Sunday 31 October 2010

In progress: Italeri's A-10 Part 3


In progress: Italeri's A-10 using Afterburner Decals 48-052  A-10A, A-10C Maryland ANG in 1/48 scale.

 Almost done, just need to work on and add a few more things. Should be completed by the next update.

Wednesday 27 October 2010

Coming Soon: "Thunderbolts over Corsica" by Rising Decals


Just released from Rising Decals is their latest offering dedicated to the P-47, titled "Thunderbolts over Corsica". Available in two scales, 1/72 & 1/48 and  features some of the most colourful Jugs ever seen. Each aircraft is adorned with nose art and slogans.



                                            Images courtesy of Rising Decals.

Monday 25 October 2010

In progress: Italeri's EA-18G kit converted to a RAAF F/A-18F Pt.1





In Progress: Yet another Italeri EA-18G kit  to be converted into a F/A-18F from either 1 or 6 Sqn RAAF, just haven't decided yet.


Aftermarket items to be used in this build will be decals from Aussie Decals F/A-18F sheet, Wolfpack Design F/A-18F re-fueling probe, Steel Beach ECS Pipes & ACS coaming and Black Box's F/A-18F cockpit. 


To date, the flaps have been cut and will placed in the "down" position.  The stabilizer has also been cut and will be repositioned.


The intakes have  been assembled, sanded and the interior painted white. It shall also get a coat of gray paint to finish it of.


As the Wolfpack Design re-fueling probe is meant to be used in the Hasegawa kit, it was a bit tricky to attach it to the Italeri kit but as can be seen from the images, it can be done. 

More updates to follow.



Saturday 23 October 2010

Review: High Planes Mirage Afterbuner 1/48




Title: High Planes Mirage Afterbuner 1/48

Description: This a simple drop in replacement afterburner for the Mirage IIIO/E ( for the Italeri kits)  in 1/48 scale.

As can be seen the resin set is cast in a creamy white resin and consists of the afterburner and exhaust tubing. 
The exhaust tubing is nicely ribbed and the afterburner itself contains the delicate mechanisms which are well replicated.


Above image: A comparison view of the two afterburners, High Planes on the left and the Italeri on the right.


Above image: A detailed look with the High Planes afterburner attached.




Above image: Italeri Mirage with kit afterburner attached.
 
 
 
 
 Above image: Italeri Mirage with the High Planes afterburner attached.
 

Friday 22 October 2010

Review: Aussie Decals Spitfire Mk VIII WWII RAAF 1/48

 

Title: Aussie Decals Spitfire Mk VIII WWII RAAF 1/48

Description: This decal sheet from Aussie Decals contains markings for four Spitfire  Mk.VIII's from the  RAAF in 1/48 scale.

 Included are national markings, squadron codes, serial numbers and colour profiles on the aircraft featured.


The decals appear to be thin with minimal carrier film and are in register.

This decal sheet will permit you to build all four versions but stencils/data will need to be sourced from the host kit(s) or spares box.







Thursday 14 October 2010

Review: Aussie Decals Boston Mk.III 22Sqn RAAF 1/72

Title: Aussie Decals Boston Mk.III 22Sqn RAAF 1/72

Description: This decal sheet from Aussie Decals contains markings for three Boston Mk.III's from 22Squadron, RAAF  in 1/72 scale.

The decal sheet contains options for three RAAF aircraft, two of which  feature "nose art". Included are national markings, squadron codes, serial numbers and colour profiles on the aircraft featured.


The decals appear to be thin with minimal carrier film and are in register.

This decal sheet will permit you to build all three versions but stencils/data will need to be sourced from the host kit(s) or spares box.


 

Above image:Boston Mk.III A28-9 DU-K "Shes Apples" from 22 Sqn RAAF, Goodenough Island 1943

Above image:Boston Mk.III A28-16 R "Indoor Sport" from 22 Sqn RAAF, Port Moresby 1942

Above image:Boston Mk.III A28-8 J "Jessica" from 22 Sqn RAAF, Port Moresby 1942

Tuesday 12 October 2010

In progress: Italeri's EA-18G kit converted to a F/A-18F from VFA-103 (CAG)


In Progress: Italeri's EA-18G kit converted to a F/A-18F using Fightertown Decals "VFA-103 Jolly Rogers First Combat Cruise" in 1/48 scale. FOD covers were made using masking tape.
Fightertown Decals FTD48-005 "VFA-103 Jolly Rogers First Combat Cruise" in 1/48 scale.
Italeri's EA-18G Growler 1/48.

 

Sunday 10 October 2010

Review: Life Like Decals Republic P-47D Thunderbolt Pt.3 1/72 Decals






Title: Life Like Decals Republic P-47D Thunderbolt Pt.3 1/72



Description: This decal sheet from Life Like Decals contains markings for three US  P-47 Thunderbolts (2x Razorbacks and 1x Bubbletop) in 1/72 scale.



The decal sheet contains options for  three aircraft that  feature "nose art" or artwork in general, basic stenciling and national markings. Also included are colour profiles and brief history notes on the aircraft featured.

Above image: Top and bottom views are shown. Also note the number of references used to produce this decal sheet, no less than eighteen sources used.

Above image: A line drawing is included to assist with stencil/data placement.

Aircraft 1: P-47D-1RE flown by Lt.S.Pisanos, 334FS, 4FG
Aircraft 2: P-47D-25RE flown by Capt.F.Christensen Jr. 62FS 56FG
Aircraft 3: a hack(P-47D-15)  from 83FS 78FG


The decal themselves appear to be thin with minimal carrier film and come on four sheets of various sizes. Decals are sized for Tamiya's P-47 kits.

Tuesday 5 October 2010

Review: Ventura Decals Australian Curtiss P-40N's and Eisenhower's two seat P-51B 1/48



Title: Ventura Decals Australian Curtiss P-40N's and Eisenhower's two seat P-51B 1/48

Description: This decal sheet from Ventura Decals contains markings for two RAAF P-40N's and General Eisenhower's two seat P-51B in 1/48 scale.


Included in this decal set are brief notes relating to the aircraft featured and coloured profiles.


The decal themselves appear to be thin with minimal carrier film. The decal sheet contains national markings( for one of the two RAAF P-40's - only), artwork, serial numbers and squadron codes.


The  first of two RAAF P-40N's featured in this decal sheet is for an aircraft named 
" Hep Cat" from 75 Sqn based at Morotai 1945 and flown by Squadron leader C.Tolhurst.


The second option is for an aircraft flown by Pilot Officer K.Donald from 76 Squadron in June 1945.


The third aircraft featured on this decal sheet  named " The Stars look Down" is for a two seat P-51B as used by General Eisenhower during the Normandy landings on D-Day 1944.



As can be seen from the above image, there are no national markings for the P-51B. But this shouldn't pose too much of an issue as the stars 'n' bars can be sourced from the host kit or the spares box.