freemodeller

Hi gentlemen is nice to hear that you're still interested in my Chipmunk kit. Since I sent the first kit out to Kevin for review I did not proceed with the production because I had to relocate my work shop......and there were more problems than planned. By the time I'm ready to proceed I re-looked into the kit again and discovered a lot of inaccuracies on the original design against the latest reference I had collected. New directions need to be set, first I decided I should also make the Canadian version, and the problem is how to cast the clear bubble canopy. I lost count how many time(years),how many moulding taken, how much resin was wasted just to cast the 0.5mm thickness bubble canopy.......finally I made it but it cost me so much time and money. The next step is re design the master pattern , everything starts from fresh base on the latest reference and is a long process because new reference surface from time to time, and I had to re do it many times all over.....maybe I should stop researching. To confirm the design the first thing I do is to make the bubble canopy mould followed by the RAF canopy. I started casting them first before other part because I think this is the most difficult and important part, if I can't do it then there shouldn't be any kit at all. When everything looks promising then Covid strikes, it turned the world upside down, couldn't get the resin and those already cast canopy turned yellow! I would not proceed if I can't get the non yellowish resin because the original resin I used is no longer available for many years. At the same time I needed a knee replacement surgery, looks like a lot of challenges waiting for me..........but the Chipmunk kit still alive. Best Regards Robin

Thanks Anthony, although my working life is building model, I still learning how to build better model, so much to learn from other especially from LSP. Cheers Robin Koh

Hi Hamfists, the model was built before the cockpit final design, therefore no HUD and glass screen inside the model,however you can find the A-4SU cockpit photo when you Google the A4 super skyhawk image. I did seen the RNZAF skyhawk when they are here for air defence exercise in 1973,they are just beautiful in tan and two tone green camouflage. Regards Robin Koh

Thanks Harvey, before you know what's next, 30 years past, time flying! Regards Robin Koh

Hi everyone today 19 September is the F404 -GE -100D engine Skyhawk first fiight 30 anniversary , it developed into the A-4SU Super Skyhawk for the RSAF. To commemorate this event I would like to share photos of the 1:8 scale model which I build 30 years ago for the re-engine project. Base on the original Douglas blue print and the conversion plan, the model build to TA-4S-1 standard with the clear fuselage to show the GE engine, the fiber glass model took three months to complete and was first display at the 1986 Farnborough Air Show. Years before this project I had already converted my own plastic model as you can see from the photo,the 1:48 scale I used ESCI kit which I won 1st place in local model competition in 1981. The 1:32 scale I used the Hasegawa kit , the only 1:32 scale kit available than and it was very accurate compare to the Douglas drawing. I scan these old photos many years ago as you can see the image are not so clear and the colour had run, hope your don't mind and enjoy. Best redards Robin Koh

Hi Maru 5137 thank you very much for your kind words, at the moment I stated to work slowly to clear my back log projects , therefore I have to keep the Chipmunk kit on hold but The biggest problem now is I need to return the current work shop to landlords...........may be I should find a work shop near the market place. Best regards Robin Koh

When ever I in difficulty, I away sing raindrops keep falling on my head by BJ Thomas. Thanks Highlandsniper Robin Koh

Sure Kevin, although not be able work for the last few months, I spend most of my time on research and planing the new model, hopefully can start to construct the prototype by year end that including the Canadian Chipmunk. Cheers Robin Koh

Hi Highlandsniper you are not alone, I just joint you! That's life, we will get something some how,it may pain and slow, but as long as we stay positive..........and keep on modelling. Take care and good luck. Robin Koh

Hi Barney I agree with you, you will only know the pain when you get injury. It's away too late.So sorry to hear that you had suffered from all these problems, hope things will turn better for you. For what had been happening to me sure to slow me down but I stick to my plan to produce the chipmunk kit, hope I can get well soon. Please Take care and Cheers Robin Koh

Hi Tim I was train for war,I was the AA officer in the Army when I do my national service in the 70s,the lucky thing is that I don't have to press the firing button to shoot at aircraft. Its terrible to be injury twice in a year, this is really slow thing down,I can only hope to get well soon. Regards Robin Koh

Thanks you gentleman, my Osteoarthritis is under treatment, in fact is a big problem, it is very difficult for me to move around,can't imagine what's next. Robin Koh

Hi Clunkmeister the Canadian version is possible as long as I can cast the bubble canopy. Cheers Robin Koh

Hi Edge my hand are getting better now and I starting to work.however I had another fall this time injure my right knee.From the Xray doctor discover that I had Osteoarthritis, no wonder I fall and walk will great pain. This year was a bit unlucky,not being to work for the last few months,many outstanding order to clear,it is very stressful. I need a bit more time and like to thanks everyone for their support and patience. Cheers Robin Koh

Hi everyone, thank you for your support and kind words, my physiotherapy will commence on 9 March, hope I can get back to work soon. Cheers Robin