West Middlesex Scale Model Club

RAF Air Sea Rescue Launch

RAF Air Sea Rescue Launch - 1/72nd scale scale Airfix kit of the British Power Boats Type 2 high-speed RAF Air - Sea Rescue (ASR) launch, known as the "Whaleback" from the distinctive shape of the deck and the beautiful sculpted lines of the hull.
Powered by 3 Napier Sea Lion engines of 500 hp each, the 63ft long boat had a maximum speed of around 36 knots with a range of about 500 miles. Defensive armament was provided by 2 turret mounted 0.303 Vickers machine guns, twin machine guns mounted on either side of the pilot house and a 20 mm Oerlikon cannon on the rear deck. The crew consisted of Captain, medical orderly and 7 sailors.
The RAF ASR motto was “The Sea Shall Not Have Them”, and many aircrews owed their lives to the ability of the launch and its crews to be able to detect and rescue them with speed and efficiency. The model was built out of the box with the addition of Ez-Line for the rigging.

Stanier Corridor

Stanier Corridor Brake Coach, Dapol OO scale, OOB build.

William Stanier (1876-1965) became Chief Mechanical Engineer of the London Midland and Scottish (LMS) Railways in 1932. Soon after his appointment, he focused on refurbishing and standardising the coaching stock of the LMS and developed coaches that later became known as Stanier Coaches. These designs were extremely popular and successful and many were still in service in the mid 1960’s. There are many examples of these coaches operating on Heritage Railways throughout the UK today.
This Dapol OO gauge model of a 57 foot Stanier Corridor Brake Coach (BR Midland region, ex LMS) is derived from refurbished Airfix / Mainline / Rosebud tooling purchased by Dapol in the 1980s.
The model was built out of the box with addition of some internal glazing.

Sea Hawk F1

Hawker Sea Hawk F1 - Frog, 1/72nd scale.

The Hawker Sea Hawk F1 first flew in 1951, entering service with the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm (FAA) two years later with 806 Squadron.
The F1 was armed with four 20mm Hispano Mk V cannons. It was powered by a single 5,000 lbf thrust Rolls-Royce Nene 101 turbojet. The F1 had a maximum speed of 599 mph at sea level and a range of 800 miles on internal fuel. It is considered by many as one of the most elegant of Sydney Camm’s designs.
This kit was produced by Frog in the early 1950s and represented the cutting edge of kits in its day. The model has been built out of the box, deleting the undercarriage and the moulded pilot’s head, but with addition of Modeldecal transfers. Finishing is a mixture of Humbrol aerosol spray and brush painted enamels.

De Havilland Heron

De Havilland Heron, Airfix 1/72nd scale.

This Airfix 1/72nd scale kit of the De Havilland DH114 Heron was first released in 1958. An excellent kit in its day, it still builds into an accurate and pleasing replica of this elegant 4-engined light transport aircraft. The type was used by many airlines around the world, but also by the RAF’s Queen’s Flight, and in the case of this aircraft, G-AORG, by the Royal Navy for over 20 years. This model was built out of the box, painted with Humbrol spray enamels and decorated using the kit transfers.
You can see a video of this particular aircraft here (YouTube).

Mogul 2-6-0

BR Standard 4 Mogul 2-6-0 ca 1950, Dapol, OO/HO Scale.

This is another one of the Dapol (ex Rosebud / Airfix) range of OO / HO scale steam locomotive kits. The moulds must be at least 50 years old now, and the kit shows its age, but nevertheless it makes up into a pleasing rendition of one of British Railway’s standardised designs of the 1950s that were to be found on general haulage duties in the North West and Scotland. The appellation "Mogul" was given to locos having a 2-6-0 wheel arrangement.
Built OOB with additional Fox and Modelmaster transfers.

Type VIIC U-boat

Type VIIC U-boat, U203. Revell 1/72nd scale.
This is Revell’s big kit (1.1 metre long) of the Type VIIC U-boat (unterseeboot). The model was built oob and was finished with a variety of Humbrol acrylic spray and brush paints. I used Ez - line for the rigging and Humbrol weathering powders and washes. The kit is superb and goes together very well. The only challenge is dealing with the size of the model.
U203 met her end in the North Atlantic on 25 th April 1943 when she was sunk by a Fairey Swordfish aircraft of 811 Fleet Air Arm squadron flying from HMS Biter. The U boat “Wolf packs” were rightly feared by the crews of ships sailing on North Atlantic convoys. However, as aircraft radar capabilities improved and RAF Coastal Command aircraft became more capable, the pendulum swung in favour of the Allies and increasing numbers of U boats were sunk. By the end of the war, 28,000 German U boat sailors had been lost at sea, representing no less than 70% of the 40,000 U boat crews.

