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Good luck with it, hope you'll post it in the critique or in progress pages. I intend to combine the ASAT from the academy kit with a standard eagle kit myself.

Now that's dedication Thanks for sharing Hoops

I skipped the 1:48 Chinook and the 1:35 Hind when they came out, even though they were on my wish list for a long time. But I wouldn't miss a 1:48 MH-53J Pave Low.

When I wondered out loud how old my fellow Blackbird fans at ARC were, I had only hoped to see a segment of A) guys old enough to be around when the SR-71 was in its prime and the cultural icon of High Tech and Top Secret young guys rediscovering the magic and getting goosebumps from what are now historical documentaries Having only experienced the Blackbird from film, video and books alone, learning I'm in the company of people who've experienced the plane in their prime first hand is overwhelming. I am officially in awe and green with envy. Thanks for sharing guys! Paolo

Good for you! Like I said, I was surprised to find so many Blackbird fans. It‘s really great finding each other and so many of us! This is a great time for our hobby with eCommerce and Ebay. Aftermarket parts are only a click away. And mate, I don’t think you’re being cheap. Modelers are just frugal consumers with discerning taste. At least that’s what I tell myself! ;) Paolo

Hi Richard. I can see how ARC can be fertile ground for our creative juices. I can’t wait to jump in! Paolo

I know! For such a large box, there were a lot less parts contained than I expected. I was/am tempted to start the prepping process, a tradition I have with new acquisitions. But, I've never experienced not having the manual, so it's a new and unnerving feeling. I can't begin to describe the relief I felt, receiving help from ARC members the same day I found out I discovered the problem. I slept like a baby that night. I appreciate the encouragement David, and the warning. I'll do my best not to have too much fun.

Right you are Sean. It's tempting to throw a hissy fit (and I've thrown a few good ones when things haven't gone my way during a build) and stereotype whatever or whoever was responsible for the problem. But if it hadn't been for the problem, I may not have joined ARC and I may not have met some really friendly people such as yourself. Glass half full and all that. Thanks for the post, it cheered me up. Paolo

Thanks David! Glad to come out of the shadows. : )

Thanks Bill, seeing so many people still enthused about the Blackbird is certainly a plus. In fact, I couldn't help but wonder how old the other Blackbird fans are. Do you remember the movie D.A.R.Y.L.? I was crazy about the Blackbird when it still had the aura of mystery the Nighthawk and Spirit enjoy now. I can see how its legendary status is perpetuated with Discovery specials reminding people what an incredible HUMAN (I emphasize that) achievement it was. Remembering seeing those engineers at tables MANUALLY designing the SR-71 still makes the hairs on my arms stand on end. Just an a

Thanks for the replies guys, PM's on their way. ; )

Thanks Fred, glad to be here. : )

Hi guys, I'm new to the forum, I've been a modeler for 15 years now and this is the first time I've joined a modeling forum. I've been lurking around for a long time but finally decided to join. My first love is 1:48 modern jets, but I build cars and armor every now and then. I recently bid and won a 1:48 Testors SR-71 on Ebay. Unfortunately, the instruction manual wasn't included. I have no intention of getting into a feedback war with the guy. I just want to build my kit and get over the problem. Could someone possibly provide me a scanned copy of their manual? Or does anyone know a