99 via Hannants). Sadly, the kit does not have an opening weapons bay, and the nice looking Air Graphics resin one was out of stock by the time I looked. Given the problems I had fitting the existing weapons bay door covers, I suspect that fitting the resin might have been challenging. Equally sadly, the RAF have not procured wing pylons or anything to hang on them, so my wings are bare, although I am looking at how I can put together a set of SPEAR 3 Missiles to hang from the wings in the future. Brush painted as usual with Humbrol enamels (I used 127 Ghost Grey, which is a little too blue for Boeing Grey (gray?), but matches my own photos quite well) with a darker grey wash in the panel lines. I added two cockpit crew and one side observer, just to give the kit a bit of life! Like with the E-3D kit I did a few years ago, I have managed to leave the wing and centre section loose (at the cost of a slightly gappy join) which will help with storage and transport. Photographing kits of this size always poses me a problem, so I am afraid I have had to photoshop some extraneous detail (my conservatory, house and cherry tree) out of some of the pictures.

Hiya kinda new to all this here, made 2 airfix starter sets so far and wanting to step it up a notch. I would like to replicate the same F4 Phantom II my uncle flew in as navigator during the Falklands war. It's either XV567 or XV587 , I have a picture but I find it hard to see and read the serial number on the side. 43 "fighting cocks" squadron, if I remember correctly. Because it has the cockerel insignia on the vertical stabiliser. I'd use the airfix set https://uk.airfix.com/products/mcdonnell-douglas-phantom-fg1fgr2-a06019a But of course an aftermarket decal set to replicate the aircraft I am wanting to model. I am aware that the camouflage colours are FS34079 (BS 641) and FS26173 (BS 638) but what colour is the underside? It's a light grey sort of colour. Is it "light aircraft grey" ? I probably already have it because I bought a collection of MRP's lacquers that covers all RAF aircraft ww2 to present. Thanks in advance!

Hi All, My next build will see the Azure Blue and Mid-Stone get an airing - it has been over a year since my last desert scheme, so it's long overdue! I'm going to make up for it too, as this will be a dual build of Special Hobby's new tool P40D Kittyhawk Mk.I, and Brengun's Typhoon Mk.Ib. Now I did build a Tiffie just a couple of months ago, but this is different; I have not built the Brengun kit before, it's desert camo, and most importantly, it will have the 'car door' canopy! Here's the Kittyhawk boxart: Here's the sprues: Special Hobby have upped their game - the detail looks superb. Here's the decals: There are 4 schemes in the kit, one of which is Neville Duke's oft-modelled mount. I do fancy a shark mouth, but might look for a less-modelled option. Here's the Tiffie box art: I have never built a Brengun kit before, but on the evidence presented the sprues appear well-detailed and crisp: Here's the decals: They look a bit over-bright, and Sky codes? Hmmm - will look into that. 4 schemes are provided for: All the desert camo options are 451 Sqn RAAF aircraft, so it would seem churlish not to build an Aussie bird! I'm looking forward to this one! Thanks for looking, Roger

Just a couple of phots of the newish 1/72 Crab.....i.e not senior service 😉 Harrier GR1 ...made it in 2019 but wanted to make sure I still knew how to upload phots...seems i've remembered.....sorry about the quality.

Hi All, My second completion for 2024 is Airfix' lovely newish Mossie. Much has been said about this kit, not all of it favourable, due to the fact that Auntie mistakenly used scan data from a TT35 version, meaning that the bomb bay doors and rear fairing include some extraneous detail. The build was inspired by this photo of MM199 of 128 Sqn RAF, based at RAF Wyton in 1944/5: This aircraft was piloted by an Australian, Flt Lt James Wood, whom along with his navigator FO Raymond Poole RAFVR were shot down and killed by flak on a mission to Hanover on 4th February 1945 - this photo was presumably taken just over a month before that fateful mission. The build was pretty much OOB, apart from the addition of the cookie, which was from Airfix' RAF Bomber Resupply Set, which contains a wealth of goodies which will no doubt enhance future builds. I did add some magnets to the cookie and bomb bay, allowing it to be placed and removed ad infinitum. Here's the WIP if anybody is interested: Anyhoo, enough blabber and onto the photos: I've thoroughly enjoyed this build, and whatever the naysayers I think it builds up into a nice representation of a late-war Mossie. Thanks to all of those who have offered kind words and encouragement - it has been much appreciated! Now on to my next build - I shall not reveal too much, but it has been a long while since I built anything with a tail hook...😉 Thanks for looking, Roger

