A Scale Canadian

Silver Primer

2011-11-13T16:26:00.006-05:00

Besides visting some old airplanes, Mr. Knights forced me at X-Acto point to mask a Spitfire canopy. Fearing for my life, I did as requested. Returning home I had no choice but to throw some paint at the model. Picking up an old spray can of Tamiya AS-12, I started to spray only to find that there was very little paint left in the can. Spatter city. In the light of a new day, it isn't that bad. How about we call it a primer coat? A little Micromesh and I should be back in business. But this time, I'll load some Alclad in the airbrush...

Btw, this is the recent Airfix 1/72 Spitfire Mk. I that will be done up as a RCAF PR bird.

Louisville Aviation Sights

2011-11-12T13:10:00.000-05:00

I spent last weekend in Louisville, Kentucky visiting the esteemed Mr. Knights. Here are a few of the aviation sights.

This sad old Lockheed 18 (N119J) is sitting derelict at Bowman Field.

A short trip across the border to Indiana found us at Clark County Airport. Sadly Vintage Fighters was closed, but we were able to see this strange Sabre. This is a CAC CA-27 Sabre, but it is painted up as FJ-3 Fury BuNo. 136049. Kinda odd.

No. 441 (RCAF) Squadron 1944-1945

2011-11-02T22:16:00.002-04:00

Title: No. 441 (RCAF) Squadron 1944-1945
Author: Phil H. Listemann
Publisher: Philedition

Subtitled RAF, Dominion, & Allied Squadrons at War: Study, History, and Statistics, this 18 page privately published booklet does what it says on the cover. You get a short history of 441 Squadron, a quick history lesson on RCAF Article XV squadrons, and then the rest is tables, listings, photos, and profile drawings. The tables list such items as awards, flight and squadron commanders, bases of operations, sorties per month, a victory list, aircraft lost on ops, aircraft lost in accidents, serials and codes, squadron pilots, and a roll of honor. Four pages of photos include both aircraft and pilots and the booklet closes with five Spitfire and a Mustang III side views.

The data included is neat and well presented. Sadly the photos are indifferently printed and repeated from Larry Milberry's Fighter Squadron: From Hurricanes To Hornets, with credit of course. The profiles are well done and printed. While this book suffers in comparison to the history provided in Fighter Squadron, it has a much more narrow focus and provides some data that the Milberry's book does not. Therefore, it works both as an introduction to 441 Squadron and as a more statistic focused supplement to Fighter Squadron.

Droning On...

2011-10-28T23:09:00.004-04:00

This week I've actutally been at the bench and am making some progress. What do you do when you have a canopy masking phobia? You build a UAV. This is the new SkunkModels Workshop MQ-9 Reaper. It will carry RAF markings.

Hope I added enough nose weight.

This thing is big. (That is the Trumpeter Tomahawk in the background.)

So far so good. Hope progress from here with be swift but sure.

2011 Holloman Air Show Part 2

2011-10-14T15:50:00.006-04:00

Another highlight was a RAF Hawk T.2 which was part of BAE's sales pitch to sell the Hawk to the USAF as a T-38 replacement. I got a chance to fly the Hawk simulator as well which was kinda fun. Sadly due to paperwork issues the Hawk could not fly in the show as planned.

The F-16 flew an impressive display in the show.

A UAV with pilot's and crew chief's names on it?

Aerobatics in a Beech 18? Yes indeed and pretty amazing.

The CAF's ex-Royal Canadian Navy TBM was on static display.

There were some nice L-39s at the show

This T-28C did an aerobatic routine complete with wing tip smoke.

2011 Holloman Air Show Part I

2011-10-11T20:06:00.006-04:00

Saturday I attended the Holloman AFB Air Show. Here are a few pictures of the event.

The highlight of the show were the QF-4Es which I understand are used in the drone program at Holloman. On aircraft was on static display and one flew in the show. I've really missed seeing the Phantom at air shows. (These aircraft carry TD tail codes. Does that mean they are really from Tyndall and not Holloman?)

Another highlight were the Holloman based German Air Force Tornados. It was nice to be treated to a four ship flypast during the show including a air to air refueling demo.

It was interesting to note only one Luftwaffe Tornado had gone grey.

While the rest of the aircraft were still green. Here is the tanker bird.

The Holloman badge incorporates the New Mexico flag.

The static display Tornado was all loaded up with weapons. Here is something you don't see much in the U.S. an IRIS-T missile.

Cincinnati Scale Modelers Contest and Swap Meet Part Two

2011-10-04T16:24:00.005-04:00

Another Yellow Wings subject...someone had built the new RS Airabonita in time for the show.

A very nice CMK Seafire.

Shows just what can be done with the old Matchbox Skynight.

Steve N.'s Tuskegee P-51B.

A firebomber Tracker.

A car door Typhoon conversion from the Academy kit.

Steve N.'s retro build of the old Revell B-17.

Always nice to see a Hasegawa Mentor built.

Mansfield's ANG unit just got their new C-27s and already someone finished a model of it.

Mandi's little 1/144 Mustang.

A beautiful build of the Contrail vacuform Hendon.

A colourful F-16.

Chinooks are always cool.

A Huma Bucker.

Cincinnati Scale Modelers Contest and Swap Meet Part One

2011-10-02T15:29:00.010-04:00

Yesterday Rick and I made the four hour drive down to Cincinnati to attend the annual Cincinnati Scale Modelers Contest and Swap Meet. It is always a good time and again it did not disappoint. The vendor area had some good buys and I bought a few too many kits. Here are some of the highlights from the contest area.

I really liked the paint job on this out of the box Airfix MiG-15.

A really striking scheme on the 1/48 Hawk.

A great job on the Matchbox T-2 Buckeye.

A cute little Airfix 1/72 Bulldog.

And a 1/48 Bulldog.

A neat dogfight double.

David Knights's AVG Hawk 81.

A nice Spitfire XIX.

A big 1/32 Hawker Hunter.

A 1/72 scale resin Bulldozer.

A very neat, and large, B-52 diorama.

I don't know what this is supposed to be, but it is cool.

Scott King was finishing his Valom BT-1 as the show started. Even so, he managed a second in 1/72 props.

Congratulations to David for his third place in 1/72 props. Even if he was lapped by a kit that was unfinished at the start of the show.

Look for Part Two later in the week.

Latest from 3D-Kits.co.uk

2011-09-25T20:39:00.008-04:00

After releasing a very nice Spitfire II conversion 3D-Kits.co.uk are back with two new packages.

First off we have the Spitfire Mk. II LR conversion kit which consists of a two part injection molded fuel tank which fits under the port wing of the Spitfire and a small decal sheet with two options, a rather bland aircraft of 66 Squadron, and the appropriately punny "Counter Attack" of 152 Squadron that was funded by NAFFI. (Not a hard decision as to which one I will build.) The small decal sheet has only the codes, serials, and nose art, so roundels, fin flashes, and stencils will need to be sourced from the kit decal sheet. The injection molded tank is perfectly molded and with the decals included, makes this a very simple conversion which will help destroy the good looks of the new Airfix Spitfire.

The other packet is a set of two Vickers S guns to convert any Hurricane IIc kit into a Hurricane IId. In this set a small decal sheet is included for two 6 Squadron aircraft in the desert scheme and a day fighter scheme Hurricane from the 1st Specialized Low Attack Instructors School. Again only the individual markings are included and you are on your own for roundels and fin flashes. This conversion is slightly more complicated than the Spitfire LR and will involve some sanding and filling of the IIc wing of whichever kit you choose to use. The guns are beautifully molded and can be fitted either exposed or with the more common fairings. Also included are two ammo boxes for the diorama fans. Really, really nice, and while both the old Airfix and Matchbox kits included the IId option, there is no comparison. These are some really nicely molded guns. It is hard not to reach for a Revell Hurricane and start building.

It really is amazing to see a small company issuing full run injection molded conversions in this day and age. These parts are on par with anything from a major manufacturer. If the topics interest you, treat yourself to one or both. Now how about some Hurricane IV radiators?

Trumpeter Tomahawk

2011-09-24T21:26:00.004-04:00

Now that life has started to settle down and the fall has arrived, it is time to think about modeling again. Rather than actually finishing one of the three...yes three...Spitfires awaiting canopy masking and paint, I started something new. Airfix has just issued a new Tomahawk at a very fair price and in one fell swoop has condemned the high priced Trumpeter kit to has-been status. Never a great kit, for a short while it was a contender only because its competition was so weak. Rather than give up on it, I decided it would make a nice no-stress build to practice on. So the cockpit was brush painted Humbrol Interior Green, given a quick ProModelelers wash and here we are.

The goal of this build is very simple, finish it and rediscover the joy of modeling. Don't worry about all the silly AMS things that always stand in my way. Heck, it isn't that good a kit, so why worry? So far, so good. I can't say I'm enjoying the build...it just isn't that fun a kit, but I am making progress. I'm at the dreaded filling and sanding stage now.

So why is this kit not a contender? First off the cockpit interior is comically small, not that it will matter with the canopy shut. The surface detail has many overdone and intrusive rivets in odd places, and some of the hatches and other fuselage details are raised. Not to mention it is just not that crisply modeled and the fit isn't awesome. It isn't bad, just nothing special. (And just too damn expensive for what you get.)

So the big question is what scheme? Do the usual and paint it in RCAF markings or go really left field and surprise everyone with US markings? Hmm...

The Royal Canadian Air Force is Back!

2011-08-15T15:47:00.008-04:00

To be announced tomorrow in Halifax. Here is the official release:

01 01 151637Z AUG 11 RR UUUU CAS 022/11

NDHQ CAS OTTAWA
CANAIRGEN
UNCLAS CAS 022/11
SIC WAA
SUBJ: REINSTATEMENT OF ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE
CANAIRGEN 015/11 CAS 022/11
BILINGUAL MESSAGE/MESSAGE BILINGUE

REINSTATEMENT OF ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE

1. IT IS WITH GREAT PLEASURE I TELL YOU TODAY THAT THE HISTORICAL
DESIGNATION QUOTE ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE (RCAF) UNQUOTE IS ONCE AGAIN THE OFFICIAL NAME FOR CANADA'S AIR FORCE, REPLACING THE DESIGNATION AIR COMMAND

2. THE MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENCE IS EXPECTED TO MAKE THE
ANNOUNCEMENT TOMORROW IN HALIFAX. THE NAMES ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY (RCN) AND CANADIAN ARMY (CA) ARE ALSO BEING REINTRODUCED FOR MARITIME COMMAND AND LAND FORCE COMMAND, RESPECTIVELY

3. PLEASE JOIN ME IN CELEBRATION OF THIS HISTORIC EVENT, WHICH
RECOGNIZES AND HONOURS OUR MILITARY HISTORY AND HERITAGE, AND PAYS TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE US. ONCE THE ANNOUNCEMENT IS MADE, YOU CAN PROUDLY SAY YOU ARE A MEMBER OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE

4. THE HISTORIC NAMES OF THE THREE SERVICES ARE THOSE UNDER WHICH CANADIANS FOUGHT AND DIED DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR AND THE KOREAN CONFLICT, CONTRIBUTED TO THE DEFENCE OF EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA DURING THE EARLY DAYS OF THE COLD WAR, AND PAVED THE WAY IN INTERNATIONAL PEACEKEEPING MISSIONS. THEY ALSO CONTINUE TO BE THE COMMEMORATIVE NAMES BY WHICH MOST CANADIANS, AND INDEED MANY OF OUR SERVICE PERSONNEL, IDENTIFY WITH THE THREE SERVICES

5. OUR AIR FORCE FIRST BECAME THE ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE ON 1
APRIL 1924, WHICH WE STILL CELEBRATE AS OUR OFFICIAL ANNIVERSARY.
WITH THE UNIFICATION OF THE FORCES IN 1968, THE NAVY BECAME MARITIME COMMAND AND THE ARMY BECAME MOBILE COMMAND (LATER LAND FORCE COMMAND). HOWEVER, FUNCTIONAL CONTROL OF AIR ASSETS WAS ALLOCATED TO VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS UNTIL THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AIR COMMAND IN 1975, WHICH AGAIN BROUGHT CF AIR ASSETS UNDER A SINGLE COMMAND STRUCTURE

6. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THIS DOES NOT REPRESENT A DIVERGENCE FROM THE UNIFICATION OF OUR CANADIAN FORCES. WE CONTINUE TO BE A TRI-SERVICE, UNIFIED FORCE WITH NO CHANGE TO OUR ORGANIZATION

7. ALL CURRENT AIR COMMAND ORDERS (ACOS), DIRECTIVES, RULES,
INSTRUCTIONS OR SIMILAR INSTRUMENTS REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT UNTIL AMENDED TO REFLECT THE NAME CHANGE OF THE COMMAND. ALL REFERENCES TO AIRCOM SHALL BE READ AS READING ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE EFFECTIVE UPON RECEIPT OF THIS MESSAGE

8. THE REINTRODUCTION OF THE RCAF AS OUR OFFICIAL NAME WILL BE
CARRIED OUT IN A PHASED APPROACH, AND WILL HAVE NO IMPACT ON OUR CAPABILITIES, RANK STRUCTURES OR RANK INSIGNIA, COMMAND RELATIONS, ORGANIZATION OR OPERATIONS. OVER THE COMING MONTHS, WE WILL, HOWEVER, MAKE NECESSARY CHANGES TO DOCUMENTATION AND STAFF TITLES, AS WELL AS BRANDING AND WEBSITES, AND ADJUST THE CURRENT INSIGNIA, MOTTO AND COLOURS (WHICH WERE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR AIR COMMAND)

9. AS WE MOVE FORWARD, I WILL KEEP YOU INFORMED OF FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS

10. LIEUTENANT-GENERAL J.P.A. DESCHAMPS, COMMANDER ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE, SENDS

END OF ENGLISH TEXT/DEBUT DE TEXTE FRANCAIS

Military Illustrated Modeller Issue 003

2011-08-08T21:40:00.003-04:00

So here we have another new modeling magazine from the British Isles. Military Illustrated Modeller is the latest title from the ADH Publishing house and the aircraft issues are edited by Brett Green of Hyperscale fame. Half of the issues are aircraft and the other half are armor. Of course we will look at an aircraft issue.

First off, I'm still not sure what distinguishes this magazine from ADH's Model Aircraft magazine other than the binding. This title has a more book style format then a typical magazine. Within the 66 pages we have articles on building the Eduard 1/48 Bf-110, Hasegawa's 1/32 Ki-61, Pacific Coast Models 1/32 Hurricane, Kinetic's 1/48 Mirage 2000, Blacksheep Corsairs in 1/48, AFV's 1/48 F-5E, and Wingnut Wing's Roland. Also included are short reviews on the Kinetic 1/48 Tracker and Eduard Fw-190D. Notice something? Oh yea, that's right, not a single mention of 1/72. And outside of a quick aside about the Platz Global Hawk, there was no 1/72 modeling in Issue 001. Heck, even the preview of Issue 005 is devoid of 1/72. I guess what that could teach us is that the Hyperscale's discussion boards are right, 1/72 is not for the serious modeler. In actuality, it shows us that ADH and this magazine have bought into the hype that 1/72 is a dead scale, when in reality that is so far from the truth it is almost funny. Anyone could have that opinion, and perhaps the hype is all 1/48 and 1/32, but take a look at tables at shows. What do you see? Often more build 1/72 scale kits than the other scales combined.

