rohan

I reveived my 1/32 Trumpter F18F today. WOW, its ginourmous!!!!! Looks like a great kit and will look fantastic with the steel beach ACS set, Aires SJU 17 seats, edaurd sets and quick boost control stick. Im looking forward to getting into this one when I get round to it. Of course it will be RAAF Rhino!!!!
 
Not wrong when they said it had an increased wing area of 25% more than a F18A. Even the LEXs are huge

Hi all,
 
Here is my latest build staying with my home country theme- F18F Super Hornet 6 Sqn RAAF Aircraft A44-218.
 
Its a HUGE kit and not a bad one. As usual for Trumpeter, it required a bit of filling here and there, but overall the detail is very nice and a really good looking kit. Highly recommended
 
I also used the 1/32 Trumpeter F18F kit with these after market sets-
 
Aires open burner cans
Legend SJU 17 seats
Quickboost F18E Control leaver (the kit one is just way out of scale and looks like a tree)
Eduard F18E exterior set
Eduard EA18G Interior set
Steel Beach ACS update set
Southern Sky Models RAAF F18F decal set
Southern Sky Models RAAF F18F crew names decal sheet
 
I hope you all like it!!!!!
 

 
 

 

 
 
 
 

 


 
 

 

 

 

 

Hi all,
 
Here is my latest build staying with my home country theme- F18F Super Hornet 6 Sqn RAAF Aircraft A44-218.
 
Its a HUGE kit and not a bad one. As usual for Trumpeter, it required a bit of filling here and there, but overall the detail is very nice and a really good looking kit. Highly recommended
 
I also used the 1/32 Trumpeter F18F kit with these after market sets-
 
Aires open burner cans
Legend SJU 17 seats
Quickboost F18E Control leaver (the kit one is just way out of scale and looks like a tree)
Eduard F18E exterior set
Eduard EA18G Interior set
Steel Beach ACS update set
Southern Sky Models RAAF F18F decal set
Southern Sky Models RAAF F18F crew names decal sheet
 
I hope you all like it!!!!!
 

 
 

 

 
 
 
 

 


 
 

 

 

 

 

Hi all,
 
Here is my latest build staying with my home country theme- F18F Super Hornet 6 Sqn RAAF Aircraft A44-218.
 
Its a HUGE kit and not a bad one. As usual for Trumpeter, it required a bit of filling here and there, but overall the detail is very nice and a really good looking kit. Highly recommended
 
I also used the 1/32 Trumpeter F18F kit with these after market sets-
 
Aires open burner cans
Legend SJU 17 seats
Quickboost F18E Control leaver (the kit one is just way out of scale and looks like a tree)
Eduard F18E exterior set
Eduard EA18G Interior set
Steel Beach ACS update set
Southern Sky Models RAAF F18F decal set
Southern Sky Models RAAF F18F crew names decal sheet
 
I hope you all like it!!!!!
 

 
 

 

 
 
 
 

 


 
 

 

 

 

 

Hi all,
 
Here is my latest build staying with my home country theme- F18F Super Hornet 6 Sqn RAAF Aircraft A44-218.
 
Its a HUGE kit and not a bad one. As usual for Trumpeter, it required a bit of filling here and there, but overall the detail is very nice and a really good looking kit. Highly recommended
 
I also used the 1/32 Trumpeter F18F kit with these after market sets-
 
Aires open burner cans
Legend SJU 17 seats
Quickboost F18E Control leaver (the kit one is just way out of scale and looks like a tree)
Eduard F18E exterior set
Eduard EA18G Interior set
Steel Beach ACS update set
Southern Sky Models RAAF F18F decal set
Southern Sky Models RAAF F18F crew names decal sheet
 
I hope you all like it!!!!!
 

 
 

 

 
 
 
 

 


 
 

 

 

 

 

Hi all,
 
Im wanting to make a RAAF WW2 P-51D.  What are the differences between the 1/32 Tamiya P-51D and the 1/32 Tamiya P-51D/K "Pacific Theatre" kits?  The 1/32 P-51D kit is cheaper.  Can I use the P-51D kit to make the RAAF P-51D?  The machine Im wanting to make has the standard prop with no differences to the USAF P-51D.  So can I use the P-51D kit?
 
