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Hi all Here is my latest model finished, the FMA IA.58 Pucará (Special Hobby 1/72) Model represents the aircraft A-511 Grupo de Ataque 3 - BAM Malvinas, pilot mayor Carlos Tomba. This aircraft was shot down on the 21st may 1982 by Lt Cdr "Sharkey" Ward piloting the Sea Harrier XZ451/006. Mayor Tomba survived the ejection and later became prisoner of war. I'm really glad to finally finish this kit. It fought me all the way (I started this building on June 2020). Several problems with fit and when it was almost done I had a problem with the windscreen and broke it when trying to fix it. I had to find another kit to replace the part (Thanks Trevor ). Not my best model but glad to finally call it done. #armouredsprue #pucara #Falklands40 Critics and comments are welcomed Cheers Paulo

Hi all Here are the photos for my latest finished model. Academy kit 1/72 Very nice kit to build straight out of the box. I didi a few scratch built details like the seatbelts for the ejection seat, the canopy tinting, threads on the tyres and a landing light on the nose landing gear. I regretted to made the option to leave the canopy open since it was very hard to glue it in place and it still a little bit crooked. The have glass painting was a mixed of Tamiya and Gunze to get the match. I've tried SMS 69 Have Glass but I wasn't happy with the colour (too greenish to my taste). Comments and critics are welcomed.

Hi everyone Here is my latest finished kit. This time I choose the excellent Tamiya 1/72 Aichi M6A1 - Seiran. I've built the kit straight from the box except for the PE seat belts and the scratch built pitot tube made out of syringe needle. The model was fully painted using Tamiya acrylic paint. Interior: XF-71 Interior Green Underside: Prototype Orange 5:X-6 + 2:X-7 Upper camouflage: XF-70 Dark Green 2 The Hinomaru were painted instead of using the kit decals. However, all the other markings were kit supplied decals. Japanese prototype aircraft were painted in bright orange color, but with the end of the war fasting approaching, the Japanese had to apply the camouflage green on the upper surfaces. Most of stencils were masked off before painting the green camouflage as can been seen in some photos. The tail marking are not confirmed since all photos of this version don't show the tail/rudder area. Weathering made using Tamiya accent panel, watercolour pencil and dry pastel. To the photos: As usual, comments and critics are truly welcomed! Cheers! Paulo

Hi all I haven't post here for a while, so I decided to post the little Italian stallion I just finished today. Machi Mc.202 Folgore (Italeri 1/72) representing a very well documented aircraft of the 51 Stormo, 153 Gruppo Autonomo, 374 Squadriglia - Sicily 1942. Model built basically straight from the box apart for the seat belts. Painted with Gunze aqueous line. Critics and comments are very welcome. Cheers Paulo

Hi all Here is my latest finished model. Academy Ju87G-2 Tank Buster in 1/72nd scale. Mostly out of the box except for: Eduard pre-painted PE seat belts, Master brass cannons, scratch-built piping and details on cannons gondolas, correction and re-scribing of a few panel lines and scratch-built pitot tube. Gunze acrylics used overall and weathered with Tamiya panel accent and water color pencil Critics and comments are welcomed!

Hi all Here are photos of my most recent kit finished. Mig21 SMT Fujimi 1:72 Interior details Eduard resin and PE. Eduard resin wheels. Overall painting black basing followed with Gunze and Mr Color paints free-hand airbrushed. Comments and critics are welcome. Cheers