That aside, the models are well built, the photography excellent, and there are actual words on the pages. Again, maybe too many pictures and not enough words, but better than some of the magazines. Where this title shines is in the editing...not a typo to be found. Shocking that in the UK modelling magazine press that is a positive and not the norm. The title does feature that rather annoying style of "Part 1 in this issue, Part 2 next time," which seems to be a feature of almost every modeling mag. Come on guys, we know you want to sell magazines, but readers might like to actually finish the article in one sitting. The magazine reminds me of the highly priced, but very nice Air magazine, also from the UK.

Overall a really nice title, but not necessarily one for the small scale modeler.

On the Bench...Spitfire XIX Take Two

2011-07-21T18:48:00.007-04:00

It has been brought to my attention that it is silly that Mr. Knights's blog has more updates on my modeling then my own blog. I think it is just sheer laziness, but I guess we can agree to disagree on that point. Anyway, by popular demand, over the next few days, I'll post all the action.

The Airfix Spitfire XIX had some masking tape seat belts installed and an instrument panel downloaded from 3D-Kits.co.uk was printed and glued to the bulkhead. Not looking too bad, and I think the downloadable instrument panel is a great idea. Especially for the newer Airfix Spitfires where a decal was inexplicably forgotten.

The wings were then added. I've seen some comments on the web from modeling luminaries that they built this kit without any filler. I'm not so lucky. I'll need some on the wing root and the rear fuselage to wing juncture, but nothing a little Mr. Dissolved Putty can't fix. Heck, at this rate I might even get some paint on it this weekend.

Mayhem to Mayday

2011-06-26T21:13:00.005-04:00

Title: Mayhem to Mayday - The Two Air Wars of Andy MacKenzie, DFC
Author: Norman Avery
Publisher: Lulu.com

Andy MacKenzie was the only RCAF pilot show down in Korea. Added to that years as a POW with the Chinese, and being an Spitfire ace in World War Two you would expect his biography to be fascinating. It is, but sadly the power of the story is marginalized with poor production values and terrible editing. Much like Mr. Avery's Spartan - Seven Letters That Spanned the Globe, this is a decent book that would have been a great book with better editing. The first page of Chapter one is basically unreadable because of typos, the writing could use a general tightening up, and apparently Mr. MacKenzie flew F86Fs in Korea with the 139th Squadron, USAF. (Maybe the author means F-86Fs with the 39th FIS?) When the author can't get basic facts correct it makes you call into question the veracity of the rest of the book. Still an eye opening story, I just wish the book could have done it better justice.

Finish the Spitfire - Take Two

2011-06-22T22:44:00.006-04:00

Does anyone actually remember the Airfix Spitfire XIX I was working on last year? Does anyone remember Mr. Knights's never ending refrains of "Finish the Spitfire"? Does anyone remember "the scroll"? No? Good...

So what happened to this Spitfire that was oh so close to being finished in September 2010? Why haven't you seen a gallery of the finished mode? Well, let's just say that dumping an airbrush cup of lacquer thinner on an almost completed kit doesn't do it much good. Melted plastic anyone?

How did this happen? To quote Danny Whitten "I don't want to talk about it." Somedays when it comes to modeling, I just feel cursed.

Luckily the Airfix Spitfire XIX is a pretty cheap kit, so I have recently started a replacement. Here we are after a few days work.

This is a pretty nice kit and progress has been swift. Hopefully by the end of the weekend it will all be in one place and I can start thinking about paint. No matter what happens, this time I'm using acrylics and the lacquer thinner will be put far, far away. Heck no more hardware store lacquer thinner for me, I'm sticking to the plastic safe Tamiya stuff from here on out.

RCAF Flying Forts

2011-06-16T07:54:00.006-04:00

A commentator asked a few days ago about B-17 kits, so I thought I would put up some RCAF B-17 photos. It is so typically Canadian that RCAF would operated the most famous US bomber of World War Two as a mail plane, but that is exactly how 168 (Heavy Transport) Squadron out of RCAF Rockcliffe used the Flying Fortresses. The six aircraft fleet was a mix of second hand B-17Es and B-17Fs and were taken on strength as bombers with their armament removed painted in olive drab over neutral gray camouflage. The aircraft were modified in RCAF service to make them more useful mail planes and stripped back to natural metal.

This photo is purported to be the unloading of the first load of airmail flown by B-17 for Canadian soldiers in Foggia, Italy, December 30, 1943.

The caption for this photo states "Leading Aircraftman Freemantle paints a mailbag symbol to indicate another overseas mail flight completed by Boeing Fortress IIA aircraft 9202 of No.168(HT) Squadron, R.C.A.F., Rockcliffe, Ontario, May 9, 1944."

Finally we have one of the Forts after being stripped of paint and modified by the RCAF. (Photos courtesy of the Canada Department of National Defence/Library and Archives of Canada.)

Modeler's Note: There are three good choices for a 1/72 B-17. The old Hasegawa kit is nice, but probably not a bargain if purchased in a new Hasegawa box. It has raised panel lines and somewhat sparse detail, but still looks good. The early 90s Academy kit has better detail and recessed panel lines, but I understand there are some issues with wing dihedral. It sure looks nice in the box though. The recent Revell B-17G has stunning detail, but some odd mistakes with the height of the mid upper turret and the wing intakes. The biggest issue is the engraved trenches on the nose. Even I, as a fan of Matchbox kits, think something needs to be done to the panel lines...use the above photos to gage if you want to fill the trenches or not. I know I will!

What's In A Name?

2011-06-14T19:48:00.004-04:00

Now that I've seen two issues, I think I can safely comment on the new Model Aircraft Monthly...no Military Aircraft Monthly...no Model Aircraft magazine from SAM Publications. No need to worry about a name or branding in the magazine publishing world, eh.

Now called Model Aircraft...at least for this week...the premier April issue was heavy on the MiG-21 with a nice 1/72 kitbash of the Fujimi and Zvezda kits. Also in the DSS realm was an article on early Spitfire colours with many many Airfix Spitfires included. Devil Scale modeling was focused on a Hobbycraft A-4 Skyhawk, and the real airplane section featured the fixed wing products of Martin Baker, some Pfalz biplanes, an article on the ME-410, and the inevitable Harrier retirement and Centennial of Naval Aviation photo features. Overall not bad, though there are way too many typos and spelling errors and the six page Kit News section listing of new products seems superfluous, much better suited for SAMI.

The May issues features Jaguars, with a nice Devil Scale build of the Airfix kit by Bill Clark. 1/72 scale features include a South African JU-86 and the AZ Breda 27. The Roden 1/32 Sopwith triplane is paired with a short feature on the real Triplane along with some scale planes. The esoteric history feature of the month is on the Battle of Lake Khasan, there is an article on the Avro Athena, and finally there are nice photo features on the Japanese F-1 and F-2, and some RAF Typhoons going off to war. The proof reading is better, but not perfect and again six pages are wasted on the Kit New section. But issue two is an improvement on issue one.

Overall, there is some potential here. Neither magazine rises to the level of the Neil Robinson edited years, and at times the topics just seem thrown together, but things are much better then the pointless Military Aircraft Monthly issues of 2010. Now if only they would hire a proof reader and not change the name every few months...

A-Model F4F-3S Wildcatfish In Box Review

2011-06-12T11:38:00.004-04:00

I don't know what it is about the Grumman Wildcatfish that attracts me so much. Sure I am a Wildcat fan, but no Canadian service ever operated the Wildcatfish. Maybe it is just the irony of putting on fighter on floats...and more, so putting a pudgy fighter on floats. Anyway, I'd always wanted to build a Wildcatfish, but I'm not sure that there were many options in 1/72. That has now changed.

Boxed by A-Model, I think this kit originates from their Master 44 design bureau. (Well at least that is what the sprues say.) The kit has four grey sprues and one clear sprue. The molding is quite well done for a short run kit with small sprue attachment points and little flash, but the detail is crude. In fact this kit looks totally 1970s. The first sprue includes the four floats which have almost no surface detail. The wing spure has nicely scribed lines, a few engraved rivets, and restrained fabric detail. The fuselage sprue also contains the engine and cockpit details. Again, the fuselages parts are nicely done, but the engine and cockpit detail is poor. Cockpit detail consists of a floor, small instrument panel, control column, backrest and seat bucket. Not accurate and not well done. The propellor is ok, but the engine would embarrass 60s Airfix kits. The last sprue contains the beaching gear and float supports. Again, pretty well modeled with minimal flash, but crude detail. The clear canopy looks funnily shaped to me, is thick, with poorly defined frame lines and some dimples. Not at all state of the art. Finally, you get a small decal sheet with 6 stars for the one option in USN Blue Grey over USN Light Grey. Oddly the instructions tell you to paint the underside white rather then grey.

Nothing about this kit is state of the art, except for the price. At almost $30, you better really want a Wildcatfish and be prepared for a crude 70s style kit. Maybe the best option is consider it a conversion and kitbash it with a Hasegawa Wildcat, or at least steal an engine, prop, and canopy from Hasegawa and add a True Details cockpit. But that would be one expensive model.

So now what? Do I build it as it was tested in Bethpage, or do I just throw caution into the wind and build a what-if Canadian Wildcatfish. Because, really, the RCAF should have purchased them to defend Canada and allow the senior pilots to go on fishing trips in style.

RAF Korean War F-84 Pilot

2011-05-05T19:09:00.003-04:00

Ran across this story today which kind of surprised me. I knew that RAF (and RCAF) pilots flew Sabres in Korea, but I had no idea that any Commonwealth pilots seconded to the USAF flew ground attack ops. The gentleman in question was shot down flying a F-84E with the 9FBS 49FBG of the USAF. (Of course the Royal Navy pilots, SAAF, and RAAF pilots flew attack ops, but that was in their own aircraft.) I find it interesting that all these years later the stories of the RCAF and RAF pilots flying with the USAF in Korea are still relatively unknown. Too bad there hasn't been much written on the topic.

Airfix Kits

2011-04-26T18:57:00.008-04:00

Title: Airfix Kits
Author: Trevor Pask
Publisher: Shire Library

In 2010 it seems like you couldn't go a month or two without a new book on Airfix hitting the shelves. This little book is simply a short history of Airfix. While not nearly as detailed as the Ward books, it is much better edited. There are many pictures of built kits and box art with lots of images from Airfix catalogues of the past. While there are some mentions of other Airfix related lines, the book solely covers Airfix's plastic kits.

Outside of the overly 70s cover...those are some dodgy haircuts...this is a really nice short history of the famous manufacturer.

Admiral 1/72 Seafire Mk. IB Vokes

2011-04-22T20:06:00.006-04:00

One of the kits I picked up at the Pittsburgh regional was the newly issued Admiral Seafire IB. Admiral is now an imprint of AZ Models and this kit is another boxing of the AZ Spitfire family. While from the same masters as the earlier Spitfire I series, all the necessary changes to build a "b wing" Spitfire V have been made. The kit is pretty much a early generation short run product. With a little clean up most of the parts will be quite usable and the scribing is very fine and petite, maybe too much so. Shape looks pretty good. The canopy is injected and a little thick and cloudy. Cockpit detail is good for the scale, and unlike the Spitfire I kit the seat is usable. Options include clipped, standard, or extended wing tips, standard or Vokes filters, and either the Rotol or de Havilland spinners and blades. (Oddly a four bladed spinner is included, but the appropriate blades are not provided. There are four Rotol blades, but to the best of my knowledge the Spitfire VI did not use this style of Rotol blades.)

As AZ are trying to get as much out of the molds as possible, the kit has some odd quirks. For example the intake scoop of the Spitfire VI is molded on the fuselage. (The instructions do mention to remove this.) In addition, in the ongoing poor use of photo-etch in modern kits, the fuselage antenna is provided on the PE fret. Great. A flat piece of metal to represent a 3-D object. Also, the Seafire hook conversion is in PE which needs to be bent to create the hook. Again this if far from an ideal choice of material and not really much of a conversion.

Two decal sheets are provided. One for stencils, and one for the two markings options. These include Duncan Hamilton's Royal Blue station hack and a standard aircraft from 885 Squadron in the Temperate Sea Scheme.

Overall I'm a little disappointed in the kit. First off it was expensive, at $20. Also, while AZ has some interesting subjects their modelings just aren't top of the line. They remind me of MPM/Special Hobby kits of over a decade ago. That combined with the silly choice of materials and the half hearted Seafire conversion, make this a less then a great value. When all is said and done, I'll probably try to find some new propellor blades and build the kit as a high altitude Spitfire VI as operated by 417 Squadron.

Spitfire Flaps

2011-04-17T14:56:00.010-04:00

Within the last month there have been a couple of discussions on the Hyperscale Plane Talk forum about Spitfires and their flaps down on the ground. One poster went so far as to state "No flaps down, unless undergoing maintenance." I hate absolutes, so how about this pic of Spitfire L1090 visiting CFB Trenton on June 6, 1940?

Could those be flaps down? On the ground? And I don't see any maintenance personal nearby. Which of course there wouldn't be, as the Spitfire would have been worked on at its home base in Rockcliffe. (Photo courtesy of the Canada Department of National Defence/Library and Archives of Canada.)

Modeler's Note: Spitfire L1090 was an very early Spitfire Mk.I and it has the early unarmoured windscreen and pole antenna, though it looks like it has the blown canopy. Right now only two 1/72 Spitfires Mk Is have the early windscreen included, the old, crude, and poorly shaped 1970s Hasegawa kit and some boxings of the recent short run AZ kit. However, all is not lost, as Airfix will reissue their Mk. I later this year with the early canopy and spinner.

Bates v. Knights decided by the Ohio Supreme Court

2011-04-07T18:52:00.000-04:00

Some of you may have heard that last month I appeared before the Ohio Supreme Court. I'm sure most of you just assumed it had something to do with my day job, but it was actually a modeling case. Keen observers may have noticed that Kentucky Law Pirate David Knights has been posting pictures and commentary on my recent build of the Airfix Sabre. You also might notice that in the most recent post he has let slip that an injunction was placed against him from talking about my modeling. This case dates back to a post in which he referred to me as a "master modeler." Taken aback by this slander, I filed suit to have the post removed from his blog. Many attempts were made at a settlement, but it quickly worked its way up the court system and ended up before the Supreme Court. Thankfully I have prevailed in this case and Mr. Knights can never use the term "master modeler" with regard to my work, nor me as a modeler. But all is not lost for poor David...he may still use terms like "hack," "half assed assembly and painting job," and "a third grader could do better."

Oh, the Airfix Sabre? It is going together pretty well and I've really been enjoying it. Well until Sunday, when I dropped it. No damage was caused to the model, but one of the nose weights broke loose. So I decided to pour some super glue into the fuselage to secure it. Good idea, other then the Sabre is basically a tube and the glue decided to pour out of both ends. And just as I was ready for primer. Oh well, I'll break out the sanding sticks and hopefully remove all the CA. And, of course, even with super glue pouring from both ends...it didn't secure the nose weight and the model still rattles. Sabre maraca anyone?

So without further adieu, here are the pics:

Another new UK Modeling Magazine

2011-04-06T15:38:00.000-04:00

So I see on Hyperscale the other day that another new UK based modeling magazine will soon enter the market. I gotta say that I thought the market was saturated a few years ago and since then there have been at least two or three new entires. How can they all stay afloat? Wasn't the internet supposed to kill the paper magazine, not cause them to breed like bunnies?

