August 2021 Meeting

 Nine of us turned up for an open meeting. Nice to be without masks and distancing. In addition, there was a new person - too soon to call him a member, plus I didn't get his details so he won't be on the e-mail distro. Never mind, I will catch him next time.

I am pushing the blog out early because I am still having large issues with the web site and it doesn't seem that I will be able to put the model table up on the site any time soon.

It was nice to see Gordon Fisher turn up for the first time since lockdown. He always brings a nice little model with him. This time it was an Airfix P-51D Mustang. I always choose a model at random to feature in a little video. This time it was Gordon's turn.

First off, there was a discussion regarding the extra meeting that was proposed for each month. Both Peter Carlo and I asked why the dates Peter Terry had set weren't the third Thursday, as we expected.  He pointed out that he had little choice and had to accept the dates that the Brotherhood hall had available, so that was that! It will be interesting to see how this works out. I will try and come and bring something that I am working on. It will be good to have a bit more company over a month.

The Table

There were 11 models on the table.

Gordon Fisher

As mentioned, Gordon brought along a very nicely finished Airfix 1:72nd scale P-51D Mustand on a little diorama base.

I realised, after making the video, that Gordon would never see it. Gordon does not have access to the internet. This has been the case ever since he joined the club. Given how important it is to my life, I can't imagine going through without it, but there we are.

David Pennington

I brought along my recently completed Airfix 1:72nd scale Bristol Beaufort. This is a recently produced kit that has an amazing 106 steps in the instructions. I found it to be a good kit to make. The undercarriage is very complex and is best left right until the end of the build. I chose the Dark Slate Grey and Extra Dark Sea Grey upper with black undersides. 

I ended up with two big issues, both of my own making. First off, I had some difficulty putting the mid-frame turret together and managed to get glue all over the transparencies. I also found, after I had fitted the chin gunpoint, that I had blocked up the small aerial hole so removed the gunpoint. When I came to fit the aerial, it had gone to the carpet monster and, then, I found that the gunpoint had gone the same way. I have looked extensively but I haven't found either. Never mind, it doesn't notice until you pick the plane up and, once I put it in my cabinet, I shall never pick it up again!

Jeff Adams

Jeff brought along two nice armour models. The first was a Tamiya 1:35th SdKfz222 armoured car. Jeff says "I built this 30 years ago but repainted it recently with my new Sparmax airbrush to get some practice with 'whitewash' fading". It seems that he did a great job. (Click on the image to see a bigger version and then blow it up to see how great the finish is).

Jeff's second model was a HobbyBoss 1:35th scale King Tiger (Henschel turret version). This was built out of the box and still needs some detailing and painting to complete it.

John Ovendon

Another determined military modeller, John showed us an unusual subject - a 1:35th scale Revell Fordson W.O.T.6 3 ton lorry. John said that it was an easy build apart from choosing to make the canvas cover out of kitchen roll. He had a lot of trouble getting rid of the pattern on the paper. Anyway, it looks really authentic so well done John.

John's second model on the table was Tamiya 1:35th scale Pz.Kpfw IV G.  This looks pretty good to me but, according to John, it is only part finished so we hope to see again sometime.

Peter Carlo

Peter brought along some more impressive 1:48th scale modern day aircraft. The first was a BAE Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 made from a Revell kit. Peter's comment is "a nice kit but complex assembly"  The underneath shows a plane that is fully loaded with ordnance. I think that he said that there were as many parts in the ordnance as there was in the plane, itself!

His second model was a Kinetic F-35B Lightning in RAF colours(?) It appears that every F-35 out there is painted the same. Even the Israelis haven't changed the colours! Peter's comment here is similar to the previous kit - "Nice kit but complex assembly and paint. Fit three times and glue once."

Peter Terry

Peter is still coming uo with interesting bf109 models. This one is from a KP kit and represents an Israeli "Mule", so called because they were put together in Czechoslovakia, after the war, from whatever bits they had left in the factory. This one represents one of those sent to Israel, in defiance of an arms embargo, in 1948 for use in their war with Egypt. This model represents the first arrival and has a lot of signatures scribbled all over it. Click on the image and enlarge it to see the details.

Peter's second model is an old favourite - an Airfix 1:72nd Feiseler Storch. I don't think that Peter was impressed with the kit as it has been re-issued as an "Airfix Vintage Classic". I got the impression that "vintage" was the right word for it! It is presented as one from the Afrika Corps and having, what is know as, scribble camouflage.

Bill Banks

Bill brought along an Airfix (my how this make is popular!) 1:72nd scale Arado Ar.196 A-2 as used on the Bismarck. There was quite a discussion regarding the Bismarck and about how these planes were used, how one was due to fly off taking all the secret stuff with it but was eventually pushed over the side. I think that Bill had some issues with the struts to the floats but even so, he has made a really good job of what is a small and complex little kit.

Conclusion

All in all, it was a good meeting with lots of conversation and interesting facts exchanged, as usual.  I am sorry about problems with the club web site, which I will resolve - eventually, as Manuel from Fawlty Towers would say. In the meantime, enjoy the images and the video presented here and don't forget to click on them to see them in all their detailed glory.