I've only recently started learning about bombsight designs, the factors that affect bomb aiming and the technical difficulties of calculating a correct bombing solution under combat conditions. The question I have for the BM collective mind is this: were sights such as the mkVII and mkIX course setting bombsights left in parked aircraft or were they removed for security? I can see justification both ways. The designs were, presumably, highly classified, but constant moving and reattaching such complex mechanical devices may not have helped their reliability. I am particularly interested in what the practice might have been in operational Stirling squadrons in late 1941, just before the introduction of the much improved mkXIV bombsight in 1942. Many thanks in advance! Murray

Hi All, My next project will be Airfix new-tool Mossie. This kit has received a bit of a bashing due to the fact that the aircraft used for scanning was a target tug variant, and the bomb doors are therefore incorrect. Whatever the case I thought I'd give it a go! Here's the box art: The sprues: The transparencies: The decals: They look rather lovely. I've added an Eduard mask set, but this will be otherwise mostly OOB: I say mostly, because I do have an extra sprue from another kit: It's a 4000lb cookie! From the Airfix WWII RAF Bomber Re-supply Set, I thought it would be rather rude not to, given that this was pretty much the raison d'etre of these aircraft. The kit provides for a couple of schemes: Neither of these really floated my boat, so I've decided to model MM199 of 128 Sqn RAF, which was based at RAF Wyton in 1945. This aircraft was piloted by an Australian, Flt Lt James Wood, whom along with his navigator FO Raymond Poole RAFVR were shot down and killed by flak on a mission to Hanover on 4th February 1945. Here's a photo of the aircraft and the inspiration for the build: This scheme is a little unusual in that the squadron and aircraft codes appear in a non-standard font and colour (dark blue). Here's how they are represented in an Xtradecal set: The scheme is also represented in HK Models' 1:32 version: In this scheme the codes are shown with a yellow outline, which seems a little more plausible (in fact closer examination of the above photo does show an outline to the 'Q'). Anyway, on with the build! Thanks for looking, Roger

Hi All, My first completion of 2024 is Revell's mighty Halifax, which I chose to complete as NA242 of 192 Sqn RAF, based at RAF Foulsham in 1945. 192 Sqn were part of 100 Group, and these aircraft were fitted with various Electronic Warfare installations, including Mandrel. As well as the normal crew complement these aircraft also carried a pair of Special Operatives who were responsible for operating the equipment. The aircraft had completed 55 missions when this photo was taken, and survived the war. Here's a photo of NA242 (copyright Australian War Memorial - image for discussion only and will be removed on request: You may note that the aircraft carries some rather extensive nose-art, which I created using a combination of stencils and self-printed decals. Here's the WIP if anyone is interested: The kit was an absolute joy to build - the engineering and detail were superb, and I added an Eduard etch set along with a mask set and some lovely Freightdog wheels. You may or may not know that this kit is OOP, so I am very grateful to @tomprobert for agreeing to part with his kit and all the goodies. Thanks also to Nigel @T-21 who provided a wealth of detail on 100 Group Halifaxes which was most educational in details of the EW installation. Anyway, on with the pictures! Here's a pic during construction to show the interior detail: Here's a final shot with a double dose of mighty Bristol power: I have thoroughly enjoyed this build, and it's nice to finally have a Halibag 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