Anyway, this new magazine is Military Illustrated Modeller and will alternate between aircraft issues and armor issues. (Neat idea.) It will be edited by Brett Green and Marcus Nicholls and looks to be courting the high end of the market both with production values and content. (It kind of reminds me of the nice, but pricey, Air magazine.) They are certainly catering to a different market then the new Airfix magazine! What I don't get, is outside of it alternating aircraft and armor, how is it much different from the publishing house's current Model Aircraft International magazine? What new does it bring to the table?

The first issue...an aircraft edition...will have a MiG-21 build and I'm a fan of Brett Green's work so I'll probably pick it up and report back.

RCAF MiG-21 Redhawks

2011-04-01T11:57:00.005-04:00

After many years, the story can finally be told. Enjoy.

Modeler's Note: When it comes to the MiG-21F in 1/72 really the only option is the Revell AG kit. Thankfully it is excellent and the easiest way to build a CF-121 Redhawk.

The Vought F4U Corsair

2011-03-27T23:08:00.005-04:00

Title: The Vought F4U Corsair - A Comprehensive Guid
Authors: Rafe Morrissey and Joe Hegedus
Publisher: SAM Publications

Over the last few years, it seems that SAM Publications have decided to become less identified as a modelling publisher and more as an aviation publisher. In fact, the formerly titled Modeller's Datafiles are now known as Comprehensive Guides. As this shift has happened, the books have become less impressive. Some of the titles on modern aircraft have had no modeling content, and quite honestly seem thrown together. That being said, some titles, for example Paul Bradley's Hunter Guide, have been excellent. Seeing both Rafe Morrissey's and Joe Hegdus's name attached to this title made it a must buy.

While the modeling content is only 15 pages long, this is a pretty good one stop modeler's book on the Corsair. Lots of pictures and drawings provide detail, and there are quite a few neat wartime pictures I've never seen before...for example there are some neat Kiwi birds included; as well as, a shot of one of the Corsair wind tunnel models. All the variants are covered and the differences are explained. Plus, I'm going to give at least one thumb up to any book that includes a story from RCAF trained Black Sheep wildman Chris Magee. (And at least part of a second thumb for including a profile of one of the aircraft he flew.) But how do you do a Corsair book and not mention Hammy Gray, VC? Especially when there is a model of his aircraft in the book! Additionally, while I have no problem with poor photo colour reproduction of photos from Korea and World War II, why are a few of the current warbird pics so poor. (The three photos on Page 96 look especially washed out.) But for the most part this quibbles are minor...well outside of I would like to see more modeling in the book.

All and all I'm pretty happy with this volume, outside of the rather high price, and I think it is perfect for the modeler interested in the Corsair, but not having a full library of Corsair books on the shelf.

Model Aircraft Monthly...no Military Aircraft Monthly...no Model Aircraft...

2011-03-25T15:26:00.000-04:00

Talk about an identity crisis. See the link here for the press release on Model Aircraft - A New Direction. I guess by a new direction SAM Publications means the way it used to be before they messed it all up. I look forward to seeing what the new format looks like. Well, until they change it...again.

2011 NorthWest Scale Modelers Show Part 2

2011-02-28T16:14:00.003-05:00

A really nicely done Royal Canadian Navy HO4S.

Hammy Grey's FAA Corsair.

Much red on the Canadian table...this being a 421 Squadron CF-104.

A 1/48 scale Avenger Firebomber.

A Heller CL-215 in Newfoundland provincial markings.

Another red bird, this time a Skystreak.

Quite a bit of work must have gone into updating the Matchbox Stranraer into a Queen Charlotte Airlines bird.

Another neat float plane What if...this time based upon a Vampire.

A Macchi captured by 417 Squadron RCAF.

2011 NorthWest Scale Modelers Show Part 1

2011-02-27T12:12:00.008-05:00

Last Saturday, as part of a trip to Seattle, I attended a model show at the Museum of Flight put on by the Northwest Scale Modelers who are based out of the Museum. The show is held in the Museum's Great Gallery and it is hard to imagine a better place for a model display, right under the real things.

Notice I used the word show and not contest? Yes that is correct, it was a display only show; a refreshing change from the contests I usually attend. There were many models on the tables, I didn't try to count them all, and the show theme of arranging the models by nationality made for an exciting display. As expected the U.S. tables were packed, with the U.K and German tables not far behind. I was happy to see the Canadian table was well populated and many most smaller countries were represented. Not being a contest and freed from the pressures of judging, there was both a larger number and variety of models, and some subjects you just don't see much very often.

One of the themes was the T-6/Harvard/SNJ with about a dozen of the North American products on display. While a miniature of Bud Granley's Golden Hawks SNJ was on the table, I was a little disappointed not to see a yellow RCAF Harvard represented. Guess I should have packed one in my luggage.

I had a great time at the event and hope to be able to attend again in future, and maybe even bring some models to display.

Sorry for the lesser then great picture quality, I used my phone camera as an experiment. Not a terrible failure, but next time I'll use the real camera.

Does it get much better then this?

You don't see the Hasegawa T-34 Mentor built very often. It sure looks great in RCAF markings.

Must have taken a lot of work to get something this nice out of the A-Model kit.

Just for Smith...some pink.

A very literal take on the Sea Hornet?

I though Jon would enjoy the Slovakia corner.

A nice slip wing Hurricane in 1/48

A Heller F-94 just for Rick.

Black and White A-26 in French markings.

A nice yellow T-28.

An eye catching MiG-31.

Bud Granley's SNJ in Golden Hawks markings.

An neat model of a Caribou paper project surrounded by U.S. subjects.

To be continued.

One Man's War

2011-02-16T17:34:00.007-05:00

Title: One Man's War
Author: Stuart E. Soward
Publisher: Neptune

I picked up this short book after hearing that the author died in January and that the subject of the book, Richard Bartlett, passed away in December. Dick Bartlett was a farm boy from Saskatchewan who joined the Fleet Air Arm and flew Skuas off the HMS Ark Royal. The book focuses mostly on the ill-conceived attack by the Skuas on the German battleship Scharnhorst in a Norway fjord, and Mr. Bartlett's time as a Prisoner of War after being shot down in that attack. Both sections are eye opening. It is hard to believe a human could survive some of the treatment he received at the hands of the Germans, and that the FAA leadership could have held out any belief that the Scharnhosrt attack was anything but a suicide mission. Mr. Bartlett's will and tenacity to survive both the raid, and his time as a POW, are impressive. The book is a quick, breezy, and interesting read and well worth the time for the Canadian aviation fan and/or students of the Fleet Air Arm.

Mauve Over

2011-01-26T23:30:00.006-05:00

The Spitfires get some colour. The recent Airfix 1/72 Spitfire IX will be finished in Charlie Fox's 412 Squadron markings, while the Spitfire I was converted into a PR.XIII and will be finished as a 400 Squadron bird in the RAF low level PR scheme. Hence the very bright PRU Mauve underside.

Proof of Life

2011-01-21T22:44:00.010-05:00

CAF Mi-17 Hips

2010-11-23T05:37:00.008-05:00

A long while ago I mentioned the Mi-8 Hips leased by the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan. Recently, a newspaper article was publishing asking questions about the helos. Ok, Canada's military procurement and spending is always political, but what was really interesting was the quote "The Mi-17s operate in Canadian military markings and are flown by Canadian Forces pilots, said Rozenberg-Payne." Huh? I thought the Mi-8s were in civil markings with civil registrations. Turns out Canada has traded in the leased Mi-8s for leased Mi-17s and they are carrying CAF markings. See here for a picture. So the Mi-17s are designated CH-178 and the serials for the four aircraft are 178404 to 178407. (What happened to 178401 to 178403?) I understand these are Kazan Helicopters Mi-17-V5 versions of the Mi-17. Cool, eh.

Modeler's Note: Hobby Boss makes a very nice Mi-17, but it does not have the correct configuration to build the CAF variant. (What's new.) There was a conversion of the kit to the beaked nose/rear ramp Mi-8/Mi-17 in a recent Scale Aviation Modeller International.

RCAF Sabres in 1/72 (Draft)

2010-11-17T06:43:00.005-05:00

I only deal with RCAF Sabres, so I don't know much about F-86Ds, Hs, and Ls, but I've seen lots of comments on 1/72 Sabres recently on some of the boards after the recent issue of the new Airfix kit. Much of it I find a little odd...so Sabres for discussion.

Fujimi: Issued as both a F-86F-30 and F-86F-40. Really nice kit with great scribing and good detail. However, it has always looked really fat in the nose and cockpit area to me, almost like a cross between a F-86F and F-86H. Speed brakes are square, which they aren't in real life. It also has a intake on the rear fuselage which I believe is a JASDF only addition, remember to remove it for a Korean War bird. Tanks and Sidewinders for under the wings. Closed slats only on the F-40 wing. Probably the best place to start for a F-86F even with the fat nose area.

Hobbycraft/Academy: This is the kit I get most frustrated about when it is discussed online. No matter what Hobbycraft or Academy say, or for that matter "the experts," neither of these kits can be built as any USAF F-86. These kits are Orenda engined Sabre 5s and Sabre 6s. When Canada changed engines, vents and panel lines were altered for the Orenda engines, and these kits capture most of those changes. Also, the slatted 6-3 wing was used on no USAF Sabre. Both kits are missing the sugar scoops that were retrofitted to RCAF Sabre 5s and 6s. As for the kits themselves, they are not quite as nice or as detailed as the Fujimi kit, and the scribing is a little less crisp. They also have those square airbrakes and at times seem "inspired" by the Fujimi kit. The slats are separate in the Sabre 6 boxing, but the area under the slats is not correct being recessed. Another interesting anomaly with this kit is that Academy modified it slightly when they started reboxing it. The canopy was retooled to include scribing for the ADF antenna, while the nose gear and cockpit assemblies were modified to make assembly easier. (Good.) Obviously the best place to start for a Sabre 5 or Sabre 6.

Hobbyboss: It appears from some online builds, that something is off with the shape, and it sits way too high on its landing gear. Issued as a F-86F-30 with the 6-3 hard wing and a F-86F-40 with the slatted 6-3 wing with extensions. Basic easy build kit. Looks like a fun weekend project kind of kit.

Heller: Old school with raised lines. I'm not sure what Heller was going for here, it is sold as a F-86F, but the kit is a mishmash of Sabre 6 and F-86F features. Oddly the wing chord is a little short, so while not 100% accurate, it is the closed we have out of the box to a Korean War F-86E. It also is much slimmer then the Fujimi kit, which I think is correct, but the tail is substantially shorter then the Fujimi and Hobbycraft/Academy kits. I'm not sure whose tail is correct. No underwing stores other then tanks. Detail is actually pretty good for a 70s kit, I've always believed that during this time period Heller's kits were way head of their time.

Airfix: Have one on the way, but the online sprue shots look promising. Bombs and pylons are included which is a first in 1/72. Another 6-3 hard winged F-86F-30. Arg. (It will also be issued in the new year as a 6-3 hard winged Sabre 4.) No matter how good this kit is, I feel this is a major missed opportunity for Airfix. I get why they want a Sabre in their line, but if they had done a slatted wing F-86E/Sabre 2/4 they could have cornered the market, rather then having just another 6-3 hard wing Sabre. And it doesn't make sense, as the F-86E would have allowed for a Korean war boxing, and the Sabre 2 would have allowed for a RAF boxing... But the good news is that it may be possible they tooled other wings based up on the breakdown of the parts... More comments when I get the kit.

70th Anniversay of the Battle of Britain - The Canadians

2010-11-16T20:59:00.008-05:00

I missed posting this on Battle of Britain Day in September, but in honor of the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, here is an example of the Canadian contribution. While many Canadians flew in the Battle in RAF squadrons, only 1 RCAF Squadron flew combat during the Battle of Britain. 1 Squadron RCAF arrived in England in June 1940 and were reequipped with RAF Hurricanes to replace their old RCAF fabric wing Hurricanes they brought with them. During the Battle they claimed over 30 aircraft destroyed with CO Squadron Leader Ernie McNab leading the way with 4 1/3 kills. Here is S/L McNab with a 1 Squadron Hurricane I at Northolt, England on September 12, 1940. (Photo courtesy of the Canada Department of National Defence/Library and Archives of Canada.)

Modeler's Note: There are really only two choices for a Battle of Britain Hurricane I in 1/72. You can either build the old, but recently reissued, Airfix kit or the new Hasegawa kit. The Airfix kit captures the spirit of the Hurricane well, but doesn't have much in the way of detail. The newer Hasegawa kit has more detail, some of it poor like the cockpit, but has exceedingly exaggerated fabric rear fuselage detail and is really expensive, if you can find it.

Well, when you can't get spare parts...buy some pricey Marine Ones...

2010-11-02T20:31:00.005-04:00

The Canadian EH-101 saga may take another strange twist...

Finish the Spitfire!

2010-09-26T16:00:00.011-04:00

You may have seen David's many comments to finish the Spitfire. The 1/72 Airfix Spitfire XIX to be specific. I started the kit upon receiving it last year and all went ok until it came time to mask the canopy and paint. Sure the scheme is simple...overall PRU Blue...but I have a total fear of my airbrush. (In fact, as a small child whenever the lights were turned out I was always scared there was an airbrush hiding under my bed or in the closet.) Anyway...David went to China this summer and managed to acquire a special mystic scroll during his travels. He had the scroll blessed by a posse of Buddhist monks and sent it to me to motivate completion. (For you readers that are not Space Cowboys, please note that the scroll says "Finish the Spitfire" in Mandarin. "Ni ta ma de. Tianxia suoyoude ren. Dou gaisi." Oh...sorry Captain Mal...ok...I won't mislead my readers...it really means "Complete the Task," but that isn't nearly as good a story is it?) While I haven't got the Spit finished yet, I did manage to get a coat of paint on it. I used my new Grex single action brush for the first time, and for whatever reason the paint went on thick and grainy. (I'm sure it was the user, not the airbrush...) David was shocked to hear not only that I used the airbrush, but I painted the Spit. He demanded proof of life. Here is it:

I broke out the micromesh and have smoothed out the finish. Look for a repaint and completion soon. Seems I also need to practice with the Grex.

SVASMCON 26

2010-09-19T18:26:00.008-04:00

On Saturday I attended the Shenango Scale Modelers contest in Sharon, PA for the first time. It was a small show, but there were many nice models on show. A few photos are attached of models that caught my eye. The vendor room was kind of weak and, shockingly, I purchased absolutely nothing...

James Kelley's 1/48 Trumpeter Sea Fury.

An old Airfix bus converted into the Pigeon Loft by Karen Rychlewski.

You don't see the Heller Cap-10 built very often.

Barry Numerick's beautiful 1/72 Heller Bf-108.

A 1/72 Hawker Hurricane.

Eric Larson's Wingnuts LVG C.VI.

A 1/72 Academy Swiss Hornet by James Kelley.

Another 1/72 Battle of Britain participant...a Tamyia Spitfire I.

Fast and Easy Natural Metal Finishes

2010-09-06T15:58:00.006-04:00

Like aircraft in natural metal finish? Lazy? Have an airbrush phobia? I use a fast and easy natural metal finish technique that almost completely relies upon spray cans. But not just any spray cans, Tamiya’s synthetic lacquer spray cans. Besides having a fine grain, and a natural metal look, they are lacquer based and will stand up to masking. In fact they are so durable, you can save time and cut down on clear coats as well. I also find that these cans spray so much smoother and easier than other spray cans I’ve experienced.

