MikeC

I was just gathering info for a Hunter T7 build and came across this. Very nice model.

Second that, although I made a few more difficulties for myself by using a True Details cockpit. It's matt black, so the enhancement provided is not enough to justify the effort. Next time I'll just use the kit cockpit with a replacement seat, assuming I can find one. Sticking with British jets, the Revell Hawk is a also a simple straightforward and enjoyable build of what is imo a classic trainer in the Tiger Moth/T-6 class. The Arrows version is uaually available (which is patchy) slightly cheaper than the other, but it is moulded in bright red plastic.

Depends whereabouts you are in Dorset, but if you're able to get to Southampton, the Solent Sky museum is well worth a visit. https://www.solentskymuseum.org/

So true: been there, done that, got the T-shirt. I spent a few years building up my stash for my retirement, as I figured that I'd not be so able to afford new stuff, and I succumbed to the seductive siren-songs such as "it's a bargain" and "buy-it-before-it-goes-oop". Said stash consisted of almost exclusively 1:48, with a few off-topic (for me) subject areas. When I came to retire, a few years earlier than expected (I got early retirement in a major redundancy sorry "right-sizing" exercise) a number of things occurred: - We moved house to be nearer the family: that included my stash. It was a bit of an eye-opener, and even at "peak stash" it was a tiny one compared to many we hear about on here or elsewhere. - The realisation that actually, given the lack of work-related expenses - a forty-mile commute, coffees, lunches, leaving/baby/etc collections for colleagues - I could still afford to indulge my hobby. (And I appreciate that I am fortunate in that respect.) - The decision that 1:48 seemed to be getting smaller, so perhaps I'd go back to 1:32, which I'd alternated with 1:72 in my younger days. - And finally, to get fully back to the point, the realisation that more than a few kits in the 1:48 stash were the result of passing enthusiasms, whims and fancies. Yes, like you I have regretted buying stuff much more than I've ever (and as I said earlier, rarely) regretted selling one. I've also been part-way through building one, and thought "do I really want to do another one, or two, or however many of these?", particularly if the kit is fighting back. And yet still we buy. I once had a conversation with a friend at a model show (I can even recall it was Cosford one year) about all the kits that are bought and sold - new or second-hand - at the average show or in the normal course of things, and how many actually get built. We thought maybe 10%-20%.

Great work, and an unusual presentation.

I've just had a look at the instructions on the Belcher website; that's a lot of complex work, and it's turned out great. Lovely model of an unusual type, very well executed.

Actually, I'm hopeful that if WNW do the 504 (please) there would be some precedent for the N, given that they have done the DH9A, Brisfit and Snipe in post-war editions. As you say, an Auster on steroids. I dare say you could convert it, but it would be a lot of work. It may seem an esoteric choice, but in my younger days I had a few happy hours in XW635.

I almost agree with you; the "almost" is because there's no Avro 504N in your list (and a J/K would be good too). But ICM has released a Bu 131D with a B to come, so whilst it's very slim, "hope there is, young Jedi." Certainly +1 for the Tutor, Cadet, Stearman, Moths and Austers, although for the latter I expect a Beagle Husky would be too much to hope for.

Hope you make it. Sadly I can't be there, but have a good time and if you make it don't spend too much.

A great model, and so quickly done. Have a good time in Scotland. Don't suppose you'll be in Edinburgh on the 25th by any chance? https://ipmsuk.org/calendar/scale-scotland-2018/

Nice pony.

Great progress Max, and so painstaking. Look forward to seeing the end result.

That's superb. How did I miss it? Well done on an excellent model.

This is certainly an interesting discussion. If I may go slightly off-topic, just look at the fit of those cowlings. Reproduce that, particularly in a competition, you'd certainly need to leave a photo by the model to avoid getting called out for poor workmanship. Although I submit that it's sort of on-topic, as the cowling fit and the walkway markings - or lack thereof - both demonstrate the desirability of having a photo of your subject if at all possible.

Some interesting replies here. I did sell a Monogram F-8 Crusader once, then a year or two later invested in a bargain Hasegawa - that one got built. The only really silly thing I did was buy a Roden 1:48 Gladiator, sell it on, regret it, buy another, then later sell that on! There is only one other kit I've sold where I'm now seriously thinking of looking for another. But normally, when they're gone they're gone. I moved house six-odd years ago, when I was at "peak stash", and dealing with that lot brought me up short. Added to which it was mostly 1:48, and I've become more inclined to 1:32. So since the move I've sold most of them on, built others, and still buying, but at a slower pace. The stash is at 20% of what it was, and it's easier to be more selective and buy less with 1:32. It's interesting to see everyone else's take on it.