R Palimaka

Thank you Brian, that's exactly the right answer. I don't have a lot of experience with an airbrush yet, and I can't expect to get good results by just moving ahead on a model I've invested a lot of time on. Practicing on a mule or two first would give me the confidence I need to get over the anxiety. Right now I just worry that all that work will be a bit spoiled by paintwork that I'm not completely happy with. Doesn't help that my favourite aircraft are in natural metal finish lol. Have to say the decaling part does make me happy, that's when the model starts to come to life. As for MRP paint, that paint line gets mentioned here often so will have to check them out. Thanks again Brain...and see JerseyChris, you have company. Richard

It's just my own experience but I'm finding the opposite, that it's the finishing that makes me hesitate. I love building and adding in details, even scratch building parts, but the final finishing and painting makes me anxious. I don't seem to be able to achieve the paint finish and weathering I have pictured in my mind, and that disappoints me. I know the solution to that is just practice, and finishing more models...kind of a Catch-22. Just a skill I have to learn and improve, and then it won't be so much of a problem. So yes, 4/5 build syndrome fits well. Richard

Znakomity! You did a wonderful job with a difficult kit. Nice to see the markings of a Polish hero. I am also waiting for ZM or HKM to do their Mustang III. Richard

I had never heard of the AA Productions conversion. Found it on eBay, sounds interesting, 50 parts including new larger tailplanes. I have the Freightdog conversion which I had planned to use. Would love to see the other one. Richard

The drop tanks would be a great idea, and maybe some 108 gallon paper tanks. Other replacement items that would make a big difference would be the landing gear covers, and the inner clamshell doors, a Schick-Johnson seat, SCR-695 set, corrected cockpit floor and rudder pedals, K-14 gunsight. The Airscale instrument panel is brilliant so that is taken care of, but the rest of the cockpit could use some help, although that could get complicated deciding on which block number/time period to do. All that being said, you are already covering the most important and difficult areas of concern with the kit; the nose contour and the wheel well and wing spar. You've also done the exhaust and shroud which will be a great improvement. The gear legs are the other major problem, but that would have to be in metal of some sort. From the long list of items above I think the gear doors and clamshell doors, Schick-Johnson seat and maybe the gunsight might be good items to consider. The rest could be taken care of with some modelling and scratch building. Thank you so much for paying some attention to this kit! It really is miles ahead of the Trumpeter version even though the molds are approaching 50 years old. I've been slowly struggling with one, but your parts will make the next one so much easier and faster. And there will be another one started because of that. Richard

Thank you, it looks beautiful! That is exciting news and saves hours of work! I'll be ordering a package of 1/24 Airfix Mustang items shortly. Apart from the wheel wells, anything else on the drawing board for that kit that you can mention? Richard

I agree. The contra-rotating prop and that enormous tail make it a very aggressive-looking beast. One of my dream projects is a display with an early Spitfire I beside a fully-loaded Seafire 47 to show the development that aircraft went through. Someday...

I wouldn't normally build a helicopter kit, but I find it a bit puzzling that the Sea King has never been done in 1/32. Such an important piece of equipment, used everywhere, for decades by so many countries. Richard

What?!?! Wow...amazing news to wake up to! That is not something I ever thought I would see. That is absolutely fantastic, and the design looks very detailed. One of my holy grails, I have the SIlver WIngs resin kit, but I am more comfortable with IM. Wow... Wow... Richard

Looking forward to watching this one develop! Richard

That is simply gorgeous!!! You are an artist with weathering and finish. You should definitely think about building more airplanes with propellers. Richard

A fascinating and wonderful story about a Spitfire I visited while in Poland last year. There is a Canadian connection. This article appeared on CBC in Canada. A gentleman here discovered that the Spitfire in the Aviation Museum in Krakow, Poland was assigned to 421 Squadron RCAF, and was flown by his father. He will be going to Poland to sit in the aircraft his father flew as a 23 year-old. Finding Florence Spitfire XVI SM 411 Here she is:

Wow, that was a very enjoyable journey (for us) and worth every minute. I especially like the restrained weathering, just the perfect amount. Your detailing is exquisite. Excellent work! Richard

Not much to say, except it's superb! A clean build, with very convincing subtle weathering...just the way an ace and commander would have it. Thank you! Richard