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toboldlygo

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Blog Entries posted by toboldlygo

  1. toboldlygo
    Another Timber Track building, but this time a conversion from a two to a four track Engine Shed.
     
    I started this when I was finishing off the Coaling Stage and then it went on a bit of a back-burner while my client finalised his track plans..
     
    Basically I built the first shed as per the instructions, to get it to a certain point. Again construction was very straight-forward and quick - aided by a quick drying pva wood glue (Javis Velo-set).
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    Shed 1 sat idle till late November and the track plans were finally signed off. Then I could begin conversion work, first up I removed most of one wall, using a jig-saw..
     

     
    Then cut-away the corresponding area's of shed two's wall and glued that to shed one and began building the shed out from there.
     

     

     

     

     
    At this point I realised, I would have to remove the roof frames from shed one to allow better access for painting & internal working - fortunately I was able to unglue them easily.
     

     
    Both sets of roof framing dry-fitted and one of the ash/ inspection pits made up for the client.
     

     
    At this point I added some girders and columns to the openings. These were made from styrene H sections and rod.
     

     
    Once everything had cured for a few days, I braved the cold and gave the whole shed (apart from the roof framing) a couple of coats of Halfords Grey Primer.
     
    That's it for this build for now.
     
    TBG
     
  2. toboldlygo
    So time for another new Tool Airfix kit, I'm taking part in a Latin American Group Build on another forum and I chose to do a Mustang in postwar service with the Uruguayan Air Force.
     
    Anyhow here's the Box Art, Instructions, decals, sprues/frames & aftermarket.
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    Building up the cockpit & interior, now I chose to assemble the cockpit and fuselage interior in one go and then paint - so I don't have any fit issues when I close up the fuselage.
     

     

     

     
    With the interior installed on one side of the fuselage it was time to close it up.
     

     
    As the kit caters for various versions of the P/F-51 there are different tail options, so a bit of filler was needed.
     

     
    Wing Assembly and fit was next.
     

     

     
    Nice touch with the kit is, plug in flaps, which makes things easier to paint.
     

     
    More bit were assembled and fitted (the elevators aren't glued on)
     

     
    Windscreen was fitted and Canopy test fitted and there bits to add here too. Also, being a post war Mustang it with a different type of aerial, I raided the spares box for that.
     

     
     
    Bomb Racks installed & main undercarriage center door assembly test fitted.
     

     
    Disaster, went to mask up the canopy, I'd only got the wrong scale masks - oops.
     

     
    Fortunately the replacements arrived yesterday!
     

     
     
    So that's all for this part of the build.
     
    TTFN
     
    James
     
  3. toboldlygo
    So after a couple of months or virtually no activity and with me laid up with various ailments, I decided to get on with the Attacker...
     
    First up I gave it another once over for filler and clean up.
     

     
    Then I gave the whole plane an undercoat of Nato Black & then painted up the cockpit & ejector seat.
     

     
    With the ejector seat in place the canopy was fitted and it was masked up for paint.
     

     

     
    With the canopy spray black & the refilled area at the wing root resprayed, I sprayed the whole aircraft Sky Type S.
     

     
    This was allowed to dry for a few days and then I masked up for the top coat.
     

     
    The top coat (Sea Grey) was applied and the masking was removed.
     

     
    Undercarriage bays were painted next.
     

     
    Nose was masked up and painted red (quite a challenge) and the whole plane was given a clear gloss coat. Once this was dry I fitted the undercarriage struts.
     

     
    Decals went on next, very time consuming as they were very thin and fragile..
     

     
    Once the decals were dry, the wheels and undercarriage doors were fitted.
     

     
    I gave the Attacker a semi-gloss clear coat to seal the decals, de-masked the canopy and fixed into the open position and fitted the photo-etch aerials and the build was done.
     

     
    The obligatory cameo..
     

     
    Out in the fresh air.
     

     

     

     

     

     
    Till next time.
     
    TBG
  4. toboldlygo
    In an interesting diversion from the Trains, Planes and Armour - I've discovered a liking for ships..
     
    Building HMCS Snowberry for a client,  I got quite interested in the Flower Class and purchased the 2018 tooling of HMS Buttercup by Revell...
     
    The Kit...
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     
    Certainly not as many sprues and a lot less flash.
     
    The hull went together very quickly, no need for clamps!
     

