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I'm working on the 1/48 Czech Models JRF Goose as used by the RCAF in WW2, No. 13 Operational Training Squadron based at RCAF Station Sea Island, British Columbia, with many thanks to Carl Vincent and member 'Dogsbody'. The kit is a short run, low pressure kit released in 2004, major parts in plastic, with interior and detail parts in resin. As a short run kit it, is a nice challenge, no locating pins, heavy trailing edges, many missing finer details, clubs for propellers, but an interesting aircraft none the less. Where I'm heading ... First up was thinning all trailing edges with much scraping, sanding, and rescribing, then because I seem to do things backward, I started with the peripherals, rather than use the inaccurate resin engine with it's huge crankcase, I thought I'd try to correct the plastic engine in the kit. I mount the crankcase on some aluminum tubing, chucked it in my Dremel, and turned it down to a correct size, with the ignition loom in place, and added an oil sump whittled from sprue (ignition harness and pushrods to be added later)... Eleven brass, aluminum, and plastic pieces went into each prop ... The elevators were separated, hinges and trim tab actuator added ... Rudder had a nav light position, trim tab, and rudder control horn added ... Wings had the aileron actuator pushrods/control horns added, inaccurate tabs filled, panels rescribed, landing and nav lights added ... Then I started on the fuselage, removing the windows in the entry and escape doors, then ... and the interior ... Now it's off to the paint shop for the first round ... Colin

These tables show the individual aircraft letter codes for Hurricanes held by RCAF 126 Squadron (Dartmouth, NS) during Jan - July 1943 which were then taken over by RCAF 127 Squadron (Gander, Nfld) after mid-July. 127 Squadron would subsequently be renumbered to 443 and go to the UK to fight in Spitfires. When the squadrons swapped bases in mid-July 1943, they each left their planes behind for the other to use. This means planes from 126 were used by 127 after mid-July and vice versa. For example: 126 received Hurricane Z 5655 in Dec 42 at Dartmouth and used it until July when it was under the control of 127, which took over Dartmouth. Pictures of plane Z 5655 on the Internet are labelled as 127 Squadron but it was originally received and labelled by 126. The aircraft serials and letter combinations were taken from the Operational Record Books (ORBs) of 126 Squadron from Jan to May 1943. The ORBs list each flight of the planes by their serial numbers or their letters. From time to time, the letter codes were also scribbled beside the serial numbers. Sometimes there are some inconsistencies that appear to be errors. Aircraft Serials and Codes The first column is the aircraft's individual letter code The second column is the most frequent serial number labelled with the code The subsequent numbers after the // are potential errors because they are infrequent / contradictory / overlapping with another mention of itself for a flight time Code Serial // Mistakes? A 5632 B 5658 C D E 5633 // 5640, 5632 F BW883 // BW847 G [from photo below: 5640] H I BW872 J K 5659 // 5655 L M 5657 N O 5638 P Q R 5666 // BW872, 5632 S 5654 T U BW868 V BW869 W X BW854 Y BW878 // BW865, 5655, 5633 Z 5655 ORB Image References Below are the images of ORB pages held by Library and Archives Canada on their digital site that show the codes and serial numbers. https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_reel_c12253/442 https://image-uab.canadiana.ca/iiif/2/69429%2Fc0sj19k66m01/full/max/0/default.jpg https://image-uab.canadiana.ca/iiif/2/69429%2Fc0ns0ks8jv1d/full/max/0/default.jpg https://image-uab.canadiana.ca/iiif/2/69429%2Fc0qj77s9jj9b/full/max/0/default.jpg https://image-uab.canadiana.ca/iiif/2/69429%2Fc06m3321sn5v/full/max/0/default.jpg https://image-uab.canadiana.ca/iiif/2/69429%2Fc0833mw48x36/full/max/0/default.jpg https://image-uab.canadiana.ca/iiif/2/69429%2Fc04b2x36n54h/full/max/0/default.jpg https://image-uab.canadiana.ca/iiif/2/69429%2Fc00k26990d20/full/max/0/default.jpg https://image-uab.canadiana.ca/iiif/2/69429%2Fc0vx05x4676c/full/max/0/default.jpg https://image-uab.canadiana.ca/iiif/2/69429%2Fc0r49g46jg3k/full/max/0/default.jpg https://image-uab.canadiana.ca/iiif/2/69429%2Fc0mc8rb8wq0m/full/max/0/default.jpg https://image-uab.canadiana.ca/iiif/2/69429%2Fc0zp3vt3hh01/full/max/0/default.jpg https://image-uab.canadiana.ca/iiif/2/69429%2Fc03b5w689n36/full/max/0/default.jpg https://image-uab.canadiana.ca/iiif/2/69429%2Fc0736m05zd8v/full/max/0/default.jpg https://image-uab.canadiana.ca/iiif/2/69429%2Fc0bv79s3m59x/full/max/0/default.jpg https://image-uab.canadiana.ca/iiif/2/69429%2Fc0gm81k17x81/full/max/0/default.jpg https://image-uab.canadiana.ca/iiif/2/69429%2Fc0mc8rb8wq0m/full/max/0/default.jpg https://image-uab.canadiana.ca/iiif/2/69429%2Fc0r49g46jg3k/full/max/0/default.jpg - David