Miles M.9 Master MkI N7576/F N7576 was part of the station flight at RAF Tern Hill, Shropshire, in September 1939. The aircraft was then operated by No 8 Flying Training School, RAF Montrose, Forfarshire, in the spring of 1940. As the RAF began to take delivery of its first high speed monoplane fighters in the mid-1930s it became clear a trainer would be needed that provided similar performance characteristics. FG Miles designed a low-wing monoplane trainer around the 745hp Rolls-Royce Kestrel XVI inline engine, as used in the Hawker Fury and Hart biplanes. The new trainer, of exceptionally clean design, was named Kestrel after the engine. Miles presented the design to the Air Ministry, but it was initially rejected. Miles pressed on with the design as a private venture. The Kestrel first flew in June 1937, and proved to have a top speed about 20mph slower than the brand new Hawker Hurricane – which had an engine of higher power! Eventually, circumstances meant the Air Ministry turned to Miles for the new design. A specification was drawn up for a development of the Kestrel, to be named the M.9 Master. The £2 million contract was, at the time, the largest ever awarded by the Air Ministry for a training aircraft. Numerous changes were made to the design, including the fitting of a derated Kestrel engine, meaning the Master MkI was some 70mph slower than the original Kestrel design. Nevertheless, it was still the best training aircraft of its day, and featured handling characteristics similar to those of the Hurricane and Spitfire. The Master was of wooden construction, covered with plywood. The rear cockpit was the instructor’s position, and featured a seat that could be raised to give a better view ahead over the trainee pilot in the front. A hinged panel was interconnected with the seat-raising mechanism to provide a windscreen for the instructor. A number of MkIs were converted to a single-seat configuration and equipped with six 0.303in Browning machine guns during the summer of 1940. Intended for use in dire emergency the M.24 Modified Masters, however, were never used in anger. Production numbers of the various Master types are interesting. Some 900 MkIs were ordered. MkII production totalled 1,748, and the MkIII came to 602. The Pavla kit, being a short-run production, threw several curve balls at me. I added some extra little details around the nose, opened the belly radiator flap, added wingtip navigation and landing lights, and titivated the cockpit areas to better match the real thing as seen in various photos. The vacuum formed canopy had been slightly squashed at some point in its two-decade-odd shelf life, and I managed to completely ruin it in my attempts to correct it. The model then sat on the Shelf of Doom, waiting for a bright idea of how to fix such a problem as spare parts for a kit long out of production. An expensive solution appeared in the form of another unbuilt Pavla kit, so I could at least finish what I’d started. I’m not sure what to do with another Master kit, so it lives in the stash for now. Perhaps I could make an M.24... The propeller and exhausts came from the Bits Box – probably a scrapped Magna MkI. I made brass rod replacements for the undercarriage retraction struts. The original transfers had suffered over the years and fell apart on contact with water. I scanned the spare copy, and drew stencils so I could paint the main national markings, and make my own serial numbers and code letters. The model is painted with Precision Trainer Yellow enamel, then brush painted with Humbrol and Revell acrylics for the camouflage. The WIP thread, intermingled with a build of an Avro Tutor, can be found here:

Hi All, In my quest to produce a Hurri with invasion stripes, I settled on MW367, an aircraft which was used for mail and dispatch deliveries during the early phases of Operation Overlord. I built the Arma Hurricane, which is a superb little kit. Here's a photo of the aircraft: This was part of a tandem build with a Typhoon Mk.Ib - here's the WIP if anybody is interested: And on to the photos: Here's a final shot with her Hawker stablemate: Like the Typhoon, this has been a superb little kit which I've enjoyed immensely - in fact I'm becoming more & more comfortable building in 1:72. Thanks for all those who have offered kind words and encouragement along the way - it has been much appreciated! I'll slip these both in as late additions to my 2023 yearbook, Thanks for looking, Roger

Hi All, My latest completion is Airfix' lovely little Tiffie, completed as MP126 of 247 Sqn, which was part of 2 TAF based at Eindhoven in December 1944. The aircraft, piloted by P/O F. Wiersum was lost to flak on 5th December 1944. Here's a photo of the aircraft, along with the scheme (image for discussion only and will be removed on request): This build occurred in tandem with a Hurricane Mk.IIc build - here's the WIP if anyone is interested: And here's the photos: Here's a final shot with the build-mate: I have thoroughly enjoyed this kit, and would highly recommend it. I shall add both the Typhoon and Hurricane as late additions to my 2023 yearbook. Thanks to all who have offered kind words and encouragement along the way - it has been much appreciated! Thanks for looking, Roger