     
     

     
     

     
    Painting the Hull & Deck(s)
     

     

     

     

     

     
    I used Vallejo Model Air paints (as per Snowberry), the colour scheme is quite different though!
     
    After giving the hull a clear gloss coat (Tamiya X-22) the decals were applied.
     

     
     

     
    Time to clean, paint, assemble and fit a few parts (predominately the rear depth charge racks)..
     

     

     
    Time for brief Cameo from HMCS Snowberry, alongside her little sister
     

     
    After a few semi-gloss coats of clear on the hull, more parts were cleaned up, painted & fitted to the stern of Buttercup..
     

     

     

     
    More to come, however till next time...
     
    TTFN
     
    Toboldlygo
     
    or
     
    James
     
     
  5. toboldlygo
    It's another superb kit from the often overlooked 1/48th Scale Military Miniature Series by Tamiya and being Tamiya it makes for quite a quick build. 
     
    The Kit is fairly new - this version is from 2018 according to Scalemates.
     

     
    Yep I started it on Saturday too  
     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    The only niggle with the kit is there are a couple of visible ejector pin marks on the side frames of the lower hull. Fortunately they are raised, so with a few swipes with a sanding stick they disappear  
     
    The build - blink and you'll miss it, the kit goes together very quickly.
     
    Lower Hull Construction..
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
     
    Adding the drive wheels, sprockets, idlers, etc..
     
     

     

     

     
     
    The lower hull goes MIA for a bit at this point - it will be back
     
    Upper hull - straight forward, but a lot of small parts that can get eaten by the carpet monster..
     

     

     
    Turret goes together beautifully too..
     

     
    Lower Hull is back from paint, after a few coats of Olive Drab - Vallejo Model Air Medium Olive is a close match to Tamiya's colour call out.
     

     
    I'm painting the road wheels at this point..
     

     
    Upper hull & turret in undercoat (Nato Black FYI)
     

     
    Tracks fitted - don't rush these.
     
    With the upper hull. turret & barrel back from paint - it's time to unite them and start adding the detailing parts..
     

     

     
    Adding those last parts before weathering..
     

     

     
    Fresh from the spray booth - just weathering powders to add.
     

     
    Nearly ready for her big reveal.
     

     
    Photo's taken under natural light..
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    And a cameo...
     

     
    Till next time
     
    TBG
     
     
  6. toboldlygo
    After nearly a month and half in the works Airfix's RAF Air Sea Rescue Launch is complete..
     
    Here's the story of her build (told mostly in pictures)..
     
    The kit dates back to 1978, the boxing I'm using is from 2013.
     

     
     

     
     

     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     
    Building her up - some swearing and a lot of sanding was needed!
     
     

     

     
     

     
     
    A few elastic bands too!
     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     
    For a sense of scale - next to 1/72nd scale Flower Class Corvette that I'm building for a client.
     
     

     
    In Primer
     

     
     
    And then in paint
     
     

     
     

     
     
    Adding the decals..
     
     

     
     

     
     
    Starting to add details
     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     
    Adding the rigging
     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     
    And fully armed..
     
     

     
     
    Weathered (well given an oil wash) and the RAF Ensign raised!
     
    Photo'd in natural light..
     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     
    And a cameo - the Attacker is back  
     
     

     
     
    Till next time (it won't be long)
     
     
    TBG
     
     
  7. toboldlygo
    On with the build - I've been busy..
     
    Up next I busied myself with clean up on various parts of the rear main gun - I also had to modify one part as it was a short-shot.
     

     
    I also painted and added a couple of the life buoys..
     

     
    The rear gun was added next..
     

     
    At this point I decided to add some of the rigging - lots of pennies in the swear jar!
     

     

     
    Then I got on with a job I'd put off, because of the clean up - the Hedgehog Anti-Submarine Mortars..
     

     

     
    These were painted and fitted to the ship.
     

     
    I went back in the instructions and cleaned up (there's a lot), assembled, painted and fitted a lot of parts (including the anchors & chains..
     

     

     

     
    Then I concentrated on getting the top deck of the bridge to fit, before painting - again there was a need for some plaster-card..
     

     
    I painted the side frames first and glued them in place using the upper deck to ensure alignment.
     

     
    The top deck was painted and glued in place. Once dry a few more bits were added.
     

     

     
    I would say I'm nearly there, but here's what's left on the sprues..
     