Avro Lancaster B Mk. I (Serial No. R5727), built in the UK and flown to Victory Aircraft in Malton, Ontario, in August 1942 to serve as a pattern for the other Lancasters to be built in Canada. The fabrication drawings had been delivered in January, 1942. R5727 became the first of the type to conduct a transatlantic crossing. The first Canadian-built Lancaster was a Mk. X (Serial No. KB700), aka “The Ruhr Express” coming off the line a year after R5727 arrived in Canada.

My recently completed second serious attempt at a digital profile. I had used PS Elements for at least 10 years, but only for minor editing of my digital airliner photos. PS Elements contains a number of useful tools to get the effects I was looking for. The basic line drawing was done with Inkscape to start this. The aircraft was flown by S/L Jack R. Beirnes DFC & Bar, of 438 squadron and in this photo you can see the overspray around the "B" which looks freshly applied compared to the F3 and which to tried to reproduce. In another photo the squadron leader's pennant can be seen below the windscreen. The 438 squadron Historian confirmed the serial number of this aircraft as MM959. Looking at the completed work now I can see areas that could be improved, and by the end I was growing a bit frustrated at my workflow and the many lessons I was discovering. While surviving the war, sadly JR Beirnes died in an air accident just weeks after the end. The research for me was as enjoyable as the digital work. Comments and suggestions are welcome,

Hi all Not done a new thread for ages as been concentrating on the FAA thread for last 2 yrs or so. When @mark.au started building his Mk.XIV . It got me hankering to build another Spitfire and so as ee sre foing with our Swordfish models to replicate doffrrnt Swordfish used in the Taranto raid in a sort of unofficial GB, i asked if i voukd join with a Spitfire too. Now i don't have a great travk record for completing GB models as still doing my 32nd Sea Venom and that GB finished in June!!! But fired up with enthusiasm i have tried to crack on with the Swordfish and this one and hopefully will finish both in good time. This build is the Airfix 48th scale kit and haveto say it looks absolutely lurvley. I will be adding a replacement Propeller or might file the blades to a better shape, not sure yet, I will add some Eduard Seat belts too. Otherwise this will be as Airfix intended. I am doing the RCAF option in the kit, serial NH902, VC-P, flown by Sqn Leader James Bernard Prenergast , No 414 Sqn RCAFin Luneberg Germany May-June 1945. I do have the Xtradecal sheet , but will use on another high back that I will partially re do and a Mk.XVIII when it arrives. The kit, so far has gone together very well and fit has been perfect. Pleased so far Thanks for looking in Chris