Liberator GRV BZ778 ‘G’. 53 Squadron St Eval, Oct 14th 1943. One project I am looking to build in 2024 is a representation of Costal Command Liberator BZ778 ‘G’ of 53 Sqn RAF and I am looking for information on how it would be equipped and armed. I have a Great Uncle by marriage F/Sgt Earnest Barge who was Co Pilot on this aircraft. Unfortunately, he was killed in a take off accident later in the war but I would like to build the Liberator based on a mission I know he completed. I am going to use the Eduard “Riders in the sky 1944” boxing of the Liberator GRV and I have acquired 250lb Depth Charges for the bombload used on Oct 14th (as per ORB). I am trying to work out what the aircraft would have looked like. I am comparing against the various schemes given in the kit instructions. Most of these are based around 311 Sqn aircraft but I assume by working out where BZ778 fits between the various schemes I should get a reasonable view (does that logic sound right?) of how the aircraft was equipped / armed. The instructions have a scheme for BZ774 which is equipped with the retractable radar radome in the ventral gun turret position (not the Dumbo nose). The aircraft has a winglet fitted either side of the nose with RP rails fitted. The instructions also have a scheme for BZ779 which is equipped as above, including the rocket rails. My question is, does anyone know if 53 Sqn used RPs same as 311? Would BZ778 have been armed with the winglets and RPs on 14th Oct 43 (the ORB only mentions DCs – Percussion K1)? Am I right to assume that BZ778 would look just like BZ779? Any suggestions greatly received.. Regards

Halllo My question concerning carpurator: As far as I am informed, the carpurator of the Zero was the only one, which was operative in all positions of the flying envelope. Is this correct? I know something about the German injection system too. The RAF had to handle it with limitations of the FE. How about American systems? Copy or own developement? But the question still alive is the lubrication system on the Zero overalm the FE! Can you have proper answers to this question? Happy modelling

Hallo After reading literature about P-38 and P-47 one question results: If you have a fuselage installed gun, which shoots through the propeller arc. How much does the synchronisation reduce the amount of shots? Take German MG of the late or early 109s or 190s. In percrntage, how much was the reductipn in firepower shopting through the arc, in opposition to a wing mounted gun which could fire full? Since there is a reduction, you stay a longer time in the opponents line of fire! Happy modelling

This is a bit of a long shot, but does anyone know of suitable figures in 1/72 or 1/76 scales that, with some inventive painting and maybe a little surgery, could be made to pass for RAF ground crew in greatcoats? I'm mostly thinking of the snow-covered airfields of France during the first winter of WW2, but also the wind-blasted flatlands of East Anglia, pre-1942. Thanks in advance, my knowledgeable friends.

Hi All, With my Vickers Vincent languishing on the Shelf of Uncertainty (I'm not sure what to do about the missing 3rd crew position), I fancied a bit of a sneck-lifter build. What better, thought I, than a pair of Hawker's finest ground attack aircraft - the Hurricane IIc and Typhoon Mk.Ib?! 😍 The kits concerned are the Arma Hurri and Airfix Tiffie. Here's the Arma kit: There is but on grey plastic sprue (albeit with lovely detail): A nice little PE fret (and cockpit masks): Decals: The Airfix kit is somewhat more sprue-heavy: I've treated myself to a Yahu instrument panel: Interestingly, although it is not mentioned in the instructions, it appears that there is an option to build with the cannon hatches open (parts A8 & A9 on the sprues, if you are interested): Now the reason for the thread title is that I'm going to model both these aircraft in invasion stripes. The Typhoon is easy - schemes 10 a penny, but the Hurricane took a little more searching. Here's one example: This looks to be standard Day Fighter Scheme - I shall have to find the external fuel tanks somewhere (or 3D print a pair - easy enough). Anyway, should be a bit of fun! Thanks for looking, Roger

