Latest Model Production
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Although PH has a dedicated Scale Model section, these days it seems to be mainly [populated by fans of RC and die-cast cars and RC helicopters. So, for the aviation fans, here's some of my latest models.
I've been threatening to post up some pics of my models for a while - so here are few of my most recent builds. They are all to 1/72 scale.
FROG/Novo English Electric Canberra B(I)8
Airfix Hawker P1127
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Airfix Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR3
Hobbyboss Hawker Hurricane II
Hobbyboss Focke Wulf Fw190D
PM Focke Wulf Ta183
I've been threatening to post up some pics of my models for a while - so here are few of my most recent builds. They are all to 1/72 scale.
FROG/Novo English Electric Canberra B(I)8
Airfix Hawker P1127
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Airfix Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR3
Hobbyboss Hawker Hurricane II
Hobbyboss Focke Wulf Fw190D
PM Focke Wulf Ta183
Thanks for the comments.
I particularly enjoyed building the Canberra.
I had originally built this model back in 1972 when it was first released by FROG. FROG kits went together quite well although they nearly always lacked any meaningful internal detail - but that was the norm back then.
FROG went bust in 1976 and the moulds ended up in the Soviet Union. Initially, the Soviet produced kits were marketed in the UK as Novo kits. They weren't that different to the original FROG moulding but the plastic used was softer and less crisp in detail.
After about 1980, the supply of Novo models dried up. Occasionally, you could lay your hands on these ex-FROG/Novo models in their Soviet market boxings. These versions were much poorer - the artwork on the box was crude, the decals unuseable and the instruction sheets on really poor quality paper. In addition, the plastic used was really brittle and liable to crack and split.
The Canberra in these pictures is one of these 1980s Soviet versions. I had to be really careful putting it together.
The decals are not from the kit but good quality transfers produced by Model Alliance.
I particularly enjoyed building the Canberra.
I had originally built this model back in 1972 when it was first released by FROG. FROG kits went together quite well although they nearly always lacked any meaningful internal detail - but that was the norm back then.
FROG went bust in 1976 and the moulds ended up in the Soviet Union. Initially, the Soviet produced kits were marketed in the UK as Novo kits. They weren't that different to the original FROG moulding but the plastic used was softer and less crisp in detail.
After about 1980, the supply of Novo models dried up. Occasionally, you could lay your hands on these ex-FROG/Novo models in their Soviet market boxings. These versions were much poorer - the artwork on the box was crude, the decals unuseable and the instruction sheets on really poor quality paper. In addition, the plastic used was really brittle and liable to crack and split.
The Canberra in these pictures is one of these 1980s Soviet versions. I had to be really careful putting it together.
The decals are not from the kit but good quality transfers produced by Model Alliance.
Sorry lads - there is a Scale Model Forum for displaying models. I just posted up a couple of my aircraft models here because this is the "Plane" forum and I thought that the aircarft enthusiast contingent on PH might be interested - especially if they don't visit the Scale Model forum on a regular basis.
If you all start posting up your F1 and other non-aircraft stuff on this thread then it will get transferred over to the Scale Model forum which was precisely what I DIDN'T want to happen.
The problem with the Scale Model forun is that at least 60% to 70% of the items discussed over there aren't actually Scale Models but rather Tamiya buggies and RC helicopters.
I know, I know, I find all this Sub-Fora stuff very exasperating too.
If you all start posting up your F1 and other non-aircraft stuff on this thread then it will get transferred over to the Scale Model forum which was precisely what I DIDN'T want to happen.
The problem with the Scale Model forun is that at least 60% to 70% of the items discussed over there aren't actually Scale Models but rather Tamiya buggies and RC helicopters.
I know, I know, I find all this Sub-Fora stuff very exasperating too.
jr@ said:
fantastic eric, would you ever build a model for someone else at cost, as there is a canberra that has a certain historic/sentlemental value for a member of out family, but i would never be able to do it justice, if there is indeed a kit out there to recreat it in the first place ?