Step 1: You have two choices here, either have you assembled kit perfect with no flaws or relay upon a primer. I like Tamiya’s Fine Surface Primer (in gray or white, your choice) in the spray can. If I use a primer I do polish up the paint with fine micromesh before I apply the silver.

Step 2: Make sure the model is free and clean from dust and oils. I usually swab off the model with common drugstore isopropyl alcohol. (Sorry Gunze’s Mr. Whiskey will not work here…) After wiping off the model only handle it was latex gloves.

Step 3: Here is where the secret weapon is revealed. Tamiya AS-12 spray metal silver. I find that his paint leaves a beautiful slightly oxidized natural metal look. Not too shiny, but not too flat. Heat the can in warm water…but not on the burner…we do not want to send the can into space, just have the paint flow better. Shake well and apply in thin coats. In my experience silver enamels take forever to dry, but the lacquer dries super fast.

Spousal Interjection: Buy a spray booth. This stuff is smelly.

Step 4: The nice thing with this paint is that there are more options than just the AS-12. Tamiya also makes TS-17 Gloss Aluminum and TS-30 Silver leaf. If you wish to panelize you airplane, mask off panels and use either or both of these cans to add some panel variation. I find that the TS-17 leaves a nice silver doped look often seen on control surfaces. I usually mask with Tamiya tape or drafting tape. You can also mask off anti-glare panels, etc. at this time. See isn’t this paint fun? Mask all you want and nothing pulls off.

Step 5: If you are really lazy like me you can skip your clear coat and just apply decals. I usually use Future floor polish to apply decals to my natural metal aircraft. Either place a small amount of Future where the decal will be placed, apply decal, and cover in Future or just dip the decal in the Future and apply. The Future will suck the decal down into the panel lines, fuse the decal in place, and prevent silvering.

Step 6: Depending on how neat you are with your Future you can either finish the model as is or actually break out the airbrush and apply a final clear coat of your choice.

Wasn’t that fun? A nice metal airplane and no need to break out the airbrush. Sometimes it pays to be lazy.

Scale Aircraft Modelling July 2010

2010-09-05T11:31:00.009-04:00

About a year ago my long term subscription to Scale Aircraft Modelling ran out and I choose not to renew it. I wasn't enjoying the new make-over and the magazine no longer was in line with my tastes. However, when I saw that the July 2010 issue would be another Canada Day Special, I forked over my $11.99 (ouch) and decided to see if things were any better.

My big complaint with the new SAM was awful proof reading and articles with few words and little meat. Sure most of the builds were nice, but the articles didn't teach me anything. Sadly I have to report little has changed.

Things start off poorly on the cover. There is a focus on the Special Hobby Baltimore which they deem "Impressive!" What would be really impressive was if there was anything on a Special Hobby Baltimore, or indeed if Special Hobby actually made a 1/48 Baltimore. Of course they are talking about the new Maryland...but whatever...details don't matter right? Also what is a CF-5B? You see it used all the time, but there is officially no such thing. The Canadair built F-5s operated by the CAF were designated CF-116 and named CF-5A for the single seat version and designated CF-116D and named CF-5D for the two seater. Again, why would we care about details in a modelling magazine? The Title Page states: "The CF-5 was a licence-built Tiger II by Canadair..." Huh? Tiger II...um, no it was a licensed build F-5A, not F-5E... (It's ok, later in the magazine in the Next Issue section a build of the F-5E is titled Freedom Fighter...) Oh and the editorial mentions that they are grouping a book review on the Bf-109 along with some conversions to make it easier on the modeler. That sounds like a decent idea, other then there is no Bf-109 book review.

After all that, I was actually scared to read the CF-5 article, but guess what? It was decent. No major gaffs and even the designations were correct. The photo captions have some issues, like reference to the natural metal finish of the CF-5D (actually it was aluminum lacquer, which is correctly noted in the profiles), and embarrassingly a caption makes mention to note the bolt on refueling probe on an aircraft that isn't carrying it. Some nice looking drawings and plans are included for the CF-5D.

The Editor's CF-5D's built of the 1/72 Italeri kit is nicely finished, but really isn't that well built...there is a seam where the kit's front and rear section were mated that he didn't fill. Flip back a few pages and look at the pictures...it isn't here in real life. He mentions in the article that he didn't need to use any filler...well yea, he did...

The Kinetic 1/32 Sabre 6 article is ok. However, the builder clearly has little clue about Sabre wings. In the "'6-3' or not '6-3'" section he mentions how it is an important question with Sabres, and then goes on to mention that "a large proportion of them...seem to have been retro fitted with this wing at a later stage in their flying career." While this is true of RAF Sabres, it is not the case with RCAF Sabres. In fact the only RCAF Sabres ever to be retrofitted with different wings may be the few early Sabre 6s built with the '6-3' hard wing. No other RCAF Sabres ever carried more the one wing during their military carrier. Also, just which brand of interior green did the builder use for the wheel wells? Lifecolor or White Ensign? (He mentions both.) Nice model though.

And I don't even want to get into their asinine book review page. Why waste space on the publishers puffery? Just dumb. A review is a review, not rehashed marketing fodder.

Not all is terrible. I enjoyed the article on building the 1/72 MPM A-20 and even picked up a nice tip on making your own decals and the review of the 1/72 Airfix Widegon conveyed just how much fun these old kits can be.

Sadly, nothing in this issues made me regret my decision to stop buying the magazine. The cover price is out of sight, and the content is thin. The editing is terrible and many details are overlooked. But hey, the pictures are nice...maybe some think that is worth $12. Not me.

Canadian Airmen and the Victoria Cross

2010-09-04T10:25:00.005-04:00

Here is a rather neat website called For Valour about the seven Canadian airmen to win the Victoria Cross. I think this is a rather interesting approach to teaching younger people about actions of the Canadian medal winners, though I sure some of the hard core self professed "historians" will find it dumbed down.

Royal Newfoundland Air Force Fokker

2010-08-24T06:53:00.005-04:00

Vintage Wings always has some nice aviation history and stories on their site, but it is rare that they focus on modeling. I will have to admit I'm a little jealous over that Fokker, because I would love to have a model from the RNAF in my collection. Sadly no one has done a 1/72 Budd Conestoga yet...

C.D. Howe and the Hawker Hurricane

2010-08-20T06:07:00.003-04:00

During World War Two C.D. Howe, Minister of Supply and Munitions, was pivotal in expanding the Canadian aviation industry. Here are a few pictures of a visit to the Canadian Car and Foundry factory in Fort William, Ontario. Forget all the people and just enjoy the Hurricanes. (Photos courtesy of the National Film Board of Canada/Library and Archives Canada.)

Airfix Model World Magazine

2010-08-19T07:42:00.003-04:00

It was announced yesterday that Key Publishing and Airfix have teamed up to start a new modeling magazine called Airfix Model World. It will be a 100 page monthly magazine that covers all genres of modeling, but with an aviation focus. The editor will be Glenn Sands and the first issue is set to debut in November 2010.

I find this a very interesting announcement. First off I can't believe the UK can subsidize the number of modeling magazines currently on the market, let alone a new title. That being said, I'm really excited to see what Airfix and Key can do and I do think there is room in the market for a good (professionally proofread) magazine that deals with all areas of modeling, and with Key's experience, production values, and distribution, along with the Airfix name, it might quickly become a major player in the market.

Pulamo Girls?

2010-07-28T06:53:00.004-04:00

Model-making adds glam to bridge divide. Model building mainstream? A clothing company opening a hobby shop in a mall? Women in their 30s building models? Japan sure is a weird place.

Though I do have to admit adding glitter to a Spitfire could be fun...

The Airfix Handbook

2010-07-27T07:31:00.009-04:00

Title: The Airfix Handbook
Author: James May
Publisher: Conway Publishing

Ostensibly this slim volume is a tie in to the recent James May Toy Stories television show. However, it also functions as a short and sweet Airfix history and a good reason to never judge a book by its cover. (Ouch, is that ever a ugly cover!)

This small format hardback opens with a short history of Airfix drawing much inspiration from the Arthur Ward books, a short photographic tour of molding defects, some Roy Cross boxart, and a listing of all Spitfire kits issued by Airfix. We then have a modeling tip interlude by Chris Ellis on "10 things I wish I known when I was 10" before we get into Mr. May's project to create a 1/1 scale Airfix Spitfire. Obviously this project was better illustrated on the TV show, but it still an interesting read. Sprinkled throughout this section of the book is a short chapter on making a war movie out of Airfix tanks and a listing of the "10 Airfix kits every modeler should build." (I would quibble with the choices and suggest that most of the kits listed as honorable mentions (the 1/72 Pup, Lancaster, Vulcan, and Hurricane), should be on the main list, but isn't that what these kind of lists are for...disagreement?) Finally the book wraps up with a short build of the newer Spitfire XIX by Jonathan Mock, and, again drawn from the Ward books, a listing of Airfix kits issued year by year.

This is far from a definitive history of Airfix, but a quick and enjoyable read written by an Airfix fan. Fun.

P.S.: David, I looked in the whole book and never saw the phrase "Finish the Spitfire!"

The Hawker Hurricane Mk. II in 1/72

2010-07-23T06:06:00.003-04:00

Since my observations on the 1/72 Spitfire Mk. V kits has been quite popular, here are my thoughts on the 1/72 Hurricane Mk. IIs.

Academy Hurricane IIc - Great detail, excellent engraved panel lines, and a decent representation of the rear fuselage fabric detail. Sadly the fuselage is way too narrow which ruins the complete look of the finished product. No tropical filter is provided and there are no underwing stores. But for the fuselage error, it would be been the best Hurricane in the scale. Sadly with the error, it cannot be recommended at all.

Airfix Hurricane I/II - An old rivet encrusted kit. No matter what the box says, it can only be built as a Mk. II. The canopy is awful being way too small and there is no way a Merlin would fit in the nose. The Mk I prop is terrible and there is no option for the tropical filter. It does have a nice selection of under wing stores.

Airfix Hurricane IIc - Brand new tooling. The rear fuselage fabic detail is excellent, but that is balanced out by the fuselage scribing being very, shall we say agricultural. The spinner is poor, and the prop blades even worse, being way too short. Something about the fuselage shape is a little off and the horizontal stabs are too small, but at least you can fit a Merlin in the nose. The rudder is also misshapen. It does have a decent cockpit and correct wheel well detail. One added bonus is that it includes Sea Hurricane conversion parts right in the box. I was expected better, but with a replacement prop and rudder looks reasonably like a Hurricane. Very reasonably priced.

Hasegawa Hurricane II family - The Hasegawa kit has a reasonable shape, but the cockpit is a joke, the seat is tiny, and the overlarge spinner is fictional for a World War Two Hurricane. (Though it is correct for a few restored warbirds.) Technically the joint line for the Mk. II nose is in the wrong place, but the overall length is ok. The fabric rear fuselage is way overdone. Some boxes contain the tropical filter. It should be better for the very high price Hasegawa is now asking for the kit.

Heller Hurricane IIc - Old school with raised panel lines. The Heller kit has pretty good shape from the firewall back, but the nose is far to thin for a Merlin. Probably the best Hurricane II prop and spinner in 1/72. Can now be found in a Smer box.

Hobby Boss Hurricane IIc - A simplified Academy clone with the same narrowness issue. It does however contain the tropical filter. As with the Academy kit it cannot be recommended because of the fuselage shape.

Matchbox Hurricane IIc - An old school Matchbox kit. Again, there is no way a Merlin would fit in the nose. This kit was later reissued as Hurricane IId with the under wing gun pods.

Revell Hurricane II family - This kit has been issued as a Hurricane IIb, Hurricane IIc, and a Sea Hurricane. One of my favorite kits. Generally the shape is pretty good, but Revell did not extend the fuselage spine under the canopy. In addition the wing chord is a little too large, but no noticeably so. Good cockpit detail. The spinner and prop are poor, as are the wheels. Something appears to be off with the windscreen. Depending on the boxing you may get under wing bombs, tank, and/or a tropic filter. Good value for the money.

I like the Revell kit the best, because it is the nicest combination of detail and shape for the price. Hasegawa is in a similar league, but much much more money. Pretty much every Hurricane on the market will need a new propeller and spinner which is very frustrating.

How to Build Tamiya's 1:32 Spitfire

2010-07-22T06:12:00.005-04:00

Title: How To Build Tamiya's 1:32 Spitfire Mk. IXc
Author: Brett Green
Publisher: ADH Publishing

As I have mentioned before I'm a sucker for both modeling books and Spitfires books. So much of a sucker I bought a book on a model I'll probably never own or build...

Brett Green's entry in the How to Build series is a timely volume on the newer Tamiya Spitfire. Much hyperbole has been lavished on the big Spit, but it appears that it is justified. The book features three builds, an out of the box build of the Spitfire in RAAF markings by Brett, a desert bird by Marcus Nicholls, and a Spitfire HF Mk. VII conversion by Roy Sutherland. As is usual with Mr. Green's articles it is clear, concise, and has some useful tips. Mr. Nicholls's desert Spitfire is more an exercise in painting. One odd thing about his build, is he twice alludes to problems with fitting the cowling over the engine, but he never states what his problems were. Finally we have Mr. Sutherland's conversion. I found this the most interesting of the three articles and it certainly is a stunning finished model. However, Roy mentions a couple times that he used custom mixed Tamiya colours on his model, I just wish he had listed out the mixes so the modeler could attempt to replicate them. You gotta love the Medium Sea Grey over PRU Blue scheme.

In addition to the builds, there is a short page on the Pacific Coast Models 1/32 short run Spitfire, some profiles by Richard J Caruana, and a short walk around section on the two Spitfires at the Temora Aviation Museum.

I enjoyed the book, but I like Spitfires. Of course the real question is as a 1/72 scale modeler why did I buy this book? Well as I said I like Spitfires, but I think subconsciously I knew that I'd never finish the Tamiya kit if I bought one. So in order to avoid buying it and seeing it reside in the closet of no hope for an eternity, I bought this book, enjoyed some other modelers' builds, and now I can focus on finishing my 1/72 Airfix Spitfires.

F-35 for the CAF

2010-07-16T13:03:00.010-04:00

It was announced today in Ottawa that Canadian Government had selected the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lighting II to be Canada's next jet fighter. (Some nice background PR fluff is here.) What is interesting about the selection is that it has been a sole source contract and there was no competition with other types. As expected this has already created political controversy with the Liberal minority, who promise to cancel the contract if elected. EH-101 anyone? I'll admit I'm a little disappointed in the selection of the F-35, as I was hoping for either the Typhoon Eurofighter or the Super Hornets. But being I'm no fighter pilot, so what do I know? Well I do know the name Lightning II is kinda dumb. Have all possible fighter names been used up? Do we need to resort to sequels both in movies and aviation? I just hope the aviation sequels aren't as bad as most movie sequels. (Photo courtesy of the Canada Department of National Defence.)

Modeler's Note: I think the only current F-35 option in 1/72 is the Italeri kit of the STOVL X-35 prototype. Hasegawa has announced the release of a 1/72 F-35 either later this year or in 2011.