July 2021 Meeting

 Quite a small turnout this month but a couple of interesting items on the agenda.

New Treasurer Needed

Colin suffered some ill health in the last month and, whilst he is recovered, feels that it is time for him to stand down as Treasurer. It seems that he has been in the role since 1996 which is quite long enough for anyone! Hence, it seems that we are looking for someone to volunteer to take the role on from December this year. Any takers? If so, please email the Chairman.

Extra monthly meetings

Peter also announced that it could be a good idea if there were to be two meetings each month - on the first and third Thursdays respectively. This was put out to the members for some thought with more consideration at the next meeting. The second meeting would be an informal one so, for instance, no "going round the table" but time spent chatting and, perhaps, doing some modelling.

The Table

Firstly, I like to feature one model each month and video it on the mirror turntable. This isn't a "First place" selection, just a random model from the evenings contributions. This month, it is the turn of Bill Banks and his nice little Airfix Auster AOP.9.

Here is another little innovation. I have put all of the photos into a slideshow (with cheesy music!). What do you think?

OK, now to each member's models.

Bill Banks

Bill brought along an Airfix Auster AOP.9. Bill had a story to tell about when he was in the Royal Artillery, when he was younger (grin). The Brigadier had them all go to a tiny little clearing on Luneberg Heath in northern Germany. Next this that Bill knew was that this tiny little Auster flew in and landed in about 60 feet. Very impressive, says Bill. Anyway, he decided that this was worth of a model. However, he was unable to find out anything about the plane, even after going to the RA museum and the International Auster Club so he stayed with the kit decals.

He was disappointed that the structural bars across the top of the cabin were missing from the kit (never moulded rather than lost), especially as they are shown on the box art.

David Pennington

David brought along a Sword Fairey Gannet AEW.3. He had some difficulties with this short run kit but the final effect wasn't all that bad, so long as you don't get too close of course. He used to have a CzechMaster resin resin version that was decked up for a plane that his friend from the Air Scouts used to fly off HMS Eagle. Unfortunately, AlleyCat no longer list these decals and they didn't answer his e-mail so the model represents one flying off HMS Hermes in1968.

John Ovenden

John, as usual, brought along a very nice diorama. This time,  we have a desert scene comprising of an Airfix/Academy 1/35th scale Lee/Grant sat on a diorama base made out of styrofoam covered in silver sand and painted with Tamiya paints. The crew are from Gecko. He says "It was a good model to make and fitted well. The tank crew are posed as having a tea break in the wadi!"

John Rose

As usual, John brought along a box of models, plus his partner! The box contained some goodies that he  told me not to photograph as they were very much W.I.P. and "Fantasy". They were two Shermans that were being built to represent those used during nuclear bomb testing to ascertain damage. Anyway, there were four other excellent models which I did photo.

First up is a PzKfw III in Africa Korps colours. This is a Tamiya 1/35th scale kit.

Next is a US Marines M4A2 recovery tank which I think is Tamiya with scratch-built exhaust stacks.

Here we have a nice little SdKfz 222 anti-tank armoured car from Hobby Boss

Lastly, there was an SdKfz 232 radio/recce 8 wheeled armoured car, again from Tamiya

Peter Carlo

Peter likes to give us some larger than life models and this month he brought along three for us to look at. The first was a Takon 1/35th scale Polish A.P.C.

This had a nice interior. 

Next was an SS23 Spider Launcher from Hobby Boss. This exceeded the limits of my photo booth! This vehicle was a victim of the SALT treaties so never made it in deployment.

Peter had a supply of thin rubber hose so fitted out the business end of the rocket as best as he could, which I think was excellent!

Lastly, he brought along his model of  a Russian SCUD launcher (which we had seen before) but it fitted the theme nicely. Where does he keep all these?

Peter Terry

Lastly, it appears that Peter is still on his mission to model every bf109 that flew! Here are two more - this time bf109F marks. They are both AZ kits and Peter comments that "the build was sustained with lots of coffee!". The first one in "scribble" camouflage from Finland in 1942.

The second one is from the Russian front, again in 1942.

Conclusion

Well, it was a good, if small meeting. It is nice to see Bill's son David becoming a regular for now. Also,  it would be good if I could remember to bring some cash to pay my dues - cash, I seem to remember that from the distant past! Honestly, Colin, I will catch up. Don't forget to think about the Treasurer role and the extra monthly night!

June 2021 - Getting back into the swing.

 A quietish meeting with just 9 models on the table - with three from one member - and just nine people. It was good to see Jeff  Adams back. Jeff admitted that lockdown seemed to go on for ever and, like me, found the club a means of keeping going.

Ok back to modelling.

Peter Terry

Peter brought along a Petlyakov PE-2 which he had weathered using pastels and washes. This was from a Bilik boxing of an original Airfix kit.

John Ovenden 

John brought along a very nice winter diorama consisting of parts from a few manufacturers. In the middle there was an Airfix/Academy Pzkfw. V Panther Ausf. G. This was complimented by a Great North Road resin street and building with the human interest added by some Mini-Art German tank crew in winter Garb.

