TB2

Who makes 1/48 kits of the Lockheed Ventura/Electra/Hudson, civilian versions? ('Scuze my ignorance but I believe they're basically the same a/c profile, correct)? I was checking out Laurent Beavais' terrific build-up of the FM 1/48 Ventura, but in this case I'm not inclined to do that much work to get a decent result. PS: Were there any civilian incarnations of the Hudson?

Dunno. Kind of a moot point anyway, as I need to provide proof of payment for reimbursement :lol: and I can't find my copy of the Money Order. Figures, when I didn't need them I had all paperwork for other purchases. Anyway I just want to be done with this 'cuz it's been carrying on for almost two months now and no sign of this guy. I'm actually bidding on another one tonight. That'll teach me to stay away from people with no history on eBay.

I haven't tried this myself yet, but I know some people spray a clear coat first before applying the colour to seal the edges of the masking.

Stay away from astoreandmore on eBay. i've been #%^&$ out of a Prowler to the tune of $49.00US ($34.00 for the kit plus shipping). eBay will only reimburse me $9.00 through dispute. Won the item end of May, sent payment and never heard a word back despite regular follow-up. I know it isn't much in the big scheme of things but it still ticks me off.

Came home to a notice at the front door last night, picked it up at the Post Office today (good). Paid almost as much on taxes/Customs as I did for the decals (bad). But at last the search is over (very good).

A couple weeks ago I ordered a decal sheet by phone from Great Models (showed one in stock), using a credit card. Haven't received the order yet, followed up by e-mail a couple days ago but so far no response. Should I be concerned? Wondering what their shipping times are like to Canada.

I look forward to seeing pics of your Prowler and OV-I0 build Timmy!

I agree it can be frustrating. Fortunately I've only encountered this a few times and was able to fix the problem (broken pieces, no short-shots yet). I think to a certain extent it is to be expected, as there are usually many small and brittle pieces. But I can understand where you're coming from when you've paid the $$ and had that much bad luck. My beef is when you pay for a set and the instructions aren't clear. I've had that with my Special Hobby X-15 (w/ resin parts) and also my Black Box Prowler pit. But no biggie, with patience I'll figger it out. As a safety net, perhaps if you

Totally agree, Mike. Although I haven't had the privilege of flying in one, they are something to behold. A few months ago I heard what sounded like the drone of a radial engine in the sky. Looked up and saw a large, unfortunately unidentifiable, bi-plane. The sight of her (at the risk of sounding sappy) struck a romantic cord in my heart. What a beauty!

This may sound naive, but why was the biplane phased out and single-wing a/c adopted? My only guess would be that two wings were necessary to provide more lift area 'cuz the engines weren't that powerful. Am I right?

I've noticed that Phantoms seem to be covered with more stencils than most aircraft. How come?

Thanks for the link!

Not too long ago (I'm pretty sure it was on ARC) I remember seeing an insane scratchbuild of what I think was a CH-54. AMAZING build. Anyone gotta link to it, I never bookmarked it.

Are there any kits available of the Sikorsky Skycrane (not sure of the actual designation) or something similar?

Phoinix, that looks great! What kit is it, I've always liked that helo.

While we're on the topic, what's the "average size" of an RBF tag? (I don't know if there are different sizes). I ask because a book I have on modelling the Hornet (Osprey I believe) states that some 1/32 RBF tags are oversize and a 1/48 is more in-scale for a 1/32 bird.

BTW Randy, I seem to detect a slight tint to the canopy. From pics I've seen it appears the kit's optional tinted canopy is overdone (though I can't say yet 'cuz I might have been %#%# on my eBay purchase. But I digress). Did you tint the clear canopy, and if so how?

As one of those who requested pics, all I have to say is thanks and a job VERY well done Randy. The weathered finish is a welcome break from pre-/post-shaded panel lines (not that there's anything wrong with that!)

Thanks.

Umm, 'scuze my ignorance, but a quid's a pound right?

Please, PLEASE tell me where I would find pics of your Prowler build? I checked the site but so far can't find them. I'd love to see 'em; I'm gathering A/M materials to build one myself. Great job so far on the F-15, enjoying the progress shots tremendously.

What's Hannant's shipping time like to Canada?

correction

I wonder if anyone who's done this kind of work has just painted the fuselage halves, etc. and displayed them separate for all the detail to be seen? Shame to cover up any of that detail.

Thanks for the info!