City of Truro

City of Truro locomotive, Dapol, OO scale.

City of Truro was built at Swindon in 1903 for the Great Western Railway (GWR) company to a design by George Churchward. It was partially rebuilt in 1911 and 1915, and renumbered 3717 in 1912. Whilst hauling the "Ocean Mails" special from Plymouth to London Paddington on 9 May 1904, City of Truro was timed at 8.8 seconds between two quarter-mile posts, corresponding to a speed of 102.3 mph (164.6 km/h). In the light of this, some consider the locomotive was the first to attain the speed of 100 miles per hour (160.9 km/h). Since then, this claim has been the subject of debate.
This OO scale kit is one of the surviving ex Rosebud / Kitmaster / Airfix range, now produced by Dapol. It was built “out of the bag” with no modifications apart from Modelmaster nameplates, transfers and numberplates.

Hunter F.4

Hawker Hunter F.4, WV322 in 43 (Fighting Cocks) Squadron colours ca. 1957. Academy, 1/48th scale kit.

This is a single seat Hawker Hunter F4, WV322. In 1959, she was returned to Hawker at Blackpool for conversion to a 2 seat T8C for the Royal Navy to be used as a Buccaneer pilot trainer. Service with the RAF followed before being sold to a private owner in 2001. I was fortunate to have a flight in WV322 as a 60th birthday present in 2007. It is my future intention to build a model of this aircraft in its 2 seat form when I flew in her.
The model is the Academy 1/48th kit. Conversion work required removal of the wing leading edge extensions and modifications to the tailpipe. I used Fantasy print shop transfers to supplement those in the kit.
On the bench at the moment is a Bristol Superfreighter (aka by pilots as the Bristol Frightener), surely one of the ugliest aircraft to fly?

Bristol Mk.32 Superfreighter

Bristol Mk.32 Superfreighter, Airfix, 1/72nd scale.

My latest build of the old Airfix kit - I can remember building this kit as a boy, 55 - 60 years ago! - of the Bristol Mk32 Superfreighter, known to pilots, with much justification it seems, as the Bristol Frightener, (or more affectionately as Biffo....remember the comic character Biffo the Bear in the Beano) as its single engine handling was challenging to say the least!
The kit was built OOB, using Halfords and Humbrol aerosol sprays, with Silver City transfers by S and M Decals. The 2 cars (Mini Cooper and Morris 1000 convertible) are 1/72nd scale by Cararama and Classix Transport Treasures respectively.
In service the aircraft could accommodate 3 family sized cars (that's 1950's size cars!) and up to 20 passengers on routes from the Kent coast to northern France. Many people have fond memories watching these aircraft at Lydd and Lympne airports. Competition from cross Channel ferries eventually drove the service out of business.

Percival Provost

Pervical Provost T1, Matchbox, 1/72nd scale.

This is the Percival Provost T1, built OOB from an ancient Matchbox kit, representing an aircraft of the Central Flying School based at Little Rissington. Matchbox were quite adventurous with their choice of subjects, moulding their kits in 2 or 3 colours for those who felt disinclined to paint their model. However, they were generally accurate but characterised by deeply engraved panel lines. The Provost entered service with the RAF in 1953, replacing the unloved and unlovely Percival Prentice. Powered by a 550hp Alvis Leonides radial engine, it was a fully aerobatic advanced trainer, serving the RAF until replaced by its jet powered development, the Jet Provost.