David Pennington

I showed my little 1-72nd scale Airfix Hurricane. I had watched a TV program on building a two-seater hurricane which inspired me to have a go at this small scale kit. The kit went together alright and was finished in early war 1939 French camouflage - i.e. the brown and green uppers with the black and white underneath. One silly thing. I keep the tailpans off the model until it is finished as I find that this makes it easier to mask the underneath painting.  When I came to fit them, I found that I had painted them the wrong colours so I had to get the airbrush out and repaint the black and white!

Colin Ovens

Colin brought along a nice little 1-72nd scaleAirfix Mk.1F Blenheim painted for 29 squadron. I seem to remember that he brought this as a W.I.P. some time ago so it is nice to see it finished.

Jeff Adams

It was good to see Jeff back but he had a little surprise for us. Instead of one of his immaculate Shermans, he brought along a Tiger I diorama comprising of a Tamiya kit and Tamiya/Italeri accessories. The surprise was that this diorama was built in 1979! I won't divulge how old that makes Jeff - grin.

Bill Banks

Once again, Bill was accompanied by his son from the USA - David - who seems to enjoy our little meets - at least he gets well stuck into conversations. Bill brought along some work in progress. This was a Trimpeter 1-72nd scale model of a Vickers Wellington and Bill had some interesting things to tell us about the plane and its service. It seems to have been the only bomber that served from the outbreak of the 2nd world war through to the final days. We look forward to seeing this finished.

Peter Carlo

Peter loves his big models and we had three choice examples on the table. The first was a Kinetic, bare metal, FJ-2 Fury. This was spectacularly well done. At this scale, every imperfection shows but this had none.

Next up was a 1-48 F-101 Voodoo in RCAF marking. This was from a Kittyhawk kit. Peter says that, if you take care and clean every part up, these models go together beautifully so - patience everyone!

Lastly, for tonight, he showed us a Trumpeter F-106A Delta Dart. 

This had a highly detailed weapons bay. 

He made similar comments about this one. You really should click on the photos and look at these in a larger format and you will be amazed at the quality.

Conclusion

There are some brilliant modellers in our little club and we should all be proud of what goes on our table. It is good to be back together again and I look forward to seeing you all once again on the 1st July.

May 2021 - Our first real meeting in many months

 So, we are back together again. How nice it is to chat to someone outside of your own close family.

This month, we were please to welcome David Banks - Bill's son currently visiting from the USA.

There was an amazing 23 models on the table provided by six people. What a great start to normality.

Colin Ovens

Colin brought along some of his Cuban Air Force collection - namely, a MiG-15 UTI, a MiG-17 and a MiG-21. All were 1/72nd scale Airfix kits. In addition, he brought a Revell 1/72nd scale PBY-5A Catalina, which was a big of a pig to make, by all accounts.

Geoff Woods

Geoff brought three of his impeccably finished figurines. He uses acrylics for the base colours and details using oils. (I just can't get on with oils so I am always impressed with Geoff's finishing).

First up was a Frank Miniatures 75mm Hessen Kassel Jaeger.

Next up was  a Castle Miniatures Landsnecht mercenary c14th-15thC, also 75mm.

Lastly, for those old enough to remember the film, Geoff brought along a 1/10th scale bust of Trevor Howard in the guise of Lord Cardigan from the Charge of the Light Brigade (1968)

John Ovenden

I get easily confused, nowadays, so when John brought along four externally similar Sherman tanks, I lost track of which one was which. It seems that he was recreating Shermans from the film "Fury" from 2014 and starring Brad Pitt. Somewhere in here are models by Italeri, World of Tanks and Zvezda comprising M4A3 and M4E8 Sherman variants.

Intending to impress, he also brought along his amazing 1/32nd scale Hobby Boss N.A. B-25 Mitchell. We have seen this in the virtual meetings but nothing prepares you for seeing it in reality.

Peter Carlo

Peter brought along two very nice 1/48th scale aircraft. The first was a Kinetic Lockheed F-104G Starfighter in Lufwaffe markings. The second was a Hobby Boss Su-27 Flanker.  Peter has shown us his skill in recreating these complex (computer generated) markings. He tells us it is simple but we never believe him. It seems to require a huge amount of masking effort.

and the underneath!

He , like John, brought along a large model previously seen in the virtual meetings. This one is a 1/48th scale Italeri Osprey. Again, it is great to see it in the flesh.

Peter Terry

Peter is another one that overwhelmed me with models. His little (?) collection was 6 Messerschmitt bf-109e models from a variety of makers.

He tells us that he has plenty more of these coming!

Conclusion

Firstly, don't forget that you can see larger copies of the images by double clicking on each one. Click on the back arrow of the browser to get back to the blog. Secondly, I didn't do too well with recording the models (sorry) and my remote release stopped working so I had some trouble with photographing the models in my newly constructed light booth. I will endeavour to do better next month - we are back to meeting on the first Thursday - 3rd June. I look forward to seeing you all there.