Rockliffe Lysanders

2010-07-13T07:15:00.003-04:00

Now that there is a flying Lysander in the Ottawa region, I thought it would be best to celebrate with some archive photos of Lysanders in the Ottawa region. Both these photos are of Lysander Mk. IIs of No. 110 (AC) Squadron taken at Rockcliffe in early January 1940. No. 110 (AC) Squadron later moved to England with its Lysanders and became 400 Squadron. They did not operate the Lysanders for long and were reequipped with Curtiss Tomhawks and later still Mustangs, Spitfires, and Mosquitos. Note the two tone roundels on the fuselage and the lack of a fin flash. There is also the question of the underside colour...is that sky or did the RCAF just paint the camouflage right over the aluminum dope? That wheel spat sure does look too shiny for sky. (Photos courtesy of the Canada Department of National Defence/Library and Archives of Canada.)

Modeler's Note: Still to this day, the Matchbox (later reboxed by Revell) Lysander Mk. II is top of the class. Pavla did a short run Lysander Mk. II that had some nice resin details, but was a little too narrow in fuselage width and very expensive. Airfix's Lysander from the 1970s is sold as a Lysander Mk. III "Spy Taxi," but actually is a Lysander Mk. II with the Perseus engine. The only actual Lysander Mk. III in 1/72 was the old Frog kit, which may still be available in an Eastern Express box.

Canadian Stinson L-1

2010-06-30T07:22:00.005-04:00

Here we have General Harry Crerar, Commander of the First Canadian Army in Europe during World War Two, and his personal Stinson L-1 Vigilant. (Photo courtesy of the Canada Department of National Defence/Library and Archives of Canada.)

Modeler's Note: MPM did a Stinson L-1 in the 2001-2002. Thankfully it is a later MPM kit with nicer moldings and an injection molded canopy.

Harrier and Jaguar at the Tate

2010-06-28T12:13:00.003-04:00

It is not often you find aviation themed art in art museums...aviation art being the seemly exclusive purview of aviation museums...and it is even more unique to find actual aircraft in art museums. So I was a little surprising to read this BBC article about Fiona Banner's new exhibit at Tate Britain. A full size Sea Harrier and Jaguar have been re-purposed as modern art. I'd like to see the Harrier up close, as the tattoo markings are hard to see in the little picture, but the polished belly up Jaguar is really quite impressive. It does evoke the feel of a submissive animal. Neat.

Ex-Defence Minister Defends Aliens, Says Hawking Wrong

2010-05-03T08:24:00.005-04:00

From CTV news:

The longtime cabinet minister accuses Hawking of spreading misinformation about extraterrestrials.

"I think he's indulging in some pretty scary talk there that I would have hoped would not come from someone with such an established stature," Hellyer said in an interview.

"I think it's really sad that a scientist of his repute would contribute to what I would consider more misinformation about a vast and very important subject."

I'm not sure what concerns me more, that Steve Hawking just saw Independence Day...dude it came out in 1996...or that Paul Hellyer thinks alien invasion is a "very important subject." I wonder if aliens told Hellyer to unify the Canadian Forces back in 1968? Because it is about the only rational explanation...

RCAF Pacemaker

2010-04-30T06:33:00.005-04:00

Here we have Bellanca Pacemaker G-CYVG of the RCAF on floats. The photo was taken in 1931 at Fort Fitzgerald, Alberta. The RCAF used the Bellanca mostly for photo survey work. (Photo courtesy of the Canada Department of Mines and Technical Surveys/Library and Archives Canada.)

Modeler's Note: I understand Khee-Kha models of Alaska does a vacuform Pacemaker in 1/72. I'll have to get one someday.

Military Aircraft Monthly Vol. 9 Iss. 4 April 2010

2010-04-26T07:10:00.009-04:00

A few months back rumors started that the former Model Aircraft Monthly...now renamed Military Aircraft Monthly...was going to drop all model content and become just another aircraft magazine. Turns out the rumors are true. Not only that, but because of these changes, Neil Robinson has stepped down as editor to be replaced by SAMI editor Gary Hatcher. Personally I'm sadden by this shift of focus. MAM was by far my favorite modeling magazine because it contained a nice mix of modeling and history, generally with a British focus. Since the name change, I've noticed more and more modern U.S. subjects creep into the magazine. I guess the SAM Publications owners think boring gray jets is what American readers want...

So what about the magazine itself? While the April issue was the first under Gary Hatcher and first with no modeling. Things got off to a rocky start on the cover where it advertises an article on Battle of Britain Days. Oops, no Battle of Britain Days in this issue. Then things really stumble in the Russian P-39 article where a picture of the Commemorative Air Force P-39 is captioned as "P-39 42-19597 before ferrying from Alaska." Well no, that is just a modern airshow ramp, but it does cast doubt on the veracity of the article. In addition, the Testors paint charts include a listing of German colours in the P-39 article. On a Russian P-39? Come on. Also on the minus side we get all kinds short useless articles on modern US military subjects like the Shrike missile, a photo gallery of Desert Storm helos, the Grumman's Greyhound, the EA-6B Prowler, and the Credible Sport Herc.

Not all is terrible though, there is a nice Nimrod update, outside of the photo gaff the P-39 article is quite interesting, though in my opinion it should have had more about the Alaska-Siberia Route delivery of the Cobras, and there is a good Norwegian Starfighter article by Nils Mathisrud. All of these articles have something in common, they aren't on modern U.S. military subjects and they aren't two or three pages long. Hum, imagine that...more in-depth articles are of more interest. To round out the issue, there is a gallery by Tony O'Toole on the Supermarine Scimitar with some colour profiles, a short recap of the Target Falklands Day at the Yorkshire Air Museum, and a personal view of some of the 1950s RAF "At Home Days." Books and Letters wrap up the issue.

What is really odd is that even though they are trying to excise all modeling from the magazine, almost every advertiser is for modeling products. Wonder how long that will last? They even include a few throwbacks... colour listings tied to Testors paints in the P-39 article and a short modeling section in the Nimrod article, which was sponsored by Airfix. I wonder if MAM will notice an end to such sponsorships and advertisements now that they have abandoned modeling in the magazine?

Overall I get the feeling SAM Publications has no idea where they are going with Military Aircraft Monthly and they are trying to pander to modern U.S. aircraft fans. Unfortunately, I think with the prices and distribution of the magazine in the U.S. this will be nothing short of an unmitigated disaster. I guess to look on the bright side, there is now one less magazine I need to buy.

P.S.: While things were uneven in the April issue, May looks terrible. F-16s left right and center...three articles. Great! The most boring of the gray boring jets. Can it get worse?

Spartan - Seven Letters That Spanned the Globe

2010-04-25T12:25:00.008-04:00

Title: Spartan - Seven Letters That Spanned the Globe
Author: Norman Avery
Publisher: Lulu.com

Spartan Air Service Limited and their used of the P-38 and Mosquito on photo survey work in both Canada and abroad has always fascinated me, so when I heard about this book on Spartan by Norman Avery I ordered it right away. What we have is a 170 page self published book on Spartan. Not really a history, it is more a collection of short stories covering the history of this unique post war company. As with most self published books, it could really use an editor to tighten it up. References to P38s are annoying, and in that last two chapters the story of the Airborne Sensing Unit of the CAF operating CF-100s and C-47s is repeated twice. While all the stories are very interesting, at times there appears to be little though as to which order they appear in.

That being said, the stories are a time capsule of post war aviation operations when the mantra was make it work. (Long before safety first was even a thought.) Weldy Phipps's testing of his nose modifications to that P-38 is eye opening, as are some of the field repairs and operations. I did not know that Spartan was one of the largest users of helicopters in Canada, and in an era when the machines were in their infancy it often appears they were used to the limit, if not beyond, of their capabilities. But in the end, the book is a tribute to the men of Spartan, including Phipps, John Roberts, and Don McLarty. Roberts was the co-founder and idea man behind Spartan, Phipps was the pilot and mechanical genius, and McLarty had the tough job of fixing ruffled feathers when Spartan expanded to South America. (Some of the travails in South American are highlights of the book.) Personally I would have like to have seen more photos of the P-38s and Mosquitos and a few of the photographs are really poorly printed, but these are minor quibbles. Overall it was an interesting and quick read.

Canadian Aviation Historical Society

2010-04-23T07:48:00.005-04:00

One of the better choices I made last year was to finally join the Canadian Aviation Historical Society. I don't know why I was never a member, but after hearing they had a new editor for their Journal and about some of the topics that would be covered, I took a chance and sent in my money. Some of the topics in the 2009 Journals included Procurement of the Mustang and Vampire for the RCAF, the Westland Wapiti, George Stewart's memories of his time flying Mustangs with 424 Squadron, a nice Northrop Delta Cutaway, the Imperial Gift, TCA's Viscounts, Air Canada and SSTs, 402 Squadron Harvards, Trainer Fireflys, and some interesting Canadian civil aviation stories as well. A must for Canadian Aviation History fans.

Destruction of a Dream

2010-04-19T07:23:00.008-04:00

Title: Destruction of a Dream - The Tragedy of Avro Canada and the CF-105 Arrow Volume 1 A.V. Roe Canada's "Per Ardua Ad Astra"
Author: Marc-Andre Valiquette
Publisher: Imaviation - Marc-Andre Valiquette

Avro Arrow books are a dime a dozen and because there are so many on the market, it is easy to sometimes miss a good one. Outside of the rather hyperbolic title, Destruction of a Dream is quite an interesting Arrow book. Published in bilingual English and French, this softcover book is really a scrapbook of Avro Canada and the Arrow. Volume One opens with the founding of National Steel Car and ends with the official name Arrow being bestowed on the CF-105.

Each section has a myriad of photos, brochures, and other Arrow collectibles. The left side of the page has the text in English, and the right side has the text in French. The text is short, but to the point. The first few sections deal with wartime and early post war projects. We have Lysanders, Ansons, and of course Lancasters. The first major postwar project for Avro was the Jetliner, and next section of the book illustrates the Jetliner program well with many colour and black and white photographs. Next we get into Orenda Engine with Sabres and the jet engined Lanc. Of course Canada's only indigenous fighter, the CF-100, is covered in detail along with the unbuilt swept wing CF-103. Again there are many interesting photographs, both in colour and in black and white. The CF-103 section is fascinating, with more photos of the CF-103 mock up and models then I have seen in the past. Of course the Avro flying saucers are included and only then do we get to the story of the Arrow. Most of the Arrow section in Volume One is dedicated to the specifications and testing. There are quite a few interesting wind tunnel models, the Nike boosted models, a few pages on the technology needed to manufacture the Arrow, and then finally the weapons of the Arrow. While this section of the book is dedicated to the weapons for the CF-105, it has some unique CF-100 photos, including Canucks fitted with Falcon missiles, Genie rockets, and some neat colour photos of the Sparrows missile program. (Dayglo Sparrows with little RCAF roundels on a CF-100 with large patches of dayglo would make an nice modeling project.) Finally, we wrap up with a section on the Iroquois engine and then the official naming of the CF-105 project as the Arrow.

What makes this book are the photographs and Valiquette has done a great job in sourcing unique photos. Rather then illustrate the CF-100 Sparrow program with the usual shots, he used the stunning colour photos. Even the Lancaster section has different photos, rather then the usual shots. I also found the period brochures and advertisements to be fascinating. I really enjoyed the book, and look forward to Volume 2.

A RCAF Lancaster Just for Matt

2010-04-16T06:13:00.005-04:00

My friend Matt is a huge Milton Caniff fan and spends a good portion of his blog writing about Caniff. A few years ago Matt told me that Caniff's Miss Lace character from the comic strip Mail Call was used as nose art on many American bombers, most famously on the B-17G "A Bit O'Lace." Well imagine my surprise to find out that Miss Lace was also used on at least one RCAF aircraft, Lancaster KB747. Lancaster KB747 was built as a Lancaster X by Victory Aircraft Limited at Malton, Ontario in 1943 and flew 72 ops with 428 "Ghost" Squadron RCAF carrying the codes NA-X. After the war in Europe ran down, KB747 returned to Nova Scotia to join the RCAF's contribution to the Tiger Force. The RCAF Tiger Force squadrons never left Canada before the war in the Pacific ended and KB747 was struck off charge in 1947 and scrapped. KB747 was named "Madam X" after the Lionel Barrymore directed movie and carried Miss Lace as nose art.

Modeler's Notes: KB747 is an early Lancaster X with the Frazer-Nash FN50 mid-upper turret, short nose blister, paddle blade props, and standard bomb bay doors. I would assume it would has exposed exhaust stacks as carried by most Lancaster Xs. "Madam X" would be an easy build with the newer Hasegawa and Revell AG kits as they have all of the parts necessary right in the box. (I have both, but prefer the Revell AG kit based upon price.) The Airfix Lanc would require some modifications to the nacelles to expose the exhausts along with some aftermarket exhausts. Also note the large areas of paint chipping on the nose and the multi-coloured mission tally. (Photos courtesy of the Canada Department of National Defence/Library and Archives of Canada.)

Please help a Poor Widow!

2010-04-06T19:58:00.008-04:00

It used to be that when I got those e-mails from Africa foretelling of all the riches I would acquire if only I sent someone a large chunk of money I would just delete them. Because obviously they were scams, right? Apparently not. I guess these so called scams have been given the thumbs up approval by Baker Hostetler estate attorneys. Therefore, after receiving the following e-mail the other day I felt the need to start rounding up clients and modelers to invest. How can we let two huge warehouses of modeling stuff be held hostage? Anyone want to invest? Heck, the deal is so good, I'd put in my own money...if only I hadn't blown it on all plastic.

Date: 1 April, 2010 8:05:56am
Subject: Mr. Frank Linverden
From: Mrs Bridget Linverden

Dear Friend,

This mail may not be surprising to you if you have been following current events in the international media with reference to the modeling world in particular. I am Mrs. Bridget Linverden, the wife of famed preshader Frank Linverden, who died recently in Carrollton, Texas. Since his death and even prior to the announcement, I have been thrown into a state of antagonism, confusion, humiliation, frustration, and hopelessness by the present leadership of IPMS, Hasegawa, Squadron, and Hyperscale. I have even been subjected to physical and psychological torture. As a widow that is so traumatized, I have lost confidence with everybody in the hobby at the moment.

You must have heard the media reports and over the Internet about the discovery of two huge warehouses of kits and accessories in my name of which I have refused to give up to the corrupt modeling retailers. In fact the total street value of the kits, books, and accessories allegedly discovered by Brett Orange, Bruce Beamish, Damien Claus, and Mr. Squadron exceeds the tune of about $15.3 Million Dollars. And they are not relenting on their effort to make me poor for life! As you know, the modeling community has little regards for woman, hence my desire for assistance.

You can visit the Scale Testors Workshop News Broadcasts or these web site forums below for a better understanding of what I am talking about:

http:www.hyperscale.com/bf109sforlife.html
http:www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/f16srule.html
http:www.britmodeler/teacrumpetsandtwoLs.html

I deposited the keys to these warehouses with a security firm abroad whose name is withheld for now until we open communication. I shall be grateful if you could receive these keys and hold them. Additionally, would you e-bay these modeling products and hold the funds for me? I only require that you provide a $100,000 bond to secure our arrangement. What a deal! This arrangement is known to you and my personal Attorney Robert Steel, Esq, and Counselor at Law. He might be dealing with you directly for security reasons as the case may be.

In view of the above, if you are willing to assist for our mutual benefits, we will be willing to negotiate on your percentage share of the proceeds of sale and I will give you a first right of refusal of any of the kits, and accessories to build and enjoy.

Please note that this is a golden opportunity that comes once in life time and more so, if you are honest, I am going to entrust more kits in your care as this is one of the few legacies we keep for our children. However, you must LOVE this hobby.