The motivation to built this model came from an informal Group Build organised in my modelling club SAPMA. The idea was to build a Spitfire used by an Aussie during WWII. I've choose to build a plane flown by Flight Sargent Kenneth "Kenny" Dudley Basset when he was attached to RAAF 452 Squadron based at Redhill, England, October 1941. Kenneth was born on the 16th of July 1916 in Roma, Queensland. In September 1940, he joined the RAAF and commenced training as a pilot at Narrandra, NSW. In 1941, he left for further training in Ottawa, Canada, and was then posted to England in the same year. After Kenny arrived in England, he was posted to Heston, South London, and joined a Spitfire Squadron. He then had an immediate posting to RAAF 452 Squadron. Tours of duty consisted of sweeps over France and convoy patrols over the English Channel. 452 Squadron was then posted to the Isle of Man and there, Kenny trained other pilots. The following edited report is of typical day for Kenny: P/O Lamerton took off with Sgt Bassett (Kenny) for a defensive patrol at 25,000 feet over Mull of Galloway. While climbing and when at 20,000 feet they saw a Ju88 about 5,000 ft above and the E/A (Enemy Aircraft) was flying on a South Easterly course towards the coast. They manoeuvred to get into the sun. P/O Lamberton’s attack was from astern and above. He gave a long burst of 3-4 seconds and silenced the top rear gunner using cannon at a range of 300 yards. However P/O Lamerton’s aircraft was hit by return fire and flames and smoke from the exhaust and cowling soon appeared. He could see ahead and called up saying that he was baling out, which he did from an altitude of 12,000 feet. He was picked up six hours later. Meanwhile Sgt Basset continued to attack the Ju88, but was unable to close to a short range, and was recalled to base after he expended all his ammo, landing at 07:55. He claimed a damaged aircraft shared with P/O Lamerton. It was the last claim of the Squadron while stationed in England. P/O Lamerton was from South Australia and had joined the Squadron three months before from OTU. He was later killed with the Squadron. Kenny eventually returned to Australia to the defend Darwin in the very dangerous skies over Australia and the Pacific against a determined and resourceful enemy. Kenny married Eddie in 1942, and was posted to Tasmania mostly training pilots for the remainder of the war. He was discharged from the Air Force in 1945, and after War’s end, he returned to Roma with his family. In 1963 the family moved to Brisbane finally settling St Lucia, where he lived for the rest of his life. He passed away on the 31st May 2006. (Text above extracted from the Spitfire Association website: https://spitfireassociation.com.au/bassett-kenneth-kenny/ ) Here is Sgt Basset by his Spitfire (AD537 UD-R) in Redhill, October 1941 (image from Australian War Museum archives) I used the excellent kit from Tamiya to model his MK-Vb. Despite it being an exceptional kit I still did some improvements to the kit as follow: Cut the canopy to display it open; Open the cockpit access door on the fuselage port side; Added Eduard Photo-Etched pre-painted seat belts; Open the exhaust ends; and Added the IFF wire antennas to the sides using MIG aerial line super fine (0.01mm). Painting guide: I used basically Tamiya and Gunze acrylics overall on the kit as follow: Supermarine Interior Green: mix of Tamiya XF5:1 + XF21:3 + XF65:1; Seat: XF9 for the seat and XF1 for the leather back rest; Instruments panel: Supermarine Interior Green for the lower half and XF1 for the instruments board. I did use the kit decals for the gauges; Exhaust: XF52; Spinner and fuselage band SKY: Gunze H74 Propeller blades: XF1 and XF3 for the blade tips; Underside surfaces and undercarriage: XF83; Tyres: XF85; Upper surfaces camouflage OCEAN GREY: XF82; Upper surfaces camouflage DARK GREEN: XF81; Wings yellow band: XF3; Clear coat before applying decals: X22; Clear Flat final coat: XF86. Decals: I've used DK decals #72037 No.452 (RAAF) Sqn. and I was really impressed by the quality and easy to use. I would recommend it without hesitation. The finished photos: Here are the finished model. It was a pleasure to build this kit and finish it in an Aussie markings. Cheers!