     
     
    That's almost all for now on this build (I'm build the remaining guns atm)
     
    Till next time
     
    TBG
     
     
     
  8. toboldlygo
    So in part 3, I'm building, painting and adding lot's of bits!
     
    Lot's of sanding was involved too lol
     
    First up was adding the boiler room structure. I opted to build this up on the ship, rather than a separate structure to ensure a better fit.
     

     
    Once I got it to fit right, it was painted and then glued in place.
     

     
    With this allowed to dry for a bit, I busied myself making up the various parts that go on to these bits of structure. These were painted and then glued in place and then the aftermarket handrail posts were fitted and rigged up with EZ-Line.
     

     

     
    The boiler room vents were then added and allowed to dry while I started work on the funnel.
     

     

     

     
    After painting the funnel and adding the detail parts (and rigging lines), the funnel was glued into place. Once dry the rigging lines were also glued into place. I also started adding bits to the engine room roof..
     

     

     

     
    With this done, I got on with assembling painting and fitting the mast and the ladders.
     

     
    While painting various bits for the engine room roof, I painted the skylights for the engine room.
     

     
    And finally I glued all the remaining parts I'd made on to the engine room roof. 
     

     
     
    That's all for now
     
    TBG
     
     
  9. toboldlygo
    Another shake and bake kit from Tamiya, this version of the kit is from 2014.
     
    The kit (some of the photo's are a bit naff in this part and I haven't included them, so apologies)
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    The build, as before I build up the lower hull and paint and add the tracks. However this one has an interior..
     

     

     
    With the lower hull built, I turned to the upper hull - this too had an interior (well shells).
     

     
    I chose to paint the upper hull and then fit, before adding the detailing parts and decals - I also weathered the interior with weathering powders..
     

     

     

     

     
    Then I got on with the turret - lots of detail there..
     

     

     

     
    Tenn it was final detailing and weathering..
     
    I added some resin detailing from Redoguk as well.
     

     

     

     
    The Final Reveal..
     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    And the cameo for the next Armour build..
     

     
    That's all for now.
     
    TBG
     
     
     
  10. toboldlygo
    Yes it's another Timber Track's kit, but with a Severn Models Photo-etch interior, some bits from Scale Model Scenery and a Modelu Signalman.
     
    Considering it's size this was quite a lengthy build:
     
    First up building the basic structure, this follows the general layers approach of a Timber Tracks kit.
     

     
    There's also a nifty jig to help build the staircase.
     

     
    I also had the challenge of building a photo-etch interior from Severn Models, the basic construction was fiddly, but straight forward.
     

     
    The interior is what took the time, as it all had to painted, glazing installed, provision for lighting included and of course painting the photo-etch (which for the most part was done by hand)
     

     

     

     

     
    Once this was done, the roof, chimney and gable ends were added.
     

     
    The slate roofing was then added and the painting began..
     

     

     
    The guttering and down-pipes were fitted and the painting completed.
     

     

     
    The Thornbury Nameplate was then added and the whole structure was weathered, before it big reveal..
     

     

     

     

     
    And that is definitely all on the buildings front till next year..
     
    Till next time
     
    TBG
     
     

  11. toboldlygo
    After about a 3 month break, I returned to HMCS Snowberry, my plan of action was simple, get the hull cleaned up, add some details to the forecastle and get the hull into painted..
     

     

     

     

     
     
     
    Hull cleaned up, more wooden decking removed and detailing added.
     

     
    Looking fine in Halfords Grey Primer
     

     

     
    While the primer was curing, I made a start on the main gun.
     

     
    In the spray booth - well mostly! Western Approaches colour scheme being applied, instead of mixing paints as per the Revell Instructions, I used close matches in the Vallejo Model Air Range (71.044 Grey RLM02, 71.101 Blue RLM78 & 71.121 Light Gull Grey). Yep I knocked off the rudder!
     

     
    With the Keel painted Anthracite Grey and the masking removed she was back on the workbench.
     

     
    More detail added to the main gun.
     

     
    Rudder refitted and screw installed.
     
    Roll on another 3 and a half months and she was back on the bench..
     

     
    A sense of scale, next to the RAF Rescue Launch - HMCS Snowberry is ready for her deck to be painted.
     

     

     
    Deck painted - Revell got the colour call out for the deck wrong!
     

     
    More details added, main gun deck installed.
     

     
    Gun shield decaled and wheel house fitted.
     