In case you don't accept please do not let me out to the security and international media as I am giving you this information in total trust and confidence.

I will greatly appreciate if you accept my proposal in good faith. Please include your e-mail, bank account routing number, and web forum “handle” to expedite action.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs. Bridget Linverden

Are We There Yet?

2010-03-31T07:29:00.008-04:00

Every wondered what the belly compartment of a Royal Canadian Navy Avenger AS.3 looked like? (Photo courtesy of the Canada Department of National Defence/Library and Archives of Canada.)

HMS Nabob video

2010-03-23T05:56:00.003-04:00

Here is a rather neat video of the Canadian manned escort carrier HMS Nabob, including some colour Wildcat and Avenger footage.

Spitfire Tucano

2010-03-17T07:12:00.004-04:00

In 2008 the RAF painted up one of their Hawk trainers in pseudo 19 Squadron Spitfire markings of Dark Green and Dark Earth over silver with 1930s style roundels. It sure looked slick. With 2010 being the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain the RAF is revisiting the idea and are again going with throwback scheme, but this time on the Tucano. See the article at Global Aviation Resource for some drawings of the proposed schemes. Neat, eh. I've had an Airfix Tucano, with the Aeroclub add-ons of course, set aside for a few years but as is usual with older Airfix kits the decals were useless. I knew there were a few RAF schemes scattered here and there on decal sheets, but nothing really caught my eye. However, this scheme will push it to the top of the pile when someone gets around to doing decals...come on Xtradecal... I just wonder if the RAF will use Sky, Egg Duck Blue, or Sky Blue for the underside?

Potential Indicators of Terrorist Activities Related to Hobby Shops

2010-03-16T06:52:00.010-04:00

Yes you read that right. The poor dying local hobby shop now has to contend with terrorists! See here. What worries me is that since I don't demonstrate any interest or enthusiasm in the hobby right now, I might be a terrorist.

Dan was right!

The Winter Olympics

2010-02-16T06:08:00.004-05:00

Am I the only one disappointed that neither an Anson, nor huskies featured in the Vancouver Olympics Opening Ceremonies? You can't get more Canadian then this:

Photo taken in 1948 at Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Photo courtesy of Phillip E. Allen/Library and Archives Canada/C-0003956.

Go Team Canada hockey!

New Airfix Spitfire I?

2010-01-30T14:44:00.004-05:00

Quite a few eyebrows were raised when Airfix announced their 2010 releases. First off who actually believed that we would see an injected Vickers Valiant from Airfix in 1/72? I am excited to see a new tooled Sabre, but disappointed that Airfix decided to repeat the hard winged F-86F/Sabre F.4 that Fujimi and Hobbycraft/Academy has previously kitted. (Just how happy would modelers across the world be if they instead has chosen the Korean War vintage F-86E/Sabre F.2 with the early slatted wing? Why, Airfix, why?) But maybe the oddest choice was a new tool Spitfire Mk.I. I know that 2010 is the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, but the Airfix Spitfire I released in 1980 is by far the most accurate Spitfire yet injected in plastic. The shape is pretty close to perfect, even if the detail is a little sparse, and the kit sports raised panel lines. I just hope the new Spitfire will share the same excellent shape of its predecessor and add more detail. First indications do look good. See the exploded view at around 25 seconds into Airfix's latest promo video. As the gear legs and doors are modeled together, I expect his is the new 1/72 Spitfire Mk.I. Cockpit detail looks much nicer then the seat and floor only of the recent Spitfire IX.

Hitler wants to build an Airfix Spitfire

2010-01-29T07:36:00.010-05:00

As a general rule Hitler isn't the least bit funny, but this is hilarious!

Dr. David's Photo Hunter - Done!

2010-01-19T21:10:00.007-05:00

I had a disaster as I unmasked the dividing line between upper and lower surface colors. The Tamiya tape pulled out a chunk of the epoxy putty that had faired in the camera nose extension. I then had to mask off the nose at the first panel line, reputty (this time with lacquer based automotive putty for better adhesion), resand, and repaint all three colors. Fortunately it went well the second time through. I didn't even need to use my ready made excuse about a "replacement nose section" on the real airplane to account for mismatched camo divisions.

The finishing steps took an exceptionally long time for this model. Having completed the basic finish in mid November, I was able to work in only a few minutes of modeling each week. In the process I missed self-imposed Thanksgiving (US) and Christmas deadlines, but was able to clear enough time in a week of "working from home" to complete everything by New Year's Day.

One of the most challenging steps was getting the underwing serial numbers to properly span the landing gear and still keep their position perpendicular to the centerline. The gear doors are well-engineered to maintain alignment in the open position (perhaps the best engineering for this I've seen in 1/72 scale), but it means they don't lie flush in the closed position, even when anchored with Blu-Tak. The main axis of the main wheel bays is parallel to the sweep angle, not the centerline. So, the combination of angled and nonflush surfaces kept dragging the decal out of square. The Revell kit decals - sadly for a different airframe - have marks for where to cut the decal to fit, but Xtradecal (understandably) did not do this. Once the buzz numbers and the lower roundels were in place, I could add the underwing pylons and landing gear.

The nose gear is very delicate. Mine snapped off at the nosewheel yoke as I removed it from the sprue. I used plastic cement to make the repair, after trapping the nose wheel between the (now separated) yoke halves. This also allowed me to pose the nose wheel at a slight turn angle for interest. I let the newly reconstructed nose wheel strut cure for 3-4 days to ensure adequate strength. There is no great positive connection for the nosewheel doors either. In contrast, the beautifully-engineered main gear was a dream to assemble, with positive attachment points to maintain angles and alignments perfectly.

These reconnaissance birds usually carried four drop tanks. Revell supply only the 100 gallon size for the outer pylons. Fortunately the now-superseded Airfix Hunter FGA.9 kit includes the big 230 gallon tanks that required the flap cut-outs on the Hunter Mk 9 and subsequent variants. I robbed those and painted them all with grey tops and silver bottoms.

After gloss coating, the decals, including lots of fine airfame maintenance marks from the kit decals took nearly a full day to apply. A blizzard that day allowed me to model uninterruptedly without needing to address any out-of-the-house concerns. I used Future as the "setting solution" for the Revell decals since I've had bad silvering with this brand before. I used the Microscale "system" for the Xtradecal markings, with no problems.

After sealing everything up with a coat of Model Master semigloss clear lacquer, I used a dirty wash from Promodeller (in the UK) for the panel lines. Lots of sooty gunk shows on the undersurface silver in photos of in-service Hunters and this captured the effect nicely. I was dismayed to find that some of the wash, that was invisible when dry on the grey uppersurfaces, was outside the panel lines and reappeared as broad dark smudges with my final sealing coast of semigloss. Oh well, I guess the maintenance officer or the plane captain is going to have explaining to do at the next inspection...

I unmasked the canopy and was overjoyed to find no "surprises;" there was; however, the usual and troublesome tape gunk left behind. I tried a new approach to that with great success. Remembering Silly Putty's abilities to lift comics from the Sunday paper as a kid. I rolled a small ball of Blu-Tak and rolled it over the canopy. Voila, the gunk was gone and the canopy shone like a freshly Futured floor! I added the pitot tube and called her done, sending out the final official portraits just before noon on December 31.

Final conclusion: This is a great kit, easily built, with almost no tricky parts. It captures the long, graceful look of the Hunter beautifully. I can recommend it without reservation.

Modeling...

2010-01-13T21:10:00.007-05:00

Isn't this blog supposed to be, at least partly, about modeling? Notice the complete lack of modeling content recently? Notice the Hunter never got finish?

Yea well...

I guess being it is a new year and all I should have some great words about how I'm going to finish all these started kits, or this will be the year I meet my goal of finishing a kit a month, or I will finally defeat AMS, or some other blah...blah...blah. Something positive, motivational, and/or uplifting.

Well I'm not going to do that. I haven't seen the modeling bench in weeks. So all I'm going to say is someday I will finish something. No promises, no deadlines, no nothing...wish me luck.

And Mark - no the Hunter isn't done yet!

The Shepherd

2009-12-24T19:30:00.005-05:00

Each year for Christmas Eve, the CBC radio program As It Happens plays a reading of the Shepherd by Alan Maitland. The Shepherd of course being Fredrick Forsyth's novella about a lost Vampire pilot guided home on Christmas Eve by a mysterious Mosquito. It is a great aviation story, check it out by clicking here.

CF-100 at Farnborough

2009-12-22T07:03:00.003-05:00

A really short clip of the CF-100 at Farnborough in 1955 flown by Jan Zurakowski.

Airfix SHAR and SHAR2

2009-12-21T06:08:00.007-05:00

Buried under the snow, I found a nice surprise on my doorstep Saturday. The new Airfix Sea Harrier FRS.1 and F/A.2. The FRS.1 was immediately dispatched to the closet of no hope, but the F/A.2 was torn into with relish. I've been waiting years for a divine scale SHAR2 that was actually buildable and after spending too much money on resin conversions for the ESCI and Hasegawa Sea Harrier kits and the horrid Xtrakit rush job (and I passed on the Special Hobby kit which was the Xtrakit model with additional detail parts), I think this one will actually get built.

In typical current Airfix style it is a simple kit with deep panel lines, and decent moldings. The moldings are not quite as crisp as the recent Spitfires and Hawks and the plastic is softer. (Looking at the side of the box, these kits were molded in India, rather then China. I think that is a first for me...a model injected in India.) The good news is that all the F/A.2 mods are included. The longer fuselage with the new nose are captured well. The fin mounted pitot tube is included, even if it would be best to replace it with a length of metal for strength. The wings also have the necessary F/A.2 modifications.

Cockpit detail is a tub, instrument panel with combing, but no heads up display, a stick, a rather small seat and a World War two style pilot. (Oddly the Spitfires had a jet pilot...oh...oh...) I planned to fit an Aeroclub white metal Martin Baker Mk.10 seat, but there is not enough room in the tub and the white metal seat is way too tall. Decals are included for the panel and consoles as there is no raised details.

Weapons include Aden gun pods, the larger F/A.2 tanks, dual Sidewinders, AMRAAMs, and Sea Eagle anti-ship missiles. (I don't think the F/A.2 carried Sea Eagles.) Sadly, while the boxart shows the fuselage mounted AMRAAMs, the pylons are not included in the kit. Bummer.

The airbrake may be position opened or closed, and both open and closed auxiliary intake doors are provided. (These should be open on the ground, though most kits mold them closed) There is some detail inside the landing gear wells, but also some injection pins molded into the detail. Also included is a nice engine fan for the intake. The exhaust nozzles are molded in two pieces each and may be difficult to make look good if the fit is anything other then stellar. The main gear wheels are slightly over bulged for my taste. The canopy looks clear and well molded, if a little thick.

Decals are provided for 800, 801, and 899 Squadrons Fleet Air Arm in overall Medium Sea Grey. The decals look very well printed, and stenciling is included. As is becoming the norm, a full colour decal placement sheet is included for each option.

I'm too lazy to get some sprue shots, but you can find theme here and here.

Again, we have a nice buildable new kit from Airfix. Yes it could use a little resin and photoetch for additional detail, but for a reasonable price a nice base is provided out of the box. It is not state of the art, but it does seem like it will be a quick build. It surely beats the socks off the competition.

Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum December 6, 2009

2009-12-17T06:07:00.014-05:00

I was back in Canada a couple of weeks ago and got a chance to stop by the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton. There have been a few new additions to the CWH collection this year.

The Museum has recently added a new Yale to the Collection. 3400 was recently imported from the U.S. It still carries its U.S. N number N129DB. The CWH hopes to get it added to the Canadian register this winter and have it flying regularly next year.

Also recently imported from the U.S. is a Nanchang CJ-6A. Not quite sure why a CJ in a Canadian museum, but it is a very beautiful example in a rather striking paint scheme. Again it still carries its U.S. N number N8120L, and it is hoped it will be flying regularly in 2010.

Everyone loves a Panda, eh.

The most exciting addition to the collection is a TBM-3 Avenger. Some members of the crew were stripping paint.

The CWH purchased the TBM-3E (BuNo. 53858 former C-GFPR) from Frenchman Didier Chable who had purchased the airplane from Forest Protection Ltd, Fredericton, New Brunswick in 2000. The Avenger sat at Fredericton, and while it was assigned a French civil registration (F-WQDN) it never left Canada. The CWH hopes to have the airplane flying in 2010, but it may take a few extra years.

The Fleet 21 spent most of 2009 off-site getting some work done, and it looks wonderful.

The interactive display CT-133 (CAF # 133275) has been moved off its interactive perch for an eventual repaint into Snowbird "taxi" colours. The real reason for the move however, is to free up space for assembly of the Bolingbroke. It is hoped that the wings can soon be attached to the fuselage and the project will be sitting on its gear.

MSFU Hurricane in Canada

2009-12-16T06:55:00.004-05:00

This is an interesting one. One of the hair brained ideas the Royal Navy tested during World War Two was to launch Hurricanes off merchant ships in order to provide some air defense against bombers. The idea worked, but I would hate to be the pilot alone in a single seat fighter over the North Atlantic with no airstrip within range.

Anyway, these Hurricanes were part of the Merchant Ship Fighting Unit and often seen in Canada. In fact, it appears that 118 (F) Squadron at Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, was responsible for assembly and testing of the aircraft. They were certainly oft flown by RCAF pilots. The photo below is of Hurricane I Z4934 captioned as belonging to 1 Coastal Artillery Co-Operation Detachment, RCAF. This Hurricane was not on RCAF strength and while 1 CAC Detachment based out of St. John's operated Lysanders with the squadron code LU, I assume that someone just incorrectly captioned the photo, assuming it was with 1 CAC based upon the LU codes. The Hurricane was actually part of the MSFU. Note the segmented tail band for the serial and the later Hurricane II propeller and spinner. (Photo courtesy of the Canada Department of National Defence/Library and Archives of Canada with thanks to Steve Sauvé.)

New CHAA Harvard

2009-12-15T06:27:00.005-05:00

Thanks to Shane Clayton we have a clip on the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association's new Harvard 4 (RCAF # 20304.) It arrived in Tillsonburg a couple of Saturday's ago after donation by Greg Tyrell's family. This aircraft has been in storage since being sold surplus after its use with the RCAF and is in 100% stock condition. It will now to the head of the restoration queue.

Models as Art

2009-11-28T14:07:00.011-05:00

Yesterday, I visited the Akron Art Museum to see an exhibit on portrait painter Chuck Close. Upon entering the Museum I was attracted to an exhibit called Nuclear Enchantment by photographer Patrick Nagatani. Both the name and the photo of the post apocalyptic bats were quite intriguing.

However, the exhibit itself provided a rather interesting surprise as aircraft models were featured in many of the photographs. Here you can see the very old Hasegawa kit of the F-117.

F-111s galore at Cannon AFB.

I'm sure building all those weapons kept the photographer busy for quite a while. (According to the display Mr. Nagatani builds all the models used in his photographs.)

My favorite was the B-36 on Meccano cradle photograph. Some of the other models are in the background, and you have to love the mushrooms.

I fall into the school of thought that even nicely built plastic models are not art. However, it is really nice to see plastic models in art. As someone who has struggled to create decent model photographs, it amazing to see how a real artist can use model airplanes to create something thoughtful that is on display in a major art museum.

