Posted some of these on the previous forum, wanted to preserve this one for posterity because I've sold it on - loved building it (apart from when I kept twanging the hand rails...). I painted the Thor name as you can see, not entirely happy with it, decals split every time.

I tend to keep the built model for a bit, then sell for not much to cover costs of next project. Hopefully will be a good basis for a diorama.

Keep on going everyone, good to see folk posting and filling the forum.

Regards John

First model of the year done and dusted, completed last month, and I've already beaten last year's completion total.

Meng 1/48 F/A-18F Super Hornet features Gloria Model intakes, 3D-printed injection seats from Minimasonmodels on Cults3D, GBU-12 from Mr.Plamo, GBU-38 from Bluey, and AIM-9x from Model-Ma-King also Cults3D. Decals are Ronin Graphics, the Australian distributor of Meng, included a small addition sheet to build it as a 1 Squadron RAAF Super Hornet during Operation OKRA in Afghanistan in 2015.

While the build was enjoyable and my first ever completed jet, I did make a couple of mistakes, a reminder that I'm not as sharp as I used to be and a tad rusty for not completing anything for over 18-24 months.

Still, the end result I'm happy with. If you want more detail on how this came together, I’m giving YouTube a whirl, narrated in a smooth Kiwi accent for your listening pleasure - https://youtu.be/c8LU20ZwcEU?si=T0QJcCheFG0fMoLP

Ran the model through ChatGPT to give it an Afghanistan‑inspired background

This plane did have the ability to fold its wings. Took me a lot of research to figure out exactly how.
I used Quinta Studio interior. Not a huge fan. The rubbery decals tend to split and crack when bent. For IP's it's fine.

Also opened up the cargo compartment. Made the hatch from PE.

[Adam_Skupiewski]_Model_Detail_Photo_Monograph_№(BookFi).pdf

This is the Lukgraph kit, converted to a "TOE" version with a raft of home-designed and home-printed parts. A lot of time was also spent making sure the kit stayed rigid and solid, given the significant weight of the resin parts (the solid top wing alone is 186 grams !).

The aircraft depicted is the one of the 3 French Navy aircrafts that undertook a raid from Bizerte in Tunisia to Timbuctu, across the Sahara desert. This particular aircraft "BZ 65" is the mount of Admiral de Laborde; who undertoook the raid as an official mission to inaugurate a commemorative plaque in Timbuctu. Hence the presence of his wife, and the subsequent "Pink Cruise" nickname. It was common for the stops in the Sahara to refuel from drums brought there by special "bowsers". The drums, by the way, were not the "standard" oil drums but based on the 70 liters powder kegs.

The drums are also 3D-designed and printed, as is the windsock.

And now for the pics :

More pics and some of build log here :

https://hubertboillot.smugmug.com/Potez-25-TOE-1-32-kit-Lukgraph/n-SjShMf

Hubert

Hubert

The kit is a joy to build; The fit is perfect, and the topic interesting. I used Friulmodel tracks.....each link being nearly microscopic.

I used my H & S infinity 2024 on this one and was pleased on how it performed. Very much recommend this kit. It is very small

However. I think it turned out OK.

Regards;

Paul

Chipping and splitting plywood, primer, missing instruments, no guns, etc...

I made my own airbrush masks for this. Soon I'll build the Takom Ho229B and am looking forward to see how that compares.

My display was insipred by this pic.

And now the pics of the finished model, including the photographer for the pic above. The towing bar, access ladder and girlfriend's Kodak camera, as well as the redone leading edage slats are home-designed and and 3D-printed.

More pics, including some of the build log in the gallery here :

https://hubertboillot.smugmug.com/Fisher-s-1-32-F7-U3-M-build-log

Hubert

Here is the 'Wingnut Wings' Jeannin Stahltaube, Serial No: A.283/14 at Aldershof-Johannisthal aerodrome during 1915.

As usual, a fully detailed build log, in PDF format, can be downloaded from the 'build logs' page on my web site:

https://mikesww1aircraftmodels.com/

Mike

More pics, including of the build log, here :

https://hubertboillot.smugmug.com/Brengun-Rutan-Quickie-in-132/n-rBpmBn

Hubert

This has been a goal of mine for many years and many false starts. I do regret the lay out of the tank and figures, I'm not well practice with that and just kinda plopped them all down.

Anywho..

This is like the scene where Sgt Joe Gunn is discussing where the oasis is after cleaning out the sand from the carb again.

The scheme is in the old Black and white movie colours 'Der Stern von Afrika' about Joachim Marseille. This role was played by Joachim Hansen. A signed photo of him is sandwiched between a printed perspex plate and wood.

I used a Radu Brinzan photo etch canopy and added the Spanish warning plaque.

No decals were used. Instead, masks were drawn and used.

For the base I used a very high res US map from 1945 that I had printed on canvas and then... cut it up.

On this map you can see the Oberpfaffenhofen airbase near Munich.

No decals were used. All masks. Lots of Eduard and Master upgrades and a Tamiya Jeep with Alpine figures.

I could have gone all out on the weathering, but I didn't.

Pleased to share here my 1/32nd F104-S Build.

This frame crashed back in 2002 at Leeuwarden Airbase.

Hope you like it!

I built it as it was in storage at the NASM museum years ago. When they were carefully removing allied layers of paint.

I built this from a test shot for the Airfix stall at the IPMS Telford show.

I absolutely loved this. Some masks were used, such as for the camouflage and the chequered fuselage band. One of my favourite builds. I'm told this is now on display somewhere at the Airfix HQ. No idea if that's true or not.