allthumbs

3D “print to bag”

I just received the new Sparkit Models 1/32 Martin Baker H5 Ejection Seats (USN style). I’ll let the pictures do the talking, but suffice to say, they’re jewels.

chrish, Thanks for gentle persuasion. After another long hiatus, the plan is to resume work on the Electric Intruder soon. After all, we’re not getting any younger! Hopefully, I’ll have something new to share by the end of this month. Rich

In case readers don’t know, the book is authored by forum contributor and all around good guy Tony T. He’s penned a number of other military aviation titles over the years, many of which have found their way to my bookshelves as invaluable references. The Phantom is coming together nicely John, one of the best I’ve seen in large scale.

“Panel 100” for those keeping score

Another stunner Ben…extremely realistic. The paint finish is first class. Congrats and thanks for sharing. Rich

Once again, the Silicon Valley Scale Modelers chapter of IPMS have done us all a huge favor by posting hundreds, perhaps thousands, of images from the 2022 US Nats, including all category winners. Link

Any mention yet of the 2024 host city? edit: Madison, WI from another thread

Great looking F-15!

Many thanks guys for the timely and helpful replies! Rich

I found this picture on the Internet…no caption or explanatory details. It’s the first TA-4 I’ve seen with “hot dog” antenna atop vertical stab (besides the OA-4M). Seeking additional references: unit information, BuNo, other pics…

…and the fuselage halves here. But you might find this approach too cost prohibitive, especially considering the low price you paid for the original kit. Of course there’s the diy scratch building option, creating your own armor appliqués out of thin sheet styrene or soft metal, although this could prove tricky across compound curves and such. Good luck with your Spad project and let us know how it goes. Rich

A-1H lower wing section parts available here on US eBay.

Filthy good weathering!

Great tutorial on the metal skinning process!

Epic accomplishment. Congratulations Tom.

Indeed. Eduard produced an “exterior” set for the Tamiya F-4C/D which included pylon and missile launcher detail. Their website indicates it’s discontinued however. As you mention, a 3D printed set would be nice. Phase Hangar Resin did just such a thing in 1/48 recently. It’s a well detailed and accurate set, but hard-to-remove layer lines mar the pylon exterior surfaces. An upside to the Tamiya pylon kit parts is that they’re molded in halves, which makes hollowing out the interior much easier if one wishes to take a DIY approach.

F-4C at Pima Air Museum… Hope this helps, Rich

Brilliant!

Thanks Zeb for resurrecting this thread with your valuable insights…this helps me out a lot. Rich

Both Border and HobbyEasy replied within 24 hours, the latter indicating they would request a replacement part from the manufacturer and then forward it to my address in the US. The crack carries all the way through the plastic… The clear parts comprise of two medium sized plastic trees, each enclosed in thin foam sleeves. They rest atop the remaining contents. If the box gets turned upside down during the shipping and handling phases - and it almost certainly will - the clear parts must bear the full weight of the kit, which is substantial. A separate inside box or compartment for these delicate and brittle parts (a la Trumpeter, for example) would have been preferable. Nevertheless, I’m encouraged by the quick reply from the retailer and their promise to make good.

Cracked main canopy on mine also…waiting to hear back from Border and HobbyEasy, both of which were notified.

Another masterpiece. And another entertaining and informative build log. Well done!

Another stunning masterpiece! Beautiful work. Rich