Peterpools

Martin Looking forward to their Scooter kit. I have their recently released Corsair combo kit and it is superb.

Gus Great choice for your next build and I guess being 3D printed, the parts are more prone to breakage in shipping. Fingers crossed you can fix the offending part without needing to contact Jetmads customer service. Will be following all the way.

My original vote was for one kit in 32nd (Kotare Spitfire - built) and one kit in 48th scale (MiniArt P-47D Bubble Jug - next on the bench) but it seems, most of the guys are offering a few more in their posts/votes. In 32nd scale I would absolutely add the beautiful ZM FW190 - I have the kit and will be building it in the next few months. Also in 32nd scale, Revell's Hurricane is easily in the running as a very well-done kit and so very needed. While I have the Trumpeter Devastator and AirScale detail sets, it's a kit we have been waiting years for but not a kit of the year by any means. In 48th scale, I would add to my list, the HK 1/48 B-25J, another gorgeous kit and am planning on building it this year as well. Also in 48th scale, Magic Factories Corsair Dual Combo set. I look at it this way - if I bought the kit and it's not on this list, it still makes my own list.

Phil Agreed ... maybe in 2024, more manufactures will start releasing more aircraft kits in 1/35. Only time will tell.

Peter The front office looks fantastic and what a way to start off the New Year. Happy New Year

John What a spectacular year you have had at the bench. Each and every build is flawless in fit and finish. I can't even pick a favorite, but the Jug just seems to jump out a bit more at me, just a Long Island Boy at heart. 🏆 🏆🏆

Thank You Ralph, I was very pleased with all the completed builds I managed to do this year.

Thanks Rob, very much appreciative. Absolutely a very good modeling year even with all the ups and downs. Happy New year my Friend

1/32 ... Kotare Spitfire 1/48 ... MiniArt P-47D

Finally, some much needed MRP paints arrived.

Martin's suggestion seems to be the way to go. Yes, all those colors are oils but also available from Vallejo in their Model Color line and I think also in their Model Air line.

Rob, thank you so much for your very kind comments on the Corsair's paint and decal work. Completely agree as it takes a lot of time and work to select the correct colors as offered from the various manufacturers. I've pretty much now settled on both MRP and AK as my go to colors for all upcoming builds. I was finally to purchase the correct MRP colors for the Corsair and now have a choice between MRP and AK to use. Yesterday I was able to apply the gloss seal coat and right now I'm in between coats of Alclad Semi Matte Clear, which is just a little less glossy then my usual clear; Alclad Semi Sheen. So far, so good, see how it looks after a few hours.

PW You're are going to love your new air brush. I have two H&S Infinity CR Plus airbrushes, one with a .2 tip (used for a good 80% of my work) and the other with a .4 tip. They will last a lifetime - just keep them clean and you will never have any issues. I have changed the seals and spring in the .2 tip AB just once in all the years I've had it and it's as good as the day I bought it.

carl Yikes ... looking mighty good,

John Just love anything from the Iron Works Gang and the Folks at Republic. Completely agree we need a new, Hellcat with today's level of detail and accuracy and the correct shaped cowl/mouth. Terrific choice for your next build and the specific aircraft has a very unique history captured on film as well. Never thought about the diorama but for guys that know hope, would be a showstopper. Fire in the cockpit or on the aircraft is a pilot's worst nightmare. Looking forward to following your progress as I can remember building the Hasegawa Hellcat back in the 1970's - the model is long gone unfortunately.

Carl Thanks for the info .. I never would have guessed the body colors were not hand mixed and shaded - they look so good. Holy cow, over a foot and half tall ... she sure is big and forbidding. Yup, the eyes are big and going to use all your creative juices.

Mike very much appreciated. Coming together nicely now and hope to roll the Corsair across the finish line this coming week. She has been a fun build and enjoyable build.

Martin, Thank you so very much for the kind words on both the modeling and presentation.

Rob Surely does and with your creative touch, going to be a joy to follow.

Rob Going to be some nice builds and maybe a full diorama?

Carl Looking mighty good - what mix did you use for the colors - they look so good. With the Big Fella standing next to a bottle of Tamiya paint, we get some idea of his size. How really big is he or her?

Scott WOW - Gorgeous gloss finish.🏆 Completely agree about Tamiya calling out for far too many colors that are only available in their AS spray cans line and has always been a great mystery to me as well. I could see in the days they didn't offer a lacquer paint in jars but now they do: LP paints.

Thanks Carl Completely agree and a pleasure to build - zero stress and as John b would say: a non-cuss kit.

Thanks Chris How very true. For me working out a technique that provides the results I'm looking for, is repeatable and easy to do. I try to keep it simple and most of my air brushing formulas and working pressures are the same. I'm also in the camp of counting drops, like being a few drops off one way or another would do anything but it's just how I do things. The exception is for very small amounts of paints for a small job, where every drop counts.

Dennis WOW, she looks fantastic. Surely going to be a beauty.