Anyone help?
 
Cheers,
Rohan

I thought so looking at the spinner.  Thanks mate

Im wanting to build a Spitfire Mk II in 1/24 scale.  However, Im not sure wich kit to use - either the Mk 1 or the Mk V kit?
 
If anyone can tell me what the external differences were and if I should use the Mk 1 or Mk V kit.  
 
I was thinking the Mk V kit was the one to use as the Mk II I believe had the wood prop and the pointier spinner like the Mk V??
 
Or do i really need to have the Mk 1 and Mk V kits to make a Mk II?
 
If anyone can help, let me knowCh
 
Cheers,
Rohan

Hi all,
 
Here is my latest build staying with my home country theme- F18F Super Hornet 6 Sqn RAAF Aircraft A44-218.
 
Its a HUGE kit and not a bad one. As usual for Trumpeter, it required a bit of filling here and there, but overall the detail is very nice and a really good looking kit. Highly recommended
 
I also used the 1/32 Trumpeter F18F kit with these after market sets-
 
Aires open burner cans
Legend SJU 17 seats
Quickboost F18E Control leaver (the kit one is just way out of scale and looks like a tree)
Eduard F18E exterior set
Eduard EA18G Interior set
Steel Beach ACS update set
Southern Sky Models RAAF F18F decal set
Southern Sky Models RAAF F18F crew names decal sheet
 
I hope you all like it!!!!!
 

 
 

 

 
 
 
 

 


 
 

 

 

 

 

Hi all,
 
Here is my latest build staying with my home country theme- F18F Super Hornet 6 Sqn RAAF Aircraft A44-218.
 
Its a HUGE kit and not a bad one. As usual for Trumpeter, it required a bit of filling here and there, but overall the detail is very nice and a really good looking kit. Highly recommended
 
I also used the 1/32 Trumpeter F18F kit with these after market sets-
 
Aires open burner cans
Legend SJU 17 seats
Quickboost F18E Control leaver (the kit one is just way out of scale and looks like a tree)
Eduard F18E exterior set
Eduard EA18G Interior set
Steel Beach ACS update set
Southern Sky Models RAAF F18F decal set
Southern Sky Models RAAF F18F crew names decal sheet
 
I hope you all like it!!!!!
 

 
 

 

 
 
 
 

 


 
 

 

 

 

 

Hi all,
 
Here is my latest build staying with my home country theme- F18F Super Hornet 6 Sqn RAAF Aircraft A44-218.
 
Its a HUGE kit and not a bad one. As usual for Trumpeter, it required a bit of filling here and there, but overall the detail is very nice and a really good looking kit. Highly recommended
 
I also used the 1/32 Trumpeter F18F kit with these after market sets-
 
Aires open burner cans
Legend SJU 17 seats
Quickboost F18E Control leaver (the kit one is just way out of scale and looks like a tree)
Eduard F18E exterior set
Eduard EA18G Interior set
Steel Beach ACS update set
Southern Sky Models RAAF F18F decal set
Southern Sky Models RAAF F18F crew names decal sheet
 
I hope you all like it!!!!!
 

 
 

 

 
 
 
 

 


 
 

 

 

 

 

Hi all,
 
Here is my latest build. P-51K Mustang A68-529 84 Sqn RAAF (circa 1945). This aircraft was also the last mount of Flt Sgt Roy RIDDEL who now was an Act Sqn Leader. I was asked to build the Mustang for Roy's son to go with the Kittyhawks.
 
This aircraft was a lend/lease aircraft and was finished in the bare aluminium with only the olive drab anti-glare shield on the nose.
 
 
84 Squadron RAAF moved from Richmond air base to Cairns, Queensland, Australia on 27 March 1943. The squadron was disbanded in Horn Island on 26 May 1944 but later reformed at the Aitkenvale Airfield near the Weir State School in Townsville. Queensland, Australia. The School was eventually seconded by the RAAF when it became impossible for the teacher to hold classes while aircraft were taking off and landing.

The Squadron moved their Kittyhawks to Macrossan on 22 June 1944 and then relocated to the Townsville area on 17 November 1944 but this time they were based at Ross River airfield. P-51K Mustangs were later based at this airfield.