Hi All, My latest completion is Special Hobby's 1:72 Boston Mk.III. I first started this kit in 2021, but an irretrievable decal disaster saw my first effort sail binwards (an act of which I am not proud). However, it continued to niggle me, so I recently purchased another kit and started the build from scratch! The reason for persisting with this model is that it depicts a rather unusual experimental camouflage scheme applied to AL468, an aircraft of 418 'City of Edmonton' Sqn RCAF, based at RAF Bradwell Bay, Essex in 1942. Aircraft of this squadron were tasked with 'Night Intruder' missions, whereby they attacked German night fighters at their home bases, often whilst they were in the circuit. AL468 was piloted by Sqn Ldr Burton-Gyles, who was credited with shooting down an enemy aircraft over the town of Beauvais. Most of these aircraft were painted in Night overall, but a couple were painted in the experimental Ocean Grey & Dark Green over Night, rather than the later standard Night Fighter scheme of Medium Sea Grey/Dark Green over Night. The following are excerpts from @Carl V's book on the subject - Carl and @dogsbody were kind enough to provide this information during my build (many thanks gents!). You can see the experimental scheme applied to TH-D in the middle photos. The cockpit close-up on the second panel is TH-O AL468, showing the maple leaf marking above the swastika - the aircraft also carried a distinctive 'O - Ottawa, Ontario' marking on the starboard side. Finally, the bottom artwork shows the scheme itself, Here's the WIP, if anyone is interested: Now the kit itself has a few foibles, mainly relating to the fit of the nose glazing, which was remedied by the addition of a 1mm shim to the fuselage. The aircraft was modelled with the ventral cannon pack fitted, but with the cheek gun blisters removed. I also modified the bombardier's position, removing the bomb sight along with a portion of the floor, as was correct for this aircraft (this from information kindly provided by @Scott Hemsley - many thanks Scott!). I made a few improvements, such as the addition of a life raft, clear wingtip lights, and Tamiya tape harnesses - otherwise the kit was pretty much OOB. Anyway, that's enough waffle - on to the pics! Finally, I couldn't resist a couple of shots with another unusual RCAF aircraft, just to show the difference between a 'light' and 'heavy' bomber Although this build has not been without its frustrations, I'm actually pretty pleased with the outcome. It's an unusual-looking aircraft and hopefully a fitting tribute to the brave Canadian crews who undertook the hazardous Intruder operations night after night. Many thanks to all who have provided help and encouragement along the way - it is sincerely appreciated as always! Thanks for looking, Roger

Hi All, My next build will be Special Hobby's Douglas Boston Mk.III Intruder. Here's the box art: Here's the sprue shots: The decals look nicely in register: There's a small PE fret: I'm going to model this as AL468 of 418 'City of Edmonton' Sqn, RCAF, based at RAF Bradwell Bay, December 1942 to June 1943. 418 had the highest kill tally of any squadron within the RCAF. Their hazardous Intruder missions were flown deep into enemy territory at low level, in order to engage night fighters taking off or landing at their home bases, all without the benefit of radar - brave men indeed. Here's the scheme: I cannot find any photos of AL468, but I am dubious as to the accuracy of this scheme. SH call out OG & DG over night, whereas I would have thought it would be in the standard night fighter scheme of MSG/DG over Night - I have asked the hive mind for clarification. In researching this kit I have found that there is potentially a nasty step between the fuselage & glazing, so I thought I'd investigate this early, so I could be prepared to shim the fuselage: Although there's a very slight step, it's nothing to write home about - maybe I got lucky? (or maybe the fuselage will push out with the interior in place - I shall proceed with caution). I'm off to start chucking primer around, so watch this space! Thanks for looking, Roger