Early War Lysander

2009-11-22T16:41:00.007-05:00

Here is a Canadian built Lysander Mk. II from 110 (AC) Squadron RCAF at Rockliffe in January 1940. The dignitary is Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King. (Photos courtesy of the Canada Department of National Defence/Library and Archives of Canada.)

Dr. David's Photo Hunter Update #3

2009-11-09T07:00:00.002-05:00

OK, since the last update I've been able to make a small amount of progress, albeit in tiny steps. Three half day conferences/meetings last week and two major deadlines over the weekend certainly slowed things down. On the flip side, horrendous weather in Annapolis led me to skip the Navy (US Naval Academy) football game and gave me back a full day to handle the other stuff and a little modeling. (The Mids won a nail-biter even without my on-scene exhortations).

The little steps of progress included securing the seat and control stick in the cockpit, getting the windscreen and canopy affixed with white glue (remembering to paint a small area under the rear of the canopy in interior black), and completing the final dressing of the wing to fuselage joints.

The next bigger, and more tedious step, involved masking the canopy with strips and rectangles of Tamiya masking tape. Once that was done, I applied a quick shot of interior black to the canopy to provide the color for the "inside" framing, followed by an overall topsurface coat of Model Master Dark Sea Gray.

After that dried overnight, the camouflage pattern was delineated with very thin strips cut from Tamiya tape. The inside edges of the areas to remain gray were defined with small squares cut from the same tape. Yes, it's tedious, but I find its the best way to secure the complex curves with minimal overspray and bleedthrough errors. The photo shows the outlining and the first few squares of tape on the nose.

The gray areas were then filled in with larger squares of 3M blue tape.

Once the camo pattern was defined and masked, I carefully inspected for gaps in the tape under a bright light. A quick rub with a Polly Scale Plastic Prep impregnated cloth prepared me to spray the ModelMaster RAF Dark Green. Depite thorough stirring, this had a distinctive gloss finish on application. Though not a problem in light of the upcoming gloss coat for decaling, I worry a little about its drying time with that sheen, but I used lacquer thinner to dilute it and I have a two-and-a-half day business trip to let it cure. I'm a little concerned about leaving the masking in place that long, but any handling now would be a disaster.

Undersurface colored applied with Tamiya Silver Leaf - as anticipated, a dream to work with. Perhaps a tad bright, but I will be dulling it down.

The topside camo unmasked beautifully.

Mark Smith's 1/72 AD Scout

2009-11-08T09:21:00.003-05:00

Here are a few pictures of Mark Smith's 1/72 resin Choroszy Modelbud AD Scout aka Sparrow. Up to Mark's usual stunning standard, the rigging was done use his girlfriend's hair.

James May Toy Stories - Airfix!

2009-11-07T07:23:00.008-05:00

James May of Top Gear fame recently did a whole episode of his new Toy Stories TV show on Airfix and he even created a 1:1 scale Spitfire kit. Here is the full episode. Sit back and enjoy, it is great fun. It is nice to see modeling, and Airfix, get some TV coverage, even if it was only in the UK.

P.S.: On Thursday I got two copies of the brand new tool Airfix 1/72 Spitfire IX. Look for a review shortly.

AviaDossier 1: Canadian Aircraft of WWII

2009-11-04T06:58:00.003-05:00

Title: AviaDossier 1: Canadian Aircraft of WWII
Author: Carl Vincent Illustrated by Terry Higgins
Publisher: Aviaeology

This large format softcover book is the first in a new series on Canadian aircraft written by noted Canadian aircraft researcher Carl Vincent. In the 1970s and 1980s, Mr. Vincent published books on the Blackburn Shark and the Liberator and B-17 in RCAF service, and served as editor of High Flight magazine. (A complete set of High Flight magazines and a copy of the B-24/B-17 book are among the most treasured items in my library.) Sadly, he has not published much work in the last couple of decades, but thankfully he is back with this book, and it is a stunner.

In general RCAF aircraft get given the short shift in most books and articles, and Home War Establishment get even less coverage. This AviaDossier attempts address this oversight with short chapters on 19 types operated by the RCAF, both in Canada and in Europe. Types include the expected Hurricanes, Beaufighters, and Spitfires, but also lesser known types such as the Fleet Fort, Bolingbroke IVW, and Northrop Delta. Each chapter includes a short history on the type, at least two photos, many never before published, and beautiful profile drawings by Terry Higgins.

My favorite chapter may be that on the Kittyhawk IV. As I have stated before in these pages, one of my RCAF holy grail searches was for photos of camouflaged Kittyhawk IVs. And here is one. In Olive Drab over Neutral Grey, it served with 132 (F) Squadron in British Columbia. I have an Academy P-40N sitting on my desk which will shortly be built as this aircraft. In fact modeling inspiration abounds in this book. A black and yellow target tug Shark? A Lockheed Hudson without a turret? Stocky Edwards's captured FW-190? I was also drawn in by the civil registered Fox Moth operated by the RCAF in Newfoundland. Wonder if anyone does a Fox Moth in 1/72?

This is a great book and it was worth the wait. Highly recommended to all RCAF fans and modellers!

Cincinnati Scale Models Contest and Swap Meet

2009-11-02T21:06:00.012-05:00

On Saturday, Smith, Heather, and I drove down to Sharonville for the Cincinnati Scale Modelers 2009 Contest and Swap Meet. I didn't have anything done to enter in the contest...Hunter, cough...not finished... cough, so I spent most of my time selling some devil scale and a few surplus 1/72 scale kits along with David Knights. (I also finally managed to find a 1/72 F11F Tiger, not the Hasegawa kit, but what I assume is a South Korean knockoff. It will shortly hit the bench to be converted into a RCAF CF-111 Super Tiger.) We both did pretty well parting with kits for cash and it was quite fun. Matt and his son stopped by and we escaped from the model arena to have some lunch together. I didn't get a chance to take pictures of any of the models, but there was some nice stuff on display. David picked up a 2nd for his 1/72 Hunter, and for the third year in a row Mark got Best Aircraft, this time with a devil scale Japanese fighter which he riveted and stressed the skin. Mark's funky resin 1/72 AD Scout aka Sparrow failed to place. Don and his crew put on a great show, which is always one of the highlights of the fall model season.

No Hunter in October

2009-11-01T11:38:00.005-05:00

As you all might have expected, I did not finish the Hunter in October. Sadly work commitments took a turn for the busy late in the month, and little progress was made. But never fear, I will finish it! Dr. David also did not complete his Hunter within the allotted month, so we extended the deadline until Thanksgiving. Watch for more updates...

F.A.Q.

2009-10-30T20:42:00.007-04:00

Title: F.A.Q. - Frequently Asked Questions About Techniques Used for Construction & Painting Aircraft
Author: JM. Villalba
Publisher: Andrea Press

Thanks to a loan from David Knights, Kentucky Law Pirate and master modeler, I was recently able to check out Andrea Press's new book on aircraft modeling. Much like its predecessors in the FAQ series, it is a visually stunning pictorial of in-progress modeling photos in an attempt to demonstrate modeling techniques. Text is limited to a an introductory paragraph and photo captions. The final few pages of the book are a gallery of Mr. Villalba's work. All scales are illustrated, but most of the techniques are applied to larger scale models. In addition, this book is in the so called "Spanish School" of painting and over-weathering, of which I'm not a fan. Clearly Mr. Villalba is a great modeler, but this isn't really a great modeling book. Sure, it provides inspiration, but it does little to instruct the modeler on how to achieve results similar to those of Mr. Villalba. Quite honestly I picked up very few tips in this book that will help me in my modeling. The pictures are nice, but they don't teach me anything. The captions are well keyed to the photos, but there just isn't enough text to really explain how to achieve what has been done in the photo. Maybe I'm old fashioned but I buy books for text, not just pretty pictures. On the whole I found the book hollow, and a perfect example of form over substance.

The Times They Have a Changed!

2009-10-29T06:12:00.006-04:00

As a child who grew up in Canada during the Cold War, this press release raised my eyebrow. Legal spy plane overflights of Canada by a Russia aircraft based out of a Canadian Forces Base? Open Skies indeed. I just wonder why Russia takes the time to overfly Canada. Are they scouting hockey talent for the KHL?

ADDENDUM: Turns out this is a common occurrence. Here is a pic of a TU-154 at Trenton last year. Kinda cool it is from the Cosmonaut Training Center. I understand Zvedza has a nice 1/144 kit of the TU-154 with Cosmonaut Training Center markings. That might make a neat little project.

Norseman Production for the RCAF

2009-10-28T06:41:00.005-04:00

The first world-beater bush aircraft designed and built in Canada was the Noorduyn Norseman. Constructed by Noorduyn Aircraft Ltd. of Montreal the first Norseman flew in November 14, 1935, and later went on to star in Captain of the Clouds. Even though Noorduyn had some success with the aircraft during the 30s, it was not until the RCAF and the USAAF ordered the aircraft that production really took off. These aircraft are part of the RCAF order. The photo was taken March of 1941. (Photo courtesy of the National Film Board of Canada/Library and Archives Canada.)

Hunter Update #3

2009-10-22T07:02:00.004-04:00

It has been a rough week work wise, but I did get a little done on the Hunter. Tuesday night I dug out the airbrush and the Metalizer and got the intakes sprayed and last night I put the wings together. The Aeroclub wing inserts for the early Hunter wing fit pretty well, maybe better then the Revell parts for the dogtooth. Sadly the wingtips weren't a great fit, being thicker then the wings. Being forewarned of this problem by David Knights, I sanded them a little thinner before assembly and that helped. (Thanks David!)

I'm trying my best to make the deadline, but right now I feel behind. That being said, even if I don't make the deadline, I'll finish it up soon after. This kit is not going in to the hall of shame!

Dr. David's Photo Hunter Update #2

2009-10-20T07:21:00.004-04:00

Progress report 10/16/09.

Not a lot accomplished this week due to professional and family demands, but I have been able to accomplish a little bit on each of several nights. The epoxy putty was added around the nose extension, with masking tape at the panel line to restrict where excess putty ended up.

After sanding roughly to shape, the camera ports were located based on published drawings, then drawn on with a fine pencil and a Verlinden scribing template, drilled out with an appropriate size bit, and shaped to size with small files. These will be filled with white (PVA) glue after painting.

The Quickboost resin Mk. 9 style jetpipe and parabrake housing pieces were primed with Tamiya spray and attached. The aft fuselage interior required a swipe of two of a file around the inner lip to allow the resin to slide in, but otherwise the fit was nearly flawless. Most of the primer was sanded away as I dressed the seam.

After smearing the inside ofthe nose cone with black paint, I cut a 1/8 oz lead fishing weight into several pieces and hammered it into shapes to fit in the nose cone and above the landing gear bay. There is another full weight just behind the cockpit tub. The photo also shows the Mr. Surfacer I used on the wing-to-fuselage joints and especially the dogtooth and wingtip seams.

Subsequently I attached the nose to the fuselage and dressed the seam with Mr. Surfacer. The Sabrinas (shell casing collectors) and the airbrake went onto the underside. The Sabrinas are nicely engineered for a perfect fit. The airbrake required a couple of swipes with a sanding stick along the sides to lie flat to the fuselage.

Next steps: smooth the nose joint, adjust the flaps from Mk.6 to Mk.9 standards and close up the cockpit. If I'm both lucky and productive, I could have a primer coat on by the end of Sunday.

Progress report 10/18/09.

I have been mulling over the best way to manage my color scheme. Normally, I more-or-less use the undersurface color as an overall primer, then add to topside colors. However, in this case I am concerned that applying the underside silver first would lead to adherence problems when masking for the camo colors. I was so troubled by this that, in an almost unfathomable occurrence of turnabout-is-fair-play, I actually got two lectures assembled and a research paper re-submitted for work this weekend before I got up the nerve to tackle the problem.

I was also deciding how to manage the underwing fairing for the flap cut-outs, and got some very quick and useful help from the folks on the Britmodeller forums. In the end, I scribed the line for the cut-out in the flaps until the quarter-circle cut-out piece separated. After cleaning up the piece, I cemented it in place in the flap well, using the rest of the flap as a guide.

I masked off the cockpit, got a coffee stir stick wrapped with the right amount of tape to hold firm in the jet pipe, and shot the whole bird with Tamiya fine surface primer from a rattle can. Since the undersurface will represent a painted aluminum finish rather than natural metal, I felt that a well polished primer would be a better base than bare plastic.

Next steps: address flaws made evident by the primer, add underwing pylons, finish cockpit and add/mask canopy, and prep/mask for uppersurface gray.

The Halloween deadline is looming in a very scary way...

Hunter Update #2

2009-10-19T06:43:00.003-04:00

Now I see why I can't finish any models! After a week of decent progress comes a week of little progress. Sadly work took up most of last week, and the weekend was spent catching up on all of life's little things that got put off because of work. So in other words, little time for the Hunter. I did get the fuselage together and the new Aeroclub rear end on. I needed some body work in both places. The Aeroclub butt end fit pretty well, but still needed a little filler as it was slightly too narrow for the Revell fuselage. All the filler on the fuselage was completely because of my lack of skills and patience. A more skilled modeler could have gotten the Hunter together with a better fit and less Mr. Surfacer. So I just need to clean up the filler, get the wings together, and get some primer on this week. I'm started to get scared with Halloween getting menacingly close.

Dr. David's Photo Hunter

2009-10-09T10:45:00.007-04:00

David Geldmacher has decided to attempt to support my Revell Hunter build by doing on of his own. David is a huge reconnaissance fan, so he will be converting his Hunter into a FR.10. I'll let David take it from here.

Previously in the one month Hunter build:

I will be building Hunter FR.10 XJ633/S of 2 Sqn RAF, Gutersloh, Germany, ca.1960, as depicted on Xtradecal sheet number 72047. The aircraft was painted in RAF standard Dark Green, Dark Sea Grey and Aluminum/High Speed Silver camouflage.

The kit seat was assembled and a white metal aftermarket Martin Baker Mk.2 from A+V Models was cleaned up and primed. The cockpit interior had a large sinkhole on the port side ejection seat rail covered with a scrap of thin sheet plastic. The fuselage interior, cockpit tub, instrument panel, and both seats were sprayed in a very dark gray (scale black)

Progress report 10/5/09.

Monticello High School volleyball beats Grace Christian 3-0
Swim Team breakfast for 10/6/09 prep work complete

Then:

After looking at the painted pieces I chose the white metal version of the MB Mk.2. It is now done except for the lower ejection handle and the face curtain handles; I will wind the handles from fine yellow and black wire. The seat harness and leg straps are made from wine-bottle lead foil. Although the Revell seat is fine, an added harness would help give some depth to otherwise flat detail. The face curtain handles in the kit seat are a nice touch, but overscale. (photo). The A+V metal seat had better back cushion detail and adds easy nose weight, both of which influenced me to go that way. The Revell seat is certainly good enough to go to the spares box for that day in some distant post-apocalyptic period when I run out of white metal early British ejection seats and can't restock.

In addition to the kit's 100 gal drop tanks, a pair of 230 gal tanks was pilfered from an Airfix Hunter FGA.9. These were poorly cast with deep sink holes and had some retraction around the edges. Automotive putty filled the sink holes and Mr. Surfacer 500 was used all the way around the seam. The Airfix tanks lack the "trough" evident at the pylon attachment of the real thing, but only a Hunter expert with too much time on his hands would notice the difference in a 1/72 display-shelf model. The Revell kit tanks are fine. They await their fins, but otherwise I got a jump start on underwing stores for this compressed-time build.