84 Squadron RAAF was eventually disbanded at Ross River airfield, Queensland, Australia on 29 January 1946.
 
The kit is the 1/32 Tamiya P-51D/K Mustang Pacific Theatre kit. A great kit but a big price tag!!! Overall this kit is just fabulous. Fits like hand in glove,the detail is just wonderful and the decals are excellent quality. I scratch built the fuel lines from the drop tanks to the wing and the ariel running through the cockpit to the tail. I also used RB Productions USAF Harness and Barracuda Studios decal sheet for the cockpit interior which was a super sheet. Other than that, its straight out of the box.
 
Special thanks to Joe for making the Aircraft Serial markings for me which are absolutely super decals. Many thanks.
 
The other decals used were the Aussie Decals "Post war Mustangs" sheet. I used the roundels and tail marking from that sheet.
 
So I hope you like it. Roy RIDDEL once said the Mustang was best aircraft he ever flew. It certainly is an icon of the era.
 

 

 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
The real A68-529 in flight (2nd from the camera)

Hi all,
 
Here is my latest build. P-51K Mustang A68-529 84 Sqn RAAF (circa 1945). This aircraft was also the last mount of Flt Sgt Roy RIDDEL who now was an Act Sqn Leader. I was asked to build the Mustang for Roy's son to go with the Kittyhawks.
 
This aircraft was a lend/lease aircraft and was finished in the bare aluminium with only the olive drab anti-glare shield on the nose.
 
 
84 Squadron RAAF moved from Richmond air base to Cairns, Queensland, Australia on 27 March 1943. The squadron was disbanded in Horn Island on 26 May 1944 but later reformed at the Aitkenvale Airfield near the Weir State School in Townsville. Queensland, Australia. The School was eventually seconded by the RAAF when it became impossible for the teacher to hold classes while aircraft were taking off and landing.

The Squadron moved their Kittyhawks to Macrossan on 22 June 1944 and then relocated to the Townsville area on 17 November 1944 but this time they were based at Ross River airfield. P-51K Mustangs were later based at this airfield.

84 Squadron RAAF was eventually disbanded at Ross River airfield, Queensland, Australia on 29 January 1946.
 
The kit is the 1/32 Tamiya P-51D/K Mustang Pacific Theatre kit. A great kit but a big price tag!!! Overall this kit is just fabulous. Fits like hand in glove,the detail is just wonderful and the decals are excellent quality. I scratch built the fuel lines from the drop tanks to the wing and the ariel running through the cockpit to the tail. I also used RB Productions USAF Harness and Barracuda Studios decal sheet for the cockpit interior which was a super sheet. Other than that, its straight out of the box.
 
Special thanks to Joe for making the Aircraft Serial markings for me which are absolutely super decals. Many thanks.
 
The other decals used were the Aussie Decals "Post war Mustangs" sheet. I used the roundels and tail marking from that sheet.
 
So I hope you like it. Roy RIDDEL once said the Mustang was best aircraft he ever flew. It certainly is an icon of the era.
 

 

 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
The real A68-529 in flight (2nd from the camera)

Now there is an idea. We buy these decal sheets and 99.9% of the time we only need on version of them and it comes with 4 etc we never use. Why dont we start a swap/buy/sell forum just for decals? Everyone would save loads of money and I mean 30 euros for a decal sheet when we need one set of it is a lot. This idea is great I reckon. Does everyone agree? They also cost hardly anything to send around the world
 
A separate decals forum would be easy to read through rather than the market place
 
What do you think LSP Kevin and the others?

Im doing a RAAF mustang P-51K A68-529. It has a swirly line on the Prop cowling like the German Me 109s and Fw 190s had. It appears to swirl in when seen from the front when spinning. Everyone know what i mean? I dont know the proper word for it (if there is one)
 
I cannot find any colour pics of this aircraft. Does anyone know what colour this swirly line would have been on the prop cowling?

so you think the spiral was yellow and so was the number "529" on the nose?