Here is. my 1-48 P40E Kittyhawk. This is the Italeri kit out of the box and kit decals. It is a rebox of the AMT kit and is quite nice given its vintage. The engraved details are finely done, level of detail is acceptable and fit is pretty good except for the engine cowl panels. The moulds are quite old and as a result there is flash on almost all parts that requires clean up. Apparently these Kittyhawks were painted by Curtiss to RAF described colours but using American standard paints. The Sky was from Gunze Aqueous, The Green is Tamiya RAF Dark Green and the tan is Aeromaster enamel mid-brown. I'm not sure it's 100% correct but it suits me. What is most interesting to me is the 111 Squadron RCAF roundels and codes used while stationed in Alaska. The wing roundels have the blue extended inwards. The fuselage had the outer yellow portion painted black. Then the letter codes on this example were underlined. Additionally the codes and the serial numbers overlap the fuselage band. The Italeri decals worked very well, however, I think the letter codes are slightly too large. They were very thin and easy to apply as long as you used lots of water to place them. They settled down with Daco strong solution. The only issue was placing the fuselage band which comes in two parts and this is not shown in the instructions. The solution is to leave a small gap on the right lower side for the base of the letter "L" and the small piece of band fits on the bottom. It is important to do the band and the letter codes and the roundels all at the same time- as I said use lots of water and don't let them set until they are all in alignment. Well here she is....

Hi All, I'm about to embark on Special Hobby's 1:72 Boston MkIII 'Intruder'. I'm intending to model it as AL468 of 418 'City of Edmonton' Sqn RCAF, which was based at RAF Bradwell Bay in Essex, December 1942 to June 1943. SH depicts the scheme shown: SH call out Ocean Grey and Dark Green over Night, but my question is this: surely this type of aircraft would have worn the 'Night Fighter' scheme of Medium Sea Grey and Dark Green over Night? I can only find photos of this aircraft in overall Night, so I humbly beseech the hive mind for further clarification - surely @tonyot or @dogsbody will know? Thanks in advance for any assistance rendered, Roger

Hi, The Stranraer (original Matchbox production) was a kit waiting for many years in my stash. It is about 30 years now. The main reason was the complicate riging and some conversion needed to do as the kit is reproducing some post war changes. I decided to do her in RCAF livery (and machine of Canadian build), and I am very grateful to all BM fellows who took part in a topic providing many useful information on those differences. First of all I thanks Chris ( @dogsbody ). This thread is here: So, the list of modificarions are: 1. removing of carago doors on right side and add additional window 2. cut out the place for cockpit window to move back on right side 3. 4 blades props 4. The a bit reshaped cowlings 5. Fairing of the rear gunner position 6. Browning MGs, and doubled in mid upper site. 7. DF loop control rod between wings 8. Bombs bays for 20 lb bombs and bombs racks under the wings More corrections are landing and positioning lights, pitot tube, some rivets on surface (very delicate, almost invisible, unfortunately) and bombs (20 lb stolen from Airfix Swordfish, bomb chargies scratch bulid) and driving mechanism of ailerons on the bottom side of wings. I done riging by EZ. The scheme presents machine from 117 Squadron (BR) RCAF. The story of this particular machine is described here http://www.rwrwalker.ca/RCAF_901_950_detailed.htm as "With No. 117 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Stations Sydney, Dartmouth, Bella Bella, BC, and Jericho Beach, BC August 1941 to March 1944, in camouflage, last date: 8 March 1944 - Struck off". Here she is: An undersides (sorry for wide angle distortion) Comments welcome Regards J-W

Maybe I'm just a glutten for punishment, but I'm starting a 1/48 Classic Airframes Lockheed Hudson III, to be finished as LM*L, 113(BR) Sqdn, RCAF, which scored the RCAF's first U-Boat kill. Right off the hop, I knew about the split elevator problem, instead of the correct one piece elevator. What I didn't know until now was that CA had molded ALL of the fight controls scalloped out as though they were fabric covered instead of the correct metal! Should be an interesting challenge! Aviaeology's excellent decals set "First kill Hudsons"

