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My next contribution is a Seafire FR46. And not the easy way using one of the kits in the stash but using the Airfix F22 and Freightdog conversion kit. It may seeem a long winded way but the Airfix kit is quite straightforward and probably a quicker build than an Admiral, Legato, Sword or Special Hobby boxing. I also got the conversion kit some time ago and as well as being rather nice I really should use it up. Here's the box contents and a clear clear sprue and a good transfer sheet but only the stencils, and possibly the roundels will be used. The resin parts, replacement prop, wheels, undercarriage doors, cannons a stinger arrestor hook, a pitot and a template for scribing a new radio hatch. Beautifully moulded and no pour blocks just some fine flash around the parts. And a full and clear set of instructions.

I have bit more time between gigs so I thought why not a second project as well as my HB mig 15 quickie? Last year I was the assistant chief deputy airframe dust reduction officer (3rd Class) at Solent Sky. As part of my extensive duties I performed crucial maintenance work on our Mk24 as these images will show: Note unskilled staff should never use the contamination containment and removal tool (or Mr. blue fluffy thingy as we pro's call it) without extensive training and some semblance of sobriety. Now a local chain has been having a blow out of AF 1/72 kits at £2.99 a pop so these were duly acquired, mostly for practise. Then I thought , as I have rivet counting dyslexia, there's very little difference betwixt a Mk22 and Mk24 and certainly not ours which is far from original...right down to the dodgy late seventies paintwork lovingly applied by BA apprentices and occasionally retouched by yours truly. Thus I will attempt to recreate this masterpiece of museum fakery (any thoughts on how make Mr. blue fluffy thingy will be greatly appreciated.). Now for some reference: Here she is without me molesting her: She was struck off charge after a heavy landing which pretty much broke her back and made her not air-worthy: I may attempt to recreate this with micro chisels , Mr Hobby Cement and ineptitude, I hope to be guided by the spirit of the fine airman that rendered this machine un-flyable and apply the same level of skill in modelling her. Another good reason to tackle this is these are pretty much the only stencils on whole damn thing and the whole airframe is as shiny as hell, so no matt coat futzing about.. For historical accuracy I will attempt to correctly portray my skilful restoration of the rusty exhausts using a two step process of Halfords stonechip and then vigorous polishing with pledge furniture polish as I did to the real thing. Professional aircraft restorers should find a secluded room to silently weep in at this point. I will also attempt to dutifully portray the unique and hand beaten shape of the elegant spinner which may or may not have adjusted in situ by the hapless ATC cadets who had to manhandle PK683 into the building many decades ago. Finally a cool link about PK as she really was and a happy reunion. A