Hi All, After recent forays into unusual Americana (B17C, B18) I decided it was time for the pendulum to swing back towards Blighty. I haven't built a biplane for a while, and this kept winking at me from the stash: Opening up the box, here's the sprue shots: Some nice PE, and a beautifully detailed resin engine: Here's the decals - nicely printed and in register: The decals allow for 4 schemes - two in aluminium, and two Singapore-based machines camouflaged thus: Although I was nearly tempted by this option with the torpedo at such a jaunty angle, I couldn't get excited by the scheme. Now the sharp-eyed amongst you may note that the kit is a Vickers Vildebeest, which is the torpedo bomber version of this aircraft, whereas the Vincent was a general purpose aircraft. A quick search revealed it should be a pretty simple conversion: - Remove the torpedo equipment - Remove the wheel spats (the kit allows for this option) - Add an auxiliary fuel tank (possibly by converting the torpedo??) - The Vincent also had message pickup and pyrotechnic signalling gear added - any information gladly received on these. A bit more searching came up with a scheme I rather fancied (Copyright IWM - Photo is for discussion only and will be removed on request) : The IWM archives state that Vincent K4681 was part of the Aden Communications Flight, and the photo shows the aircraft under guard at Mukeiras landing ground whilst delivering supplies to the RAF rest camp at that location. Now, given that the aircraft has C Type roundels, I suspect that this would have been taken in 1942, and I suspect that the scheme would be Dark Earth/Mid-Stone over Azure, although it could also be LE/DE over Sky Blue (I suspect the former, but happy to hear otherwise). Given that the aircraft was not assigned to a squadron it may well not have worn codes, so just the serial - simples! Also of note are the leading edge strakes, which are not provided in the kit - a simple enough job to fabricate. Lovely photo of the guard too - probably keeping the pesky local population at bay. Anyway, it looks to be a nice little kit so let's see what it turns up! Thanks for looking, Roger

LX-W, No.225 Sqn RAF, I just need a serial. More zoom-in-able pics available at IWM: CH 1174 CH 1180 CH 1185 CH 1186 CH 1191 CH 1193 CH 1198 CH 1201 Thanks!

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

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

Because I like a challenge and I managed to build three TIE Fighters in the Blitzenbuild (even with 6 hours of masking!), I figured why not go all out and try two builds. Kit number two is the Academy P-51B: At the moment, it’s still sealed up in the bag: The Eduard seatbelts are the only AM I’ll be using, as one of the local model clubs has an OOB-themed competition I’d like to enter this in, and belts are the only thing you’re allowed to use that wasn’t in the box. I’m planning to finish this as PKoG, in the standard RAF day fighter scheme: I’ve made a couple of notes on the painting guide as my research has indicated Academy made a bit of an error on the scheme for this aircraft. As I’m building two kits, I’ll take advantage of the rule allowing us to take the main bits off the sprues in advance, ready to get cracking on Saturday. James

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, This week I completed some figures from ICM's excellent 1:48 RAF personnel kit and created a grass field base for a Trumpeter Display case to display them together with a my latest creation, a pre-war 72 Squadron RAF Gloster Gladiator. It then occurred to me that the base and case could also be used to rotate the display of other aircraft in my collection from the late pre-war and early second world war period. Apologies for the striped backdrop, but I have yet to figure out the best printer quality settings, hence the vertical lines. Other than these, it is however a fairly accurate depiction of the skyscape at Church Fenton because its the upper section from a picture I took of the Spitfire line-up parked at Flying Legends here in July😀 Amazing how a simple backdrop can make a model pop! All photos were taken with an iPhone 11 Pro. First of all the 72 Sqn Gladiator based at RAF Church Fenton around 1938 Hurricane P3153 US-U for "Euthanasia" of 56 Sqn based at RAF North Weald in summer 1940 Spitfire Mk1 R6835 XT-W of 603 “City of Edinburgh” Sqn based at RAF Hornchurch in Summer 1940 Finally, some shots more featuring the Albion 3-Point Re-fueller. I based this on an example seen briefly in a British Pathe B&W Newsreel, but took some liberties with the brass radiator and red sun-rise Albion logo, which would no doubt in reality have been painted over when the vehicle was camouflaged.