1930 Bentley

This is the Airfix 1/12th scale 1930 4.5 litre “Blower” Bentley.
Built out of the box but with addition of wire mesh fronting the radiator, carburettors, fuel tank and headlights.
Paints were Humbrol aerosols.The kit is in many ways straightforward to build, but I had a number of problems, the main challenge being to align the radiator and the bonnet.
This model represents one of a team of 3 similar cars entered by Sir Henry “Tim” Birkin in the 1930 Le Mans 24-hour road race. Birkin had worked with supercharger expert Amherst Villiers to modify the standard 4.5 litre Bentley, achieving a power output of 240 bhp in comparison to the 110 bhp of the standard unblown 4.5 litre engine. However, W.O.Bentley’s prediction of the unreliability of the supercharged engine came true, with the car having to retire after 20 hours due to engine problems.
Having a wheelbase of 3 metres and weighing almost 2 tonnes, the Bentleys were christened “les camions plus vite” (racing lorries).

Supermarine Swift

Supermarine Swift FR5 1/72 model by Xtrakit
The Supermarine Swift entered service with the RAF in 1954, after a protracted development.
Like its stablemate, the Hawker Hunter, the Swift initially suffered from a variety of aerodynamic and equipment problems. Early versions were quickly withdrawn, but after extensive development, the FR5 emerged, entering RAF service in 1956.
In the photo-reconnaissance role, the Swift finally began to show promise as a Cold War warrior, eventually serving with distinction with RAF Germany until superseded by Hunter FR10s in 1961. Some kits are an enjoyable build. This one, for me, was not one of them. I built the kit “out of the box” and used a mixture of Tamiya acrylic brush painting and trusty Humbrol aerosols. The decals were a nightmare, either refusing to part company from the backing paper, or annoyingly, then folding themselves into a tight ball or worse, fragmenting into small pieces floating around the saucer of water! The markings represent an aircraft serving with 2 Sqn. ca. 1961.

Douglas DC-3

Douglas DC-3 Dakota 1/72nd scale
These aircraft were known in British European Airways (BEA, which some said stood for “Back Every Afternoon”) service as the “Pionair”. They served BEA well in the late 1940s and 1950s. It was said that the only replacement for the DC3 was another DC3! This is the Airfix 1/72nd kit built OOB but with Aircraft in Miniature Transport Wings transfers. The transfers were a bit of a challenge, being very fragile. However, following some advice from a fellow Club member, a spray coat of clear lacquer improved matters greatly. The kit has been re-tooled and goes together quite well. My first ever flight in an aeroplane was in 1955, aboard a BEA Pionair from Southampton (known then as Eastleigh Airport) to Jersey. The air hostess (as they were then known) gave us barley sugar sweets to suck (to make one swallow and equalise the pressure on the eardrums) and cotton wool to put in one’s ears to reduce the din from the engines! Oh happy days.
Having seen the recently released decal set, I could not resist making the model as a reminder of that flight.

Spitfire TR9

Supermarine Spifire TR9, The model is by the Czech manufacturer AZ Models, and was built “out of the box”.
This is a model of one of a number of 2 seat Spitfires operating from various locations across southern England, providing flight experiences (at a price!) to members of the public.
2 seat Spitfires, based on Mark IX airframes, were built immediately after WWII, for the Indian, Dutch and Irish Air Forces. A small number of these found their way into private hands following military service, and together with a number of new 2 seat conversions, are now doing brisk business. This particular Spitfire Tr9 MJ 627 is operated by The Heritage Hangar at Biggin Hill.
A good friend flew in this aircraft in October 2018, and so I decided to build this model as a memento for him. The kit goes together quite nicely, and to my eye at least, captures the graceful looks of the original, even though the second cockpit is rather bulbous and obtrusive. It was finished with Humbrol and Halfords acrylic aerosol sprays.

Fiat Mephistopheles

The Fiat Mephistopheles (known in Italian as Mefistofele) is a one-off racing car created by Ernest A.D. Eldridge in 1923 by combining a Fiat racing car chassis and Fiat aeroplane engine.
The name is from the demon of the same name, alluding to the infernal noise emitted from the unmuffled engine exhaust.
Eldridge broke the World Land Speed Record on 12 July 1924 with the Mephistopheles, by driving at 146.0 mph in Arpajon France, being the last car to set a land speed record on a public road.
This model was built out of the box from the Italeri 1/12th scale kit with the exception of the drive chains. Having made a total mess of the kit chain components I was driven to buying Tamiya 1/6th scale motorcycle chains, themselves a source of much frustration whilst assembling. The kit is assembled partly with tiny screws and partly with conventional adhesives. Paints are Humbrol aerosols with brushed acrylic in some small areas.
This was a challenging build, not helped by vague and inaccurate instructions. At 500mm long, it’s quite an impressive model.

