GusMac

Looking forward to seeing what you do with the Flogger, Ivan. Having built the MF I'd advise trying to do something to strengthen the undercarriage as mine has sagged badly over time. Could be my poor skills but I think it's also a factor of the design.

Yes, it would make the world seem a little strange if the Devastator wasn't in there. If it ever actually appears the world may tilt off it's axis!

What he said ^^^^

Tried and failed previously! However, plan for this year is to finish the Greek A-7 then jump right out of my comfort zone and crack on with the M911 C-HET. It's the HB kit not the Meng one - it was less than half the price and not having built a vehicle since I was a teenager I didn't want to burn too much cash when I inevitably stuff it up!

You'd better get started doing some weight training for your left arm Tom. Photos like the one above could become a challenge as this thing grows!

Looks great Daz. You have to say they were optimists going for white-wall tyres on a battlefield!

Thanks Peter. I had a good bit of time off over the festive season for the first time in a few years and my wife was working so.... As long as the dogs got a good walk I was otherwise free.

Good grief! That will be a threat to furnishings and small children once it has wings.

Superb scratch work again Rich.

Can't find a 'picking yer jaw off the floor' emoji but that's what's needed!

Stunning result Jeroen and a fitting tribute to the crew.

Nice use of the oils Bill. Gives a lovely patina and wear.

Thanks Rob. Once it's got some primer on I'll have a better idea of how good my fixes have been. There may be more sanding ahead...

Quick post-holidays update on progress... Everything went together remarkably easily. I know the Aires sets have 'variable' fit but this one just dropped in with minimal effort. The front of the pit has to be trimmed slightly to accommodate the top of the Zacto inner intake ring but it's easily done. The outer ring then went on and the fuselage halves were fairly easily clamped to shape. 2 part epoxy, a couple of 10mm clamps and overnight to set and all was well. Bit of work required with some Milliput to flush in the intake lip and the front of the canopy but sands down nicely. Windscreen has had a light coat of clear green on the centre panel and the putty lines done in light grey before final masking. Bit more work needed on the underside as the air-brake area fits poorly but some plasticard sorted it out. Similar fix required for the underside of the flaps which have a weirdly engineered 'trench' where they just don't even come close to joining up correctly. Next step is priming with Mr Surfacer 1500 which I'll do when my wife is out of the house as she doesn't appreciate the aroma!!!

Ah, sorry to hear that. Only used them once but service and price were good. Hope they can get it back on it's feet quickly.

Love the 2 lawn darts Danny and the Dottie Mae is stunning.

With ya on that Ernie.

God, that's a blast from the past. My father-in-law had an RX-7 back in the day and boy could it motor. He also had an NSU RO80 (he had a thing for rotaries!) which looked wonderful but ran like s***. Worked about once a week if you were lucky.

Welcome to the gang Peter. There's some incredibly skilful people around here to learn from and all are happy to spread their expertise.

But YOU know it's there....

Yep, we're all getting old! My old boss always said that you knew you'd been there too long when you're first response to any suggestion from the newbies was 'Nope, tried that X years ago and it didn't work because.....'. I'm at that point now and although some of them are ferociously bright in theoretical terms their practical skills are way behind. They look at a screwdriver like it's something from an alien civilisation!

The Mig Jiminez Ammo acrylics are also very good. Similar to the Vallejo and come in many 'pre-packaged' sets for particular eras, theatres, etc. Don't know how easy they are to get hold of outside Europe though?

Stunning results so far.

Unfortunately, although with Google, etc you'd think it would be easier to get things right, it seems to be the opposite! Some of it almost seems to be wilful, ie the whole Battlefield V fiasco, I've had some interesting chats with my son about the flaws in that one.

Brilliant effort to introduce yourself! Nicely restrained weathering and a wonderfully smooth finish.