I think I'm pretty lucky. I earned by glider and power pilot wings through the most excellent Royal Canadian Air Cadet program. Went on to get my commercial, multi-engine and instructors rating all before 20 years of age. I had two airline jobs lined up in 1981 but due to a recession at that time they never came to be. No worries, I ended up having a great career at Honda Canada, where I had multiple jobs that took me coast to coast and even to Japan. I have a terricfic wife and two grown successful sons. I retired at a not too old age some years ago and in 2018 I couldn't resist the "Flying Bug" anymore, renewed my license and joined a small flying museum 15 minutes from the house. Edenvale Classic Aircraft Foundation (www.classicaircraft.ca and on FaceBook) has a small group of volunteers and we look after a number of RCAF artifacts and four flying aircraft. We have a 1943 DH82a RAF Tiger Moth and a 1943 Fleet PT-26 Cornell both of which we use for public rides. We also have a 1947 (1963 rebuilt) Fleet Canuck and a 1947 Auster A.O.P. VII ex RCAF and these are used for pilot training. I am lucky enough to have flown them all and will be doing my check out on the Tiger Moth this summer. Lucky guy for sure! Any way this brings me to this subject, the 1/48 Planet Models Fairchild PT-26 Cornell. This is the only option (I believe) for a kit of our Cornell. I have decided to model it after our own since I have all the reference I need and I really want to have one on the shelf. I have a Silver Wings 1/32 Tiger Moth to do after that check out. The kit is resin and requires some skills to bring together. Typically the parts have a few issues such as slightly warped fuselage halves, some parts are a bit crude and details that do not match our aircraft. In addition to building with superglue I will be correcting some details and (gasp) scratchbuilding the two cockpit interiors. I have not done very much scratch work and this will push my comfort level. It will also give me practice for another Tiger Moth, this one a Matchbox, that I am building for one of our members who restored our museum Tiger. First off her is our handsome pilot and model builder with our Fleet PT-26 (Fleet built PT-26s under license in Fort Erie Ontario). She was RCAF FV720 built in late 1943, delivered to RCAF in Sept 1944 to No. 1 Air Traning Command in Brandon Manitoba, she was actually kept in Reserve and sold in 1946. More history is available if anyone wants to know. The kit in its flimsy box Which provided all of the parts safely EXCEPT for the one-piece wing which is no longer "at one with itself". Oh well it will be fixed. Here is a typical part, the right wing tip. Some flash but very few pinholes or short molds. Overall the quality of casting, outline and detail is very good. THE NOTCH in the wing tip is supposed to be there but it is a hand-hold and so I will need to add the outer portion, essentially a bar that continues the wing outline. Like this... Well time to start dry-fitting and see how it is going to come together. Thanks for looking.

Hi All, My first completion for 2021 is Auntie's lovely Lancaster B.II. This mark of the Lancaster was a little different to the iconic Merlin-powered Lanc as it used the Bristol Hercules radial engine. The B.II was conceived as a backstop in case of production restrictions on the Merlin. This never eventuated, and the type was relatively short-lived due to inferior performance at normal operating altitudes. However, 300 or so were produced, and many ended up with RCAF squadrons until they were replaced by Halifaxes. There are 2 well-documented aircraft in the schemes presented by Airfix. I decided to model the aircraft as EQ*Z "Z for Zombie" of 408 (Goose) Squadron RCAF, based at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, Yorkshire, July 1944. This would have been at the time when this squadron was engaged in bombing support for Operation Goodwood, the operation to liberate Caen following the invasion. Here's some images of 'Z-Zombie': And below is a link to some amazing footage of B.IIs in flight (thanks @Graham!!) The first aircraft you can see is from 408 Sqn: The kit was built mostly out the box, although I did drill through the top escape hatches and added transparencies, and filled in the fuselage windows as was correct for this aircraft. Here's a link to the WIP if anyone is interested: Anyway, on to the photos! I've really enjoyed learning more about this lesser-known variant of the iconic Lancaster, and have had amazing support on the journey. Special thanks to @dogsbody for his amazing reference material (and general cheerleading from the Canadian corner - thanks Chris!) Thanks also to @Alex Gordon, @Graham, @elger and @bigbadbadge who have all contributed to my knowledge along the way. It's been a great learning experience, and hopefully my modest tribute to the many brave Canadians who flew this aircraft. Thanks for looking, Roger

