Mark Jackson

Superb as always.

Bloomin, bl**dy fantastic.

I concur Kevin's remark, flawless and worthy of a mass forum bow.

I've been casting and the results are laughable, but acceptable for my own projects. Neils-materials said they were too busy to deal with me so I used a company in Northern Ireland.

There is a video on YouTube which shows you how to use the Vallejo Model Color in an airbrush with excellent results, the secret is to thin with Vallejo flow improver. Now I'm the worlds worst airbrusher but I tried what this video said and it was easy and looked flawless. The best bit about using the model color range is that you can always brush with it as well.

Thanks Bob Years back I bought some smooth on resin, then read the bit tucked away on their website about not being able to paint it.

Hi Iain (nice to see the Scottish spelling with an all important "i"). I used to cast parts a few years back but was never 100% sure if the resin type was similar to that used by model accessory manufacturers. Polycraft slow set 15min, paintable polyurethane resin in RTV Silicone moulds lined with a light dusting of baby powder in a pressure pot at 50psi.

I've tried to find out what type of casting resin is used by the likes of Aires, CMK, True Details, Verlinden, Resicast etc. I think there is more chance on being invited to afternoon tea with the Queen. Does anybody know and will I have to perform some bizarre ritual where I swear a pact to have carnal knowledge with a goat?

Superb as always, the perfect balance between detail and finish.

"The more you look - the less you'll see." Movie quote from Now you see me I no longer trust decal manufacturers 100%. I have decal sheets with incorrect Bureau numbers, markings, omitted names, data and misleading information. My web browser is smokin from scouring images, cruise books, squadron histories and smaller scale decal/instruction sheets, not to mention actual books. I know full well that airframes can change squadron, markings come and go, often there are CAG schemes that appear when the air wing is feet dry and not schedule to cruise for a year or two. Upgrades happen and block differences are not always set in stone due to mods made with parts that are available. Basically what I am saying is that I still am unable to pick a decal scheme. The model's airframe is complete, the front fuselage and radome are in place and the cockpit is also looking acceptable after hours of work.

Bloomin lovely! Another genius on here that I must remember to bow down to. At this rate I'm going to get a permanent stoop.

Vive la France! Superbe, la plume du m'tant and menege et trois. That is the best 2000 I've ever seen.

Personally, I enjoy the pummelling dished out by several kits at once, however in theory all modern kits should be a detailed doddle. I wouldn't mind but way back in the 1970's and 80's the kits were rough and crude, if you had a piece that resembled an armchair - this was an actual ejection seat! Everything was raised detail (Matchbox doesn't count) and if your kit had a canopy that could be shown open, wow! At present I am questioning whether the parents of the Trumpeter F-14A were married; the "B" word is being flung about quite a bit.

I find myself at a crossroads, do I persevere with this kit or throw my hand in and admit defeat? The rubber bladders are awful, the panel lines are often incorrect and my modelling skills really aren't up to it, I'm more at home gardening than fighting with bits of plastic. The worst thing is I have two more of these big cats in the stash. I keep wondering if the landing gear will line up or will be the correct height, although the cockpit is starting to take shape in a positive way. There's only so much gluing, sanding and rescribing a man can take, everything is under a fine layer of dust, including me! So I'm going try an old remedy which is popular here in England - put the kettle on and have a cup of tea. This has been known to get problems with car engines solved, building hitches unhitched and even heated arguments placated. Cup of tea

Superb, I bow down to thee in modelling reverence.