James H

The reason the site was down was due to a power supply outage to the datacenter where we are hosted. There were no actual software changes made to the site.

I do like that ZM 190. I just figured that my wife would kill me if I bought another kit.

Cheers. When I locate a kit, I defo want that set.

I'd love an F-86 set. Problem is I need the damn 1:32 Kinetic kit too. Not easy to find.

Ok, there's been no change to our system here that would cause such an error. If you paste something into the sig area, the editor will probably carry over any original formatting. A tip to get around that is to paste text into your browser address bar and then copy it again and paste to your sig. That removes all formatting. You can then amend as you like.

Yes. Absolutely. Not moulded in that shitty, soft and soapy plastic any more. The sprues don't even look like typical Airfix ones and the detail is outstanding. I believe they are now moulded in the UK and not that crappy place they were using in India.

BUCHON SCALE MODELS Ok folk, This isn't so much a review, but more a 'first look'. I managed to get some time last night to do a few photos of the items that Espen sent me for the forthcoming 1:24 Spit Mk.XVI. All of these are cast in grey resin, with the exception being the crystal clear teardrop canopy of the low-back Spit. The low-back conversion also two small frets of PE. My apologies for doing these on an iPhone as I desperately need to upgrade my camera in the next months. These sets cater to not just the Sweet Sixteen, but those who want to upgrade the base kit, such as the nicely produced brass undercarriage parts. When you load up a model with resin, those are definitely something that you ideally want to have to protect your finished work. Cowl top Now, not having looked clearly at the Airfix kit yet, I'm not too sure how this differs from the kit part. I have to assume it's in shape, somehow. A small casting block at the front is all that needs to be removed. Mine was snapped off in transit, and I've a tiny break to fix, but a couple of mins work will sort that out. Spitfire/Seafire Rounded Exhausts The Mk.XVI will absolutely need to be fitted with this set. I'm sort of thinking that this can be used with the engine, but the parts will need to be grafted into the thin side frames that sit outside the engine sides. If not, I'm sure I can be selective on at least showing one side of the engine exposed. The stub casting blocks have indents to ID them for the correct side of the engine. Three Spoke Wheels A simple, direct replacement for the kit part. The casting seam runs along one of the smooth tread lines and will be very easy to clean up. E-Wing Configuration I'm told this will be a very useful set to fit to the Mk.XVI. This set was designed for the old Airfix kit, but not all parts are to be used on the XVI. Those that are, I am sure can be made to work. Spitfire/Seafire Landing Gear (Late) This is a straightforward set to fit to the new Airfix kit, with the brass legs just requiring very minimal cleanup. The overall detail is really very nice., including those gear doors with their thin edges. Spitfire Mk.XVI 'Low-back' conversion' If any set is going to give you palpitations when it comes to converting your new kit, it's this one. The fuselage will require some careful cutting down, aft of the cockpit, along specific panel lines. The new spine comes in two parts, with each having a cast former to glue within. I've not removed any blocks at this point to see seamless these parts sit together, but I'm not at all worried when I see the one that Espen has been showing. Plus, having built his Buchon conversion, I know he's a stickler for getting things right. Here are the rest of the resin parts for the conversion. There is also some supplemental resin for adding fishplates to the fuselage former to the rear of the pilot, as well as the armour plate. A real crux for making this is a successful conversion is getting the new teardrop canopy right. And here it is. Beautifully cast and totally crystal clear. The only distortion comes from the curves as you look at the part sat on some text. As you can see, the instructions are very detailed about the hacking and slashing you will need to perform on the base kit. Until I get to this project in July, that's all until then. These sets really are very nice, and my thanks goes to Espen Tjetland in sending these out for the forthcoming Mk.XVI build. I seriously CANNOT wait!

Calm down folks. Let it drop. Pointless gong round in circles and beating each other up. As you were!

PMSL!! Not hear that term for ages! I can tell you're UK 🤣

This up next?

This is my 'other hobby'. A shit guitarist and proud of that!

Hopefully banged up with a guy called Leeroy and walking bow-legged afterwards! The noncing sexual deviant.

Sweet Jesus

Good riddance to bad rubbish. I always knew what a gold plated arsehole this guy was, but this adds a whole new element. at least the turd is off the streets now, unable to abuse children or operate his dubious business.

I loved building the Fly Hurricane, but a proper, non-limited run kit is very much appreciated.

I just got this. More on it when I can reveal:

I've been on a Fleetwood Mac kick recently.

I remember building that! Time flies too, as it's almost 10yrs old.

Those look very neat!

That does look gorgeous, and I know Tamiya get stuff right! I suppose I'm just an aftermarket whore, and want to cram it full 😜

That is beautiful! So a silk purse CAN be made from a sow's ear 😆

I can't see any Quinta stuff. Maybe Yahu?

I do like this one:

It's been a very long time. At the moment, I'm working towards completing the hull of my 1:64 HMS Indefatigable, prior to masting and rigging, and I know that when she's complete, I will have further prototype work to do, but......that then won't stop me doing some prep work on something else. My plan is to finally build my 1:32 Tamiya Mossie that was kindly donated for the cause.That will be supplemented by just about every Eduard set you cab imagine (interior, exterior, engines, cockpit, gun bay etc.). I also want to do this in an unusual scheme. My question here is what scheme do I use? This needs to be something either unusual, or a regular scheme of a machine that had an important service history. I am also open to other suggestions with details. Is there a really nice pre-painted/printed IP around? I will come back to this topic over the next couple of months or so to add stuff I find useful and to get any suggestions from those that might've built this one before. Just bear with me with this.

...continued: Gun port lids. Very straightforward. The channels are made up from three layers, so look more realistic. The edges of these were rounded/chamfered as per the real thing. The reworked figurehead is complete! And here is my work so far on the 24' cutter, which is still ongoing. Many are already familiar with the construction of these little boats. Until next time.