     
    More bits added, and more railings fitted.
     

     

     
    More bits added, it's endless building boxes and boy do they need clean up!
     
    That's all for now
     
    TBG
  12. toboldlygo
    Yet another Timber Tracks Kit, this one was far from straight-forward and could be said a bit of a Mojo killer.
     
    Build was hampered slightly by vague instructions, but as usual it went together very well.
     

     

     

     

     
    And yes I had the soldering Iron out again
     

     

     

     

     

     
    At this point I though I'd better work out the lighting..
     

     

     
    Then it was long task of painting the interior and exterior.
     

     

     

     

     
    Fitting the windows - including broken panes of glass.
     

     
    Then it was the task of installing the lighting.
     

     
    With the lighting installed, the roof could be closed up and the tiling added..
     

     

     

     
    Test fitting the veranda and chimney.
     

     

     
    Masking up to spray the roof.
     

     
    The slow process of painting and adding parts..
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    Fresh from weathering, the lighting was tested.
     

     

     
    And the final photo's
     

     

     
    That's all for this build
     
    TBG
  13. toboldlygo
    So two build's for the price of one here..
     
    First up the Sand House, this was a straight-forward build apart from the curving the roof and also had lighting to install.
     

     
    Completely built
     

     

     
    Part way painting
     

     
    Installing the lighting
     

     
    Painting almost done.
     

     
    I also painted the interior
     

     
    Fresh from Weathering
     

     
    Testing the lighting and then outside for a photo-shoot.
     

     

     

     
    Up next was the Stable Block, this took a bit more time to build and again would have lighting.
     

     

     
     

     

     

     
    Then it was priming and paint..
     

     
    And then some weathering..
     

     
    Testing the lighting
     

     
    And outside for a photo-shoot.
     

     

     

     
    That's all for these builds
     
    TBG
  14. toboldlygo
    I thought it was about time that I caught up with a few builds that I haven't done blog entries on...
     
    This is the first and possibly the biggest, namely the ex-Matchbox tooled Revell 1/72nd Scale Flower Class Corvette..
     
    Early on in the year, a client (who I do Railway Commissions for), asked me if I'd entertain building him HMCS Snowberry and I said yes..
     
    So back in May I started on the hull..
     

     
    One huge box of bits 
     

     
    First job, build the stand
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    Assembling the hull - it put up a fight!
     

     

     

     

     
    Adding the deck (including removing planking) and lower superstructure.
     

     
    A handy reference guide.
     

     

     

     

     
    Making a few adjustments and doing some filling.
     
    That's all for part 1, part 2 will be up shortly
     
    TBG
     
     
  15. toboldlygo
    Hot on the heels of the Tempest and defying my normal convention of posting a cameo of my next build - as I have three unfinished (and I'm unmotivated to finish them yet), I opted for a quick and simple build instead.
     
    I've had the Attacker in my stash for nearly a year, so I thought what the hell let's build it. 
     
    Up first here's what's in the box...
     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    The sprues a clean a crisp, no shorts or burring and a minimal flash.
     
    I assembled the cockpit and jet pipe, I opted not to paint them as on test fitting within the fuselage the tolerances a very tight - so painting before will cause problems..
     

     
    The ejector seat is dry fitted, as this can be fitted after painting.
     

     
    Something of note - fit the intakes, before gluing the fuselage halves together, as it makes getting decent fit easier.
     

     
    Fuselage glued together, it needs only minor filling.
     

     
    Wings and tail planes assembled - no issues though some minor filling is needed around the cannon.
     

     
    Tail-planes fitted with no issue. However the wing need so fettling to fit and then to remove the anhedral - nothing major.
     

     
    Wings corrected a few lumps and bumps added.
     

     
    Belly auxiliary fuel tank* and arrestor hook fitted. * The tank doesn't have to be fitted, but it covers a lot of joints  
     

     
    Flaps fitted and ready for some Mr Surfacer 1000.
     
    That's all for now
     
    TBG
  16. toboldlygo
    Better late than never, I get on with finishing the Churchill Build:
     
    Completed turret dry fitted to the hull, trailer assembled (wheels not glued) and some minor filling:
     

     

     

     
    With the tracks masked up, it was time to get on the under coats
     

     

     

     
    The tank and trailer were then sprayed Dark Green, while various other detailing parts where painted. Once everything was dry the Churchill re-assembled and the parts glued into place carefully.
     

     

     
    Once everything had dried thoroughly the Decals where added (all 5 of them)
     

     
    She was then returned to the paintshop for initial weathering..
     

     
    I then attacked her with weathering powders, before declaring her finished.
     

     

     

     

     

     

     
     

     
     

     
    Oh and not one, but two cameo's..
     

     

     
    Which one am I currently building?
     
    Till next time
     
    TTFN
     
    James
  17. toboldlygo
    Yes it's another Tank and I'm not going bore anyone with a blow by detail build - it's a Shake and bake kit.
     
    The kit was introduced in 2018 as part of Tamiya's 1/48th Scale Military Miniature Series (No.94). It's gives the option to build either the Crocodile Variant or a standard Mk.VII Churchill.
     
    The box-art, instructions, frames, etc.
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    Part One of the build.
     
    Though I follow the instructions for the most part, I do make sure I get all the bits fitted to the lower hull before painting it.
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    This went together in an afternoon and evening, a couple of minor niggles, and a little filling was needed..
     
    Till Part 2
     
    TTFN
     
    James
  18. toboldlygo
    On with Part 2 of the build and to be honest there was much left to do..
     
    Decals were applied, some of which needed an awful lot of Microsol to sit down properly - was going to do Option B on the decal scheme, but opted scheme A instead. I also fitted the towing cable after the decals had gone off and started off the weathering with some dry brushing using Vallejo Model Air Rust & Dark Umber.
     

     
    I then put on a clear coat of Tamiya Flat Clear and Vallejo Wash (Black) these were allowed to dry thoroughly, before any more weathering was done.
     

     
    After Airbrushing on some more dirt, I was delighted to see that my resin aftermarket stowage kit arrived early and trialled out where I would put a few bits.
     

     
    The resin parts were then primed and painted and glued into place with Glue N Glaze, I then added some securing ropes using EZ Line. Once the glue had set, I went to work with the weathering powders and the Cromwell was done..
     

     
    Overall a nice quick kit to build - will I build another Tank, quite possibly  
     
    So here's the finished Cromwell out in the open..
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    That's all for this build, till next time.
     
    TBG
     
    Edit: 20/11/2019 Forgot the Cameo didn't I? Well here it is 
     

     
  19. toboldlygo
    So in a brief interlude from the Attacker build (waiting for the filler to cure properly), I decided on a quick build. This kit arrived Thursday morning:
     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    The parts removed very cleanly from the sprue and only need a minimum of clean up.
     

     

     
    Though an older tooling (2006) the fit was very good.
     
    Obviously I've diverged slightly from the instructions because of painting..
     

     
    To give some extra weight the lower hull is die-cast, so super glue is needed to glue the front & rear panels to the lower hull.
     

     
    At this point the wheels and tracks should be fitted, however I decided to make things easier and build up the top of the hull and the turret (the top of the hull is secured to the bottom half of the hull by two screws)
     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    Next wheels, lower hull and the underside of the topside of the hull painted.
     

     
    The wheels, idlers & drive sprockets where glued to the lower hull and the tracks returned from paint.
     

     
    With the tracks assembled and fitted the hull could be closed up finally and a Cromwell appears.
     

     
    With some minor filling and clean up done, the tracks where masked up and it was ready for paint.
     

     
    A coat of Nato Black was applied.
     

     
    Then a shadow coat of Insignia White
     

     
    After several coats of Dark Green and some details painted the Cromwell is nearly ready for Decals.
     

     
    A photo taken under more different lighting.
     

     
    That's all for now.
     
    TBG
     
  20. toboldlygo
    Time for Part 4...
     
    So where I'd left it, there were bits painted & part painted and a Tempest waiting for them...
     
    With the silver parts retrieved from the loft and the wheel centres masked so the tyres could be repainted - these were sent back to the spray-booth. The undercarriage doors were fitted to the main legs and the dry fitted to the plane - along with various other undercarriage & underside parts (saves glue & paint going everywhere), before gluing into place with Tamiya Extra Thin Cement. These were left to dry, before any touch up paint was done.
     

     
    With the wheels back from paint, these were test fitted (the holes needed opening up). Once I was satisfied with the fit - these were glued into place using Roket Odourless. I also started doing some of the weathering with powders at this point (Tamiya).
     

     
    With the Glue set, the Tempest sat on her wheels for the first time.. 
     
    ... before anyone comments, yes she does look like an early jet 
     

     
    The canopy was glued in place, as was the very fine photo-etch Aerial and the undercarriage locked down indicators (this are very small)...
     

     
    With the prop painted and weathered, this was fitted..
     

     
    And with the weathering done - it's time for the final reveal..
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    No cameo of the next build you cry, well you may of well already seen it  
     
    That's all for now
     
    TBG
  21. toboldlygo
    On with part 3...
     
    Progressed slowed to numerous railway commissions anyhow fresh from paint and after some touching up, I painted and fitted the engine exhausts..
     

     
    I then masked up to do the partial invasion stripes..
     

     

     
    Once everything was dry, I gave the Tempest a gloss coat of Tamiya Clear in prep for the decals..
     

     

     
    Once this had cured I decaled the underside
     

     
    .. and put it back in the box due to railway commissions.
     
    Roll on 5 weeks later and recommenced decalling.
     

     

     

     

     
    While doing the decals I started painting the prop.
     

     
    Once the decals had dried sufficiently, I sealed them in with a few coats of Tamiya Flat Clear and gave the Tempest a few coats of Vallejo Oil Wash and then removed the masking.
     

     
    As of today there's a plane and a lot of painted (or partially painted bits)
     

     
    That's all for now
     
    TBG
     
  22. toboldlygo
    Better late than never, here's part 2 of the Tempest V build:
     
    With some light fettling the wings were assembled and fitted to the fuselage.
     

     

     

     
    Rudder, tail-planes & ailerons were added next:
     

     

     
    The fuselage base for the canopy was also dry fitted at this point.
     
    A cameo from her troublesome elder sister
     

     
    I had some aftermarket arrive..
     

     

     
    Some parts painted & fitted. Plus prep done for painting.
     

     

     

     

     

     
     
    Canopy assembled & prop assembled, plus resin exhausts
     test fitted.
     

     

     
    Let the painting begin..
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    Part 3 coming really soon
     
    TBG
     

  24. toboldlygo
    Late last year, I brought the elderly Revell (ex Frog) Shackleton MR.3 kit with all intention to build it..
     

     
    Then early this year I saw photo's of a new MR.3 version, but couldn't find any info on it..
     
    Then last week I saw it in one of Phil Flory's live shows on Flory Models, a brief visit to Amazon and she was ordered and the Shack 3 arrived a day early on Tuesday.
     
    I've decided to a mini sprue review, before I eventually can get started on the kit...
     
    The box info:
     
    Kit No. 03873 209 Parts Length 39 cm Width 50.7 cm 2 decal options  

     
    The box is Revell's (annoying) end opening type.
     

     
    The instruction booklet is full colour and 28 pages in length (last two are relatively blank).
     

     
    There are 2 decal options: MR.3 (Phase.2) 206 Squadron, RAF, Kinloss, Scotland 1965 & MR.3 (Phase.3*) 42 Squadron, RAF, St. Mawgan, Cornwall, 1970.
     
    *Yes you've read it correctly - there's a pair of Viper's in the box!
     

     
     
    The decal sheet is printed in Italy, so it maybe by Cartograph..
     

     
    Sprue A - this comprises of the top halves of the wings, the main spar and various cockpit parts. The mouldings are crisp and well executed, with a wealth of detail - however there is some minor flash and some sink marks towards the trailing edge of wings (annoying, but fixable).
     

     
    Sprue B consists of the lower wing halves, the Phase 2 outboard engine nacelles, flaps and other small parts.
     

     
    Sprue C consists of the rear fuselage halves & tail assemblies.
     

     
    Sprue's D,E.F, consists of props, engine, inboard engine nacelle, undercarriage parts and few other parts (there's two of each sprue)
     

     
    Sprue I - these are parts unique the MR.3, the different nose, wing tips and of course the Viper equipped outboard engines for the Phase 3 aircraft.
     

     
    Sprues K & L again these contain parts unique to the MR.3
     

     
    Sprues M & O are the glazing, it's clarity is ok for the scale, but is far from perfect - especially when you compare it with the Airfix Shackleton's glazing.
     
    Final verdict (till I've built it), it's a decent kit and excellent value, plus compares very well with the Airfix Shacks (and revelation compared to the ex-Frog Shorty Shack), but is letdown with some minor QC issues. I'll give it 3 and 3 quarter stars out of 5 for now.
     
    That's all for now
     
    TBG
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