Gee, lots of nice comments!!! Thanks so much. In relation to the weathering, I just did it simply. Having not built a kit for over 11 years, there was all these new products available now (I used to make my own washes) . So I did the following-
 
1. Sprayed the wheel wells matt white (Humbol 34)
2 Did a shading spray with matt black (Humbrol 33)
3. Sprayed the under colour first (Humbrol 127)
4. Sprayed the top clour (Humbrol 145)
5. Humbrol gloss coat
6 decal application
7. Humbrol gloss coat
8. Black wash using Vallejo negro black all over
9. brown wash on parts using Vallejo dirty brown wash
10 I added the hydraulic/oil streaking using both washes with a cotton bud wiping it with the air flow while still wet
11 Humbrol matt coat
12 Drybrushing using the base colours (So I used Humbrol 145 on the top and Humbrol 127 on the bottom)
13 Drybrushing again very lightly with Humbrol 64 grey
14 Used Humbrol silver Metallic 11 around cockpit entry/exit point, canopy front and hard point areas that get paint chips and scuffing
15 I used Humbrol 27003 polished steel on the burner cans and then lightly rubbed them with a rag to get that polished affect
16 Humbrol black powder around the gun ports in the nose
 
I also used polished steel to paint the shockers on the landing gear as I think silver is a bit to shiny.
 
I used the following after market for it
 
Black Box/Avionix Cockpit set
Eduard PE sets (Exterior and interior)
Flightpath GBU 12s and AMRAAM
Rhino Modelworks Burner cans
 
I scatched built a bit of the canopy frame interior and I added wiring to the wheel bays using solder wire and lead strip to add detail.

......and I had to make sure I included a pic of the aussie flag on the tail fin for patriotism!!!!!!!!!
 
 

Ok here are some pics. I have just given her the gloss coat and will give the wash. I still need to build the canopy interior and complete the under carriage.
 
Its big, bright and is an awesome scheme!!!
 

 

This forum is great. I love the fact that everyone helps everyone out and are prepared to go out of their way to do so.
 
Thanks
 
Cheers,
Rohan

Here are some pics of Flt Sgt Roy RIDDEL with "Orace"
 

 

 
And A29-153 "Orace" flying top cover With Flt Sgt RIDDEL at the stick
 

In August 1942, The Japanese invaded Milne Bay on the far east tip of Papua New Guinea.The Japanese landed a force of their crack marines intending to take Milne Bay as a strategic air base which would have allowed them a back door to Port Moresby over the Own Stanley Ranges and to control shipping lanes between Australia, Port Moresby and to attack US shipping on route to Australia.

"Milne Force" was stationed there and consisted of Australian Infantry, Australian Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Australian Artillery, US Army Engineers and two Squadrons from the RAAF -75 and 76. These two squadrons were equipped with the Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk.

The battle of Milne Bay raged during August and September 1942. The battle vicious and hard fought. At the worst point of the battle for the austraians, the Japanese over run half of the airstrip and the battle appeared lost. At this point the Australian kittyhawks were beginning to take off and as their tail wheels lifted off, the pilots were engaging the Japanese with their wing guns. The pilots flew a lot of ground attack missions straffing the enemy on the beaches and in the jungle. Eventual the Australians held out and the japanese withdrew. This then became the first land defeat of the Imperial Japanese Empire in World War 2.

The pilots in 75 and 76 Squadron at the height of the battle flew up to 10 sorties a day and as soon as they landed, the ground crews were rearming the Kittyhawks and the pilots took off again straight away. As a result, a lot of missions were not logged. Without a doubt, had the RAAF not been there, the battle would have been lost. It would go down as one of the finest hours for the Royal Australian Air Force

My interest in this battle stems from my grandafther who served with the 2/2 Heavy AA Regiment and was stationed with Milne Force during the entire battle defending the airstrip from enemy aircraft. He kept a diary which is a day to day account of the battle in detail.

I always wanted to do a RAAF Kittyhawk in Milne Bay. I found a decal set on the web for a RAAF Kittyhawk A29-153 "Grace". I contacted the Australian War Memorial to get information about the aircraft. The guy I spoke too told me that A29-153 was in fact named "Orace" not "Grace" As it turns out he told me he worked post war with the pilot that flew the aircraft - Roy RIDDEL Roy was a Flt Sgt and had served in the UK flying Spits and then was sent to 75 Sqn and out to Milne Bay. He was known as "Hot shot Riddel" or "**** hot Riddel" by the other pilots. He shot down at least one zero in the battle whilst flying with Flt Lt Les Jackson.

