GusMac

I spent most of the festive period in bed, from Xmas Eve to 1st Jan, only got up for Xmas lunch which I barely ate. I was vaccinated for flu in October as an NHS worker but obviously not the correct strain! Only second time I've had 'proper' flu in my life and it was definitely worse than the only bout of covid I've had. Wonder if it's the same strain as you've got going round over the pond?

Either those two pilots are pretty short or that fella from McD-D should be in the NBA!

So, this is the next project on the bench. Got the kit at Christmas '23 from the kids and I've been itching to start it but got distracted by Ernie's seductive resin offerings. 😁 Plan is to do the Slovakian scheme shown just because it looks a little different. The kit seems to have a good reputation, so here's hoping it goes together well. Looking in the box you are reminded just what a small airframe this is - it'll look tiny next to the F4s.

Yes, unfortunately they no longer seem to be doing aircraft kits, although all the AM stuff like bomb trolleys and David Brown tractors, etc still seems to be in production. If all their stuff is of this quality then it's a real shame the kits have fallen by the wayside.

Thanks Phil. Mainly just wet sanding and I've been cautious and worn my respirator but there was very little sanding required on this compared to the Viggen. The clean up done on the main fuselage parts, etc by Iconicair before packaging had already done most of the hard work.

If those two are as nice as this was Dennis you've got something to look forward to.

This is my second resin kit courtesy of Ernie as this was the prize for the Let's Get Wet group build. Definitely a more straightforward project than the Viggen, although also considerably smaller and simpler an airframe. The parts from Iconicair had minimal casting blocks and clean up was very easy. Given the small parts count construction was pretty quick. All exterior paintwork was MRP and the kit decals were used which performed well. I'd definitely recommend the Iconicair kits to anyone. No need to fear resin kits like this as decent modelling skills will easily let you succeed. Think I've definitely caught the resin bug - I found myself window shopping an HpH Me410 last night! 🤪 Thanks Ernie!

Calling this done. Will post some more photos in the Finished section. Very enjoyable build of an unusual subject.

Do love the Buc - wheels barely off the ground and gear retracted. As they say 'raise gear and descend to operational height!'

Glad I'm not the only one that does things like that! If it looks as good as the Me262 bomb sights under primer then who cares what it's printed in.

Now that is looking cool.

Looking very cool. Any reason you print them transparent?

I've only used MRP for the first time on my last two builds and I'd agree that it's definitely now my favourite. No thinning, easy to use and a bombproof finish that can be masked quickly without any lifting etc. AND the smell isn't nearly as bad as I was expecting.

Finally got some bench time after the kids went back home and my flu recovered, so a bit more progress made. Panel line wash done and satin coat on, although it's a bit flatter than I'd hoped. Got the remaining parts primed and the MRP Sky on those parts that require it. Detail painting and washes next, although two very small sections of decals to go on the longer gear leg doors. Hopefully, should get it done this week.

Good grief Rog, if you'd written this as a script, people would have said it was unbelievable. Kudos for getting through it and in the door. Hope you and Jane can settle in peacefully now.

Our grumpy, old Jack Russell would definitely appreciate an MG34 when she's watching all these strangers using 'her pavement' outside the house!

The fishermen who sailed these were definitely a hardy bunch. The North Sea is pretty inhospitable a lot of the time, so to go out in these took courage and sailing skill. I have a memory of reading that the bulwark was low like that so that water that did wash over was able to wash off again easily and not trap on the deck.

The Fisheries Museum is further along the harbour from the chip shop, almost behind the Lifeboat station in this photo. Definitely worth a visit if you ever return Carl. There are 2 very good chip shops at the harbour. One is always very busy as it was the one Prince William visited when he was a student at St Andrews but we actually prefer the other which is also quieter. They both do excellent ice cream as well, so main course and dessert!

Just for inspiration Rob here is the Fifie 'Reaper' which belongs to the Scottish Fisheries Museum sitting in Anstruther harbour at the end of September this year.

Happy Holidays to everyone. Hope it's a great day.

Got the main decals on. The decals are from Fantasy Printshop and, although a little reluctant to leave the backing paper, settle down nicely with some Microsol. Hardest part was trimming around the wheel wells (and remembering to keep the trimmed bits for the doors)! There aren't many stencils, so hopefully get them all done in one sitting.

So sorry to hear that Carl. Hope the boys aren't too upset. Our last cat made it to 19 and the longer they live the closer you know it's getting but it's never any easier. At least she went naturally.

Really nice job on the Hawaiian shirt Hubert. Zoomed the photo up just to get the full appreciation.

Looks like a nice kit. Only used their soft resin wheels before which are very nice.

Yours truly has everything crossed that this might be under the Xmas tree this year! Unless my hints have been just too subtle.... 😆