Uncle Les

So, after a long hiatus from the fray, I'm finally able to get back to the bench and launch a new LSP project! This one will be a conversion of the venerable Matchbox Tiger Moth kit to an RAAF Air Ambulance. The impetus for this one comes from being passed a brand-new conversion set by Uncle Les that includes all the necessary parts to pull it off, including some decals.
 
I'll be using the Revell 1997 rebox for this one:
 

 
Being a stupid end-opening box, I decided to tape up the ends and cut three sides of the top to form a makeshift lid:
 

 
At least then I can work with the contents a little more easily!
 
The conversion set is (was*) available in 3 scales (1/72, 1/48, & 1/32), and the 1/32 version comes in a resealable clear plastic bag:
 

 
It's a very simple set, containing two resin pieces, a vacuform canopy, laser-printed decals, and a set of instructions.
 

 

 

 
I'm still trying to decide whether I'll do a straight-ahead conversion, or go the whole hog and tart up the cockpit and open the ambulance door. It's a decision I'll need to make early, and if I opt to open things up, I'll probably need much more info than I currently have. My heart wants to go nuts, but my head tells me I should give this project a KISS. We shall see!
 
(*) It appears that Uncle Les may have ended production on these sets already, but I'm sure we'll see them again at some point, so if you want one, contact Les via his website or Facebook page and put in a request!
 
Actual modelling to follow.
 
Kev
 

Here's a little something I cracked the whip on last week.  Basically wheels up OOB with the exception of a new scratch-built intake lip to make it curvier and a resin cockpit set.  I loaded up the fuselage with magnets and will fashion a proper display stand at a later date. 

 

 

 

Re the Macchi, one day soon. It's a slow process to get it all together as a kit.

Here's a little something I cracked the whip on last week.  Basically wheels up OOB with the exception of a new scratch-built intake lip to make it curvier and a resin cockpit set.  I loaded up the fuselage with magnets and will fashion a proper display stand at a later date. 

 

 

 

No the kit doesn't come with a pilot, I employed a slightly modified "Aerobonus" unit.
 

 

 
 
 
 
 

Here's a little something I cracked the whip on last week.  Basically wheels up OOB with the exception of a new scratch-built intake lip to make it curvier and a resin cockpit set.  I loaded up the fuselage with magnets and will fashion a proper display stand at a later date. 

 

 

 

Here's a little something I cracked the whip on last week.  Basically wheels up OOB with the exception of a new scratch-built intake lip to make it curvier and a resin cockpit set.  I loaded up the fuselage with magnets and will fashion a proper display stand at a later date. 

 

 

 

Re the Macchi, one day soon. It's a slow process to get it all together as a kit.

Awesome - I really like it.

Wow, amazing looking! The model is fantastic, and the photography is truly awesome. 

Fantastic indeed, these pictures are ... WOW
Love the weathering as well.
 
Great modelling

Unbelievable workmanship...I just love everything about this build and how you achieved it!
 
I saw the pics on my phone on FB and thought it looked great there....but on my PC...WOW!
 
Now how about that 32nd MB339C???
 
Great job
Anthony 

Here's a little something I cracked the whip on last week.  Basically wheels up OOB with the exception of a new scratch-built intake lip to make it curvier and a resin cockpit set.  I loaded up the fuselage with magnets and will fashion a proper display stand at a later date. 

 

 

 

Here's a little something I cracked the whip on last week.  Basically wheels up OOB with the exception of a new scratch-built intake lip to make it curvier and a resin cockpit set.  I loaded up the fuselage with magnets and will fashion a proper display stand at a later date. 

 

 

 

Here's a little something I cracked the whip on last week.  Basically wheels up OOB with the exception of a new scratch-built intake lip to make it curvier and a resin cockpit set.  I loaded up the fuselage with magnets and will fashion a proper display stand at a later date. 

 

 

 

Here's a little something I cracked the whip on last week.  Basically wheels up OOB with the exception of a new scratch-built intake lip to make it curvier and a resin cockpit set.  I loaded up the fuselage with magnets and will fashion a proper display stand at a later date. 

 

 

 

Here's a little something I cracked the whip on last week.  Basically wheels up OOB with the exception of a new scratch-built intake lip to make it curvier and a resin cockpit set.  I loaded up the fuselage with magnets and will fashion a proper display stand at a later date. 

 

 

 

Here's a little something I cracked the whip on last week.  Basically wheels up OOB with the exception of a new scratch-built intake lip to make it curvier and a resin cockpit set.  I loaded up the fuselage with magnets and will fashion a proper display stand at a later date. 

 

 

 

Here's a little something I cracked the whip on last week.  Basically wheels up OOB with the exception of a new scratch-built intake lip to make it curvier and a resin cockpit set.  I loaded up the fuselage with magnets and will fashion a proper display stand at a later date. 

 

 

 

Here's a little something I cracked the whip on last week.  Basically wheels up OOB with the exception of a new scratch-built intake lip to make it curvier and a resin cockpit set.  I loaded up the fuselage with magnets and will fashion a proper display stand at a later date. 

 

 

 

Here's a little something I cracked the whip on last week.  Basically wheels up OOB with the exception of a new scratch-built intake lip to make it curvier and a resin cockpit set.  I loaded up the fuselage with magnets and will fashion a proper display stand at a later date. 

 

 

 

Here's a little something I cracked the whip on last week.  Basically wheels up OOB with the exception of a new scratch-built intake lip to make it curvier and a resin cockpit set.  I loaded up the fuselage with magnets and will fashion a proper display stand at a later date. 

 

 

 

Nothing special,  just FDM 3D printed up in ABS a slightly curvier piece and cajoled the intake lower lip into place. A little filler a load of sanding and replacement of the front sensors.
 

No the kit doesn't come with a pilot, I employed a slightly modified "Aerobonus" unit.
 

 

 
 
 
 
 

Here's a little something I cracked the whip on last week.  Basically wheels up OOB with the exception of a new scratch-built intake lip to make it curvier and a resin cockpit set.  I loaded up the fuselage with magnets and will fashion a proper display stand at a later date.