Then out of the blue I received an email from Mrs RIDDEL, The pilots widow. One thing led to another and she sent me pictures, log book entries of sorties and lots of research info.

Soon after I was contacted by the Pilot's son. He asked me if I would make 2 1/32 scale Kittyhawks in his Dad's markings of "Orace" So I said yes and I have so far completed one. I am awaiting decals for the other. So here are the pics of the first one. Hope you like it. Ive used a RB Productions Sutton Harness and other than that, the kit is straight out of the box. The Hasegawa kit is excellent.

So here she is

A29-153 "Orace" P-40E1 Kittyhawk 75 Sqn RAAF

Here are some pics of Flt Sgt Roy RIDDEL with "Orace"
 

 

 
And A29-153 "Orace" flying top cover With Flt Sgt RIDDEL at the stick
 

In August 1942, The Japanese invaded Milne Bay on the far east tip of Papua New Guinea.The Japanese landed a force of their crack marines intending to take Milne Bay as a strategic air base which would have allowed them a back door to Port Moresby over the Own Stanley Ranges and to control shipping lanes between Australia, Port Moresby and to attack US shipping on route to Australia.

"Milne Force" was stationed there and consisted of Australian Infantry, Australian Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Australian Artillery, US Army Engineers and two Squadrons from the RAAF -75 and 76. These two squadrons were equipped with the Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk.

The battle of Milne Bay raged during August and September 1942. The battle vicious and hard fought. At the worst point of the battle for the austraians, the Japanese over run half of the airstrip and the battle appeared lost. At this point the Australian kittyhawks were beginning to take off and as their tail wheels lifted off, the pilots were engaging the Japanese with their wing guns. The pilots flew a lot of ground attack missions straffing the enemy on the beaches and in the jungle. Eventual the Australians held out and the japanese withdrew. This then became the first land defeat of the Imperial Japanese Empire in World War 2.

The pilots in 75 and 76 Squadron at the height of the battle flew up to 10 sorties a day and as soon as they landed, the ground crews were rearming the Kittyhawks and the pilots took off again straight away. As a result, a lot of missions were not logged. Without a doubt, had the RAAF not been there, the battle would have been lost. It would go down as one of the finest hours for the Royal Australian Air Force

My interest in this battle stems from my grandafther who served with the 2/2 Heavy AA Regiment and was stationed with Milne Force during the entire battle defending the airstrip from enemy aircraft. He kept a diary which is a day to day account of the battle in detail.

I always wanted to do a RAAF Kittyhawk in Milne Bay. I found a decal set on the web for a RAAF Kittyhawk A29-153 "Grace". I contacted the Australian War Memorial to get information about the aircraft. The guy I spoke too told me that A29-153 was in fact named "Orace" not "Grace" As it turns out he told me he worked post war with the pilot that flew the aircraft - Roy RIDDEL Roy was a Flt Sgt and had served in the UK flying Spits and then was sent to 75 Sqn and out to Milne Bay. He was known as "Hot shot Riddel" or "**** hot Riddel" by the other pilots. He shot down at least one zero in the battle whilst flying with Flt Lt Les Jackson.

Then out of the blue I received an email from Mrs RIDDEL, The pilots widow. One thing led to another and she sent me pictures, log book entries of sorties and lots of research info.

Soon after I was contacted by the Pilot's son. He asked me if I would make 2 1/32 scale Kittyhawks in his Dad's markings of "Orace" So I said yes and I have so far completed one. I am awaiting decals for the other. So here are the pics of the first one. Hope you like it. Ive used a RB Productions Sutton Harness and other than that, the kit is straight out of the box. The Hasegawa kit is excellent.

So here she is

A29-153 "Orace" P-40E1 Kittyhawk 75 Sqn RAAF

The other thing I forgot to mention was it turns out Flt Sgt RIDDEL's son lives also in France only 80km from me. Hows the chances of me an australian, having an interest in this aircraft and the pilot's son living so close to me and also australian? Its a small world