Hi all This is my next project: FOKKER EINDECKER E.II "69/15", Baron Kurt von Crailsheim, FFA 53, Monthois, France, October 1915. Baron von Crailsheim scored the first (and his only) air victory for FFA 53 Eindeckers I'll be using the Airfix kit 01086 in 1/72nd scale. The art work(as for most recent Airfix releases) is very appealing Two grey sprue, very crisp details, no sink marks or flash The box back with the painting and decalling instructions Since this will be my first ever WWI project, I'll keep it basically straight from the box. However, I'll add a few things that I've noticed are missing (the windscreen in front of the cockpit, harness and the rigging). Oddly, I decided to start this building by the propellers. The kit brings two propellers types to chose from. One from Garuda Propellers (wider paddles) and one from Germania Propellers (slim paddles). I used the following technique to paint the wood laminated propellers: For the Germania propeller (lighter in colour on the photos below); Paint the part with XF-02 Flat White Watercolour pencil Brown and Ochre to make the wood veins 20% Gunze H91 Clear Yellow + 80% thinner 20% Gunze H92 Clear Orange + 80% thinner Mr Color C218 Aluminium for the metal centre. For the Garuda propeller (darker colour on the photos below); Paint the part with XF-02 Flat White Watercolour pencil Brown and Ochre to make the wood veins 20% Gunze H91 Clear Yellow + 80% thinner 10% Gunze H92 Clear Orange + 10% Gunze H93 Clear Blue + 80% thinner Mr Color C218 Aluminium for the metal centre. After painting with XF-02, use various browns shades using a pointed brush to create wood grain in the Germania propeller You can either draw it on the piece or use the brush to paint it, blende it with some water if desired Next steps is to add colours with the various clear shades Front view: Left the Garuda propeller and on the right side the Germania propeller Back view: Left the Garuda propeller and Germania on the right side I'm still undecided which one to use. Next I started on the cockpit. The first thing I've done was to close some annoying release marks. Only the one on the front of the cockpit would be visible and required to putty I've used the same technique used to paint the propellers to paint the floor board and back of the seat. In this case I've used the lighter wood colour. After the XF-02, watercolour pencils were used to simulate wood For the first time I decided to try the Mr Metal Color lacquer paints. I don't ever use Alclad due it's extreme smell and I'm allergic to it. Therefore it seems to be a viable option. Used for the first time and I was really impressed with the results and quality of the paint Airbrushed MrColors 211 - Chrome Silver on the "metal" parts using the following settings: 1 paint : 2 Mr Levelling Thinner (MLT) @ 15psi. The result was outstanding and I became a fan to it. Metal parts sprayed with MrColors 211 with any prior preparation on the plastic. Fuselages halves ready to be glued together I've added some synthetic fibre harnesses from my spare parts box. Maybe not the correct one but will do the job on this scale. I also did improve the handle on the control stick. The part is hallowed but comes as a single flat piece of plastic in the kit Cockpit masked and ready for the next painting task The Fokker Eindecker had a very distinctive metal characteristic. All Aluminium panels and cowls remained unpainted and were given a "squiggly turned" finish. Please observe the squiggly turned finish on the cowl Since the beginning of this project I was trying to figure it out how to represent it in this small scale. I came up with this technique that I was happy with the result. First airbrush the metal parts with Chrome Silver (211) Spray a coat of Tamiya X-19 Clear Smoke (40% paint : 60% Thinner) Brush paint MrColor C218 Aluminium in format of the squiggly marks Airbrush a final coat with MrColor C159 Super Silver (40% paint : 60% MLT) Next in my list was to add some detail to the engine. The Eindecker E.II was powered by a 100hp Oberursel U.1 (which was a license built 100hp Gnome Monosoupape). I added the ignition wirings to the cylinders using EZLine fine. After a first base with X-01 Black I sprayed it with MrColor C159 Super Silver (50% paint : 50% MLT @ 15psi) Following I did spray the cylinders only with: 1st: 20% X-19 Clear Smoke + 80% thinner 2nd: 20% Gunze H91 Clear Yellow + 80% thinner 3rd: 20% Gunze H93 Clear Blue + 80% thinner 4th and final, Tamiya Panel Accent BLACXK wash. The Eindecker was equipped with an IMG 08 "Spandau" 7.92mm machine gun. Obviously the kit would benefit from an aftermarket representation of this machine gun. However, I have decided to build it as most out-of-the-box as possible, so I just painted the piece XF-01 Flat Black and had some graphite powder rubbed into it afterwards. A new aftermarket machine gun would add value to kit. Note how characteristic it is XF-01 Flat Black applied Graphite powder was rubbed overall I did open the machine gun barrel to add some detail Fuselage is now masked and ready to get painted. Comments and critics are very welcome! To be continued!

HI all This is my next project. The kit is the Tamiya Bf109E-3. My intention is to make one of the decal options for the aircraft flown by Obfw. Jakob Arnoldy during the Battle of Britain. He was attached to 4./JG77 based on Mandal in 1940. During that time he was flying the "Weisse 5"which was a Bf109E-3 WNr.1276. The painting scheme is RLM71, RLM02 over RLM65 which was characteristic of the period. Bf109E-3 "Weisse 5" Wnr. 1276, Obfw Jakob Arnoldy, Mandal September 1940 Here is a shot of his another "White 5" being also the E-3 type. It seems to be the kite he was shot down. Believing the caption it's Bf 109E3, 4.JG77, WNr 5277 shot down by RAF 33 Sqn, John Mackie, on the15th April 1941. The kit: This kit is quite simple and inside the box you'll find one grey sprue with all major parts for assembly, one clear sprue with the canopy parts, decals and instructions sheet. I quickly started by painting the interior with RLM02. In this case I have used Gunze RLM02. Next I started brush painting the cockpit details using Tamiya acrylics. To be continued!