Hi All, A switch of scale for my next build - the first of 2021, although it might get started (just) in 2020! I'm going to build Airfix' Avro Lancaster B.II, which as you are all no doubt aware was the variant which used the radial Bristol Hercules in place of the ubiquitous Merlin. The B.II was conceived as a backstop in case of production restrictions on the Merlin. This never eventuated, and the type was relatively short-lived due to inferior performance at normal operating altitudes. However, 300 or so were produced, and many ended up with RCAF squadrons until they were replaced by Halifaxes. Although the Merlin-engined Lancs (rightly) receive most attention, following my current favouring of lesser-known types I've decided to have a crack at this more unusual heavy. Here's the lovely boxart: The sprue shots: Including a B.II specific sprue for the Hercules power-eggs, bulged bomb bay doors and ventral turret components: My parents kindly gifted me the kit for Christmas, so I felt little guilt in investing in a set of masks for the canopy, as well as some paint masks for the camo - otherwise this will be pretty much OOB: I may, however have just invested in the Airfix 'Bomber Resupply Set' in order to complete the ordnance load. There may even be a diorama in the wings . You may be wondering about the quote in the title of this thread. It comes from one of my favourite films "Shaun of the Dead", which is of course about zombies: The reason for this is that I have decided to model the aircraft as EQ*Z "Z for Zombie" of 408 (Goose) Squadron RCAF, based at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, Yorkshire, July 1944. There are some great images of this aircraft, which I believe survived operations including bombing to support Operation Goodwood, which was the Allied operation to take Caen following D-Day. Here's the images I've dug up: Noseart being applied: And another shot of a B.II (not Z-Zombie), which gives some good cues for colours of the engines, exhausts, u/c etc. All incredibly evocative images capturing life on a Bomber Command station. Anyway, that's all for now - I look forward to sharing the build as it progresses! Happy New Year to all, Thanks for looking, Roger

Hi all This is a stalled build that j picked up again along with my other stalled builds during this crazy year. I have been fortunate enough to keep working through the year although working from home which has it's advantages in fuel and travel time. This kit is quite nice and I stopped it due to fears over fitting the top wing however after completing the Amodel DH60 I decided I would give it another go and found it really easy as this one coul be placed on the wing upside down on the workbench and left to dry. Brilliant. The kit is out of the box . The mass balances on the ailerons were photo Etch and were soldered together, rigged with invisible thread and ariel wire is Ushci fine thread. Painted with my usual ho to paints of Humbrol enamels and weathered with an oil wash and a silver pencil for chipping. I would like to thank those who have supported me in the build and thank you to @Andy Dyck who very kindly sent me some images to use as backdrobackdrops after seeing his gorgeous Tigermoth build. So this is a bit of an experiment with the backdrop. I need to build a buffer base without the framed border. Anyways enough of the old waffle here are the images. Thanks for looking I hope you all have a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous and Safe New Year. My best wishes to you all for 2021. Edit - I've just realised in my haste to get this over the line I forgot to add exhaust deposits on the fuselage, darn it, I will add it later. Chris

I finished my Deltas and am not happy with the result, they will be done again at a later date. The doctor said I have depression. I can't seem to concentrate on one thing for long, this build will be an attempt to clear my head of weird scenes and get myself back on track and hopefully finish my other WIPs. Enough of the sad stuff and get on with it. Sometime ago Navy Bird did a yellow and black stripped Anson. Love black and yellow strips. I didn't want to build an Anson and found this little Northrop. Love a Northrop. Some pics. Resin bits - Exhaust and propeller hub Decals Masks Thanks for having a look. Stephen on the mend

Here are some images for the kit and scheme I’ll be building. This will straight from the box and I’ll be finishing it in the markings of 443 Squadron RCAF. This is the machine on the box art and I’m looking forwards to getting started Steve