I don't really want to go down the route of making models for other people - i) I don't think I'm that good really
ii) it would become too much like work
Up until a few years ago, Canberra models were fairly rare and rather ancient.
There was a Canberra PR3 made by FROG in the late 1950s
FROG released their much better B(I)8 in 1972 (the model depicted)
Airfix did a B6 in 1974 but got the nose shape all wrong
Airfix redid the B6 as a Martin B-57 around 1980 which was much better
Matchbox did a nice but basic PR9 around 1979
Italeri have done a nice B-57 as well
Since the early 2000s High Planes in Australia have produced a whole slew of limited run injection moulded Canberras which are nice - but difficult to build.
Xtrakit (Hannants) released a lovely PR9 about two years ago.
Airfix are running through new production 1/48 scale Canberras at the moment and they are gorgeous.
They are releasing a new mould 1/72 B(I)8 and PR9 very soon. That was one of the reasons why I was keen to build the old FROG kit before it was superseded by the new Airfix B(I)8.
I can't wait for Airfix to release early Canberras from their new 1/72 toolings (B2/B6/T4/PR3/PR7)
Edited by Eric Mc on Sunday 28th June 16:04
deviant said:
How does one paint very fine things like the lines on the canopy of an aircraft?
There are a few techniques.As mentioned, a small brush and a steady hand is one method - but it is very difficult to get clean, sharp lines using that method.
If the canopy has well defined frame lines, then freehand painting MIGHT give a reasonable result. However, many kits have very faint frame outline marks and freehand painting will not really work on canopies like this.
Some people use strips of painted decal film to frame their canopies.and this technique can work quite well, but I personally find it fiddly and not terribly satisfactory.
An alternative technique is to use painted Sellotape/Scotch Tape. This also works but tends to leave unrealistic lines where frame sections overlap.
The best method is to properly mask up the clear parts of the canopy using Tamiya tape, leaving only the framed areas exposed. The canopy is then glued to the body of the aircraft using a strong PVA glue. Once set, I then paint some Johnson Klear (Future in the US) over the canopy. This helps ensure a proper seal between the edge of the tape and prevents bleeding of paint under the tape. After the Klear has dried, the canopy area is sprayed with the interior cockpit colour. Once THAT has dried, the entire aircraft is spray painted in the normal way. Finally, the masking can be removed CAREFULLY from the canopy and, hopefully, nice clean frames will emerge.
To be honest, canopy painting has been the bane of my modelling life for years but the discovery of the latter method very recently (thanks to Aussie modeller, Brett Green)) hasd revolutionised the look of my canopies.
If you go to his website (Hyperscale) you will see plenty of examples of how he does canopies.
The main drawback of this technique is the tedious task of masking up the canopy - especially on heavilly framed canopies which feature lots of panes. One has to be very careful in cutting and placing the tape. You really need to make sure you use an absolutely brand new modelling knife blade. My favourite is a No.11 Swann Morton blade.
The model I am working on at the moment is just such a multi cockpit panel aircraft - a 1/72 scale Fairey Fulmar. But I have to say, the technique worked a treat.
Life has been made somewhat easier in recent years by the introduction of precut canopy masks by manufacturers such as Eduard. I have a few of these waiting in the wings to be used but so far I haven't had the opportunity to use a set yet. By all accounts, they work very well.
Edited by Eric Mc on Thursday 2nd July 08:34
I initially put some pictures over in the recognised Scale Models section but I have since decided, if at all possible, to post aircraft model pictures here - as there seems to be more interest in aircraft models in the aircraft forum than in the model forum.
If the mods don't like it, they can do what they feel they have to do.
But I do think that the "Scale Models" forum has been hijacked to some extent by posts on "non-scale" models - mainly radio control Tamiya buggies and helicopters.
Also, many aviation enthusiasts appreciate accurate models of real aircraft but may nor have an interest in models per se - so are unlikely to bother going to the Scale Models forum.
The fact that the pictures of my models elicited far more comment in this forum than in teh Scale Models section seems to bear out my theory.
My interest in building models of aircraft is based on my interest in the real thing.
If I post any pictures of non-aircraft models (which I occasionally build) I will post them over in Scale Models.
If the mods don't like it, they can do what they feel they have to do.
But I do think that the "Scale Models" forum has been hijacked to some extent by posts on "non-scale" models - mainly radio control Tamiya buggies and helicopters.
Also, many aviation enthusiasts appreciate accurate models of real aircraft but may nor have an interest in models per se - so are unlikely to bother going to the Scale Models forum.
The fact that the pictures of my models elicited far more comment in this forum than in teh Scale Models section seems to bear out my theory.
My interest in building models of aircraft is based on my interest in the real thing.
If I post any pictures of non-aircraft models (which I occasionally build) I will post them over in Scale Models.
I think competitiveness is the antisesis of what modelling is about. Over the years, I feel that too much emphasis has been put on model competitions and judging of same.
I model for myself - and no one else. Obviously, I want to make the models to the best of my ability - but I don't see why they need to be judged and marked.
At my local model club I put my models out for display where they are automatically judged as part of the monthly model competition. However, I don't care where they are placed and I don't even vote in the competition. I build models for relaxation and getting upset over how others rate my "masterpieces" would take that relaxation element away.
I model for myself - and no one else. Obviously, I want to make the models to the best of my ability - but I don't see why they need to be judged and marked.
At my local model club I put my models out for display where they are automatically judged as part of the monthly model competition. However, I don't care where they are placed and I don't even vote in the competition. I build models for relaxation and getting upset over how others rate my "masterpieces" would take that relaxation element away.
Of course it does. But you can drive yourself for your own reasons as well.
I am always seeking to make my models look better - but I'm still not a fan of the competitive ethos of the modelling fraternity.
Unfortunately, nearly every human activity can, and does, get turned into a competition, whether it's driving a car faster, baking a cake or growing a marrow.
Don't get me wrong, I love looking at the master modellers and the entries they put into the big competitions such as the IPMS Nationals or even our local club events. However, I myself don't willingly participate in that side of things. Having said that, one of my models came second in its class last meeting - which was nice - if a tad surprising.
I too drifted away from building models for the best part of ten years. However, about four or five years ago I suddenly began to feel the urge to get back into it. I think visiting modelling themed websites was the initial spur plus the realisation that there were so many good new models and good new modelling products out there that my enthusiasm was fired up.
I am a total convert to acrylic paints, for instance, which were only coming in back in the early 1990s.
To get back into it I would suggest the following -
ignore the competitive aspect at things (for a while at least)
build for yourself
build a few simple models out of the box with no attempt to super detail
try and finish a model quickly (within a couple of weeks)
I am always seeking to make my models look better - but I'm still not a fan of the competitive ethos of the modelling fraternity.
Unfortunately, nearly every human activity can, and does, get turned into a competition, whether it's driving a car faster, baking a cake or growing a marrow.
Don't get me wrong, I love looking at the master modellers and the entries they put into the big competitions such as the IPMS Nationals or even our local club events. However, I myself don't willingly participate in that side of things. Having said that, one of my models came second in its class last meeting - which was nice - if a tad surprising.
I too drifted away from building models for the best part of ten years. However, about four or five years ago I suddenly began to feel the urge to get back into it. I think visiting modelling themed websites was the initial spur plus the realisation that there were so many good new models and good new modelling products out there that my enthusiasm was fired up.
I am a total convert to acrylic paints, for instance, which were only coming in back in the early 1990s.
To get back into it I would suggest the following -
ignore the competitive aspect at things (for a while at least)
build for yourself
build a few simple models out of the box with no attempt to super detail
try and finish a model quickly (within a couple of weeks)
Edited by Eric Mc on Saturday 4th July 08:55
I would say that MOST models on display in museums are NOT built up from kits. Some are from the manufacturer's old stores and archives and some might have been publicity models made professionally for manufacturers or airlines.
