2019 - A Year in Review

Well another modelling year has come to an end. This year I have produced a respectable (IMHO) 9 completed kits, 7 aircraft and 2 pieces of armour, all in 1/48.

My favourites were the M1A2 Abrams and the F-15E . Anyway without further adieu here they are

1/48 Tamiya Jagdtiger - Vehicle No. 323, 3rd Company,  653rd Heavy Anti Tank Battalion, March  945

This was built for the NSW Scale Model shows Panzer tracks trophy. Whilist it dind't place there it did take out the trophy at he annual club awards which was nice. Typical Tamiya, a great build experience.

1/48 Tamiya M1A2 Abrams - 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (US)

Troop Leader B-66 B Troop "Bandit" 1st Squadron 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (US) Operation Iraqi Freedom 2003

This is one of my two favourite models of the year. Iw as really happy how it turned out. I really hope Tamiya do more modern armour in 48 scale. (I have heard rumours of a t-55 next year)

1/48 Airfix Hawker Sea Fury - 808 Sqn RAN

This was built for the NSW Scale Model shows Airfix Cup. A pretty straight forward build although I did use a Barracuda cowl and home made masks for the codes.

1/48 Hasegawa Junkers JU-87G-2 Stuka

Built to get it out from the stash. To be honest this kit is showing it's age and is a bit of disappointment detail wise. All the markings were masks made from copying the decal sheet.

Another 1/48 Airfix Hawker Sea Fury - 808 Sqn RAN

Yeah this is another one. Built as a commission job. The pilot who flew this was a WW II veteran who unfortunately lost his life in this machine over Korea. The Hockey Oval at HMAS Albatross is named to commemorate him

1/48 Eduard Hawker Tempest - 486 (NZ) Sqn RAF

This was built as a review build for the The Modelling News. Great kit except for the flaps section which requires a bit of filling and re-scribing.

1/48 Special Hobby Fairy Firefly Mk I - 1771 Sqn FAA

Always loved the FAA paint scheme. This aircraft was flown a kiwi who lost his life, along with this observer, attacking the Tirpitz. not easiest kit to build with the clear parts being a particular challenge. . 

1/48 Revell F-15E Strike Eagle - 336th Fighter Squadron Operation Iraqi Freedom

Only jet this year. I'm really happy how this turned out. it really adds some presence to the cabinet. My favourite aircraft build this year.

1/48 Airfix Hawker Hunter F.6 - Central Fighter Establishment RAF

The last completion for 2019. Airfix's excellent new Hunter kit. A really simple straightforward, and enjoyable build. 

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1/48 Airfix Hawker Hunter F.6 - Central Fighter Establishment RAF

This kit was built for the 2020 NSW Scale Model Show's "Airfix Cup".  Although as the Hunter is one of the few early jets that I actually like I was really excited to see Airfix one in 48 scale.

The aircraft I've modelled is one from the RAF's Central Fighter Establishment detached to Sharjah in the UAE in 1963

The Kit

1/48 Airfix Hawker Hunter F.6 Kit No. A09185

Aftermarket

None

The Pilot

Unfortunately the kit doesn't give you a pilot so this one was taken from a Hasegawa Hornet kit. Yeah his flying clothing and equipment is not accurate but only the safety equipment nerds will know.

Decals

Xtradecals 48189 for the underwing codes, tail letter and serials.

Kit decals for the rest

The kit decal sheet is excellent. even the smallest stencils are readable (albeit under magnification) and performed perfectly.

Paint

Dark Green  - Mr Color #330

Dark Sea Grey - Mr Color #331 lightened with white

Yellow - Mr Hobby # 413 RLM 04 Yellow

Silver - Tamiya AS-12
White - Tamiya XF 2 with a drop of grey
Vallejo Acrylics for details 

Clear Coats

Gloss - Gaianote Clear

Flat - Gaia Notes Flat 

Weathering

Shades of the base colours were used for post shading prior to decaling. These were applied  through various airbrush stencils

Oil paints for the wash

Coloured pencils for streaks 

The Base

The base is inspired by the coastal kits blur bases. The original image is of a random bit Australian landscape taken during my last flight in the one of helicopters I worked on. It was specifically taken for "blurring". I then used the motion blur tool in Corel Paintshop Pro multiple times to blur the image until I was happy with the result. I then got it printed on card at the local printer. This was then glued to core flute board.

Build Thread

Britmodeller

Conclusion 

This kit is a pretty simple build and it fits really well.  While it lacks a bit of detail compared to many other modern kits it's simplicity makes for a fun fast build, especially if you do it in flight. I'd estimate that I spent about 20 hours to finish it. I probably spent more time on the base.

If I did it on the ground I'd probably add a PE set for the flaps, wheels and a seat but to be honest it looks better in flight so I reckon any subsequent ones I build will also be flying. 

After the Revel Eagle, Eduard's Tempest and the Special Hobby Firefly I really enjoyed building something that just goes together without issues. I will definitely build future releases.. roll on the export versions.  

The Photos

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