AEC Routemaster

AEC Routemaster, 1/24 scale OOB
The AEC Routemaster double-decker bus designed by London Transport and built by the Associated Equipment Company (AEC) and Park Royal Vehicles. The first Routemasters entered service with London Transport in February 1956 and the last were withdrawn from regular service in December 2005. However, they can still be seen in service on some “Heritage” routes around London. The instruction booklet is fairly good, but there were some anomalies and vagaries that caused head scratching. Overall, it was great fun to build, the parts fitting beautifully, many not requiring cement to hold together. BUT, when time came for final assembly I found that the front and rear sections would just not fit properly. Eventually, after a lot of squeezing and clamping I got a reasonable fit, but it was an unwelcome end to what had been an enjoyable build. The large decals looked a bit challenging but with the help of Micro Sol, they adhered to the bodywork very well. Paints were Humbrol or Halfords “rattle cans”.

Bugatti 100P

Bugatti 100P 1/48 scale by Planet models OOB
Ettore Bugatti was best known for his luxury road cars and high-performance racing cars. In 1938, in conjunction with his chief engineer, Louis de Monge, he started work on an aircraft design to compete in the Deutsch de la Meurthe Cup Race. The airframe design was revolutionary with two Bugatti car engines driving two contra rotating propellers. The design was revolutionary, but before the aircraft could fly, it was put into storage when the Germans invaded France. After WWII ended, it was sold to an American, who wanted the engines. The airframe eventually found its way to the EAA Pioneer Airport Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin where it remains to this day.
This was the first resin kit I have built. The parts count of this Planet Models kit is low, with the wings and fuselage cast as one piece. The one downside is that the canopy is supplied as a vac form which I found difficult to deal with. Fortunately, two are supplied, which was just as well as I made a mess of the first. Humbrol and Halfords spray paints were used. The characteristic Bugatti blue was supplied by a custom aerosol paint supplier.

RMS Mauretania

RMS Mauretania 1/600 scale by Airfix OOB
RMS Mauretania was an ocean liner launched in 1906. She held both the eastbound and westbound Blue Riband speed records for 20 years until 1934 when Cunard White Star retired her.
This is a kit by Airfix, originally issued in 1964. Given the kit’s age, and the scale, detail is adequate and the fit of parts is good. This is the first ship model that I have built, and the completed model is, to me at least, pleasing to the eye, capturing the majestic elegance of liners of those days. I built it OOB, and used Humbrol and Halfords spray paints.

Red Arrows Hawk

BAE Hawk, Revell 1/32 OOB
The BAE Systems Hawk is a British single-engine, jet-powered advanced trainer aircraft. It was first flown at Dunsfold, Surrey, in 1974. It has been used in a training capacity and as a low-cost combat aircraft.
Operators of the Hawk include the Royal Air Force (notably the Red Arrows display team) and a considerable number of foreign military operators. The Hawk is still in production in the UK, with over 900 Hawks sold to 18 operators around the world.
This is the Revell 1/32nd scale kit of the Hawk in RAF Red Arrows colours. It was built out of the box, and finished with Halfords or Humbrol aerosol sprays. The only difficulty I had was when I came to mask up the canopy for painting. Somehow, the adhesive on the masking tape, paint and Revell’s clear styrene produced an irremovable mess. Fortunately, Revell’s spare part service came to the rescue.

Fairey Gannet

Fairey Gannet, 1/72 Frog/Novo
The Fairey Gannet was a British carrier-borne aircraft developed for the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm (FAA) by the Fairey Aviation Company to meet the FAA's carrier borne anti-submarine warfare and strike requirements. It was a mid-wing monoplane with a crew of three, powered by an Armstrong Siddeley Double Mamba engine driving two contra-rotating propellers.
This is the 1/72nd kit produced by Frog in the late 1950s and subsequently by Novo in Russia. It’s very basic, having no cockpit detail, moulded pilot’s heads and no recessed wheel wells. Nonetheless, it makes up into a decent model that looks like a Gannet. I built it out of the box with the only addition being the decals from an Xtradecal sheet to represent an aircraft of 825 Sqn based at RNAS Culdrose in 1957. Paints were Humbrol spray and brushed Xtracrylic.

