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After completing two large bomber projects, both with natural metal finish, I felt a need for something simpler and, most importantly, lacking anything having to do with a metallic finish. Looking through my stash, I settled on Special Hobby's 1/72 Fairy Barracuda Mk.II and decided to do it as a well-weathered aircraft, in the markings shown on the box top. This particular aircraft operated out of Ceylon in 1946. The entire build was completed in three weeks, a near record for me. I did run into a few snags along the way, the most serious being when I cracked the kit canopy and was forced to try my hand at vacuforming a replacement. The WIP can be found here: On to the pics! This aircraft had replacement panels on the nose and port wing tip, still in primer: Also, a roundel on the starboard wing had been painted over at some point: I maxed out the Barracuda's load carrying capacity with four 250-lb depth charges under the wings and a 600-lb depth bomb on the centerline. I freely admit that it's unlikely any Barracuda ever carried this loadout, so don't give me any grief over it! The white line on the port flank is a kit decal representing the emergency dinghy release line (the other end is in the pilot's cockpit). I added red decal to simulate tape holding the dinghy line in place. The radio antenna line is made from Uschi "Rig That Thing" stretchable filament. I hadn't originally planned on having an open cockpit, so I did little detailing other than adding seat harnesses for the pilot and crew: I scratch built hydraulic cylinders to replace the kit's oversize flap actuators: In this shot you can see the underwing recognition lights (made using UV-activated acrylic gel) and the rib pattern on the control surfaces (thanks to Airone Hobby's fabric effect airbrush masks): My closing "beauty shot" Many thanks to everyone who gave advice and encouragement along the way!

Hi guys, earlier this month I went on a trip to Hyakuri JASDF base in order not to miss the chance to see some of the last remaining active Phantoms in action. My friends had organised everything perfectly in advance - the land owner of the famous "peace towers" was informed prior to our arrival and we timed the trip from Saitama Pref. for a nearly dead-on arrival at 8am. Drove directly onto the land, right next to the towers, located in next to, or literally in the air base. We had planned to change location around mid-day due to movement of the sun, but we found this not to be necessary and stayed put until our departure around 3pm. The weather was perfect, sunny with the occasional clouds passing through. Location and light were so good I never had this many good shots!! Flying activity? You couldn't ask for more! Phantoms galore and a number of welcome visitors too. Komatsu F-15J's had been on deployment and were leaving on that morning. What a phantastic day!!!! Sorry, lots of pictures, I hope you're not getting bored... Cheers, Jeffrey Shouldn't your hand be on the throttle? A surprise visitor - just one pass along the runway and we almost missed it! The taxiway is VERY close: Another one-pass visitor: Underside detail? Oooooh, the blue one: