Propwash

In my opinion, aircraft from the so-called "Golden Age of Aviation" are sadly under-represented as subjects for modelers. Speaking for myself, I would love a 1/32 Ju-52. I like the blunt, angular lines, the corrugated skin, and I think it would be a spectacular-looking build in 1/32. It kind of reminds me of an old, reliable workhorse of a pickup. I'd probably buy at least two kits, one for a military build and one in bright civil aviation colors. I'd probably push everything else on my workbench to the side and start work on it shortly after opening the box. I know it's not a popular subject with many modelers, but for me, it's one of my dream kits. Not interested in adding fuel to the debate about the pros and cons of such a kit, just giving an opinion.

In a way, I'm kind of relieved. I'm going to save a lot of money. Not only that, I'm running our of storage space for all the kits I keep buying and can't seem to find the time to build.

Actually, I knew the chances of this happening were about the same as the most of the fantasy kits we all dream about -- but hope springs eternal. However, I can't help thinking, with just a little more effort by HB, what a great kit this could have been, instead of just a barely acceptable kit.

Well, after a two-month wait it finally arrived. Appears to be pretty much the same kit as the J, with the exception of not having that abomination of a front turret. Was hoping HB might correct those wings that were apparently designed by someone with no knowledge of aerodynamics, but no such luck. Nevertheless, it's still a pretty good kit and will no doubt build up into a spectacular model. Has anyone else received theirs yet, and if so, what do you think of it?

http://My mistake. When I posted the above I wasn't aware that I had the early version. However, my somewhat facetious comment about the pistons and rods would most likely apply to both kits. Don't get me wrong. I really like like Zoukei-Mura's kits and their attention to the smallest of details. I just wish they'd come out with something really big -- like a G4M Betty.

I bought one a while back when it first came out. Looks to be a very complex kit. Haven't gotten around to it yet. One thing I don't understand is why Zoukei-Mura went to all the trouble of including pistons and connecting rods in the engine cylinders but didn't bother with a crankshaft.

I know it's not a popular subject with many modelers, but speaking for myself, I'd love a 1/32 JU-52. I have a special fondness for aircraft of the so-called "Golden Age of Aviation", and the JU-52 is one of the classics of that period. I find its clunky, angular lines and corrugated skin appealing in their functional simplicity. I'd like to build at least two of them -- one as a civil airliner and the other as a military transport.

Had an amazing experience yesterday on what I thought was going to be an uneventful Sunday. Decided to dash on over to the local Wally Mart for a few odds and ends. To avoid city traffic, I took a back road the runs past the Caldwell, Idaho, Municipal Airport. Approaching the airport, I couldn't believe my eyes. Parked in front of the operations building was a B-17 in WW II camouflage. I had to stop for a look. Only a few people were there, including one of the crew, who had set up a info booth. Realizing this was I rare opportunity, I headed for the aircraft --which was named "Ye Olde Pub" Previously, I had only seen B-17s at crowded airshows. I chatted with the crewman for a while. I asked him what model the aircraft was. He said it was a G which had been backdated to an F. I asked if I could have a look inside, and he said yes. A rare opportunity. At the aforementioned airshows, an interior tour had always required a long wait in the hot sun, which I declined. I took a number of pictures of the exterior and then went inside. I had heard that the interior of a B-17 was cramped, but until actually seeing it first-hand, I never realized just how cramped it really was. I'm not a big guy, but to me it seemed almost claustrophobic. I could barely squeeze past the upright in the bomb bay. I can only imagine what it must have been like wearing a bulky flight suit. Bailing out, with the aircraft going down in a spin, would have been a very dicey proposition. I continued taking pictures of the interior. Then returned to reality and my shopping expedition. When I woke up this morning, the first thing I thought was did that really happen, or was it a dream? But I have the pictures to prove it. I'll try to post them later today, once I get the hang of Photobucket.

If you want to place a pre-order, you'll need to call their order desk (1-877-414-0434) and give them the stock number, HY83212.

I went ahead and placed an order. They told me it's not currently in stock, but they expect it by the end of the month or early August. That's okay. I have The Airfix Hellcat to keep me busy in the meantime.

No, I'm not familiar with it, but I'm definitely interested. Tell me more. Is there a site?

Just got the latest Squadron catalog in the mail. HobbyBoss 1/32 B-24D is listed in it for US$200.99. This is the version I really wanted, but in view of the fact that the J was such a disappointment ---and the buzz is that the D isn't any improvement-- I'm on the fence about placing an order. But, then, it's unlikely there will be another 1/32 B-24 in the foreseeable future, so I may just swallow my pride and go for it. Have to give the matter some thought. Incidentally, the reason I'm especially interested in the D is because I used to know a guy who piloted one on the Ploesti raid.

After a long wait, the 1/24 Hellcat has finally arrived! MegaHobby is currently offering it for US$142.79, shipping included.

The HK Dam Busters kit is now available for pre-order from Free Time Hobbies. Price is US$350. Kit will be available in about three weeks. Before I realized what I was doing, I took the plunge. But now I'm glad I did.

in addition to toggle switches, 1/24 car accessories like radiator hoses, hose clamps, spark plug wires, battery cables, etc., have wide application to 1/24 aircraft. I have a shoebox filled with car parts that I keep for detailing aircraft.