Whenever I see kit built models in museums, they often aren't that great. This is usually because they were made many years ago when model making standards and the kits themselves might not have been at the levels they are today.
I see better models at my local club (not including my own - of course).
There are exceptions, of course, but by and large, I've not always been that impressed with museum model displays.
Whenever I see kit built models in museums, they often aren't that great. This is usually because they were made many years ago when model making standards and the kits themselves might not have been at the levels they are today.
I see better models at my local club (not including my own - of course).
There are exceptions, of course, but by and large, I've not always been that impressed with museum model displays.
Stickers said:
mrmaggit said:
Pave to say I agree with Eric. There is so much on Scale Models which would be better served in its own "Radio Control Toys" section, and leave the Scale Model to stuff that really is Scale Modelling, be it cars, trains, planes, boats or dioramas.
Excuse me? - did you say Toys?........TOYS FFS??????? - the correct terminology would be RC models my learned friend!Model snobbery should always be discouraged.
And the latest off the production line - a 1/72 Fairey Fulmar.
The aircraft is depicted as one operated by 809 Sqdn Fleet Air Arm on HMS Victorious in 1942.
The kit was originally produced around 1992/93 by a Czech company called Vista. I can't recall any other model they ever did. However, even though Vista seem to have disappeared, the mould has resurfaced a number of times in the guise of Smer, Revell and, currently, Airfix.
This one is from an original Vista boxing.
It's actually a very neat little model with very few fit problems.
The aircraft is depicted as one operated by 809 Sqdn Fleet Air Arm on HMS Victorious in 1942.
The kit was originally produced around 1992/93 by a Czech company called Vista. I can't recall any other model they ever did. However, even though Vista seem to have disappeared, the mould has resurfaced a number of times in the guise of Smer, Revell and, currently, Airfix.
This one is from an original Vista boxing.
It's actually a very neat little model with very few fit problems.
Edited by Eric Mc on Sunday 5th July 14:56
deviant said:
Hmmm Tornado....I remember building one of those. I think I am going to end up recreating my childhood by building all the models I did as a kid! Most of them even come in exactly the same boxes!
Can anyone reccomend a particular brand or model to look for? I want to create a D-Day fleet of aircraft...So that would be:
C47
Spitfire
Hurricane?
P51 Mustang?
Horsa Glider
Are there any other aircraft I should not leave out?
I presume you are talking 1/72Can anyone reccomend a particular brand or model to look for? I want to create a D-Day fleet of aircraft...So that would be:
C47
Spitfire
Hurricane?
P51 Mustang?
Horsa Glider
Are there any other aircraft I should not leave out?
C47 - Italeri (although this model is alkso boxed by Airfix)
Spitfire - depends on which version you want. At D-Day there were a number of Mks in service - the IX being the most prolific. Airfix are on the verge of releasing a brand new moulding of the MkIX which looks good in the publicity shots. DO NOT go for the old 1950s Airfix MkIX which is well past its sell by date now.
Hurricane - quite a few nice 1/72 Hurricanes around these days. The Airfix Mk I is not bad. The Revell kit is very good as are the Hobbyboss Hurricanes.
P51 Mustang - Tamiya, by all accounts
Horsa - the Italeri kit is the only 1/72 one around - but it is boxed by Airfix as well and is currently available.
Airfix also do a D Day Collector's Boxed Set which contains the Horsa and some other stuff. However, I think it contains the old mould Spitfire so I would avoid it for that reason.
I bet the real ones don't all have exactly matching colours either 
I wouldn't knock Airfix too much at all. They have a unique range and are dear to the hearts of us long time modellers. With a bit of work and patience, they can still build up into lovely replicas - and they still make the best 1/72 Spitfire regarding outline accuracy (their Spitfire VB mould).
I wouldn't knock Airfix too much at all. They have a unique range and are dear to the hearts of us long time modellers. With a bit of work and patience, they can still build up into lovely replicas - and they still make the best 1/72 Spitfire regarding outline accuracy (their Spitfire VB mould).
I agree - many of the older Airfix moulds should be withdrawn - espececially when either Airfix themselves or other model companies have produced more modern and more accuate kits. Examples of the duds that should have been removed years ago are their old Mk IX Spitfire, their Hawker Typhoon, the Bf110 and their Gladiator.
However, nearly all the mainstream model manufacturers have "skeletons in the cupboard" which could also be withdrawn. Revell are particularly bad for this. Even though the latest Revell Germany mouldings are some of the best ever produced, some of their old 1950s and 1960s stuff us every bit as poor as Airfix's.
If an old Airfix kit is the only one around of a particular aircraft type - then it shouldn't be withdrawn until replaced by a more modern tooling. Examples of "oldies but only available models" are their Folland Gnat and Jet Provost T5.
However, nearly all the mainstream model manufacturers have "skeletons in the cupboard" which could also be withdrawn. Revell are particularly bad for this. Even though the latest Revell Germany mouldings are some of the best ever produced, some of their old 1950s and 1960s stuff us every bit as poor as Airfix's.
If an old Airfix kit is the only one around of a particular aircraft type - then it shouldn't be withdrawn until replaced by a more modern tooling. Examples of "oldies but only available models" are their Folland Gnat and Jet Provost T5.
Skyvan still obtainable - not sure if still in production.
The original Hunter (the Black Arrows version) was upgraded in the late 1970s but nowadays the only Hunters worth considering in 1/72 are the beautiful new Revell ones. They are stunning.
The Auster is still around. There are some new injection moulded Austers on the market but they cost about £15 each - as opposed to Airfix's £4.99.
There are some model shops hanging in there. In fact, I spent my lunch hour in Morningstar Models in Camberley today.
However, they are a declining breed.
The original Hunter (the Black Arrows version) was upgraded in the late 1970s but nowadays the only Hunters worth considering in 1/72 are the beautiful new Revell ones. They are stunning.
The Auster is still around. There are some new injection moulded Austers on the market but they cost about £15 each - as opposed to Airfix's £4.99.
There are some model shops hanging in there. In fact, I spent my lunch hour in Morningstar Models in Camberley today.
However, they are a declining breed.
CobolMan said:
SlipStream77 said:
Some really great models guys.
I have a 1/48 Revell Eurofighter waiting to be constructed, after that, I have plans to recreate the range of RAF jets that carried the grey/green camo scheme.
So the list will be Tornado IDS/Harrier/Jaguar/Phantom/Buccaneer/Hunter/Meteor/Canberra?/Victor/Vulcan...
Can you think of any others? Also are they all available in 1/48? I suspect a Victor and a Vulcan would be pretty big in that scale.
ETA Jets only.
There's the Sabre, Lightning, Javelin, Swift, Valiant, Vampire, Venom .......I have a 1/48 Revell Eurofighter waiting to be constructed, after that, I have plans to recreate the range of RAF jets that carried the grey/green camo scheme.
So the list will be Tornado IDS/Harrier/Jaguar/Phantom/Buccaneer/Hunter/Meteor/Canberra?/Victor/Vulcan...
Can you think of any others? Also are they all available in 1/48? I suspect a Victor and a Vulcan would be pretty big in that scale.
ETA Jets only.
Edited by SlipStream77 on Wednesday 8th July 19:37
Tornado GR1A/GR4 is well served in this scale as are nearly all the others listed. Fujimi have recently re-released their excellent British Phantoms.
Airfix are currently releasing some new 1/72 Canberras (B(I)8 and PR9). Xtrakit have released a PR9 in recent years.
Revell now produce the old Matchbox Victor and Airfix have re-released their Vulcan. Mach 2 have even done a Valiant (although Mach 2 kits are a tad difficult by all accounts).
Xtrakit have done a nice Metor F8 and T7.
Revell's Hunters (F6 and FGA9) are great.
Nobody does a Victor, Vulcan or Valiant in 1/48 as far as I know.
Airfix did a good Lightning F6 in 1/48
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