R.A.A.F. BRISTOL BEAUFORT MK VIII No. 6 Squadron, Goodenough Island, circa 1943/44 Flight Lieutenant William "Bill" McRae Wood, DFC (Special Hobby 1/72) Hi all! Fresh from the oven! I usually don't build models under commission, but in this case it was a especial request and a favor to a fellow member of my modelling club (SAPMA). Dudley Hokings is a senior member of the club and due his age he no longer is able to build a model. It doesn't mean he is present in our meetings and he loves a good chat. Anyway! One day he approached me and asked if Ifould do hem a favor. He was a very close friend with a veteran who used to fly the Beaufort during the world war 2. He has now passed away, but Dudley is still friend with his wife Trish. He said he had a kit and decals do make the exactly version flew by his friend Bill Wood. Of course I said Yes! Here are some reference photos: Dudley gave me some valuable information that he had been gathering along the years for this dreamed project. It has precious war photos from the pilot private collection and also the pilot's accounting regarding the correct serial number for his aircraft. The nose art consists of a representation of Diana "The Goddess of Hunt", some bombs representing the missions and "Trish" Bill Wood's wife name. The kit The kit he had available was not the RAAF version but another British original version of the Beaufort. However, it has most of the parts necessary to convert to Australian built Beaufort (Pratt Whitney engines, antennas etc), but not the essential part to convert the dorsal turret (I had to scratchbuilt it). The kit was airbrushed using Gunze acrylics: Sky Blue underside: H323 Light Green camouflage: (H302) Light Earth camouflage: (10% H47 + 90% H72) Weathered using a combination of techniques like oils, pigments and water colours. A final coat of Gunze H20 Flat Clear was sprayed overall. The antenna wire is made of EZLine. The model: Comments?

GRUMMAN F6F-5 HELLCAT Heller 1/72 Hi all I had this very old Heller kit sitting in my stash for over 30 years. Due it's age it was not engraved panel lines, so I decided to use it as a practice for my first ever try to engrave panel lines in a kit. It was not perfect but I've learned a lot. I had some issues with some seams that were hard do cover even after several re-dos with super glue. I've used only acrylic paints, mostly Gunze Acqueous Paint. The decals were another challenge, due it's age they broke apart once in the water. Luckly I had two set of the decals, so I sprayed a coat of Lacquer clear coat and applied as usual. However, the decals were very transparent so I decided to double up them using the other set of decals, it was not perfect but better than originally. Weathering was made using Tamiya accent panel lines, watercolours pencils and pastels. Overall it looked good but not standing a chance in a model show. I've tried to represent an aircraft part of the Flottille 1F operating on the French Aircraft Carrier Arromanches in Indochina circa early 50's. Reference photos: The model Cheers

Hi all This is my latest model finished. P-40C 33RD PURSUIT SQUADRON USA, 1941 Model improved with full scratch built interior, add new wheels from my spare parts box. Added new machine guns and new pitot from syringe needles. Painted mostly using Tamiya and Gunze aqueous Hobby Colours acrylics. Camouflage: Undersurfaces Grey FS 36440 = Tamiya XF-80 overall plus added a few drops of white XF-2 for highlights. Upper-surfaces US Olive Drab FS 34087 = Gunze H52 overall plus added a few drops of white H1 for highlights. Decals: FCM Decals 72-22 P-40 Galore plus spares for propeller's stencils. I had issues with the upper wing decals when trying to make them to conform to kit's surface, tried Gunze's Mr Marker Fit and it almost dissolved the decal completely. I had to try to fix as best as I could but didn't end perfect as I intended. Conclusion: Overall the kit is very basic and have some major mistakes. It's aimed for very beginner modellers. Serious modellers should by the Airfix new tool. PS: After looking the photos I've noticed I've missed the rear windows, it's now been fixed. Cheers! PS: Critics and comments are always very welcomed!

Hi all Here is my latest finished model and the first for 2018. Terrible kit. Avoid it at all costs unless your a masochist. I got this kit in our club end of year Kris Kringle where we have a competition Build A Bitch Model, the idea is to member to exchange those least loved kits, we'll build and display in our first meeting of the year in February. Well, this kit I got in 2014, so it took me only 4 years to finish it (mostly because I forgot about it in the shelf of doom). Anyway! Here it is! Not my best effort but happy to finish any way. Painted with Gunze and Tamiya acrylics. Decals from the kit (surprisingly the highlight of this kit, a little thick but conformed well under MICRO SOL/SET) The photos: Any comments, critics etc, are always welcomed! Cheers Paulo