Just finished this line of aircrafts, all build out of box. From the new Airfix line and a joy to build fit is exelent. Decals fra Aviaeology, super decals, with all the reference material that you can dream for. Cheers Jes

Here's my Airfix 1/48 Spitfire FR XIVe, completed as a 402 Squadron (RCAF) machine, March, 1945. As I understand it, 402 was one of two Squadron's to operate the "bubbletop" before the end of the war in Europe. I found the Airfix kit to be good, but required careful assembly and a fair amount of shimming. The paints I used are Tamiya acrylic, weathering with Humbrol enamels and pastels, and the decals are a mix of XtraDecal codes, Aviaeology serials, and Barracuda stencils. I'm quite happy with the result, and I hope you like, Colin Link to my accompanying "Highback" build - https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235064455-148-spitfire-f-xive-highback-402-squadron-rcaf-march-1945/

Here's my 1/48 Spitfire Mk XIVe highback completed as 'Blackie' MacConnell's mount at the end of the war. I believe he was flying this aircraft when he downed an Arado AR-234 in April, 1945. It started life as an Airfix PR XIX, and was modified extensively to become a Mk XIVe. Decals are from XtraDecal, and Aviaeology stencils. Paints are Tamiya acrylic's, with weathering using Humbrol enamels and pastel chalk. Hope you like, Colin Build log -

Here's my 1/72 Italeri/Wingman C-130J-30 Stretched Hercules operated by the RCAF. It started out as a Testors/Italeri AC-130a 'Spooky' with a lot of scratchbuilding and modifications. I'm very happy with how it turned out, hope you like ... Thanks for looking, Colin

Hi all My entry will be a Eduard Spitfire MK.XIe in 1:48 (84138) with a few after market items ie cockpit Wheels cannons engine ? decals I will be using Xtradecal set X48172 Using markings for MK304 Y2K Flown by Flight Lieutenant Arnold “Rosy” Roseland of 442 (RCAF) Squadron based at St. Croix Sur Mer France July 1944

I've built a small squadron of the of the old Minicraft DC-3's over the years, but this was my first of the newer Roden offering. I must say, it's a lovely kit, correcting several of the former kit's more notable weaknesses, such as the short fin/rudder height and the engine spacing. Mods for the RCAF version were minimal, chiefly cutting off the tail cone of the civil version (which Roden left on this C-47 issue) and slight alterations to the antenna layout. Paints were Tamiya acrylics on the 'topside' and MM grey acrylic primer on the undersides. I used a little thinned enamel wash to take the 'toy' sheen off the NM paint job and to give it a bit of a 'lived in' look, but kept weathering to a minimum: from the photographs available, it looks like the proud crews kept these birds pretty 'tidy' throughout their service lives. This was also my first go at the lovely decals from Leading Edge, who specialize in Canadian subjects. The decals themselves were nearly ten years old (though very carefully stored), but other than being a little 'stiff' here and there, performed beautifully. No signs of cracking or splitting, nice deep color, and they settled down well with minimal setting solution needed. A quick and most enjoyable build.

Encouraged by warm reception (Thanks for All !) of my Wallace, Wapiti and Wellingtons I would like to share with next old Frog/Novo kit - Blackburn Shark. I converted it to Mk III. This is No 546 RCAF, operated by Sq. 7, RCAF Station Prince Rupert BC Dec. 41 to 1943. It was use for anti submarine patrols.Conversion was also scratch ("free hand"). Best regards Jerzy- Wojtek

Hi, Recently finished my RCAF Canadair Sabre from 427 Sqdn. I used the Academy F-86F-30 kit OOB except for the Aires seat and True Details wheels. The Leading Edge decals turns it into a Hard Wing F-86-30 style from Zweibrücken, Germany in 1957. The tail markings is from the Weapons Meet Cazaux, France. Unfortunately the decals had a tendency of silvering. Painted with Mr.Paint and weathered with Ammo of Mig products. Thanks for looking //Fred