R Palimaka

Maybe. I realize it’s just a marketing tactic to create buzz ahead of time, spread by people like me. But in IBG’s case, I’m happy to fall for it. They follow through. Hmmmm…hope it’s the latter. Richard

You could be right, that sounds familiar too. I was trying to find a thread that might give a clue.

Just saw on IBG’s Facebook page that they intend to make a “big announcement” at the World Model Expo in Veldhoven this weekend. If it’s another 1/32 kit at the level of their PZL P.11c, then that will be very welcome news. Was there not talk about them doing a 1/32 Hurricane I a while back? Could be an armour kit, but at least we won’t have to wait long to find out. Richard

After 40 years of researching and looking at Mustangs you learn a few things, and there's always more to discover. Here is a photo of a 154 Squadron Mustang, with a pilot sitting on the glare shield. It'll give you an idea of the size and position. There would likely have been a fair bit of discolouration too from the exhaust being redirected by the shield. Good view of the louvres too. I have a photo of a 303 Squadron Mustang with the shields but the angle doesn't show it as well. Here is a 441 Squadron RCAF Mustang III showing the same discolouration after removal of the glare shield. It looks similar to what you see on the Mustang IV Y2-H. And another: Hope this helps. Richard

No kill markings or anything painted over. That discoloured area is where the exhaust glare shields were attached. They were T-shaped aluminum plates that were bolted on for night flying…I’m not kidding. There are very few photos of these in place, and they were removed soon after they were installed. Not sure why they were ordered on some Mustangs, but it was very short-lived. When they were removed the paint or aluminum underneath was discoloured. I have a couple of photos at home I can post tonight after work. Richard

Well now, that’s more good news! Thank you! I’ve always thought that it’s one of the most beautiful aircraft designs ever to fly. Richard

Yes, it is hardcover and comes well-packed. It’s heavy though. Richard

Thought some of you might be interested, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year. As part of the commemoration they’ve published a history of the organization. It runs to 300 pages and is packed full of stories and photographs. I just received my copy and it is going to take some time to go through properly. Full of facts and stories, many of which I’d never heard. It sells for $79.95 Cdn but for me is worth every penny. The proceeds also help the Museum. Fifty Years: Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum Richard

Oops…I should have searched first. Sorry folks. Thanks Maru. Richard

Looking forward to this… October 2022 Devotion official trailer

Richard

I just read a “theory” that Maverick was actually killed in the attempt to take Darkstar to Mach 9, and the rest of the movie is him dying, sort of a dream sequence. The theory proposes an explanation for some of the inconsistencies and references to the past, like Rooster showing up looking like his father. Top Gun: Maverick death theory Personally I think it’s reading way too much into it…and maybe the reviewer should cut back on whatever they’re smoking. It’s entertainment, a Hollywood movie, not a documentary on current air combat operations. I’ve seen it again, and it was still fun. As entertainment it succeeded for me. Richard

Saw it last night in IMAX, in a D-Box recliner ( basically an enormous armchair with a huge vibrator in it ) It was precisely what I expected and wanted, and more. Realistic, maybe not. Not all the characters completely worked for me either, but that’s just me. I thought the inclusion of Val Kilmer was perfect. Entertaining…in bucket loads. Some excellent humour too. We’ll see it again. It’s interesting, my partner Ruth went with me and absolutely loved it too. I’ve subjected her to a few war films, and she said that it totally reminded her of 633 Squadron. The secret mission and rehearsals, an almost impossible to hit target, the winding approach in a valley at low level, and a number of other similarities. And she’s absolutely right! It didn’t even occur to me. And it begins and ends with a Mustang, what’s not to love? Oh, and Jennifer Connolly… Richard

Apart from adding my vote for a P-51B/C in either 1/32 or 1/24 ( and maybe a state of the art P-51D/K in 1/24 )... I would love to see this in 1/32: And this, Meteor NF.14 ( artwork for 1/48 Special Hobby kit by Standa Hajek ): Richard

I second Wheels and Wings Hobbies. If you’re only going to have time for one store then that is definitely the place to go. Tremendous selection of…well, everything. Another interesting shop is Aviation World right beside the airport. Although their kit section is not huge, they have an excellent and extensive selection of civil and military aviation books and magazines. Richard