Gloster Javelin FAW9

Gloster Javelin FAW9 1/72 by Airfix
The Gloster Javelin was a twin-engined T-tailed delta-wing subsonic night and all-weather interceptor aircraft that served with the RAF until the late 1960s. It was introduced in 1956 after a lengthy development period and during its lifetime received several upgrades to its engines, radar and weapons, which included the De Havilland Firestreak air-to-air missile.
This is the Airfix 1/72nd kit, and was built OOB. Kit decals were used and paints were trusty Humbrol and Halfords acrylic sprays.

Avro Shackleton

Avro Shackleton 1/72 model by Frog
The Avro Shackleton was a British long-range maritime patrol aircraft developed during the late 1940s and used by the RAF and the South African Air Force between 1951 and 1991 as part of Britain's military response to the rapid expansion of the Soviet Navy, in particular its submarine force. This is the Frog 1/72nd kit, first released in the early 1960s, and notable for the raised rivets. Notwithstanding this, it still makes up into a decent representation of this impressive aircraft nicknamed “The Growler” in acknowledgement of the sound of its 4 RR Griffon engines. Built out of the box to represent the final mark, an MR3 phase 3 (with auxiliary Viper jet engines) of 206 Squadron RAF. Paints were Humbrol and Halfords spray cans.

Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza

1/12th scale Italeri Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza
The Alfa Romeo 8C is considered one of the most famous sports cars of the 1930’s. The 8C designation referred to the 8-cylinder in-line supercharged engine of 2336 cc. Displaying excellent reliability, the 8C won many international racing car competitions of the period. Its name is inexorably linked with the famous Italian racing driver Tazio Nuvolari who won many competitions in the car, including the Targa Florio race in Sicily and the prestigious Italian Grand Prix at Monza, this victory giving the “Monza” name to the twin seater GP car. This kit was built oob. Instructions were vague in places and colour guidance was minimal to say the least. Nonetheless, it went together quite well, some parts being secured with minute screws and nuts. The car was painted with Halfords Ford Colorado Red. This kit is not cheap, being priced at ca. £150. Just as well that I have built it for a friend who paid for it!

Lightning T5

English Electric (BAC) Lightning T5, 1/72 scale by Matchbox
The English Electric Lightning was a British fighter aircraft that served as an interceptor during the 1960s, 1970s and into the late 1980s. It was the only UK-designed-and-built fighter capable of Mach 2, originally conceived and developed as an interceptor to defend the V bomber airfields from attack by nuclear-armed supersonic Soviet bombers. The Lightning had an exceptional rate of climb, ceiling, and speed, but the limited fuel supply meant that its missions were limited in range.
This is the Matchbox kit of the 2 seat T5 trainer variant. I am not sure how old this kit was, but the price sticker on the box was for £1.10p. Despite its age, it went together well and I built it oob to represent an aircraft of 226 Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) based at Coltishall in 1970. The aircraft wears the markings of its “shadow” squadron, no 145. These markings came from a Modeldecal sheet of similar vintage to the kit.

Hunter FGA9

Hawker Hunter FGA9, 1/32 scale by Revell
Widely regarded as one of the most elegant aircraft, the Hawker Hunter first flew in 1951, serving with the RAF and the FAA from 1954 until the 1990s, fulfilling fighter, reconnaissance, ground attack and training roles. It was widely exported and also built under licence overseas. This is the Revell kit of the Hunter FGA9, the penultimate version to see RAF service. It was built oob, and finished with Humbrol and Halfords aerosol paints. The markings represent an aircraft of 1 Squadron, based at West Raynham in 1963.
I would like to acknowledge the help given by fellow Club member Graham James, who successfully rescued the canopy after I had made a mess of it.

Hawker Sea Fury

Hawker Sea Fury, 1/72 by Frog built 'out of the bag'
The Sea Fury was the last propeller-driven fighter to serve with the Royal Navy and was one of the fastest production aircraft ever built. powered by a 3,000 hp Bristol Centaurus 18-cylinder sleeve valve engine. The Sea Fury entered service in 1947 and was retired from the Fleet Air Arm in 1953. It proved to be a popular aircraft with a number of overseas militaries, and was used during the Korean War.
It represents an aircraft of 802 FAA Squadron embarked on HMS Ocean during the Korean War in 1952. Despite its age, parts fitted well. However, the decals had suffered over time and I had to search my spares box for some replacements. Otherwise, it was an enjoyable build. Paints were Humbrol enamel and Humbrol aerosol spray.

Hawker Hunter T66A

Hawker Hunter T66A G-APUX, 1/72 OOB by Xtrakit with the addition of Alley Cats 350 gallon drop tanks
Hawker Hunter T66A was a composite 2 seat Hunter, built from a damaged Belgian single seat F6 bought back by Hawkers, and a 2-seat nose originally built for display at the Paris Salon. From 1959 it was used as a demonstration aircraft, with the civilian registration G-APUX. Finished in a striking red and white finish, it was used for promotional displays and in evaluations. It was later sold to Chile as a T.72.
A nice kit with few build problems. Decals were from the spares box with the Union Jacks on the fin being custom made by fellow Club member Graham James.
Paints were the trusty Humbrol and Halfords aerosols

HS Buccaneer S2

Hawker Siddeley (Blackburn) Buccaneer S2, 1/72 by Airfix
The Buccaneer was designed as a carrier based anti-shipping aircraft designed to fly at very low levels at just subsonic speed. The S1 version entered Royal Navy service in 1962, these aircraft suffering a series of accidents due to insufficient power from the Gyron Junior engines. This deficiency was addressed in the S.2 version, equipped with more powerful Rolls-Royce Spey jet engines.
This is the Airfix kit released about 20 years ago. Fit of parts was OK and I decided to build it as a FAA aircraft of 800 Squadron on HMS Eagle using Airdecal transfers.
Paints were the trusty Halfords and Humbrol aerosols.

Piper Super Cub

1/48th scale Super Cub kit, kit by Minicraft OOB
The Piper PA-18 Super Cub is a two-seat, single-engine monoplane. Introduced in 1949 by Piper Aircraft, it traces its lineage to the Taylor E-2 Cub of the 1930s. In close to 40 years of production, over 10,000 were built.
I decided to build it as G-ECUB, an aircraft based at White Waltham and flown by a friend who has now given up flying. I put the model in a case and presented it to my friend as a memento of his flying days. Finished with Humbrol and Halfords aerosol sprays with some homemade decals.

Ferrari 312B

Ferrari 312B, 1/12 scale model by Tamiya built OOB
Ferrari introduced a new 'Boxer' flat-12 engine for 1970, and built a new car for it, the Ferrari 312B. Jacky Ickx, Clay Regazzoni and Mario Andretti won five GPs out of six from the 1970 Austrian GP onwards.This model represents the car as driven by Jacky Ickx in 1970. The fit of some parts was not good, and in places the instructions were vague or incomplete. Nonetheless, it built into a good replica of this fine looking F1 racing car.

Trident 3B

Trident 3B, 1/144 scale by F-RSIN
The De Havilland Trident was built to a BEA specification. What emerged was a superb aerodynamic design but was commercially damaged by BEA changing its requirements, effectively preventing the aircraft to be competitive with the Boeing 727. Nonetheless, the Trident gave good service with BEA on short and medium haul routes. This is the F-RSIN injection moulded kit of the DH / BAe Trident 3B.
Generally, the kit went together well, although some parts were a little crude by mainstream standards. Paints were XtraColour BEA enamel colours applied by brush.

Bugatti type 50 transporter

Bugatti Type 50 racing car transporter. The Type 50 is converted from a Heller 1/24th kit and the Type 35 is a Franklin Mint 1/24th die cast model.
This is a “what if” model, depicting how a wealthy owner of a 1931 Type 50 Bugatti might have had his car converted to transport his 1925 Type 35 F1 Bugatti to and from racing circuits.
Conversion raised a few challenges, but after a few false starts, it came together. Paint was trusty Humbrol and Halfords aerosol sprays.

Tiger Moth

de Havilland Tiger Moth, 1/32 scale model by ICM
The Tiger Moth first flew in 1931. It entered service with the RAF as a primary trainer in 1932 and remained in that role until finally replaced by the de Havilland Chipmunk in 1959 after nearly 9000 had been built. Numerous Tiger Moths remain in private hands.
This is built out of the box as a model of an aircraft once owned by a colleague. The build was relatively straightforward; however, rigging was a challenge. This was finally accomplished using Ez line. Some of the decals were home made with others from the spares box.

Renault RE20 turbo

Renault RE20 Turbo, 1/12th scale kit by Tamiya
The Renault RE20 was powered by a 1.5L turbocharged Renault Gordini EF1 engine, which by 1981 was producing a reported 520 bhp. It pioneered the use of turbocharging and aerodynamic downward force produced by the body undertray. It secured 3 wins in the 1980 GP season, being replaced in 1982 by the RE20B.
This kit, first produced in the mid 1980s. It is a complex kit of a complex subject, built OOB. The sub-assemblies (engine, gearbox, suspension etc.) go together very nicely, but I found difficulty in the final stages when fitting the bodywork. Paints were from Tamiya and Humbrol spray cans.

Lockheed Constellation

Lockheed L-049 Constellation, 1/72 scale by Heller.
As early as 1939, Howard Hughes, in his capacity as a major stockholder of Trans World Airways (TWA) informed Lockheed of his specification for a future airliner. The first aircraft, destined for military service, flew in 1943, entering widespread airline service, lasting until the mid 1970s. Widely regarded as one of the most elegant aircraft, only a handful remain if airworthy condition.
This kit shows it's age but despite a number of challenges and some vague instructions it builds into a nice looking replica of this beautiful aircraft.

Bugatti 35B

Bugatti 35B, 1/12 scale by Italeri
The 2.3 litre Type 35B was produced between 1924 and 1930 and marked the introduction of a blower to the Type 35 line, starting an era of blown Bugattis that would last up to the Type 57. The highlight of the type 35B's success was at the 1926 Targa Florio in which the car was placed first.
As usual with these kits, assembly is fiddly, not helped by occasionally vague instructions. Paint was Tamiya and an aerosol made up by a specialist firm to match the Bugatti blue. The diorama is meant to represent a workshop somewhere in France in the early 1930s.

Miles M11 Whitney Straight

Miles M11 Whitney Straight, 1/72 scale by SBS Model
Whitney Straight (1912-1979) was an American born racing driver, aviator and businessman, He persuaded the Miles Aircraft Company to build a 2 seat touring aircraft to his design. The aircraft produced was successful, with 50 being produced between 1936 and 1937. These were the first resin kits I have built and were a pleasure to build with well fitting parts, good instructions and excellent decals. Spray paints by Tamiya and Halford's. The models represent aircraft operated by the Free French Air Force, the Royal New Zealand Air Force and a privately owned UK registered aircraft. They were built for a friend who is writing Whitney Straight's biography.

Hawker Hunter F6A

HAWKER HUNTER F6A 1/32 scale by Revell
The Hawker Hunter was a jet powered, single seat swept wing fighter that first flew in 1951, and in slightly modified form set a new World speed record in 1953. It is widely regarded as a most handsome aircraft.
The Hunter saw RAF and Royal Navy service from 1954 until the mid 1990s. It served with a large number of overseas air forces, in one case, until 2014.
This is marked up to represent XF516, an aircraft once owned by a colleague. Sadly the aircraft was lost in 2003 whilst en route from Blackpool to Exeter having suffered electrical and then engine failure. The pilot ejected with the resultant loss of the aircraft.
The kit went together nicely with no problems. Decals were a mix of spares and self made. Paints were Humbrol, Halfords and Tamiya.

Hawker Sea Fury

Hawker Sea Fury 1/48th scale by Airfix
The Hawker Sea Fury is a British fighter / bomber aircraft introduced into Fleet Air Arm service in 1945. It was the last propeller-driven fighter to serve with the Royal Navy and one of the fastest production single piston engined aircraft ever built, achieving speeds in excess of 450 mph.
This is the recent Airfix kit. It is nicely moulded, is detailed, and goes together very well. The model captures the looks of this impressive warbird very well. Highly recommended. Paints are Humbrol and Tamiya.

De Havilland Venom

De Havilland Venom 1/72nd scale by Aeroclub
The de Havilland Venom is a British post-war single-engined jet aircraft, with much of its design derived from the de Havilland Vampire. The Venom featured a more powerful engine and a thinner wing with a swept leading edge.
This is a short production run kit from a small independent UK manufacturer ca. 1960. The kit is basic in the extreme and required quite a lot of filing and filling. Nonetheless, the assembled model looks like a Venom. Paints are trusty Humbrol and some Tamiya. The kit decals exploded on contact with water so these came from the spares box.