Finally, the camera nose for the FR.10 must be addressed. There is a minimal addition of length, but the nose profile is altered by the addition of the forward facing camera. The Quickboost replacement piece is expedient, but inaccurate. It lacks the subtle profile change to accommodate the forward facing camera, and it inaccurately represents the location of the side facing cameras of the British photo-Hunter. Therefore, the kit nose was first sanded back to create a flat mating surface; this reduced the length by about 3-6 scale inches. The flat spot was painted black. then a piece of cylindrical clear sprue was cut ~9 scale inches long and cemented to the front of the nose (photo). I will fair this in with 2 part epoxy to create the subtly different nose profile of the FR.10. I have not yet decided how to handle the "eyelid" shutter that covered the forward facing camera when it was not active, but I will probably just sand the sprue the shape with the nose, scribe the horizontal shutter line and paint the new tip a brighter silver than the underside.

Progress report 10/6/09.

Fuselage closed, with a 1/8 oz. weight behind the cockpit. Not an easy fit to get the tub in place. I went with the instrument decals over the raised detail, using your recommendation of Future as setting agent. Things settled down reasonably well, so now there is color, fine detail, and texture on the panels.

I added the ejection handles, but I'm not real happy with the sit of the metal seat in the tub. It seems too low to me; I may go back to the kit seat. Plenty of time to decide that before adding the canopy.

Next steps will include finishing the inside of the intakes and the wings, as well as adding the Quickboost tail feathers.

Progress report 10/7/09.

Nose gear well installed in fuselage.

Intake interiors and ramps brushed with aluminum and ramps glued in place. Wings constructed. I recommend adding the dogtooth leading edge before the tips, and using conventional cement rather than CA to allow for the necessary alignments. Very nice engineering.

I also worked on the kit seat. Face curtain handles were painted yellow and, when dry, given black stripes with a Gundam marker. Cushions were painted with various flavors of Citadel Miniatures browns. I also added a wine bottle foil upper back "cushion" to replicate my metal seat and photos.

Progress report 10/8/09.

High school volleyball again tonight. (Monticello loses 3 games to 1)

The wings are now attached to the fuselage. No further progress to report.

A word to the wise: do NOT fret about anything with the consoles or panels . They are utterly invisible once the fuselage halves are together. They will be even more invisible once the canopy is sealed up.

Progress report 10/9/09.

Mr. Surfacer added to gaps at wingtip and dogtooth extensions, as well as around nose gear insert (probably not needed at the latter.

True Details belts added to kit seat and painted (forgot I had these), also a random photo-etch lower ejection handle added.

A+B epoxy putty added around nose extension.

Hunter Update #1

2009-10-08T06:46:00.006-04:00

Hey did I actually say I would post daily updates? Just kidding!

I have been making some progress on the Hunter build, but sadly not as much as I would like. I started the kit on Saturday at the IPMS/John Glenn meeting and got most of the major parts clipped off the sprues and cleaned up. On Sunday the fuselage interior and the cockpit tub got an airburshed coat of Tamiya NATO Black. Over that last few days I've been working on detail painting of the kit ejection seat. However, after some frustration with painting the kit seat, I decided last night to replace it with an Aeroclub white metal seat. (I have always been confused about which ejection seat is correct for which Hunter. I used a Martin Baker Mk. 3 which I had on hand, but some referenced point to RAF Hunters using a Martin Baker Mk. 2. I'm not sure it makes much difference though...) I also added the decals to both the instrument panel and side consoles using a healthy coating of Future floor wax as a setting solution. I hope to finish up painting the ejection seat during the next couple of days and then get the fuselage together over the weekend. I'm moving...slowly...but moving. Since my paint scheme is really simple, I hope I'm still on track to finish by the end of the month.

In other Hunter news, Dr. David Geldmacher has decided to join me with a build of a RAF Hunter FR.10. He is moving a little quicker then me and already has his fuselage together. I'll post a few photos of his project tomorrow.

The October Hunter Challenge

2009-10-01T06:31:00.008-04:00

As many of you may have noticed I have yet to finish a model in 2009, after a 0 for 2008 run. I had mentioned to a friend that Tamiya was doing a new and expensive 1/32 scale Spitfire IX and an offer was made to buy me one for Christmas if I somehow finished something for the IPMS Cincinnati show on October 31, 2009. Since that is an offer too good to refuse I started weighing my options. I have a few mostly done projects that I have lost interest in, so while they only need a little work to get them on the shelf, I'm not sure I want to finish them right now. Then it was announced at the UAFM Forum that the next group build would be a "build the same kit" build using the Revell 1/72 Hawker Hunter. Ohhh, I've wanted to build a Hunter all year and just never got around to starting one... And it is a really nice kit... And I am a sucker for a group build...even if I never finish them... And the deadline was October 31, 2009... And the start date was October 1, 2009... It was fate I tell you! So I decided to undertake the October Hunter Challenge. I will attempt to put up a post every day on the blog both to update everyone on my progress and to force myself to make progress. I plan to build Hunter F.2 WN891 as operated by the WEE Flight of CEPE at Namao, Canada in the mid 1950s. Aeroclub will help out with the conversion. I think the overall High Speed Silver will look really slick on the sleek lines of the Hunter and will be a nice change from the usual RAF style camouflage. I can just picture the finished model in my mind...

I only foresee one major problem. How am I going to actually finish a model in a month? Wish me luck!

Canso and U-889

2009-09-25T07:13:00.002-04:00

Here is a really cool photo of a Canso of 161 (BR) Squadron RCAF overseeing U-boat U-889's surrender off the coast of Canada in May 1945. (Photo courtesy of the Canada Department of National Defence/Library and Archives of Canada.)

BarracudaCals 1/72 and 1/144 Spitfires

2009-09-21T07:03:00.002-04:00

BarracudaCals is the new decal venture from Roy Sutherland. Being Roy is both Canadian and a Spitfire fan, it is no surprise to see a RCAF Spitfire among his first releases. Sheet BC72004 is titled Spitfire Mk. IX Series Part 1, which is a little misleading as two of the options are for Spitfire Mk. VIIs... Options include HF.VII in the attractive High Altitude Fighter Scheme of Medium Sea Grey over PRU Blue, a Operation Starkey HF.VII, a pretty in PRU Pink Spitfire IX, and Spitfire MH883 as flown by Buzz Beurling with 412 Squadron RCAF. VZ-B has been issued at least once before by IPMS/Canada, but this is the only currently available sheet in 1/72. The aircraft is in the standard Day Fighter Scheme and has 30 little swastikas on then nose. (If you wish to build Buzz's other RCAF Spitfire, Eagle Editions have issued his 403 Squadron Spitfire MA585 as sheet number 72114. This aircraft has 29 German crosses as kill markings.) The decals are nicely printed, and include a supplemental sheet as Roy was not happy with the roundel and fin flash colours on the main sheet. A full set of stencils is provided for one aircraft. The instructions are in colour and quite clear about decal placement. Each aircraft has a short historical description and includes the necessary information about which wheels, elevators, and intakes were used on the aircraft. Finally, as a bonus, 1/144 decals are included for each subject. Now if only we had a kit to put them on...come on Sweet...

Shipbuster

2009-09-18T06:38:00.004-04:00

Title: Shipbuster - Mosquito Mk XVII "Tse-tse" An Operational History
Author: Alex Crawford
Publisher: Mushroom Model Publications

Much like the A-10, the Mosquito Mk.XVIII (aka Tse-tse) was an attempt to put a very large gun in a not much larger airframe. The Molins gun was a tank weapon which was fitted into the Mosquito as a potential replacement for the Hurricane IID. I've always been fascinated by the Mosquito Mk. XVIII ever since building an Airfix Mosquito as a young lad. Of course I built it with the large gun nose, but I really didn't know much about this version of the Mosquito. Well other then it was cool!

Alex Crawford's new book published by Mushroom Model Publications fills in the missing history on the Molins gun, its adaptation to the Mosquito, and its operational use as an anti-shipping weapon with Coastal Command. Quite an interesting tail, and quite well detailed in the book. Turns out it really wasn't that successful, and the RAF preferred rockets for anti-shipping operations. There are many pictures and profiles included, including profiles of some of the baddies (even some subs and boats.) I just wish they had included more photos of the Molins Mosquito. I understand that the photos included could possibly be the only photos of the Mosquito Mk. XVIII extant, but I'm a modeler and I always want more. I was also surprised to learn one of the Tse-tse Mosquitos was sent to the U.S. for tests at Pax River, and ended up being sold to the civilian market for use as a racer.

I had put off purchasing this book because of the apparent high price. The first surprise upon receipt was that it wasn't one of the little booklets that MMP usually publish, but rather a normal sized large paperback. While it appears a little short at 72 pages, it is quite engrossing, covers the topic well, and in my opinion was well worth the money.

Revell Privateer and the RCAF

2009-09-03T07:00:00.008-04:00

Revell Germany have recently reissued the old Matchbox Privateer/RY-3 kit and included a decal option they claim is "Consolidated C.IX Liberator (RY-3) of No.168 Squadron Royal Canadian Air Force, Rockcliffe, Ontario, Canada, 1947." The serial is JT997. This is rather odd, as the RCAF only flew one Liberator C.IX, JT973 the "Rockcliffe Ice Wagon." (Matchbox included decals for the Ice Wagon in their kit, so I just assumed Revell would do the same when it was announced that RCAF decals were included in the kit.) The description is even more confused, as not only was JT997 never on RCAF strength, 168 (HT) Squadron never operated the C.IX. (They only operated twin tailed Liberators.) In addition, by 1947 JT997 had been returned to the US Navy by the RAF and 168 (HT) Squadron was dispanded. Odd. My guess is Revell found a pic of JT997 serving with 45 Group Ferry Command in Canada and just made up the rest.

Even with the decal confusion it is nice to see the Matchbox RY-3/Privateer back in production, as the kit was commanding really high prices on the secondary market. If you really want to go whole hog and get the best out of the kit, Cobra Company has a very nice resin set available at a price.

What a Battle...

2009-09-02T06:42:00.004-04:00

Two shots of BCATP Fairey Battles from No.1 Bombing and Gunnery School RCAF at Jarvis, Ontario. I especially like how nonchalant the crew are being with the practice bombs in the first photo. I can just picture the guy driving the truck, "Bombtruck, get your bombs here...Bombtruck." (Photo courtesy of the Canada Department of National Defence/Library and Archives of Canada.)

Cold War Tech War

2009-08-25T06:10:00.009-04:00

Title: Cold War Tech War - The Politics of America's Air Defense
Author: Randall Whitcomb
Publisher: Apogee Books

The Avro Arrow is almost a cottage industry in Canada. All these years later, new books are published on Avro Canada and on the Arrow almost every year. The Arrow also has the distinction of being one of the few aircraft that has had more plastic kits issued (three by Hobbycraft, one by Aurora, one by VP, and one by Astra) then aircraft that actually flew. The Arrow has been built up to mythic proportions and much general knowledge about the Arrow is complete fiction. (For example we all know the Arrow was killed by the USAF as they were concerned that that the RCAF would have a more advanced fighter...ok...well...whatever...)

The late Randall Whitcomb has attempted to take a slightly different approach in Cold War Tech War - The Politics of America's Air Defense by presenting the thesis that the U.S. and Canadian governments were in collusion to kill the Arrow so as to promote U.S. industry and U.S. military equipment at the expense of home grown Canadian products. (Yes I said thesis, Mr. Whitcomb presents the book as an almost academic paper with footnotes, dry prose, tables, and every other academic cliche.) As far as a thesis goes, I think it is well thought out and probably quite true. However, Mr. Whitcomb then spends most of the book veering all over the place to attempt to support his thesis. (I'm not sure how the British SST projects apply to the story, other then they were ideas presented by Avro engineers. Why all the aeronautical discussions in a book about global politics?) In the end the book becomes just another puff piece about how great an aircraft the Arrow was, and how advanced Avro Canada was. At one point he states that the Arrow would exceed the performance of all current aircraft, except maybe the F-22! In fact Mr. Whitcomb takes Avro's performance projects at face value, which at times is almost embarrassing; for example in the chapter on the Mach 3 VTO saucer project. (Also, Mr Whitcomb appears to have watched a little to much Star Wars claiming the Germans were working on lasers and beam weapons late in World War Two. Ok...)

The other major problem with the book, is quite honestly, some of it is hard to believe. Facts are wrong. For example Mr. Whitcomb states the Blackburn NA.39 never went into production...wrong, it became the Blackburn Buccaneer which served for many years with the Fleet Air Arm, and the RAF and was used in combat in the first Gulf War. He mentions Ken Follett's book Mirage...sorry the author was James Follett. And finally, he cites Wikipedia in the footnotes more then once. Really? Wikipedia? Wow. These are just a few of the mistakes I caught, so it calls into questions other "facts" he presents. In addition, the footnotes are odd. It is almost like he put them there to pretend to be academic. Some primary sources are cited, but others are just stated as facts with no cites at all. Finally, the CF-103 project isn't even mentioned in the book even though it got as far as the mockup stage.

This is not to say the book has no redeemable qualities. What Mr. Whitcomb lacks as a writer, he more then makes up for as a graphic artist. There are some stunning profiles and paintings of Avro Canada projects in the book. In addition, the Postscript should be read by every North American to understand just what is happening in today's world where economics and the economic elite drive all political decisions. Plus the book is kinda entertaining in an X-Files kinda way...just keep in mind isn't really non-fiction. More like semi-fiction. Don't believe all that you read!

P.S.: Please note that Mr. Whitcomb passed away before the book was published, so it may be a little harsh to criticize the book which was probably just a draft. Mr. Whitcomb might have edited it better and corrected some of the problems had he lived. But it was published as is and presented into the marketplace without the necessary editing and fact checking.

2009 IPMS/USA National Convention

2009-08-22T12:46:00.011-04:00

Heather and I spent Thursday and Friday at the IPMS/USA Convention in Columbus. Overall it was a great show. My only complaint was that the lighting in the model room was very poor. This is a constant problem with shows hosted by IPMS/Columbus, so I'm starting to wonder if the club is a bunch of vampires or something! I was shocked by the amount and quality of the models on display. (Click here for some of my photos from the show.) I picked up a few decal sheets and resin sets, but the biggest score was a Valom H.P. Hampden with the torpedo conversion. Shockingly, I went a little crazy late Friday and purchased a new Grex airbrush... (I attended an airbrushing seminar by Rafe Morrissey on Friday which I think directly attributed to the purchase of the Grex.)

Probably the best thing about the convention; well other then seeing lots of friends, was that it jazzed me up to get back to modeling again.

Target Tug Lizzie

2009-08-14T06:49:00.005-04:00

This is Lysander III RCAF #1557. This Lizzie was built by Westland in the UK as V9358, converted into a target tug, and operated by 3 OTU at Patricia Bay, B.C. Notice the natty white spinner, spats, and cowl flaps. Also notice the extended exhaust which was featured on many of the RCAF Lysanders. (Photo courtesy of the Canada Department of National Defence/Library and Archives of Canada.)

I have a Lysander III conversion planned in the near future using the Airfix kit, but I'm not sure I have the nerve to try the target tug scheme. Or for that matter the yellow/black serials under the wing and one the fuselage. Sure looks nice though. I also have a Matchbox Lysander II on the bench, but I'll save more details on that project for an bench update this weekend.